Found and Forged

by Ivy Asher

  “Close, we still need to work out some details. Ory suggested building another city just outside of Tierit,” I explain, looking over at him and Sorik. “The new city would be a home base for Sentinels who want to integrate back into the supe world. It would be close enough to Tierit to take advantage of their resources and protections, while keeping Tierit separate and safe for the Sentinels who want that.”

  “Smart,” Bastien observes.

  I nod and try to stifle a yawn. Everyone else in the car starts yawning too like it’s contagious, and I chuckle.

  “So what do we do while all of that gets sorted out?” Valen asks.

  “Well, first, we all sleep for like a month because we’ve fucking earned it,” I announce.

  Everyone laughs and voices their agreement.

  “We get the word out slowly that the Sentinels are back, and then we start setting up the infrastructure we need to get Vigilantes R Us up and going.”

  Bastien and Valen both crack up at the name and shake their heads.

  “We’re not vigilantes, remember? We’re all legit and shit now,” Bastien teases.

  “I know, but Legit Legion just didn’t have the same ring to it,” I joke, and we all dissolve into slaphappy, sleep-deprived giggles.

  I’m pretty sure we’re never going to find a name that encapsulates who we are and what we want to do. I wipe laugh tears from my face, and I’m not even sure what any of us are laughing about anymore. We turn down the road that leads to the main street that runs through the heart of Solace, and my dad grows quiet as he stares out the window.

  “You okay?” I ask him quietly while the others pitch out more horrible names for our group and continue to crack themselves up.

  He gives me a warm smile. “Yeah, kid, it’s just weird being back here. It’s as if nothing has changed, it all looks the same, and yet everything I know and everything I am is so...different.”

  I look around and understand exactly what he means. The guys and I drove away from Solace with nothing but questions and each other. Now we’re back, and it makes everything we’ve gone through feel even more surreal.

  The paladin drive into a parking garage, and we all park side by side. I smirk at the paladin as they unload from their SUVs with surprised looks on their faces. They look confused as fuck that Sorik, Siah, and Vaughn are alive and well.

  “Sentinels,” I call out to the paladin, and they turn to me.

  “What?” the leader asks.

  “We’re Sentinels,” I offer, but he just looks even more perplexed. “Don’t worry, you’ll be learning more about our kind soon,” I explain.

  Sabin puts an arm around me, and I lean into his side as the paladin escort us into the building. He smiles down at me, and I tilt my head up and purse my lips. He grins and leans down to give me the peck I’m demanding.

  “What’s that smile all about?” he asks, his eyes lighting with affection.

  “Feels good not to have to hide what we are anymore,” I answer simply, and he looks away in thought.

  “It does,” he agrees and then drops his lips to mine for another quick kiss.

  We’re led into an all too familiar room, and I try to shove away the memories that come surging back of the last time we were here. I can practically see Lachlan and his coven sitting off to the side of the room like they were last time. Images of my Chosen being forced away from me flash before my eyes, and I have to breathe deeply and let the panic and anger that surges through me settle.

  There’s a table where I sat last time and then the viewing area behind it, where the guys sat. I move to stand in front of the table, and my Chosen, dad, and Sorik arrange themselves on each side of me. Paladin settle into guard positions throughout the room, and thankfully we’re not made to wait long before the door to the side of the elevated seats the elders like to sit in, opens.

  The big Polynesian-looking Elder Kowka walks out first. I have to stop myself from rubbing the rune I now have because I magicjacked it from him. He’s followed by Elder Nypan, who offers me a wide friendly smile. A younger gentleman walks out next, mushroom brown hair and dark chocolate eyes taking all of us in. He must be a replacement for Elder Balfour or Elder Albrecht now that they’re dead.

  Elder Cleary walks in fourth, his blue eyes immediately searching for his son. His brow furrows when he quickly notices that neither Enoch nor his coven are here. And lastly a familiar face joins the elders up on their dais of power. I give him a warm smile, and Paladin Ender quickly mirrors it.

  “How much arm twisting was involved to get you to say yes to this gig?” I ask him, amusement ringing in my tone.

  He chortles and looks over at his compeer, Elder Cleary. “I don’t think anyone was more surprised by my getting voted in than me,” he admits.

  “So who’s in charge of the paladin now?” I ask.

  “Still me while we vet potential replacements,” he answers with a tired smile.

  Elder Cleary clears his throat and sends me and Paladin—or I guess he’s now Elder Ender—a look that says it’s time to get down to business.

  I take a deep breath and wait.

  “I see my son is not with you?” Elder Cleary starts.

  “No, he and his coven stayed back to help with things there. I’m sure when he’s able to call you, he will,” I reassure him, and I can see concern leak out of his gaze.

  “And exactly where is the there you’re referring to?” Elder Kowka asks.

  “There is Tierit, which we also call Sentinel City. And as far as its exact location...that’s none of your business,” I answer.

  The term Sentinel doesn’t seem to confuse any of the elders the way it did the paladin outside in the parking garage, and I figure it’s safe to conclude that Elder Cleary has let them all in on what I am.

  “We are your elders. You are required to answer our questions or face the consequences for refusal. You’d do well to remember that,” Elder Kowka snaps at me.

  “Actually…” Valen interjects. “We are a Diplomatic Envoy on behalf of the Sentinels of Tierit. You are speaking to Vinna Aylin of the Quorum, and the Right Hand to the Sovereign who rules over all Sentinels. And you’d do well to remember that,” he finishes, glaring at Elder Kowka.

  “Boom! Mic drop,” Knox announces in my mind, and I have to try hard not to laugh. I look over and notice all my Chosen are working to keep smiles off their faces too. Elder Kowka narrows his eyes slightly but keeps his mouth shut. He looks over at Elder Clearly like he’s no longer sure what to do. Elder Cleary leans back in his seat and studies us.

  “So there are more?” Elder Nypan asks, his tone filled with awe.

  “There are,” I answer simply, loving the fact that it’s true.

  “And what is the purpose of your Diplomatic Envoy?” the elder I don’t know asks.

  “To establish relationships with other supernatural races and help pave the way for the safety of Sentinels in this world,” Sabin recounts.

  We sound legit as fuck, and I can’t help the pride I feel looking over at my Chosen as we claim our seat at the table.

  “Silva described you as catatonic, Paladin Aylin. I’m glad to see he was wrong,” Elder Cleary states, changing the subject.

  “That’s Sentinel Aylin, Elder Cleary, and no one is as glad as I am that I’m perfectly well,” my dad responds, and I don’t miss the bite in his tone.

  “Where is Silva?” Bastien asks.

  “He is out on assignment with his new coven,” Elder Ender answers simply.

  Bastien looks over at me, and I shake my head. He was right. They’re not going to punish his uncle for what he did. Irritation bubbles up inside of me.

  “Well, you guys won’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to shit like that anymore,” I announce.

  “And exactly what does that mean?” Elder Cleary demands.

  “It means that there needs to be a shit ton more checks and balances to make sure situations like Elder Albrecht and Adriel don’t happen a
gain. Or where paladin are torturing lamia, or lamia hunting Sentinels, or any of the other fucked up things I’ve uncovered since I joined this community,” I tell him.

  “None of you are paladin,” Elder Cleary announces. “You will not be allowed back in the Academy to become paladin either since you’re no longer casters.” He eyes my Chosen like he’s looking to see if that hit landed. “You have no authority to weigh in on any decisions we make or how we make them.”

  “Fuck your Academy,” I tell him dismissively. “We’ll build our own if we want to.” I take a step forward and feel every paladin in the room tense. “We may not have your authority, but don’t think that means shit, because we don’t need it. Feel free to test that anytime you want, we’d be happy to show you just what we’re capable of.”

  “Is that a threat?” Elder Cleary asks.

  “No, it’s a warning. We’ll be respectful and fair in our dealings with you, just like we will in our dealings with all supes. But if you fuck with us, you’ll start a war I promise you won’t be able to win. I want you to think long and hard about that before you attempt to flex any level of authority over us or try to tell us what we do and don’t have a say in,” I tell them, looking each of them in the eye, the just try me clear in my defiant gaze.

  I don’t want to start shit with the casters, but I can’t have them thinking they’re the top of the magical food chain anymore either. It’s like Getta said, if you’re not happy being the roots or the trunk, there’s going to be problems. We all have to figure out a way to be happy being the roots so we can all grow together and make the strongest fucking tree out there. I release a weary breath.

  “We’re going to leave now. We’ve had a long trip, and we’re tired. Elder Cleary, you’re more than welcome to check your attitude and then stop by later in the week with your mate and compeers. I’ll be happy to fill you in on what’s going on with Enoch and his coven then. As for the rest of you, if you need something, send a polite request for a meeting. If you send paladin or attempt to escort us anywhere or limit our movements in any way, we’ll consider it fucking with us and act accordingly.”

  I offer a stiff smile and turn around to leave. I pass the guys and walk toward the doors we entered through. A paladin male stands in front of them, and I watch the tic in his jaw as uncertainty flashes in his eyes. He looks past me, clearly searching for instruction. I don’t slow or falter as I close the distance. This guard and whether or not he’ll move or try to stop us is about to set the tone for our dealings with the Elders Council of the Solace casters.

  I don’t want to kill this guy, but I wasn’t kidding when I told them not to fuck with us. I’m four feet away when I see the guard tense like he’s readying for a fight. I get ready to call on weapons and warn the guys to do the same, when the guard reaches for the door handle and pulls it open. Relief washes through me, but I don’t bat an eye as I walk right out the door and then out of the building to the parking garage. Thank fuck they chose the easy way. Here’s to hoping they keep that shit up.

  “Fuck that was hot,” Torrez announces as we approach our SUVs.

  I laugh and then roll my eyes. “Let’s go home,” I order, happiness and hope settling in my chest.

  And in unison, my Chosen shout out, “Dibs!”

  36

  Six months later

  I park the Jeep and open my phone to double-check that this is where I’m supposed to be. I’m in the middle of fucking nowhere, staring at a small cabin that sure enough has the correct address carved into the side. I turn off my car and hop out, gravel crunching under my flip flops. I trudge down the thin path to the front door and knock hard.

  “This better really be an emergency, Mave, because I was supposed to meet Cyndol for a super-secret training, and you know how hard it is to arrange those between her overprotective dads and the Captain,” I shout out, banging on the door again when no one immediately answers.

  “And this better not be another whine fest about the treaty with the Volkov pack. Tell Alpha Silas that he agreed to this months ago and they’re going to be here next week no matter what. Even if they all do look like Brun, he still has to hold up his end of the bargain,” I declare. “I should have never let the twins show him that picture of her. He’s been a little bitch about all of this ever since,” I grumble and finally hear footsteps hurrying to the door.

  The door swings open, revealing my spitfire of a best friend on the other side and the shit eating grin she’s wearing on her face. I take one look at her and immediately get suspicious.

  “Vinnnnnn,” she coos at me, ushering me inside the small, mostly empty cabin.

  “If this is you trying to convince me to talk to Pebble about the pros of a harem, I’m leaving now,” I tell her, my tone adamant. “Once was bad enough. Never again.”

  She laughs and herds me further into the cabin. “No, this is not about that,” she declares. “I already heart you fucking forever for doing that, and I have high hopes that fucker will pull his head out of his ass and embrace the ways of his people.”

  I chuckle and shake my head. “Yeah, I wouldn’t hold your breath,” I tell her.

  She rolls her eyes. “He’s not going to have any choice if my wolf claims another wolf. Even if we could convince my pack that a match between one of their precious females and a caster male was written in the stars, there’s still a chance that someday my wolf might find another wolf and just decide they’re hers,” she tells me with an exasperated huff.

  I pull her in for a hug, and then we both plop down on two wooden chairs.

  “It’ll work out the way it’s supposed to,” I reassure her.

  I know Pebble is fucking madly in love with her, and I suspect Mave feels the same way about him, but their relationship is the definition of unconventional in these parts, and I don’t think it’s going to be the easiest road for either one of them. I wish I could smooth it all over, but that’s just not how life fucking works. All I can do is support and be there for her and help her navigate the boulders that get thrown in their way.

  “Anyway, this is not about me, this is about you,” she tells me with a sneaky smile.

  I narrow my eyes at her and lean back in my chair.

  “Vinna. I am here to stage an intervention,” she announces, and she looks proud as fuck as she does. Her milk chocolate brown eyes radiate excitement, and she grins and tucks her bright pink hair behind her ears.

  I snort and look at her like she’s lost her mind.

  “Between your training with Hot Wekun and Beat Yo Ass Granny, Getta. The building of Sentinel City…”

  I laugh just like I always do when someone mentions the name of the home base city the Sentinels have been working on. I still can’t believe everyone agreed to just call it Sentinel City. I mean, yeah, I guess it is self-explanatory which is a good thing, and yes, that’s what we called Tierit before we knew it was Tierit. I just really thought Suryn would choose something more flowery or regal sounding. But nope, now we have Tierit and an official Sentinel City.

  Go figure.

  Mave shakes her head at me, giving me a look that tells me she knows exactly where my mind just went.

  “With the start of your Superhero Services and brokering deals with the other supes in the area, you aren’t making time for your Bonding Ceremony,” Mave scolds.

  I huff and try not to roll my eyes.

  “Mave, the guys and I decided it wasn’t necessary. It’s a caster tradition that connects mates in a way we’re already connected. And don’t worry, we do plenty of bonding every day. Like sooooo much bonding,” I tease.

  She snorts and slaps my leg. “God, I’m so jealous,” she grumbles and stands up so she can pace and talk with her hands in a way that’s all Mave. “Okay fine, you guys are all in loooove and the ceremony is redundant, but you all deserve a moment to just celebrate. We deserve a moment to just celebrate,” she adds, circling a finger around her own head. “You’ve all been through so much; don’t you jus
t want to have a day to dance and laugh and enjoy what you all have together?” she asks me.

  I smile as I watch her move around the room, and throw my head back in defeat.

  “Okay fine,” I relent. “I’ll talk to the guys about it tonight. I can’t promise anything, but if it will get you and the sisters off my back about this ceremony, then I’ll try at least,” I tell her with a playful glare.

  The door opens, and in flit the sisters. Confusion streaks through me, and I look from them to Mave, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Mave claps excitedly, and her voice goes all high-pitched.

  “I was hoping you’d say that, Vin, because we already talked to your guys...welcome to your Bonding Ceremony!” she exclaims, and I look around the small empty cabin, even more confused.

  “Here?” I ask, perplexed.

  Mave rolls her eyes. “No, not here, silly. We’re just getting you ready here. The party has been set up just inside the trees.”

  “Wait,” I tell them, shooting out of my chair. “You planned a Bonding Ceremony, and you’re just going to spring it on me like that?” I ask, looking at Mave, Lila, Adelaide and Birdie in turn.

  “Pretty much,” Mave confirms, and I snort out an incredulous laugh.

  “Mave’s right, my love, you all deserve a day to just celebrate what you have,” Birdie tells me.

  “And the guys are all cool with this?” I ask.

  “They helped set everything up,” Adelaide reassures me.

  “So that’s what they’ve been up to,” I mumble, and the sisters giggle.

  I laugh and shake my head. “Fine. Fuck it, let’s do it,” I tell them with a shrug.

  Mave whoops and the sisters clap. Lila darts out of the cabin and comes back minutes later as Birdie and Adelaide are fussing over me in the chair. Mave already has a curling iron in my hair, and I’m still trying to figure out where it came from. Lila hangs a dress bag on the curtain rod above the front window, but Mave repositions my head to keep me from staring at it. The question of what’s in the bag is gnawing on me despite everyone’s efforts to chat and keep me distracted.