His hand gently stroked my hair, the movement reassuring. All it did was remind me of Quinn and his fascination with it. I could picture him in my mind, twirling the strands around his fingers and I broke into deeper sobs. The pain felt endless.
Liam noticed my reaction and stopped, patting my back instead in a soft, spaced rhythm. His body rocked just a fraction, in time with his hand and I felt myself relaxing. After a few minutes, I stilled.
When my meltdown was almost over, he released me and with the pad of his thumbs, wiped away the last of my tears. The touch was gentle, caring, and I relished the contact. After all the violence I’d witnessed and experienced, it was nice knowing not everyone wanted to hurt me.
“Better?” Liam asked, searching to see if I had my emotions under control. “It looks like the shock is starting to wear off. We did our best when we brought you in, but you passed out before we could give you anything. Judging by your face, you’re feeling it now, aren’t you?”
He quickly stood and started for the door. “Let me go grab you something, and I’ll also bring the first aid kit. We took care of your big scrapes and bruises, but now that you’re awake, we can look at the smaller stuff.”
I went to nod again, but remembered just in time—my head was not appreciating any sudden movements. I stared at my hands, mesmerized as I turned them over and over. Dried blood flaked from my skin and I could see where someone had attempted to wipe it away. The stinging came from the small cuts on my fingers and some leading up my arm.
Memories flashed as I remembered fighting someone with a knife. The weapon had gleamed in the light of the alley. It all seemed so surreal now—both the violence and my reaction. If it wasn’t for the constant throbbing, it could have been a dream.
Taking in a deep, steadying breath, I slowly stood. Instantly my body crippled forward, complaining. I ignored it, rocking back and forth as I stretched some of my larger muscles. I moved my arms, testing their strength and took a step forward. I wobbled, pausing to regain my balance before I took a tentative stride. Everything worked and I released a relieved sigh.
There was a voice in my head encouraging me to crawl back into bed and recover, but I knew I didn’t have that kind of luxury. A different ache reminded me I had bigger things to deal with.
“Wow, you must be a fast healer. I thought you’d be bedridden for at least another day.” Liam’s voice startled me as he reentered the room, surprised to see me up and about.
“I don’t have time to. There are things I need to be doing. I can’t stay here forever.” I rested on the bed, relaxing slightly.
“You need to save Quinn,” Liam said casually as he sat and opened a bottle of ibuprofen, handing me some small capsules. “You mentioned his name a few times while you slept,” he added, watching me carefully as he began rummaging through the first aid kit. Finding what he was looking for, he gestured to the pills still in my hand and I picked up the glass of water again.
I swallowed them quickly and faced Liam, sticking my tongue out to show him I’d taken them. It was something I did with Quinn after years of belly aching about the grossness of taking medicine. He always needed a little proof I’d done what I was told. It hurt how everything reminded me of him—our little rituals haunting me.
Liam reached forward and washed my skin before dabbing at the cuts with a medicated cotton swab. I flinched a little at the bubbling sensation and pulled back. Holding firmly, he leaned forward and blew across my skin—instantly relieving the sting.
Noticing my shocked look, Liam smiled. “I heard it helps to blow on it and I didn’t think you’d appreciate me kissing it better.” There was a twinkle in his eye, showing me he was teasing me, and he resumed his task.
Finished with my right hand, he gestured for me to give him my left one. “So who is Quinn and why do you need to save him? He wasn’t one of the scum who did this to you, was he?” His grip on my hand tightened and I whimpered softly. “Sorry, treating women like that, it doesn’t sit well with me . . . gets me a little heated.” He blew on my skin again, and put the swab with the rest of the trash he was collecting.
“No, he wasn’t.” I didn’t add that he’d threatened me though. “He’s my boyfriend, and he’s not himself right now. I need to figure out how I can help him.” I didn’t know how much to tell Liam, but he solved that problem with his next comment.
“He converted, didn’t he? He turned and you didn’t.” I was amazed at how matter of fact his statement was.
“Yeah.” I let out a loud breath. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so scared. It was like he was possessed. One minute he was the man I love and next . . .” I couldn’t even finish my sentence.
“Look at me, Bri.” Liam used his finger to lift my chin. “However he was acting the last time you saw him, remember that’s not him. A man in love would never hurt his woman. He’d cherish her too much.”
“I can’t believe how quickly the change came over him. You know what’s happening out there, right?” I looked at him closely. “Of course you do, I remember you saying something about looking for people.”
“Yeah, I know what’s happening. There’s a group of us who’ve been searching the streets, looking for others who aren’t affected by the madness.” Liam started dabbing the peroxide on my cheek. “So, tell me something about Quinn. What kind of man is he?”
Liam must have sensed my turmoil as image after image churned over and over in my mind. Quinn, blue-eyed, with hatred and anger blazing—twisting my wrist and driving me to my knees. Quinn speaking to me, as though I was nothing. Quinn—my beloved Quinn—choking me.
“Come on. Focus on the positive.”
Shaking free of the memories, I closed my eyes and called on happier times. I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face. “He had a soft spot for animals. I used to call him the Pied Piper of the neighborhood because without fail, you’d always find a trail of critters following him. My neighbor owns this mean dog that would throw itself at the fence, trying to attack anyone who passed by. I’d even cross the street to avoid it. Not Quinn though. I almost died the day he stopped right in front of the beast and with no fear, reached out and ruffled its ear with affection. I waited for it to chomp his hand off, but the dog rolled onto his back and bared his stomach instead. Now every day for the last year, Quinn makes sure to go by and say hello.”
I heard the wistful tone in my voice and had to admit, Liam’s strategy to get me talking about Quinn was a good one. Already the darkness was receding and I started feeling hopeful again.
“The other week one of the loud mouths on the street thought he was tough. He marched up to the dog like he could tame him and bragged to anyone who’d listen that he was nothing special.” I snorted. “It took thirty two stitches to clean up his ravaged hand and arm. What an idiot.”
“Sounds like he’s a good guy.” Liam smiled as he finished treating my cuts. “That’s a great memory.”
I nodded in agreement, pleased the ibuprofen had begun working and the room had ceased spinning. Talking about Quinn had warmed me, but I also knew it was time for answers.
“So what’s happening, Liam? Out in the streets, I mean. Who are these people you say you’re with? What are your plans? Do you know how to reverse the conversion?” I fired question after question, knowing I should also share what I knew. I was anxious to see how he answered first though.
“A lot. Madness. People who know what’s happening. To fight. Not yet but we’re working on it.” He let out a throaty laugh when I looked at him first in confusion and then rolled my eyes in frustration. “Does that answer your questions?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to give him a snarky reply, but I laughed and the action felt good. It didn’t touch the heavy part inside me, but it took the edge off my worry. I appreciated his effort to cheer me, realizing in the brief time we’d been talking, I’d decided I kind of liked him. Liam had many opportunities to take advantage of me, especially when I was vulnerable. Inste
ad he showed he could be a great confidant and my heart felt lighter. I needed that.
“You know what I mean.”
“I do.” He smiled, standing. “Maybe now’s a good time to call your grandmother.”
“How do you . . . ?” I looked at him quizzically, not knowing how he knew her.
“You’ll get all your questions answered, Bri. I needed to make sure you were okay first before we start talking about everything and introduced you to everyone. I’ll also take you to Noah. I’ll just be outside so take your time. Holler when you’re finished.”
I was already reaching for my phone. Liam headed toward the door and paused before leaving.
“I hope you don’t mind but I had your phone recharged while you were sleeping. Your battery was practically dead.” He handed me the device and I smiled with gratitude.
“Thanks I appreciate it.”
“Everything will work out. You’ll see,” He added.
I nodded, wanting to believe.
I hope so.
Chapter Thirteen
My grandmother picked up after the third ring. “Brianna?” Even the sound of her worried voice made me relax.
“Yep, it’s me. I’m here at the address you gave me, and once I’m done talking with you, Liam’s taking me to see Noah.”
“Good, good. I can rest easier now knowing you’re with people I trust. They’ll be able to help you with everything I’m about to share.” I heard her heavy sigh over the phone line. “I wish there was a better way to do this . . . in person where I can comfort you properly because this will be a lot to digest.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, not liking how ominous everything sounded.
“Just remember I never wanted to keep this from you but I’d promised your parents I’d leave the discussion to them. They wanted to protect you from all this.”
“Promised what?” Then it hit me what she’d just said. “My mother and father?” I’d never met my father before; both my mother and grandmother were strangely tightlipped whenever I raised the subject. There were a few times my grandmother would look at her daughter with question—only to be answered with a quick head shake. They had kept secrets, and although it hurt, I loved them enough never to push too hard. It had always been a sore point in our relationship, and I realized early on they weren’t going to tell me anything. The idea I might finally know now was overwhelming—the family secret revealed.
“It’s unavoidable now, so hopefully your parents will forgive me,” she mumbled. “You need to hear me out. Even if you don’t believe what I’m saying, let me tell you everything before you jump in. Okay?”
“But I want to talk about my father first. Who was he?” Now she’d opened that can of worms I wasn’t going to ignore it—the time for evasiveness was over.
“We’ll get to him in a moment—he’s a part of the story. There’s so much I need to tell you and only a short amount of time. Just promise me you’ll keep an open mind.”
My curiosity was completely piqued now, and I settled back to listen. My questions were put on hold.
“I don’t know how else to start this so I’m just going to jump in.” She took another deep breath before she continued. “From almost the beginning of time, there has been an extremely delicate balance between this world and others . . . and great importance was placed on keeping them as separate as possible. Leaders from each of these realms were placed under strict oaths to stay within their own realms.”
My grandmother’s voice had taken on a storytelling cadence and it reminded me of all the nights she’d tucked me into bed and read from my favorite books. Not knowing where this was going, I closed my eyes and focused on the tale she was spinning.
“It swiftly became obvious, however, there were some who wouldn’t honor the vows they’d pledged and began making invasion preparations. Our world has always been seen as an easy target, and so an order of warriors were formed called the Guardians of the Grove. It was a sacred duty to protect the portals that granted access to our world and keep these invaders out. Over the centuries, this commission has been handed down from mother to daughter, father to son, to families in tune with the earth and the magic it holds.”
So enthralled by what I was hearing, I failed to notice my grandmother had paused and I scrambled to remember what she’d just said—something about magic.
“Magic? You mean like witches and warlocks, toads and cauldrons?” The idea seemed so farfetched I couldn’t believe she was referring to that.
“No. That’s Halloween nonsense. I’m talking about real power that comes from channeling elements found in nature. Now pay attention.” I heard the slight scold in her voice and I mumbled an apology.
“For the most part, Guardians have kept invaders from coming through the portals, but every now and then they’ve been surprised and had no other option but to fight the interlopers. After each battle, the safeguards were replaced with the hope if there should be a next time, we would have more warning. For the last few centuries those reinforcements have held. But recently, those among us have noticed signs of something stirring beyond the portals, and it’s worried us.”
I jolted back to reality when I realized my grandmother had started using different terms, making it a personal account by joining herself with the story. “We? What do you mean we? Grandma, you’re talking like you’re one of these . . . Guardian thingies.”
“Guardians of the Grove.” She interrupted my questioning long enough to correct me.
“Okay, Guardians of the Grove. How does this story have anything to do with what’s happening? Are you saying we’re being invaded?” I couldn’t help the disbelief that coated my words. I’d heard some pretty crazy things—I’d seen crazy things, but this was a lot to take on.
“Which question do you want me to answer first?”
“I don’t know. Take your pick. They both sound incredible.”
“Then yes.”
“Yes to which question?” I was quickly becoming confused and for once I wished someone would be straight with me. Her next words reminded me I needed to be careful what I wished for.
“Yes, I’m a Guardian of the Grove and yes, we’re being invaded.”
I began to stutter out an answer as I searched for words. “So if you’re a Guardian that means my mother was . . . and that I’m . . .” I was speechless.
“A Guardian of the Grove as well.” She finished my sentence.
“Grandma, I hear what you’re saying, but I’m having a difficult time wrapping my head around all of this.” My thoughts were jumbled as I tried to make sense. I’d seen so much in the past few hours, things that made this no stretch of the imagination. Something told me the two strange men I’d seen weren’t human—they were “alien-like” and definitely didn’t belong.
I was glad I was sitting down because what she said next floored me.
“Fae, Brianna, we’re being invaded by the Fae.” The simplicity with how she answered told me my grandmother believed wholeheartedly what she was saying and something inside confirmed it. “Remember those men you saw earlier this evening? Those were Fae men, and if what you heard was correct, we’re in a lot of trouble.”
I pictured the Fae males I loved reading about in my romance novels. Even though I was more partial to vampires and werewolves, there was something appealing about the ethereal creatures. It was strange to hear they were actually real.
“So what does this mean?” I asked, thinking strategy. Considering my grandmother had never lied to me before, I needed to accept she was telling the truth.
“It means the Guardians must gather and start planning how to stop the invasion. If the Fae get a tight hold on Earth, it would mean catastrophe.”
“So they really hate us?” I shivered as I remembered the cold look the General had—of the hatred burning in his eyes as he spoke about extermination. My stomach churned repeatedly as I tried to curb the panic that was rising. This was bad.
“Not all Fae hat
e us, but some are greedy for authority and filled with a need to dominate and control. They look on us as easy prey, and unfortunately they’re in powerful positions within their hierarchy. With that kind of authority, there’s no doubt they have a formidable army.”
“That scares me, Grandma. I can’t imagine adding an army to all the madness. With everyone attacking each other and not themselves, we’re sitting ducks.” It made sense—no more charm equaled goodbye evil Quinn. It meant no more violence for anyone and people could get their loved ones back.
“I know. There are things we can do and once you meet Noah, he’ll let you know how you can help.”
“I just want to understand right now. I’m so confused. I thought I was going out on a date with my boyfriend and now everything is in chaos. One minute he’s himself, the next he’s hurting me. One minute it’s a normal Friday night, and then the streets are unsafe because people are killing each other. This isn’t how it’s meant to be. Right now, I should be snuggling in Quinn’s arms . . . not hiding from him.”
The silence seemed endless until my grandmother finally spoke. “You might need to accept the fact you can’t save Quinn. From what you’re telling me, the charm is pretty strong and I’m not sure if there’s a way to break it.” I could hear how much it pained her to warn me.
“I refuse to believe there’s no hope. I will find a way, Grandma. I love him, and if that was me, he would move heaven and hell to save me. How can I not do the same?”
I was grateful when she responded. “Okay then, you do whatever your heart’s telling you. Explain the situation with Quinn.”
I laid out everything that had happened, sparing no detail. It sounded so grim as I repeated it—like a nightmare come to life. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d be having this conversation about Quinn—describing his threats and taunts. Once I was finished, we sat there surrounded by our private thoughts. It was my grandmother who commented first.
Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) Page 10