by J. A. Coffey
Someone cleared their throat and she glanced to the chair next to the bed. Intense blue eyes stared at her. She pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Who are you?"
He leaned forward. His black hair fell into his face. He looked menacing yet somehow familiar. He cocked a brow. "I am Crone. Armand's brother."
She blinked. Recognized the beautiful eyes. "So where is Armand? And where am I?"
He leaned back in the chair again and rubbed his goatee. "Well, you are a guest in my home and Armand ... that is a long story." He stood, tipped his head and studied her for a moment. "You'll find clothes in the closet that should fit. Take whatever you need. The bathroom is there." He pointed toward an open archway. "Once you've showered and dressed, meet me in the library. You should have no trouble finding your way around." He spun on his heel and left the room.
Kayla tossed off the covers and looked down at herself. She was wearing a mid-length red nightgown and her face heated at the thought of Crone seeing her naked. She also noted there were no bruises on her arms. She stretched out her legs, none there either. Swinging her feet to the plush carpet, she padded to the closet and was amazed there was no pain. She wondered how long she'd been here.
Flinging open the doors, she was astonished to see a room almost as big as where she stood. She stepped inside and found everything from shorts to dresses. The drawers had bras and panties in every color and her cheeks warmed looking at the lacy things and wondering if Armand would approve. She decided on jeans and a simple blouse then headed for the shower.
After a quick once over in the bathroom, she dressed and ran a comb through her hair. She wanted find out what was going on. Upon exiting the room, she found herself in a large airy hall. She looked to the right and saw a spiral oak staircase and figured it would lead the way.
Descending the marble stairs, she entered a grand hall and stared at the golden statues of men and women lining the wall and wondered who they were. She quickly passed through, skirted to the right, down a corridor with open archways and outside to an open terrace. Up ahead, she spotted Crone leaning against the doorjamb. He stepped aside to let her enter.
"Have a seat." He indicated a black leather couch in the center of a room full of books. They went from floor to ceiling and circled the entire room.
"Wow."
"Something to drink?"
"No, I'm good." She took a seat on the couch.
Crone sat across from her on an identical sofa. "Okay, I don't believe in pussy-footing around so I'll get right to it. You are no longer on earth, Armand and his entire family are Jinn and he was cursed by the genie that attacked you."
She blinked. "I kinda knew most of that."
He cocked a brow. "That brings me to the pendant you keep fondling. Where did you get it?"
She looked down at the heart shaped moonstone that hung around her neck, unaware she'd been rubbing it. "My great-grandmother."
"Do you know what it is?"
Kayla released the pendant, her wits finally coming back to her. "Wait, I should be asking you the questions. Why am I here and not in a hospital?"
Crone rolled his eyes. "Armand insisted you be brought here."
"Why?"
"I'll tell you in exchange for information on that pendant." His gaze fell between her breasts.
Did she trust him? After all, what did she really know about him or Armand? Nothing really. Yet what choice did she have? If what he said was true, and she was no longer on earth, then she had to rely on the man who sat in front of her. "Deal, but first I want to know how long I have been here. I only remember being beat up pretty bad." The memory of those violet eyes burning into her with such hatred caused her to shudder.
"You've been here for a week and yes, you had a few broken ribs and other cuts and bruises. Cyndel did a number on you. I made you a special tea to help you heal."
That explained why she felt so good. Not even a scab remained to indicate she'd been injured. "I guess I owe you my thanks. Still, why didn't you take me to a hospital?"
He leaned forward and steepled his fingers under his chin. "It would seem my brother has a thing for you. Now, enough of this and let me finish."
Crone went on to retell the tale that Armand had told earlier except he filled in a few of the blanks. Like how Armand was really a prince and in line to become ruler of his own house. That explained the power Cyndel had wanted. He also told how Armand had built the village and had to leave every generation before the people wondered why he never aged.
"So where does he go?" She understood he was confined to a limited area and was unable to travel past his barrier.
"He lives in a cave. Alone."
She let out a gasp.
"Mind you, I built it with all the comforts. However, he has to live there long enough for the elders to pass on and the new generation to not recognize him."
Kayla pursed her lip while her heart broke for him. She hated Cyndel even more.
"So let me see if I understand this correctly. Armand has no magic but remains immortal. He can't leave his confined area and you can only visit twice a year. Then at some point he has to dwell in a cave, alone."
The Jinn smiled. "You are very intelligent."
She crossed her arms over her breasts. "And you're an ass." She knew it was a stupid thing to say to a Jinn who had complete control over her life. Still, it was true.
He stared at her like she'd grown two heads then let out a barking laugh. "I can see why my brother likes you. You have spunk." He rose and walked to a table, picked up a silver bell and rang it. Immediately, two scantily clad women rushed into the room. Kayla watched, fascinated by their extreme beauty, as they set a tray of various fruits, a pitcher and two glasses on the table between the sofas. After they'd finished, they scurried away without a sound. Crone moved back to his seat opposite her and picked up a date.
"Help yourself."
"So, was that part of your harem?"
He arched a brow. "Perhaps. Now, on to the pendant. Tell me all you know."
With a sigh, she leaned over and grabbed a red grape. Crushing the fruit between her teeth she moaned at the burst of flavor in her mouth. She sensed the Jinn's impatience and somehow found it amusing.
"My nana gave it to me. Aren't you forgetting something very important?" Kayla wasn't sure why she felt the need to push the boundaries with this man. There was no doubt he could snuff out her life in a flash. Fear should be her friend, but she hadn't felt this exhilarated in years.
"I forget nothing. Continue," he demanded.
Squinting, she peered through slits. Why had Armand temporarily regained some of his powers? Crone didn't seem to want to speak about that fact and she would be damned if she'd let it go. However, she would placate the Jinn who sat across from her. "Anyway, she said it would protect me from evil. I only need to say the magical chant."
He leaned forward, his focus on her intent. "Do you remember the chant?"
She shook her head. "No. I was only a little girl."
His posture relaxed. "I see, and what does the chant do?"
She was done with their game of cat and mouse. "Something tells me you already know all there is about this pendant so why are you asking me?"
"Only to see what you know. I sense you tell the truth and don't remember. Whoever wears the pendant and chants the spell shall receive the power of the genie it is aimed at and ... "
"Sending the genie to purgatory and giving the one who holds the pendant their power and immortality. I remember all that, just not the chant." She reached for a strawberry. "I never thought this stuff was real so I guess I didn't retain everything." She took a bite of the succulent fruit. "God, why is this stuff so much tastier here?"
"Because everything is better in our world. I would have thought fucking my brother would have proved that."
Kayla choked and went into a coughing fit. "My god, do you have no boundaries?" she replied after her air supply returned.
"None.
Get used to it."
She'd had about enough of the Jinn's mouth and wanted to go home. There were a million questions she had for Armand. One being, where did this leave them and why did she even think there was a them? "When can I go home?"
"Not until we figure out how to keep you safe. Cyndel will kill you if you return to earth. Here-" He waved his hand through the air. "She can't touch you."
"But she didn't kill me and I need to see Armand."
He jumped from his seat and leaned over her, placing a hand on either side of her hip. She had no choice but to look up into his blue eyes. "Don't be foolish. I promised my brother I'd care for you as if you belonged to me. I will not break my vow. Are we clear?"
Care for her? Belonged to him? What the hell did it all mean? "Yes."
"Good." He straightened and moved back to his seat. "Now, I can only see one solution to this mess."
She swallowed, positive she wasn't going to like his answer. "And that is?"
"You have to use your pendant against Cyndel."
"I'm not going to have a choice am I? She wants me dead to keep me away from Armand."
Crone gave a hard smile. "It would seem there is something special about you that even Cyn has come to realize. You're the first she has ever tried to snuff out."
Kayla crossed her arms over her chest. "Great."
Chapter Thirteen
Kayla paced the library biting her nails. She stopped and turned to face Crone who stood on a ladder sorting through books. "This is insane! You're asking me to send a genie to purgatory and steal her power." She placed a hand on her hip. "Let's also not forget that I then become immortal!"
Crone cocked his head. "For the love of the gods, woman. Stop your fucking yapping and start searching."
"You really are an ass," she growled. Kayla walked to the other side of the room and stared at the wall of books. How the heck were they supposed to find the one that held the chant? Crone had said look for something old. They all looked ancient to her.
"Stupid Jinn," she mumbled.
"I heard that!"
"Good!" she shouted back. Her nerves were strung tight and she swore they were going to snap at any second. She reached up, pulled out a book and began thumbing through the pages then slammed it shut. "This one isn't even in a language I can read." Exasperated she pushed it back on the shelf.
"Need I remind you what's at stake?" he whispered in her ear.
Kayla jumped. "Damn it! Don't sneak up on me like that, and I know what's at stake."
"I'm not so sure. We are talking about my brother here. His family needs him."
Tears stung the back of her eyes. She understood, really she did. Crone had said Armand needed to take his place as king. War was brewing and they needed him here. Still, it was a lot to ask of her. What did she know of having magical powers? Not to mention immortality? What would she do? Where would she live? So many damn unanswered questions, not to mention the guilt. She shouldn't feel guilty for thinking of herself, but Armand had been cast out of his home and stranded for centuries. What must that be like? She couldn't even guess.
"Look." Crone's eyes softened. "I know we are asking you to change your entire life, but the only other choice you have is to stay here. Forever. Cyndel will kill you if you go back to earth."
She exhaled a deep breath. "Then I really have no choice. What if I fail?"
"Then Cyndel will probably kill you both."
"No pressure there." She raised her chin. "Maybe I will just stay here."
Crone laughed. "Go ahead. Do you think I'll make your life easy? No. You will be in my debt."
Kayla cringed. She could well imagine how miserable Crone could make her. There was one thing she'd learned in her brief time with this Jinn. He loved his brother and missed him terribly. She couldn't fault him for wanting to get Armand back home.
"Besides." He held a book up in front of her. "I have part of our answer."
"You found the chant?"
"No. But I now know why Armand gained some of his power and its even more reason for you to return with the amulet."
Kayla swallowed down her fear. "What is it?"
"You are his vetemba."
"His what?"
Crone strode toward the sofa with the old leather bound text in hand. "I should have realized it sooner, but never has a vetemba been human before." He sat and opened the worn pages.
Kayla sidled up next to him, her patience wearing thin. "You're going to have to explain." She looked at the pages and another language she couldn't read.
"It's a Jinn's other half. Usually the female comes in the form of another immortal and even then they are rare. We haven't seen one in over three thousand years."
"Wait. You mean there are other immortals?"
Crone snorted. "Of course. But I understand, you being human, it comes as a shock."
She dug her nails into her palm to keep from smacking him. "You really need to get over this human phobia of yours."
He nailed her with a glare. "I have no phobias." Then with a sigh. "I really don't mean any disrespect. It's simply in the scheme of things, humans are the weakest."
Well, she couldn't argue with him there, and for some stupid reason he was growing on her. Attitude and all. "I get it. So tell me more."
He flashed a cocky grin. "It would seem from what Armand has told me about how you were able to cool his fire, that you are his vetemba. His other half. If he were here, and at his full power, you would make him stronger. I surmise that since the curse removed his power you were able to somehow bring it back, if only partially."
She schooled her features to cover the hurt. Yet another thing Armand hadn't told her, and she couldn't help wonder what else he was hiding from her. Perhaps the only way to find out was through Crone. "Do you mean like how he was able to take away my chill?"
"Precisely. You draw from each other."
"So what exactly is the purpose of this other half?"
Crone slammed the book shut. "To procreate and strengthen the bloodline."
Kayla ground her teeth together. Her pulse beat in her temple. She plastered on a smile and batted her eyelashes. "Well then. This gives a whole new meaning to barefoot and pregnant." It sounded like a one-way street to her and one she would rather not go down. "So let's forget the vetemba part for a moment. What if I go back and I use the amulet. What happens if I succeed?"
"Meaning?"
"Oh, don't play stupid. Meaning, I'll be an immortal with powers I'll have no idea how to handle. What do I do with the rest of my so-called life?"
He shrugged. "That is between you and my brother, but I'm sure our father will see to it that you have a home here."
"Ah. The great Mr. Jinn. So when do I get the pleasure of meeting him?"
"How would now be?"
Kayla rose to face the deep voice that had spoken. There was no mistake, the man before her was their father. Same intense blue eyes, same dark hair but kept short. The man didn't look old enough to father sons who were thousands of years old.
He strode forward and extended his hand. "I am Efrain, Armand's father."
She extended her hand, which he grasped and brought to his lips. "I'm pleased to meet you." Her voice came out meeker than she'd have liked, but his power sent a surge of current up her arm causing bumps to rise.
"I must apologize for my son's actions." He glanced over at Crone who rolled his eyes. "He can be a bit overbearing at times, but he means well." He looped her arm around his and led her back to the sofas. "Crone, leave us."
Crone gave a slight bow. "As you wish." He made a quick exit from the room.
"Wow, he does have manners."
Efrain let out a hearty laugh. "He takes a bit of getting used to. I'm hoping his future wife will tame him."
Kayla snorted. "I feel sorry for her already."
He nodded. "Now. I know you must have questions. Please, feel free to ask me whatever you wish."
She decided right then and there she lik
ed him. He made her feel at ease. "This is a big decision that you are all asking me to make. I mean I like Armand, don't get me wrong. It's just ... "
"I understand. Not only have you been sucked into a world you thought only a fairytale, but now you are being asked to change your very existence. Not to mention going up against Cyndel."
"Pretty much nailed it on the head." Mostly.
He patted her hand. "And all for a man you hardly know."
She could no longer hold back and the tears fell which ticked her off even more. She had no control over anything at the moment. "The thing is, Armand is the first man who actually seemed to care about my needs and how I felt, and now I find out he is not who I thought."
"Are you sure about that? I know I haven't had contact with my son in over a thousand years, and he made a mistake with Cyndel. He was young and naive and this mess is mostly my own fault, but he is a good man at heart," Efrain replied.
Kayla wiped her eyes. "How is this your fault?"
"I knew Cyndel was using him for power and wealth. I'd hoped she would cure Armand of his womanizing. I never expected she was capable of cursing him. I though the worst would be he'd end up with a broken heart and learn a lesson."
"Oh, I see."
"You must think I'm a terrible father."
She met his gaze. "Who am I to judge? I never told anyone that I knew, months before I confronted my ex-husband, that he was cheating. I'd hoped he would come to his senses." She shook her head. "I was so stupid. He had the best of both worlds, why would he give it up?"
His features softened. "We all make mistakes. It's only when we don't learn from them that we deserve whatever fate hands us. I can't ask you to sacrifice for my family, it's a choice only you can make. I will tell you that you have a home here and I will help you in any way I can."
Kayla was deeply touched. Granted, he wanted his son back, but she sensed he was sincere. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
"Also for what's its worth, I believe Armand cares for you or he wouldn't have insisted Crone bring you here." He gave her a warm smile. "As for the vetemba. Don't take what Crone says to heart. Being Armand's other half is much more than bringing him power or children. It's a love and sharing like no other and it's a bit hard to explain. It has to be experienced."