Becoming Briar

by Erin West

  Faith’s voice comes out in almost a whisper, her shoulders hunched over. “I’m sorry. I jumped to the wrong conclusion. It won’t happen again.”

  Closing my eyes, I inhale and exhale a couple of breaths. When I open them again, Faith is inspecting the cut again. My skin prickles; both men are watching me.

  Drake mouths, “I’m sorry.”

  I press a hand to my mouth, pulling it away from my lips to blow him a kiss.

  Leo puts his hands in his pocket. “What are you?”

  “What are you talking about?” I bite the inside of my cheek.

  He shrugs. “Your eyes were glowing silver. I’ve never seen or heard of a supe with that ability. Plus, you moved like a wolf and vampire during the fight.”

  I square my shoulders. “I’m Fae.”

  His gaze narrows. “There has to be more than that. I’ve met members of the Fae races before and not one has been like you.”

  How do I answer that?

  “Sorry to interrupt. Can I see the dagger?” Faith looks at me.

  Thank God she changed the direction of that conversation. Standing, I pull the dagger out of my waistband and hold it out to her.

  She leans forward, staring at the weapon, her mouth forming an O.

  That had to be what my expression looked like when I saw it for the first time. It’s a magnificent weapon.

  Reaching toward it, she glances up at me. “May I inspect it?”

  Something inside me recoils at her touching what’s mine, but I force the feeling down and nod. Her hand connects with the silver handle and she jerks it back to her chest with a hiss.

  My brow wrinkles. “What is it?”

  Her body hunches over her hand. “It burned me.”

  How in the hell did that happen? “It burned you? How bad is it?” I hold the dagger in my line of sight, turning it front to back.

  The color drains from her face. “Pretty damn bad.”

  “This cut still burns, like there’s fire burning through my veins from it.” Claudia crosses her arms over her chest.

  Shit. I forgot she was there. I’ll just keep that to myself. Bael doesn’t need to know that I wasn’t aware of each person in the room with me. Turning to Drake, I hold the dagger out to him. “Does it harm you when you hold it?”

  He reaches out and I place it into his open palm. The corners of his eyes tighten.

  Panic squeezes my chest and I gasp, grabbing for the dagger.

  He stops me with a shake of his head. “It’s not burning. But there is a buzzing under my skin, pushing me to give it back to you.” He turns to Leo with a furrowed brow. “I wonder if it harms those not connected to her.”

  Leo steps back. “Fuck that. I’m not touching it.”

  I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out. “Are you scared?” I singsong with a smile. Not that I want him to be injured, but he hasn’t made this easy on me and I have to give him some shit for being a sissy.

  He smiles at me, not affected by my taunt. “No, but I’m not touching that either. If it’s tied to you, I’m sure it’s wicked.”

  The smile falls from my lips. Is he saying that I’m wicked?

  Drake hands it back to me, and the churning in my stomach lessens. “I don’t know why it would burn Faith.”

  His gaze follows my motions as I put it back where I’ve been keeping it. “I don’t either. But we will figure it out.”

  Faith opens her hand, exposing the burn since it happened.

  Leo whistles through his teeth. “Damn, that’s bad. And it’s not healing either.” He pauses, raising his index finger and thumb to his chin. “It seems that no one can wield the dagger except for Rose. The power exuded from it feels like hers.”

  The burst of light after I connected with it makes sense. I nod toward Drake. “Except for Drake.”

  An arm drapes around me, and Drake’s warmth heats my side. “Probably because she’s a part of me now that we’re mated.”

  Faith digs in the black bag she brought with her, pulling out a tube of ointment, and applies it to her hand. A breath of relief comes from her. After wrapping the burn in gauze strips, she puts the same ointment on Claudia’s neck.

  “That’s some miracle shit,” Claudia whispers.

  We all laugh.

  It’s late when they leave and all I want to do is sleep. The soft, pillowtop mattress upstairs is calling my name.

  Drake closes the door after Leo leaves. “Are you ready to head back?”

  Groaning, I face him. “Tonight? Can’t we stay here?”

  He sighs, running his fingers through his hair. “I wish, love. But Eli’s is the safest place to stay right now, and that is more important to me than anything else.”

  My chest feels tight as I close the distance between us. How can I refuse when he cares about me so much?

  I press my lips to his before pulling back. “Okay. Then we need to head back. And I’ll need to talk to Mia tomorrow.”

  Fingers brush the hair away from my face, and he smiles down at me. “Yes, you do. You should cut her some slack. Are you still mad at her? She’s the one that has been helping us since you were kidnapped, and she cares for you.”

  I sigh. “I know, Eli said that as well. I care about her, too. She’s become like a sister to me. No, I’m not mad. I just needed some time and perspective.”

  He graces me with a smile. “Good.” Lips meet mine, turning from soft to hungry in a split second.

  Groaning, my tongue duels with his until he pulls away, adjusting the hard erection in his pants. My gaze is glued to his every movement.

  A growl sounds from him, drawing my attention away from his hardness. “Stop looking at me like that, love, or we won’t make it back tonight.” His husky voice has wetness coating my panties.

  My tongue darts out, running across my lips. “Promises, promises.”

  He swats my ass as I strut by him into the garage.

  “You will be the death of me, my love.” He chuckles, opening the car door.

  I cut my eyes up to him. “I sure hope not. I need you around forever.”

  The happiness radiating off him makes me tingly. Until my stomach clenches. What will I do if something happens to him or one of the others?

  He slides into the driver’s seat, the smile falling from his face. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Let’s get back.” I smile, but it feels forced, even to me.

  The ride back is in comfortable silence, hand in hand. We pull up at the mansion and walk inside. There is some clatter coming from the kitchen, so we follow the noise.

  Sitting at the large breakfast nook are Bael and Eli, while Amon is on the other side, leaning over toward them.

  As soon as Bael lays eyes on me, he stands and meets me halfway, pulling me into his arms.

  My cells spring alive with the intensity of our powers thrumming between us. My fire calls out to him the same way his lightning seeks me. Damn, I’ve missed him.

  I’ve missed you, too. He kisses my forehead.

  “Knock it off,” Amon grumbles. “You’re the Prince of Hell, for fuck’s sake.”

  A chuckle slips out, and Bael scowls at both Amon and me. He then grabs my waist and pulls me close, sealings his lips over mine. I respond without thought and wrap my arms around his neck.

  “Well, this has to be awkward for you two.” Amon’s tone is loud.

  Cringing, I pull away. Am I always going to feel guilty for wanting each one of them?

  Drake takes my hand and guides me to a seat next to Eli. I sit down and Bael takes his original seat, which puts me in between the two.

  Heading to the kitchen table, Drake pulls out a chair and sits down. “What’s going on?”

  The tension in the room is palpable. Well, just call me the mood killer.

  Jaw clenched, Bael crosses his arms. “Amon was just informing us about my dear father.”

  Letting out a loud sigh, Eli shakes his head. “Just tell us what you know.”

 
Biting his lower lip, his dark wings curl against him. “Satan is beginning to move his troops.”

  Bael leans back. “Where is he locating them?”

  There is a pause before Amon continues. “They are heading toward the portals to Earth.”

  That doesn’t make sense. “Wait, I thought you said that you were the only one capable of leaving Hell. So why does it matter if your father is moving his troops? We aren’t going back down there.”

  “Because that isn’t technically true, now is it, Dark Prince?” Eli raises an eyebrow.

  Here we go again. I’m the last person in the dark. “Can someone fill me in?”

  Catching my gaze, Drake leans forward, propping his elbows on the table. “I’m assuming he that can’t be named can visit Hell.”

  That’s right. His minions visited, so of course he can, too. “Why would they be coming to Earth?”

  Grabbing the back of his neck, Bael scowls. “Because they are coming here to attack us.”

  “Well,” Drake balls his hands into fists, “Rose won the pack over tonight. They will fight to protect her.”

  “No.” This can’t happen. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”

  Standing, Eli looks down at me. “Remember what the Oracle and Seer said. Whether you like it or not, you are important. If you fall, none of the realms stand a chance. The pack damn well better protect you, and I’m going to pull some strings and find some of my own as well.”

  I’m not worth this; I can take care of myself. My life isn't worth hundreds of innocent lives. There's no way I could live with myself if that happens.

  “She’s going to try to do this on her own.” Bael stares me down.

  Did he spill my private internal thoughts to everyone here?

  Yes, I sure did. Don’t be stupid. I won’t allow it. His eyes watch my every move.

  Tilting his head, Eli glances at me then back at Bael. “I’m not saying I disagree, but what made you say that?”

  Ha, he won’t tell them.

  Bael grins. “I can hear her thoughts. She’s livid and wants to handle this on her own.” He glances at Amon. “Because we know how well that turned out last time.”

  Flames dance in the dark angel’s eyes. “Oh, Briar. You’re so cute when you think you can take on the world. So far, that’s gotten me an owed favor and you almost dead.”

  Who the fuck do they think they are? My power bursts all throughout me like a raging inferno, and without a second thought, I push it all toward Amon.

  A blue and orange blaze engulfs him, and he thrashes around the kitchen.

  Pushing away from the table, Drake stumbles a few steps back. “How the hell did you do that?”

  “I’m telling you,” I extinguish the flames, “I’ve been practicing and getting better control of my powers.” Maybe they have learned their lessons.

  When the flames disperse, Amon smirks at me. “Maybe you are finally getting this after all. However, we are in this together. You got that?”

  I glance around the kitchen and there are four sets of eyes staring at me. They each want to protect and fight with me, and I’d be foolish to turn them away. I’m going up against Rumple and Satan, for goodness sake. “Okay, I got it.”

  Raising his hands, Eli glances up. “Thank God. Now, let’s get some rest. It’s late, and there is no telling what tomorrow will bring.”

  The other three nod, and I’m not about to argue. I’m exhausted.

  Eli grabs my hand and I follow him to our room. I walk straight to the bed and fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

  Cinnamon and vanilla aromas waft down the hallway as I approach the kitchen. Voices mingle together, and a familiar feminine one stands out amongst the tenor tones of my mates. Mia must be here already, and it smells like she’s making French toast, one of my favorites.

  It’s time to face her and make things right.

  Silence descends when I step into the kitchen. Drake, Eli, and Bael turn to look at me, each with a smile on their handsome faces. My heart flutters in my chest.

  Bael smirks. “There’s Sleeping Beauty.”

  I roll my eyes. “Why didn't you wake me?”

  Drake shrugs. “You needed to sleep.” He says that like it's the most important thing in the world.

  Mia sets a plate piled high with French toast slices coated in powdered sugar in the center of the counter.

  My stomach grumbles.

  Drake stands up, getting a plate from the cabinet. With a fork, he places a couple slices of toast on the plate and sets it in front of a chair between him and Eli.

  My eyes sparkle, and I can’t keep the smile off my lips. He’s always making sure I eat before any of them.

  But I can’t eat with this heaviness weighing down on me and my best friend. My gaze locks with Mia’s as she bites her bottom lip, not moving from her spot. I wish the guys would leave. We don’t need an audience, but I don’t feel right asking them.

  Bael stands first, drawing my attention away from Mia. He clears his throat. “Drake, didn’t you have something you wanted to discuss with Eli and me in your office?”

  Eli’s knowing gaze caresses my face before he winks at me and stands.

  Drake’s eyebrows furrow and he scowls at the plate he made for me. “What are you…” He pauses, and his eyes widen. “Oh, yes. That something.”

  All three of them trail out of the kitchen without a backward glance. God, I love those men. If only Oren could be here, too. A sharp pang runs through my chest, but I have other things to deal with right now than to dwell on his absence.

  Butterflies take flight in my stomach and I rock back and forth from foot to foot, letting out a sigh. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted. It just—”

  She cuts me off. “No. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. At first, I thought you might have known, but when I realized you didn’t... I just didn’t know how to tell you.” Her shoulders droop.

  This is not the woman that is usually standing in front of me today, and I’m in part to blame.

  I shake my head. “It’s okay. It was just a shock, but then I realized this was great news.”

  She smiles. “You’re damn right. Now, you have a badass witch on your side.”

  Laughter bubbles out of my mouth. “Well, yes, you are but that’s not what I meant. Now, I don’t have to hide my crazy life secrets from you anymore.”

  She laughs. “What? Like the fact that you have four unbelievably sexy men bonded to you? It couldn’t possibly be that.”

  “Of course, that’s the thing you focus on.” The words come out between fits of laughter.

  Tears stream down both of our faces, smearing mascara from the corners of our eyes to our chins.

  Her hand goes to the counter, bracing herself up. “Dude. That’s fucking awesome. I’d be telling everybody.”

  I hold my sides. “That doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

  My powers buzz under my skin and the guys enter the kitchen.

  Drake circles my waist, planting a kiss on my smiling lips. “You’ve made up. That’s good.”

  Nodding, I lean up to give him another lingering kiss.

  A throat clears behind us and Eli steps up to us. “Don’t hog her affections. It’s my turn.” He pushes Drake to the side, sweeping me around in a dip.

  My grip tightens on his forearms and a tiny squeak escapes me.

  Amusement gleams from his gaze, and then his lips press against mine, his tongue meeting mine in a dance just between him and I. He lifts me up, right before relinquishing me to Bael, and struts over to the barstools at the island. A grin is on his face while Drake looks anywhere but at us.

  Mia leans against the counter with her arms and legs crossed, a knowing smirk lifting her mouth. “Damn, get a room, will you?”

  I don’t know why that’s funny, but I laugh. It feels good to let go and laugh again after the past few weeks. Everything has been so serious and nonstop training that I was afraid I wouldn�
��t remember what it felt like to enjoy the simple things again.

  My fire rushes up to meet Bael’s as he spins me around to face him, walking us back into the wall and searing me with his hungry kiss.

  I hold the moan in that is threatening to escape, because it’s not fair to the other guys to be moaning around them with the others.

  He bites my lower lip and I pant into his mouth. I can’t wait for this to be over, so I can enjoy the pleasure of your body once more, his husky tone whispers through my mind.

  The groan I had been trying to hold back expels from me, and heat pools low in my core.

  Eli snarls, “Stop talking to her telepathically.”

  Across the room, Drake growls and I feel his tension as if it is my own.

  “You’re just fucking jealous. How I spend my time with her is between her and I, so fuck off, Vamp.” Bael grins down at me.

  “Oh my damn. Giiiirl…” Mia drags the last word out.

  Pulling away from Bael, I twist around him, walking toward the food.

  Mia is fanning her face with a hand. “It’s getting hot in here. I want to take off all my clothes.” She spins around, twerking her ass as she sings Nelly.

  I drop down, twerking my ass up against hers.

  Groans fill the kitchen and we bust up laughing.

  We wrap our arms around each other in a tight hug. “What would I do without you?”

  She gets herself a plate. “You’d be miserable without my delightful self.”

  I nod. “This is true.”

  Drake holds my chair out for me, but I pick the plate up and walk around to the other side, facing the three of them. I lean against the counter beside Mia and take a bite of buttery, vanilla, sweet goodness. I don’t give a damn that’s it’s cold.

  Using my fork, I point at the food. “Delicious, even cold. Thank you for making it.”

  “Girl, you don’t have to thank me. This was my apology breakfast. I know how much you love French toast,” she mumbles around a bite.

  Eli grunts. “Have you had a chance to check the protections around the house?”

  Her eyebrows raise. “Have you seen the size of this place? I'm going to need a few days to check everything.” She humphs. “House, my ass.”