The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

  "During the day, they will appear as small diamonds. But with the first shading of nightfall, they will begin to glow."

  She gave him a big hug. “They are wonderful. Thank you."

  "Do I go down and link with the boys now?"

  Kira opened her mouth to say yes, but felt a strong check in her soul. It wasn't time for the linking. That was interesting.

  "No...” she said thoughtfully. “It is not time for that yet. I do not know why."

  Well, one way or another, we better get back downstairs before your boys send out a search party."

  "We have learned that part of the joining is a sense of incompleteness when we are separated. We think it will lessen as time goes on."

  "Well, so far I've felt surges of love and protectiveness for you, but haven't been away to feel the incompleteness.” Patrick took her by the hand and led her to the door. “Maybe by the time y'all are done with me, I'll be as crazy for you as they are."

  Kira laughed, the tone like a bell. “No, I do not want you crazy.” She looked at him with soft golden eyes. “I just want a friend."

  * * * *

  Downstairs the three men heard the laugh. Each reacted differently.

  Gallegar, who had been standing completely still by the wall, sensed the joining was over. He felt Kira's pleasure at the completion, and Patrick's relief tinged by the newness of a growing love.

  He relaxed, as his careful probing showed none of the deep emotion he himself remembered from the time of his joining. What he and Kira shared still seemed intact ... special. Lucas’ joining had worried him, still did in fact. Gallegar knew Kira had strong feelings for the wolfman and that made him uncomfortable.

  But when he remembered the ugliness of the jealousy spell that had attacked them, Gallegar was determined to control himself. To not allow that negative emotion to make a flaw in their wagon wheel of protection.

  Danolas heard the laugh and gave a sigh of relief. He found he was more attuned to Kira during joinings, even though she shielded him. The emanations on the psychic plain were too strong for him to ignore completely. It was like watching a psychic fingerprint being laid. He could sense another spoke in the wagon wheel had been added. It would be interesting to find out why Patrick had been chosen.

  So far Kira had been given, life, understanding and passion. She had returned heart, vision and purpose. He wondered what the joining with Patrick meant.

  Lucas was just plain happy when he heard the laugh. It meant Kira was done, and she would soon be coming back to him. Granted, the ghost would have to come along ... But as long as Kira was back where she belonged, he could handle that.

  He looked over at Gallegar and Danolas. They were pretending, just like he was, this new player meant nothing. But Lucas knew better. They would accept him because Kira said they needed to, but that didn't mean any of them liked it. Maybe it would be easier when they were linked up with him.

  There was silence at first when all came together in the ballroom. Fragile Ethereals flitted this way and that, trying to see what was going on. It was slightly irritating.

  Kira smiled as she looked at everyone. Her eyes sparkled. “The joining is complete."

  "I welcome you, on behalf of us all.” Gallegar's words were formal. Patrick grinned and shook his proffered hand.

  "You were right. The joining does look a lot better from this side.” He shot a glance at Lucas. “For you, it looks a little dangerous."

  "I'll be just fine. Danolas fixed me up with a nice spell."

  "Good. I will tell you now there were times I sensed more intensity of feeling for Kira than was warranted by someone not joined with her."

  Gallegar was concerned. “You could tell he was not what he seemed?"

  "Yeah, but not just him. Y'all treat each other like you're linked at the hip. Forgive the pun."

  "We'll have to watch closer. All of us ... and that includes you, my friend.” Danolas clapped his hand to Patrick's shoulder.

  "I supposed we have to link with him now,” came Lucas’ grumbling voice.

  "Actually, you are saved that fate right now, shapeshifter. It's not time yet."

  Lucas narrowed his eyes. “What the hell does that mean?"

  "Just what he said, my wolf.” Kira laid a small hand on Lucas’ arm. “I am told the link must not happen yet. But it will."

  Danolas was puzzled. “But why, my Lady? The link helps us work together. Prevents us from having misunderstandings.” He threw a pointed look at his fellow linkees. “I would think it very important."

  "I am unsure as to the why, Danolas. I think we just need to wait and see."

  "And what does he bring to the cosmic wagon wheel?” Lucas grinned in amusement.

  Kira took his question seriously. “He brings me faith. Faith that all that happens will turn out for the best."

  "And she gives me hope. Hope that my kind can exist with dignity once more.” Patrick grinned and wrapping his arm around Kira's shoulders, gave her a quick hug, ignoring Lucas’ narrowed eyes “Plus maybe a little free decorating."

  He explained Kira's idea of keeping the mansion up better.

  "The idea has merit,” Gallegar said cautiously. “Especially if one could buy your mansion from the city. We could then clean it up at our leisure."

  Kira threw her arms around Gallegar's neck in her excitement.

  No fool, Gallegar lifted her off the ground in his own embrace. His body tightened swiftly at the feel of her softness against him. He felt like it had been centuries since he had lain with her on his couch, loving her. He had trouble hearing what she was saying though the buzz of desire that filled his skull.

  "That is a wonderful idea, my Heart. Could you do that?"

  It took several tries for Gallegar to clear his throat. “Money is not a problem for me, A Ghra ... I have several lifetimes worth to spend.” He looked down at her radiant face. “If it pleases you, we can find a way to make it happen."

  "It pleases me very much. What do you think Danolas ... Lucas?"

  Lucas shrugged. “Everyone should have a place to call their own. Just like you said earlier.” He was rewarded by Kira's beaming smile.

  "And my resources are at your disposal.” Danolas grinned as they all smiled. “I guess we are going into the real estate business."

  Kira lost her smile when she looked around at the Ethereals drifting around them. “If there are so many of your people here, does that mean the whole city looks like this?"

  Patrick shook his head. “The city is vastly overcrowded, but here it is worse."

  "Because here reside the Gates of Life?” Danolas guessed.

  "Yes, they are within this house. It draws the Ethereals here. This is where I decided to stay and rule my people."

  "I wish to come back tomorrow and look at these gates.” Kira touched Gallegar's face as he frowned at her. “I will be careful. I promise to have the others with me. Please,” she asked, knowing his would be the final word on the subject.

  Somehow, without even trying, Gallegar had become the unspoken head of the Chosen.

  "Only if you can be kept safe.” Gallegar eased Kira to the ground, reveling in the slide of her dainty form against him. He looked over at the other men. “Her safety..."

  "We will take care of her, Gallegar,” Danolas promised him. “Trust us, brother..."

  "I am learning to.” Gallegar answered out loud.

  Kira sensed the Power as it entered the room. The others were talking among themselves, not giving her their complete attention. She held herself very still when she felt it glide over her, almost in an embrace.

  "My daughter, I am well pleased with you. But you are not done. More is asked of you. More will be given to you. Receive my wisdom, and listen to the council of those you love and whom love you." The Power's embrace strengthened, making it hard for Kira to even breathe.

  Lucas was the first to notice Kira's stillness. Her eyes were wide, trancelike in her exotic face. He took her hands in his.
“Honey, what's goin on?"

  Kira couldn't answer him. Her brain was busy trying to take in the myriad of images that flowed into her mind. Sights and sounds filled her brain almost to the bursting. Without thinking, she pulled her hands from Lucas’ grasp and grabbed the sides of her head. She stumbled away from him, toward Gallegar.

  "It hurts,” she whimpered. She crumpled.

  Gallegar moved so quickly, none of them saw him. He had Kira in his arms before anyone took their next breath. “Danolas,” he ordered. “Look beneath the pain. What is happening?

  Danolas heard Lucas swearing, could sense his anger, and had to beat through it to find Kira in the other realm.

  "Lucas, my friend,” he pleaded. “Control yourself. I cannot hear our Lady."

  He felt Lucas take a deep cleansing breath. Patrick, on his other side, put his hand on the shapeshifter's shoulder as if to give him strength.

  With the interference gone, Danolas was able to swim through the concern and find Kira on the psychic plain. The strength of the bombardment staggered him. “The Power,” he gasped, rubbing his own forehead in pain. “It speaks to her, but there is too much ... too much information."

  "What can we do?” Gallegar's eyes began to glow green. A fragment of his power seeped out from under his own self-control.

  Danolas thought furiously. He finally had to pull himself away from Kira's mind to do so. “When we were attacked before, we bound together to defeat the enemy. We should try that again."

  "But that was something evil. This is the Power. It shouldn't be trying to hurt her.” Lucas was unconvinced.

  "Maybe it isn't,” Patrick put in quietly. “Maybe it wants to see how we handle it."

  "You mean she is being hurt to test us?” Lucas face went livid.

  "He may be right,” Danolas offered. “The Power we have seen in the past would not hurt Kira. She is too important to it. This could be a test for us to see if we are willing to help Kira when needed."

  "Then let's get it over with!” Gallegar spoke in a commanding growl. “I want her free of this immediately.” He looked to Danolas for instruction.

  "Gallegar, you continue holding her. Patrick, Lucas put your hands on them both.” Danolas followed his own direction. “Now, try to let your magicks out slowly. If I am right, the Power will take it from there."

  The four men took deep breaths, as if choreographed. Slowly, magicks lifted into the air. Green, blue, silver and brown, they spread gently over Kira. The magicks mingled, struggled for a moment then merged with her own golden light.

  Kira, who had up to that point been frozen in Gallegar's arms, sucked in a breath, then another. Her body eased from its torment.

  They all willed her their own strength, which she reached out and gladly took, like a little girl burying her face in a bouquet of flowers. Her face regained its color, and she opened her eyes. She continued to stare, but now there was no pain or fear. They could sense she was receiving whatever the Power had for her, but they couldn't tell what it was. She shielded them from all details.

  "When's she gonna come back?” Lucas ran his hand down her arm to comfort her. Gallegar still held her tightly in his embrace.

  "Soon, brother. She must hear what the Power has to say to her.” Danolas tucked his staff in the crook of his arm, and carefully smoothed Kira's hair back from her face.

  "Am I going to get as touchy feely with her as y'all are?” Patrick asked. His hand moved of its own volition and touched her on the shoulder. He snorted. “I guess that answers that.” He looked slightly embarrassed.

  Kira blinked her eyes. Once ... twice. Awareness flared in them. She looked at Gallegar who bent his head and kissed her ... hard.

  "You frightened us, A Ghra..."

  "I am sorry,” she whispered. “I felt you combine your powers to give me strength. It was what was needed. The Power was pleased."

  Lucas muttered under his breath about how Powers didn't know their own strength.

  "The Power told me what you did was right. That eventually we would be able to act when necessary without thought. We will just do. It was not a test, but a training session."

  "Yeah, but why did this Power have to go and hurt you to train us? That don't seem fair to me.” Patrick sounded skeptical.

  Kira shook her head as she moved reluctantly from Gallegar's arms. “I did not know how to take in the information. I was supposed to ask for help immediately. It was training for me as well."

  "Are you all right now, my Lady?” Danolas could see no sign of damage, but wanted to make sure.

  "I am fine. And now I must go."

  "Go?” echoed Gallegar. “Where do you go, A Ghra..."

  "I don't know, but I can show you how to get there."

  * * * *

  The two cars pulled away from The Haunted House. The second car of four bodyguards followed Gallegar's Mercedes. Patrick hadn't bothered to bring anyone since he had people all over town. Besides, there was very little which could be done to harm an Ethereal.

  Gallegar climbed in the driver's seat and looked askance as Lucas slid in the front seat. The wolfman pulled Kira onto his lap, leaving the back seats free for Danolas and Patrick. Gallegar's jaw tensed briefly, but he had let it go with good grace, understanding the need Lucas had to touch Kira. Since she needed to give directions, and it made room in the back, it seemed to work out for the best anyway.

  Lucas would have liked to use the time to snuggle up with Kira, but Kira's stiff body had other plans. Her skin itched with restrained power and her eyes kept burning with a light golden glow. She was in a state of high nerves as they passed down the darkened city streets.

  Gallegar thought he could use those eyes as a compass. When he was going the right direction, the glow burned hotter. When he turned wrong, her light faded. As they drew nearer to the edge of the Lower City, Danolas met Gallegar's gaze in the rearview mirror.

  "My Keep is just a few blocks from here. The Magick Box straddles the boundary between the cities. If we keep going along this road, we will cross over into the upper city."

  "Y'all seem concerned, Lord Gallegar.” Patrick's voice was questioning.

  "My people do not often travel in the upper city. It is too dangerous for them."

  Lucas turned his head to look at him. “Why dangerous? I'd think a vamp could go just about anywhere he wanted."

  Gallegar's smile was almost sad. “Your people can blend in with humans easily. Mine can not."

  Lucas nodded. “Yeah, we can change our shapes at will, and we only have to worry about losing our control and getting hairy once a month."

  "And a witch is either an immortal or a human with special powers, so you can fit in with others in the city,” Gallegar continued.

  Danolas inclined his head in agreement.

  "My kind is allowed out only at night. We could traverse the upper city, but if something went wrong ... If one of my flock were hurt in some way or recognized. Our skin is different, our eyes can glow. Our teeth. The secret of our existence would be out."

  "Secret?” Patrick was surprised. “There are those out there who believe in all of us. What secret?"

  "Those people who believe in vampires, shapeshifters, witches, and spirits, are thought to be crackpots ... crazies. Even though there are those who study our kind, there is no proof. If a vampire was found out, truly discovered, he would become a lab experiment, and panic would arise among humans."

  Gallegar quit speaking for a second, as he negotiated a sharp turn. “And then there is the temptation."

  "Temptation?"

  Gallegar sighed. “When all is said and done, my people live off the blood of other life forms. We are hunters. To put an unschooled vampire into a crowd of unsuspecting humans could be very serious. So I do not allow my flock out of the Lower City boundaries.” The men mulled that over.

  "We just crossed the line,” Danolas announced quietly. “We are now in the upper city."

  Gallegar looked at Kira. She had paid no
attention to the conversation they had been having. All her concentration was on where she was going. She was poised on the edge of Lucas’ lap, like a fledgling ready to take its first flight from the nest.

  "I've never seen her quite this way before.” Lucas’ voice was low. “She's really intense."

  Gallegar agreed. Her intensity was a worry to him as well. He kept driving, maneuvering his car into a section of the upper city built with high skyscrapers. Row after row of them, in a silent dark queue. Each almost identical to the next.

  Suddenly Kira stiffened and gave a cry. “Here! Stop here!"

  Chapter 11

  Gallegar pulled over to the curb in front of a tall modern skyscraper. It was at least thirty stories high and made entirely of glass. Sculptured figures decorated the entranceway. The building was cold and dark. Kira tried to scramble out of the car, but Lucas held on to her.

  "Whoa, honey, we need to know what's happening here."

  "I have to go. I must. There is not much time.” There was a frantic aspect to her that scared them all.

  "My Lady.” Danolas tried to touch her arm, but she jerked away from him, struggling frantically to get out. “Tell us what you need."

  Kira said nothing. She just continued to struggle.

  Gallegar frowned. Moving carefully, he turned Kira so she was facing him, and took her face between his strong hands.

  "A Ghra ... Listen to me.” He used his power to break through the panic and keep her still. “Kira ... we are your Chosen. We are to help you, remember? You need us, but we can't help you if you don't tell us what is going on."

  He looked deep in her eyes, but he saw no recognition in them. It scared him. He thought a minute, trying to find something that would break the hold on her. Suddenly it dawned on him, and he gave her a small shake.

  "A Ghra ... You are putting us in danger by not talking. All of us are supernatural creatures. You have brought us into the human world. We are in danger here. To keep you and ourselves safe, we must understand what is happening."

  Kira stopped struggling. Her eyes blinked, and comprehension returned to her face. Blowing out her breath, she relaxed against Gallegar's hands.