The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

  Kira stumbled when the power faded, but Koran put his arm around her waist. Her face was as golden as Koran's as she looked at the men. “Give welcome to your new brother. As I have given welcome to mine."

  Koran grinned as he raised her hand to his lips.

  Gallegar stepped forward, his arm extended. “Welcome to the joined, brother. We are pleased to make you a part of us."

  Lucas shook his hand next. He looked at Kira. “What do you mean ... you have given welcome to yours?"

  Koran continued taking each man's greeting around the circle before he answered for her. “During the joining, Kira and I discovered wondrous things about each other."

  "As we all did,” Danolas agreed carefully.

  "Ahhh, but you didn't discover this, because it could never happen with any of you."

  "Now just a damn minute!” Lucas’ temper flared.

  "Peace, brother. But I will always have something with Kira none of you can!"

  This time it was Gallegar's eyes that shot green sparks at Koran. “What are you talking about, Faerie Prince?"

  "That is enough!” Kira stepped in between them, shaking her head. “No more teasing, Koran.” She looked at the others and smiled sweetly. “He is my brother."

  There was absolute silence for a full minute. Koran swept a look around the room at the men and wondered what they were thinking. All of the faces that looked at him were utterly blank. Suddenly, he wasn't feeling welcome any more.

  Danolas broke the silence. “Your brother, my Lady? How can this be?"

  "Yeah, what are you up to, Faerie?” Lucas agreed with him.

  Koran raised an eyebrow. “You are a suspicious lot."

  "We keep Kira and each other safe by being suspicious. Answer the question please.” Gallegar was polite, but his voice held the tone of command in it.

  Koran shrugged his shoulders and then acquiesced. “During the joining, I saw the powers that Kira and I were sharing were very similar. I had already felt a great familiarity with Kira, not knowing why. Once joined, I was given the reason."

  "You're her brother?” Benjamin's voice was unbelieving.

  "Yes,” Koran agreed. “I am her brother. But not only her brother.” He turned to Kira and took her hands in his. “I am also the one from whom she was created."

  Lucas stared at him. “Huh?"

  Kira broke in. “I was created by the Power from the flesh of Koran's body."

  "Flesh of my Flesh,” Koran whispered, kissing her hands.

  Kira smiled at him.

  "She doesn't remember being Faerie.” Gallegar tried to understand.

  "She never was. The Power took my flesh while I was sleeping and used it to create the being that first came to you, Gallegar. That being was never true Faerie, but a mixture of Faerie and the Power that created her. As she has joined with each of you, you have changed her even more. We have a common base, but we are not alike. She is Faerie, yet she is not."

  "As she is part of each of us now. A mixture of all she has joined with,” Danolas spoke slowly.

  "Yes.” Kira smiled at each of them. “I am now who I am supposed to be. I started out Faerie because the Faerie people easily mingle their blood with other races. It is how they continue their bloodline.

  I was changed by the Power. Then, I was changed even more each time I joined with one of you. I am now a hybrid of all beings I have shared my power with. Koran was the last. I will not join with another."

  "Well, thank God for that!” Lucas muttered.

  "And when you joined, you discovered all this?” Patrick asked.

  "Yes, we not only share each other's powers, but a common bloodline. She is my sister in all ways that matter."

  Gallegar watched the young Faerie as he smiled down at Kira. A load fell from his shoulders. He hadn't realized just how afraid he was that light had meant something else. “Then we must re-welcome you, Koran. Welcome, brother. Welcome, brother of Kira.” He held out his arm again with a grin.

  Koran looked at the proud vampire, whom he could tell was much relieved by the conversation. “Thank you, Gallegar, First of the Chosen. I am pleased to be part of the family."

  "All must link now.” Kira's brow furrowed. “The night grows late.” She looked at Gallegar. “Where are Noah and Gabriel and the others? Is there time before dawn?"

  Gallegar pulled her to his side and gave her a squeeze. “There is time still. If we do not delay. The others wait outside the mound. It would not receive them."

  Kira nodded. “There is much to do tonight still. Please ... all must link. Lucas?” She looked beseechingly at him. “We can start with you and get it over with."

  "And this will be the last time?” Lucas growled at her as he undid his pants.

  Kira dimpled at him. “As far as I know, our circle is now complete."

  "Great!” Lucas didn't know whether to cheer or cry, knowing what was coming next.

  The men who had not linked with Lucas came forward and followed Kira's directions by laying a hand on the inside of Lucas’ thigh. All understood his embarrassment and so tried to keep the wisecracks to a minimum.

  As each spoke their words, Kira showed the Chosen the brand she was given.

  Patrick began when Lucas laid his hand on the back of his neck.

  "She has given me hope. I have given her my faith. Together these virtues will triumph."

  Benjamin went next, after Lucas moved his hand to the back of his.

  "She has given me control. I have given her my strength. Together we will conquer our enemies."

  After Lucas had put his other hand on Koran's throat, Koran spoke his words in a deep thoughtful voice.

  "She has given me companionship. I have given her my wisdom. Together we will break down all barriers."

  Lucas looked at the other three men. His gaze lifted to meet Danolas’ and Gallegar'. He felt a swell of emotion fill his chest. They were a team. He looked at Kira, who came to him and laid her cheek against his as he spoke his linking words.

  "She has given me purpose. I have given her my passion. Together we give meaning to our existence."

  The four men felt Kira's power as it linked them together. The rush was explosive. It shook their bodies as it moved from one to another and then back to Kira. They all gave deep sighs as they looked at each other.

  "One down...” Lucas said shakily as he rose and hiked up his pants. Kira slipped her arms around him and gave him a hug.

  "All must link. We must finish this."

  Chapter 16

  One by one the Chosen laid hands on each other and spoke the linking words to make them one. Their minds and thoughts intertwined and they saw into each other's soul for the first time.

  Kira's power floated in and out of each linking, pulling them all together into a cohesive whole. Each man shared his power with the others. Each man pledged his life to the linking. When it was over, they were all exhausted.

  "Whew!” Patrick wiped his hand over his sweaty brow. “I'm not sure about y'all, but I'm glad that's over."

  "I have something for you, Kira.” Benjamin looked slightly embarrassed. He knelt at her feet and then pulled a silver object from his pocket. When we joined, I realized the others had given you something to celebrate the joinings, but you left before I could give my gift to you."

  Kira smiled weakly at him, tears welling up in her eyes. “I am sorry, Benjamin. What is it you have for me?"

  Benjamin reached down and gently pushed up Kira's pant leg. “This is what we give to the women who join our institute. It is a symbol of belonging—a symbol of our kind.” He attached a thin chain around Kira's slim ankle. On it was a medallion with the picture of a capital “S” and “H” twisted together. Kira moved her leg and the anklet jingled merrily.

  "It is so light.” She marveled. She leaned down and kissed Benjamin. “Thank you. It is beautiful."

  "I believe it is now my turn.” Koran smiled at his sister. He snapped his fingers and a beautiful golden chain ap
peared around Kira's wrist. “Wear it well, my sister. It belonged to my mother."

  It was so lightweight, Kira could barely feel it. When she looked close at it, she saw the jewelry had a single piece of amber attached to the center. Around it were many sparkling precious stones.

  "Koran...” Tears filled her eyes again. “But if it was your mother's..."

  "She would want my sister to have it."

  "For now then...” Kira said firmly. “Until you have a mate of your own."

  Gallegar broke in to change the subject. “Are we done here, A Ghra ... The night wanes."

  Kira looked guiltily at Gallegar. “I am sorry, Mo Chridhe ... No, we are not. We must finalize the joinings and the linkings. It should not take long."

  "What must we do, my Lady?” Danolas questioned.

  Kira stood, swaying in exhaustion.

  Concerned, Lucas and Gallegar both came to her, but she waved them away. “No, I will be all right. We must finish here. Gather around me."

  The men gathered in a large circle with Kira in the center. She closed her eyes and flung her arms out to her sides.

  "Think of our cosmic wagon wheel." Kira's smiling mind-speech flowed over each of them. "Find your place in it. Each of you was chosen for a specific reason. Form the wheel. State the reason for your presence here."

  Gallegar saw the wheel on the psychic plain. He watched himself stretch his arms to shelter Kira from all harm. He saw the empty places the others would fill. Each had a purpose in the wheel. Each was a part of the necessary whole.

  "I am Gallegar. I am the First. My purpose in the wheel is to give you abundant life."

  Danolas appeared next in his mind, and Gallegar realized they were each seeing this picture in their heads. Danolas put out his arms.

  "I am Danolas. I am second. My purpose in the wheel is to give your visions understanding."

  There was a pause as Lucas struggled to make himself known. He wasn't as good with the psychic stuff as the others were.

  "I am Lucas. I am third. My purpose in the wheel is to give you passion for living."

  Patrick popped into view and stretched out his arms to meet Lucas's.

  "I am Patrick. I am fourth. My purpose in the wheel is to give you faith in yourself and in us."

  Benjamin's voice was hesitant as he spoke. This was all very new to him. Talk about going on faith...

  "I am Benjamin. I am fifth. My purpose in the wheel is to be your strength in every way."

  Koran smiled as he appeared on the psychic plain and stepped into the remaining slot. He put out his arms so the circle around Kira would be complete.

  "I am Koran. I am sixth. I am the last. My purpose in the wheel is to bring the wisdom of the ages to us all."

  Kira stood wrapped in the protection of the circle of men. She felt their love and the affection they had for each other beginning to flow through them all. Her ready tears trailed down her face as she gazed at each of them.

  "I am Kira. I am Peacekeeper. I am for you. You are for me. I have come to bring you all together to help rule your people and prepare you to fight our enemies. I am your center. You are my world. I love you. I need you. Together we will succeed."

  They all watched as a trail of Kira's golden power split off and stretched out to each of them. The golden trail moved around the outside of the circle. As it passed each man, it picked up the essence of power that went with them. Green for Gallegar, sapphire blue for Danolas, silver for Lucas, brown for Patrick, red for Benjamin and finally, amber gold for Koran.

  Soon the rainbow of colors completely covered the waiting men then flowed back to Kira in the center.

  "As these colors show us, our powers are now as one. We are as one. Our circle is now complete. Hear my words. A war is coming that will be wrought against all the supernaturals in this city. It will be the start of a war against supernaturals everywhere. A supernatural will betray us and begin this war. Only our powers combined will stop it. Only by working together can we defeat our enemies. Only through our love for each other will we save ourselves."

  Kira's arms fell to her sides. Her mind's voice sent out one last thought. "I am sorry. I am so tired. I must still ... “ Her voice trailed off, as she collapsed.

  Gallegar got there just in time to prevent her from hitting the floor. He looked up at the other men.

  "She must rest."

  Lucas grinned and snorted out a laugh. “I think we've had this conversation once already today.” Gallegar and Danolas returned the smile.

  "I am not sure what you mean by that...” Koran's eyebrows raised. “But Kira is welcome to stay here and rest. She is my sister."

  "What about your father?” Patrick looked at the door. The pounding of the guards who were still trying to enter could be heard. “Can he be trusted?"

  Koran grimaced. “My father might come around sometime, but he will be angry I have not mated with Kira. Perhaps somewhere else might be safer this night."

  Gallegar gently brushed back the hair from Kira's face. He looked up at Lucas, his heart in his eyes. “She would be safe in my Sanctuary, but with all that has happened..."

  Lucas stood above them, his jaw tensing with emotion. “Yeah, same goes for me. She needs some space from both of us."

  "I'd take her home with me, but I don't have any beds.” Patrick put his hands up in regret.

  Benjamin looked serious. “She could come back to the Institute with me. I have room there, but I would worry someone might get to her. She killed one of my people tonight. Even though I asked it of her, people might let their fear rule them. My security isn't what it could be, not on the inside."

  Gallegar looked over at Danolas, who stood quietly listening. “It seems your Keep is the best place for her after all. She will be safe there."

  Danolas nodded. “There are wards around the Keep. No one may be harmed there. Our Lady will rest in safety. We can all meet there tonight at four p.m. Then we can go see to the problem with the Gates of Life.” He looked at Gallegar. “You can meet us there after darkness has fallen."

  Gallegar climbed to his feet, Kira in his arms. “Agreed. Now we just have to get out of here in one piece.” He looked to Koran. “Your father may be difficult."

  Koran walked to the door. “Release the spell, Danolas. Let us see if I can make my father understand what has happened here."

  "We will protect Kira if we need to,” Lucas warned.

  "I understand, my friend. I too will protect her. My loyalty is with her. Hopefully it will not come to that."

  * * * *

  And it didn't. Koran was able to calm his father down enough so the others were able to leave in peace. While Caliph didn't like the thought of Kira leaving the mound, he accepted Koran's assurance he would explain all that happened later. The others made their way quickly to the surface. Gallegar handed the sleeping Kira to Danolas when he got into the car, and hurriedly drove them back to A Crown of Thorns.

  Once there, Gallegar took the time to pull Kira into his arms. "Until tonight, A Ghra ... I will miss you."

  "Gall ... egar?"

  "Shhh, rest well."

  "Mo Chridhe ... I ... love you." Her mental voice trailed off as he kissed her.

  Gallegar then passed her to Benjamin. He didn't stop to see the other good byes, but fled with his fellow vampires into the safety of the club just as the sun peeked over the horizon.

  "Too close, Gallegar. This time it was too close." Danolas sent the thought to his friend.

  Gallegar's mind-chuckle sounded in his head. "Perhaps some better planning from now on?"

  Danolas joined in the laughter. "Yes ... rest well, my friend."

  Kira was passed to each of her Chosen to say good bye. Only Lucas was left. When he took her into his embrace, Kira opened her eyes sleepily.

  "My ... wolf...” she whispered.

  "Hush, honey. Danolas is going to take you back to the Keep so you can rest. I'll see you tonight."

  "Lucas...” Kira took his
shirt in her hands. Her eyes glistened with tears. “I feel your pain. I know I hurt you today. I did not want to. I do not mean to hurt either of you ... but I do. I am sorry.” A single tear spilled down her cheek.

  His chest tightened. He didn't want to talk about what had happened with Gallegar. It seemed easier to just put it behind them. He meant to show Kira he was the one she needed to be with, but now wasn't the time to go into it. She needed her rest.

  "It's okay, honey. I know you love me and that's all that matters. You get some sleep. We can talk about it later."

  "For ... give me?” Her voice was fading fast.

  "Of course, baby. I love you. I'll see you tonight.” Lucas looked down at her. She was again fast asleep. He handed her back to Danolas, who was waiting in the back seat of his Volvo.

  "Take care of her. Holler if you need anything."

  Danolas nodded. “Let us know if you have any problems with Elijah over what happened earlier tonight. We will be there for you."

  Lucas grinned. “Thanks, I'd forgotten all about that. I'll be in touch. See ya later today.” He got back into his jeep and with a wave, drove away.

  All the men went their separate ways. Jorad drove Danolas and Kira back to the Keep, where Danolas carried Kira up to his own bed. He wasn't about to let her out of his sight.

  * * * *

  Kira awoke with a sense of disorientation. She stared up at the ceiling above her, not knowing where she was. Carefully, she looked to the right of her and felt immediately calmer as she recognized the doorway of Danolas’ outer room. She turned her head to the left and saw Danolas was lying asleep next to her. His face was slanted toward her, and she could tell he was still deeply asleep, his handsome face relaxed. No wonder, it had been a full night.

  Kira stretched and slowly sat up. She still wore the sweat outfit she had borrowed from Benjamin, but her shoes had been removed. She gazed down at Danolas. He had changed his clothes. He wore his own pair of sweatpants, but no shirt. He was stretched out on top of the comforter, under another blanket, with his staff lying snugly in the crook of his arm.

  She grinned, wondering if he always slept with the thing. She glanced at the clock next to the bed. It read one-thirty. They had slept a good long time. Kira rose, careful not to wake him. He needed his sleep too. She felt grubby in her wrinkled clothes, so she tiptoed into the bathroom to take a shower.