Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series)

by Belinda Boring

  “She’d turned in for the night and had barely drifted off to sleep when she was roughly dragged from her bed. Screaming for help, her attacker abruptly picked her up by the hair and threw her at the feet of a man she would only say was pure evil. No matter how many times Loren asked her for a description, Elizabeth would shake her head. The man had then bent over and said cruel, vicious things—comments about how she was nothing but vile vermin, and what a disgrace Loren was to his race living with such filth.

  “For over an hour, this man mocked and bullied, sometimes stopping so he could beat her. All the while he whispered what he would do to her. He claimed Loren needed to be sent a message—her tortured body sufficing. When he decided she’d been terrorized enough, he grabbed her face and kissed her brutally. The Fae manhandled her with such malice and loathing; Elizabeth wished he’d simply killed her. When he threw her to the ground, he spat to the side and sneered how much her taste disgusted him—that she wasn’t even worth raping. The last thing she remembered was receiving a kick to the head and the man laughing, declaring that should provide a loud enough message. With the little strength she had left, she crawled into the closet where Loren later found her.”

  My heart hurt for my poor mother. I recalled some of the memories I had of her—her smiles and gentle nature, and never would I have thought she’d been the victim of such violence. It made me sick. It made me want to hunt the monster down and destroy him. I couldn’t imagine how my father reacted.

  “Your father exploded into a fit of rage. The room was already small, but with his intense emotions spilling everywhere, it felt miniscule. It took your mother whispering his name for him to regain his control. He returned to the stoic Fae he always presented himself as, but I knew anger simmered below the surface of his perfect façade.”

  I was suddenly freezing. It took me a second to realize my hands were shaking and I couldn’t keep my phone still. Gripping it tightly, I attempted to speak but it was difficult to get the words out. “Did you say vermin?”

  “I know what you’re thinking, but it could honestly be any number of Fae. There are many who see us as inferior, and whoever attacked your mother felt the same way. I asked Loren who it was, but all he said was he’d take care of it—that he’d make sure the Fae paid for the injustice. Knowing there wasn’t anything I could do, I focused my attention back on your mother.

  “Dressing her in fresh clothing and feeding her a light broth, we waited for her to fall asleep so we could formulate a plan. One thing was blatantly obvious—there was no way Elizabeth would return through the portal into Faery.

  “We’d assumed she was asleep—her eyes were closed and she’d been quiet for some time. We began talking; going over different ideas to see what was the best solution. It was finally decided she’d live with me again and try to win back the Guardians trust. I knew with her back within the Order’s folds again, I could give her the necessary protection from the Fae who were now aware of her.

  “We were so caught up in our discussion; we didn’t realize your mother had been awake the entire time, listening while we debated. Loren was adamant if he left straight away, we could avoid a painful scene and he would come for her once the threat ended. Next thing we knew, the bedside lamp sailed over our heads, smashing into fragmented pieces, narrowly missing Loren by inches. We turned around, facing your mother and her startling look of fury.

  “She began railing at us, saying we were going behind her back. On and on she yelled, angry tears streaking down her cheeks as she repeatedly refused to be left behind as some weakling. She was a trained Guardian and could take protective measures now she knew she was in danger. No matter how hard we tried talking to her rationally—Elizabeth would have no part of it—defiantly declaring wherever Loren went, she would go. No one was going to stop her from being with him.

  “Eventually your mother had to stop, exhausting herself in her bitter tirade. Seizing his chance to speak, your father reminded her if she wasn’t going to consider her own safety, he demanded she think of their child’s. That instantly silenced her and although her fists remained clenched, she stilled. The room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop.”

  Holding my breath, awareness flared—the child they spoke about was me and even unborn, I’d affected the decisions of my parents.

  “Your safety and upbringing was what finally made your mother see reason. There was more than her life at stake, someone they both agreed took precedence to their love. Even though she later said parting broke her heart, they spent the rest of the night saying their goodbyes. Loren reassured her it wouldn’t be forever, and as soon as he was released from this assignment he would come for her—nothing would stop them from being together again. He promised he’d also be there for your birth—I think that gave your mother the strength to let him go. The first few weeks were the roughest, but she slowly realized it was for the best, turning her entire focus onto you.”

  “Did he come back?” My voice was soft and held a childlike quality I hadn’t used in a very long time. All the tender hopes I’d kept in my heart surfaced with the need to hear he cared enough to keep his promise.

  “He did, and the look of pride in his eyes when he held you for the first time was something I wish I could’ve captured. You were so tiny, so delicate and he spent hours gazing at you, memorizing every expression and movement you made. He would sit quietly, listening to your breath and whenever you cried, he was right there to comfort you. Your father loved you very much and it pained him deeply he couldn’t stay. It tore at my heart, witnessing his struggle, but he knew above all else, you had to be kept secret. He couldn’t risk bringing any unwanted attention to you.

  “Right before he left, we sat around the table discussing your future and what safeguards we needed to enforce so you had the greatest protection possible. Your mother assumed the Guardians would provide what you needed—your father and I knew that wouldn’t be an option. There could be no trace of your existence and there was too much risk that your presence would be eventually revealed within the Order.”

  It was hard to describe the emotions I was feeling. After all these years of wondering, I finally knew the truth—finally knew it wasn’t because he’d abandoned us or didn’t love me. His overwhelming desire for my safety kept him away and it meant a lot. Although I wished I’d been able to develop a relationship with him, I understood and it helped lighten the resentment I’d always felt growing up.

  ”The decision to take you as far away as possible was an easy one. They both agreed not to tell you about your Fae heritage or Guardian of the Grove legacy. By keeping me away from that world, they hoped I would lead a normal life—free from the constant fear that one day someone would appear and destroy everything.

  “Your mother was given whatever she needed to ensure our move to the US went as smoothly as possible. It was difficult to say goodbye, but your father promised he’d continue to provide for his small family and I would pass on messages. There would be no patrolling the portals or Guardian duties—the risk of being discovered by enemy Fae too much.”

  “Why didn’t he come for us? All this time and we’ve never heard anything?” I quickly looked back over the years, trying to find any indication of his presence. Slowly, I was able to see there had been times when my mother left me with babysitters, saying she had special plans. Mysterious packages arrived in the mail, but I hadn’t paid much attention to them. Seeing the pattern now, my heart ceased its frantic beating. He’d been there, even though it was from the shadows. “I remember things . . . he was there.” My relief was palpable. “But if you say he was involved in a dangerous assignment that increased the risk of hurting us, wouldn’t it be over already. It’s been what . . . twenty four years?”

  “A while ago he told me, the assignment had become more complicated. Through his investigation he’d uncovered something that would be catastrophic should it come to fruition. It left him with no other choice but to see it through. It’s hurt
him to miss so much of your life and he has a deep desire to have a stronger, more permanent connection with you.”

  “When was he here Grandma? Was it recently? Why didn’t he come see me then? To at least introduce himself.” My emotions were all over the place as intense disappointment replaced the excitement I’d felt knowing he’d cared.

  “He came shortly after your mother died—grief stricken. No matter what they’d done, how secretive they’d been, it hadn’t been enough. He made me renew my vow; adamant that now more than ever it was imperative to keep you safe and never tell you the truth. In light of what happened, I agreed without reservation. If it wasn’t for the fact it’s now more dangerous for you not to know, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  Her comment confused me. My mother had died a few years back while I was away at college and when my grandmother had called, she’d told me my beloved mother had passed away through the night. She’d told me she’d gone peacefully, and my mother’s final thoughts were about me and how proud she was.

  “I don’t understand what he thought he could have done. Despite how much I hate it, I’ve come to terms with it being something we couldn’t control or prevent.” I felt myself reaching through the phone for my grandmother, trying to find a way to understand.

  “He came, because he knew she was gone before I even had a chance to send him a discrete message. He came because he knew how she’d died. I didn’t tell you the whole truth back then . . . it wasn’t from natural causes.”

  “Then what was it from?” I asked, confused.

  “She died because they had finally found her and when she wouldn’t answer any of their questions, they killed her. I’m so sorry you had to hear it this way, but your mother was murdered.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  A blind rage ignited so fiercely, it stole my breath. All this time I’d thought my mother’s death was some sad and tragic twist of fate, only to find out it was a cruel act of manipulation. Suspicion warred, suggesting who was behind it—the use of certain words too specific for it to be a mere coincidence. But regardless of whether I was right, whoever was responsible for stealing my mother would pay dearly, the silent pledge settling firmly in my heart as the need for retribution stirred deep within.

  Corrupting Quinn was bad enough but the Fae had taken it one step further, making it irreversibly personal when they’d also taken my mother. I didn’t know how I was going to exact my revenge, but I couldn’t let them win—not now. Someone had to show them they couldn’t destroy lives without consequences.

  My grandmother’s voice broke through my dark thoughts. “Brianna, are you still there? You’ve gone quiet all of a sudden.” I could clearly hear the worry in her voice—knew she wanted to somehow make this easier. The severity of the situation demanded it, but it was too much, too soon, and way too fast.

  An incredible pressure started pushing down and threatened to swallow me whole. I had reached my limit—stepped clearly beyond the line. I couldn’t take any more revelations; the ability to think suddenly becoming impossible.

  “I have to go, Grandma, I can’t talk right now. I know I begged for answers and I’m glad you told me everything, but . . .” I grasped for words—any words to complete my sentence. “I just can’t . . . it’s too much.”

  “I’m so sorry, honey. I wish I were there to help you. I don’t like that you’re so far away.”

  “I know. I’ll call again later. Let me go talk to Noah and see what he says. It’s okay, I’ll get through this.”

  “Before you hang up, I need you to go home and retrieve something. I left a family heirloom in your closet . . . something that will help you resist the charm that’s affecting everyone. You can still be converted, but it takes longer because of your Fae blood. The sooner you wear it, the sooner you’ll be protected.”

  Suddenly my anger and outbursts of rage made sense. It also explained why one moment I was full of violence and calm the next.

  “Okay, I’ll make sure to take someone with me. Thanks, Grandma. I love you.” After exchanging goodbyes, I stared at my phone. My brain scrambled to assimilate everything I’d just learned.

  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have a day so unbelievably life-altering. I’d been dealt so many brutal blows that it had the potential to strip away my sanity. Denial beckoned, tempting me to slide under its influence where I could find some kind of peace and oblivion. Common sense dictated, however. It would do me no good to ignore the new reality my life was facing.

  The shocks kept coming as I checked the time and saw an hour had past. Those sixty minutes had changed the way I saw the world forever and everything held a sinister tone.

  It made the situation with Quinn even more heartbreaking and fragile because I couldn’t seem to find a way I could protect him. If I saved him, there was the risk of him being exposed because I knew my existence couldn’t be kept a secret forever—especially with the Fae here now. There was also a chance he wouldn’t want me because I wasn’t completely human. I just didn’t know.

  A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Liam had returned and a young woman stood with him. A tired expression shadowed her face and I wondered if that was how I appeared.

  “You ready? Noah’s meeting is almost over so you can talk with him soon.”

  The newcomer gave a quick glance in my direction and smiled.

  “Bri, this is Lacey. She’s also been helping on the streets searching for more people like us,” Liam introduced. I gave him a questioning look about the end of his comment and he quickly shook his head. “Wait until you talk to Noah. He’ll explain everything.”

  I walked over, extending my hand in greeting. Instead, she opened her arms and drew me in.

  “I thought you might need one,” she whispered before releasing me. I didn’t know whether it was simply the turmoil of the past hours, but her friendliness and support impressed me. I nodded as she stood to the side and gestured for Liam and me to lead the way.

  “Are you coming?” I asked.

  A tired grin spread across her face. “No. With the craziness outside, it’s important that I’m out there doing my part. No rest for the wicked and all that.” She squeezed my arm. “Good luck Bri, maybe we’ll get a chance to talk later.”

  “I’d like that,” I replied. Waving goodbye as she walked away, I turned to Liam. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  I followed him down the hallway of what looked like an abandoned office building. Some of the rooms opened up to the right and left, others were empty or made up as makeshift living areas.

  “We knew something was brewing so we had time to gather a few things before setting up a makeshift headquarters. With the city in chaos, he thought it might be better for us to have a central hub now that the Fae have taken over.” Liam’s voice floated over his shoulder as he led the way. “Noah’s up here at the end in what I like to call Rebel Central.” He chuckled and I had to admit it sounded funny.

  “Rebel Central? What are you . . . five?” I laughed and the sound felt foreign to my ears. It seemed like a lifetime since I had a reason to—everything becoming so life and death.

  “For your information, I’m six, and what’s wrong with the name? I think it’s fitting seeing we’re gathering to fight. Besides, the Justice League was already taken.” Liam stopped in front of a room and winked.

  Suddenly I felt nervous, my hands started sweating as my stomach dipped and churned. I had no idea what was on the other side of the door, but I hoped there’d be answers. Whoever this Noah was, I was positive he held them.

  Knocking on the wooden frame, a strong baritone voice called for us to enter. Nodding at Liam that I was ready, he turned the knob and pushed it opened. My heart skipped a beat as I dug deep for courage before following him in. I didn’t know what I was expecting, but what I found wasn’t it.

  I stepped into what must have been the former company’s boardroom judging from the large table gracing most of the space. Plast
ered on the walls were city maps and someone had taken a marker—crosses, circles and arrows drawn on them. They’d also divided them into sections, evidence they were keeping track of everything.

  Seated in one of the chairs sat a man who was in a heated discussion with two other men. From the words I could here, they were disagreeing on an order they’d been given. One look and a firm word from the man at the head was all it took before they nodded in agreement and made to leave. Surprise covered their faces when they saw me, almost like they recognized who I was. They turned back to the figure I assumed was Noah, who shook his head and they continued out, smiling as they passed by and offering a small greeting.

  “Bri, I’m glad to see you’re safe and in one piece. I’m Noah.” He stood up from his chair, a grin on his face as he strode toward me.

  I was confused again. I took a good look and although he seemed familiar, I couldn’t place where I’d seen him before. Something niggled inside me and the truth hit me hard.

  “You used to visit my house when I was younger. I remember coming into the kitchen one night and you were sitting there talking with my mother.” My voice caught and tears threatened.

  His voice was filled with compassion. “Yes. I used to come by and talk with her whenever I needed help with things. We had to be careful, but she was a great listener and always had a kind word for me. To this day, I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a sweeter heart. Well, other than your grandmother.”

  “You know her too?” I was floored. All this time there’d been a friend here in Penshurst and I hadn’t realized.