Nephilius - A Walker Saga Book 5

by Jaymin Eve

  “I wouldn’t miss it for any of the worlds, Luce. We should have told Lallielle. She works magic setting up events.”

  Lucy smiled. “Oh, well, we can figure it out when we get back. I don’t need anything special, just Colt.”

  Lucy deserved a perfect moment, so with that in mind I reached out for Lallielle.

  Mom, can you hear me? I still sucked at mind-talking. I didn’t like others in my head, and it made me wary of reaching out or dropping my own barriers.

  Aribella, is everything alright, baby girl? She used Josian’s nickname for me quite a lot now.

  I quickly explained to her about the mating ceremony for Lucy, and I showed her some mental pictures of Earth weddings.

  Do you think you can organize something for her? It doesn’t need to be much, just so it feels a little special.

  I felt her smile. It surrounded me with warmth. Leave it with me. I have the perfect thing in mind. She paused. And please tell me that I’ll get to organize something like this for my daughter one day soon.

  I laughed. You never know, Mom, but I have to save the worlds first.

  Okay, I love you, and I’ll see you all back at the house tonight. Stay safe.

  I tightened my barriers as we cut off the mind-speak.

  I realized that she didn’t know we weren’t on Nephilius. Oh, well, there was no need to worry her until we found out exactly what we were chasing. Rounding the bend, I recognized the area we were crossing now.

  “Hey look, Brace, we can stop in and say hi to your dad.” I lifted my brows as we moved around the little clearing that held Deralick’s camouflaged house. “Sorry, I mean your fake-dad.”

  He gave me a full smile, sending a trail of warmth from my chest all the way to my toes. It was rare to see his real, happy face. In fact I was sure this was one of his first filled-with-joy smiles since I’d broken the melding bond.

  “Smart ass,” he said, pulling me even closer. He was pretty much carrying me under his arm now. And still I was not complaining. Hell, no.

  “We’re coming in on the side of the castle.” Brace lowered his voice. “The guards are around.”

  We’d been running for miles. Luckily we were supernatural creatures now.

  “They’re going to freak when they catch sight of Colt.” Lucy snorted out a few giggle noises.

  And right then the wolf slowed before stopping. We came up next to him.

  “Colt says that the trail disappears here. So either they’re standing somewhere in this vicinity invisible, or they’ve hidden their scent.” Brace stood next to his best friend.

  Lucy was on the other side of the wolf, one of her hands threaded through the thick fur. “Well, at least Colt has his scent now. If he comes around again we’ll know.”

  “Why did you chase him anyways?” I asked the giant wolf. “I know it’s wrong seeing a creeper at the window, but you chased him like the man had seen Lucy naked.”

  At Lucy’s cough I swung my head around.

  “Really, Luce? In the front room.”

  Those two were a hot mess. Fighting one minute and loving the next. Oh, well, it would never be boring in their house.

  “I wasn’t naked.” Lucy defended herself. “Well, not completely.”

  She winked at me; I shook my head.

  “Will you two be okay for a minute?” Brace said. “I need to get Colt some clothes.”

  At my nod, he kissed me on the cheek and left.

  The wolf stayed right between us while Brace was gone, his head flicking left and right as he sensed things that we were unaware of. Lucy and I just chatted quietly.

  “So have you seen much about Ria and Lucas?” Those two fascinated me. It made sense and yet how could it possibly work?

  “I just see them together. Their auras intertwine with each other the same way that the gold links you and Brace.”

  “You can see that?” I stared at her wide-eyed.

  She nodded. “Occasionally, when things get emotional.”

  I opened my vision to include the energy around us and held my breath, hoping I would see the truth. I had nothing to worry about. There were ties between Lucy and Colton. They were green and white. Sparkling, shimmering and drawing those two souls toward each other.

  “You and Colt have energy ties as well,” I said with a smile.

  “I know.” She dropped down to burrow her cheek into her wolf. Right near his face. “Colt’s my other half.” Lifting her face again she focused on me.

  “Are you really going to reform the melding bond?”

  Colt gave a soft growl at this. “He’s a little annoyed that I didn’t tell him.” Lucy’s grin went almost from one side of her face to the other. She loved tormenting Colton.

  “Josian wants me to talk to the lalunas, make sure that nothing crazy is going to happen. But yes, I think your vision was wrong. I’ve never felt weaker since breaking our bond.”

  I sounded a little defensive. Lucy held up her hands.

  “No judging, Abbs, I’m inclined to dismiss most of the planted visions.” Her brow furrowed. “I just wish some of them hadn’t come true. Leaves a small parcel of doubt.”

  I had a thought. “Maybe the lalunas can tell us if the visions were legitimate.”

  Lucy shrugged. “Worth a try, but I’m not owing those creepy little nuts a favor.” She shuddered. “I have nightmares thinking about what they could demand from you.”

  “Word,” I said. I was totally feeling that sentiment. “But Josian trusts them, so I’m sure it can’t be too bad.”

  Wishful thinking there.

  I had another thought. “Didn’t Malisna say that the fey or faerie land was somewhere near the castle? Do you think … maybe your visitor was …” I trailed off.

  A few varied emotions crossed her face – fear, intrigue, relief and curiosity were all present – before finally she lowered her eyes to stare at the ground. “I felt something strange when the man was close. I don’t know, Abbs, but a spy from faerie land … well, that’s as good an explanation as any right now.”

  I studied her face closely, so different now, and yet still as familiar as my own reflection. “So how else have you changed since your powers were unlocked?”

  We hadn’t had much chance to really chat about it. I felt as if we were losing bits and pieces of the closeness we used to have. We used to sit for hours every night chatting at the compound. And now, well, we were lucky to have an hour a week for conversation.

  She dug her fingers deeper into Colton. She was almost lying across him. “Well, I have wings –”

  She stopped as I snorted and rolled my eyes at the same time.

  “I meant besides the obvious.”

  She grinned at me. “Just wanted to make sure you hadn’t forgotten. Other than that my senses have kicked up an awesome notch; hearing, sight, smell all heightened.” She glanced down at her wolf. “Even taste and touch.”

  Colton growled, but this time it was like a purring rumble.

  “I sometimes sense things just before they’re about to happen, like if there’s a knock at the door, I’ll know who’s there. I heal really quickly,” she said, holding up her index finger as if she was ticking off her new attributes. “My pixie dust can bespell someone if I flick it into their eyes and add some words from the ancient language.”

  Well, that was almost as awesome as her wings. Pixie power.

  “Men are drawn to me, but thanks to my massive guard-wolf, I don’t have to worry about that. Malisna … mother seems to think that there should be more powers from my faerie side. My father was also one of the leaders of that race, but so far everything I have is pure pixie.”

  “Maybe you need your faerie side unlocked also,” I suggested, wrinkling my brow at the thought of her getting stabbed again.

  “Yes, maybe,” she agreed. Her slight wince indicated that she hadn’t forgotten the pain either.

  I brushed my head, pushing a few leaves out of my hair. “You know, I’m wondering if w
e should be gathering all these different races, from across the seven worlds.” I mused for a moment, crumbling the dry thud tree leaves in my hands.

  “Maybe the final battle will come down to the seven half-Walkers, but would it hurt to have some powerful backup?”

  Lucy and Colton were both staring at me, in such a way that I knew they were thinking very seriously about what I’d said. Lucy opened her mouth but paused when a doorway appeared and Brace stepped back through. He strode across and dropped a bundle of folded clothes in front of Colton.

  I kissed Brace’s chest as he drew me into his arms. And then as Colton prepared to change back, Brace turned me so I was facing away from the wolf. I buried my laughter in his shirt.

  “What?” My voice was muffled. “You can’t seriously be worried that I’m going to drool all over his nakedness.” Teasing Brace was fun. “I’ve seen him naked before.”

  “I’m pretty irresistible.” Colton’s cocky tone washed over us. “Brace is just jealous.”

  He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a jealous guy. But mostly I’m protecting Red from having to see your ugly ass.”

  “Colt has nothing on you, baby,” I whispered to him, reaching up to run my fingertips along his jaw line.

  He snorted. “Never has, never will.”

  The boys continued to banter. Colton mentioned something about tiny man-parts, although they were not the words he used.

  “I’m telling you now, neither of you have a problem with that.” Lucy’s eyes were wide and shiny as she said this.

  Brace grinned and Colton growled at her words.

  “That reminds me, I still have to kick your ass for that, Brace,” Colton said, pointing a long finger at him.

  “You can try,” Brace said lazily. “I don’t actually remember the incident in question, but I’m sure Lucy enjoyed the show.”

  “Oh, I did.” Lucy fluttered, before winking at Colton’s exaggerated growl. “But my favorite part was Abby’s butt in the air.”

  I blushed. I could feel the heat coating my cheeks and even my ears felt a little warm.

  “I’m thinking that would have been my favorite part also,” Brace said in a low voice.

  I hid my face against his chest until their laughter subsided and my face returned to its natural ivory color. Brace rubbed my back in a comforting manner.

  Finally we moved into the doorway to Nephilius. Seeing the men side-by-side pointed out how similar Brace and Colton really were. In more ways than one. Truthfully, I was yet to see a Walker without a good body – damn, good was an understatement; they were perfect – but Brace and Colton were even a step above this, truly exceptional.

  It was hard sometimes and I knew Lucy felt the same way. They were flawless god-like creatures, as if each part had been delicately carved to perfection. And we were both human-like females with plenty of flaws. Although less than the average Earthling, so we couldn’t really complain.

  As we stepped out into the white mists of Nephilius, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was coming next. Sure, I wasn’t the one battling or anything, but it’s hard watching your loved ones fighting and being hurt.

  Well, let’s just say I’d already had enough of that to last a lifetime.

  Chapter 16

  We were like mini-gods on Nephilius. They were so grateful to us for freeing their dead souls that they’d dropped the arrogance and become very respectful.

  “Looks like they’re loving themselves some Walker.” Colton smirked as he leaned against a cloud post. “Can’t really blame them.”

  Brace smacked him on the shoulder. It must have been pretty hard because he stumbled. “Don’t forget who freed the souls. Red’s stronger than either of us, and she kicked ass down there.”

  I melted a little inside at his words, so proud and protective.

  “Damn, did you have to dislocate my shoulder to prove your point? I know Abby has bigger ba –” Another punch cut Colton off before he could finish that statement.

  “Abbs is amazeballs. We all know this.” Lucy hugged me tightly. “And she has excellent taste in friends.”

  I shook my head, hoping they were ready to move on to a new topic. It made me uncomfortable when people acted like I was more awesome than I was. I just got into situations and did everything I could to get out. One day soon I’d probably get in way over my head and drown or need to be saved again. I certainly was no great savior. The Seventine kicked my butt every time we went head to head with them.

  “Are you ready to battle?” Delane strode over to us, her hands gripping twin fighting axes.

  The weapons were similar to the smaller throwing style I’d used on Earth, but on a much larger scale. Personally, I preferred throwing knives, but that was probably because my accuracy sucked with the mini tomahawks.

  She gestured to Brace. “You need to get your weapons. Steva has decided, with all the delays that this is one big final knockout round. We’ll fight until there’s one champion left. Any weapon or style ... freestyle.”

  “I thought you usually had champions for each different weapon?” I said.

  She shrugged, just the slightest lift of her shoulders. “Apparently this year will be different. In celebration of our returned Angelica and the freeing of the souls.”

  Her tone said she didn’t care, but her narrowed black eyes broadcast her annoyance. Brace kissed me on both cheeks, just near my lips, before his final kiss landed on my mouth.

  “See you soon, Red. Stay out of trouble.”

  I stuck out my tongue. “I promise not to fall down any crevices.”

  “What about us?” Colton’s face dropped into an exaggerated expression of devastation. “I’m starting to think you don’t have an appropriate level of … giving-a-shit about the rest of us, Brace.”

  Brace flipped him off, before following Delane across to the weapons area.

  “That cuts me deep, man,” Colton yelled after him. “Really deep.”

  I couldn’t help the laughter that rang free. Got to take your funny wherever you can find it.

  Colton turned to Lucy. “Want to kiss it better?” She flew up and leaned in for a kiss, before ducking away at the last second. Her wings fluttered as she grinned at him. A light of challenge flared across his face and then he was off after her.

  It was actually nice to see Colton in such a playful mood. He’d been much happier since finding out about Brace and me. He was happy for his friend, which made him a keeper in my opinion.

  My eyes stayed locked on Brace’s broad-shouldered back as he moved through the Angelica. The damn flip-flopping of nerves started low in my belly. Crap! I did not want him fighting again. Bloody stubborn Walkers. Delane should just get her butt to First World.

  I wondered for a moment how the other girls were going on their worlds. No one had checked in yet. So I guessed they hadn’t found any suspicious energy-gathering areas.

  I wondered if I should send my tethers out to check on them, but I was worried that I’d connect to them and freeze them in a vulnerable position. I’d hate to think that I’d left them defenseless to an attack or something. Maybe I’d wait for them to call for me.

  I watched as the Angelica transformed the tournament field into the different fight squares. The champions from the first day were stepping out to battle. I could see the field clearly. The white-winged Angelica were batting away the mists and using their powers to halt the freezing winds.

  My eyes were immediately drawn to the tall Walker in the center of the field. Brace was against a black-wing, but it was not Delane. She was to battle a white. The judges were gathered together, ready to observe the staggered battles again.

  At Steva’s command, the first group began. The rest of the Angelica either watched the fight or moved in a series of warm-up exercises. Brace did neither. He stood there looking bored and spent his time watching me. I could feel his warm gaze.

  Lucy and Colton came back then, distracting me. They settled in on either side of m
e, both reaching out to touch my arm, offering comfort. Even though Colton thought it was hilarious, they both knew I was nervous.

  I didn’t have to worry. Brace’s turn to fight came around. He wore armor but had no weapons. He fought hand to hand, using the lighter gravity to bounce around and keep pace with the flying Angelica. It took no more than ten minutes for him to cold-cock the black in the face and knock him backwards. He followed this with an elbow to the jaw that knocked the Angelica unconscious.

  He moved to the next round.

  In round two his opponent was a white-wing. The fight started with blasts of cold wind that seemed to extend from the white female’s hands. The ice hit Brace and he moved in slow motion before freezing to the spot. His arms still lifted in exaggerated slowness as he fought the chills. The Angelica made her move then, coming straight in at Brace with a long samurai-looking sword. I held my breath, my nails digging into my cheeks as I urged Brace to free himself.

  “Come on, come on, come on,” I chanted under my breath.

  Lucy reached up and removed one of my hands, before squeezing it tightly. I didn’t shift my eyes from the fight. My gasp was lost in the jeers of the crowd when the white-wing swung her sword in a strong wide arc toward my frozen mate. Colton’s free hand gripped my shoulder, keeping me from moving. I hadn’t even realized that I’d started to head onto the field.

  Thankfully, at the last minute Brace lifted an armored forearm and blocked that first sword thrust. The Angelica had clearly not expected that. Her arms dropped, leaving her guard down. Which you should never do with someone as fast and highly trained as Brace.

  The combo of uppercut, hook and jab knocked winged-woman to the ground. Brace then removed her sword and, using the edge of the guard, clipped the white in the temple. Another round to Brace.

  “Why doesn’t he use weapons?” I asked.