She spoke some words in her sweet musical language and then sighed a long, "Oooooohhhhhh".
"Is there anything wrong?" Her expression worried me.
She spoke with a clear formality. "Lady Jah-kee, I would ask Lady Philladre to translate, please."
Philladre appeared instantly, looking at Sinlae with fascination. "She says she has Seen and so must Speak and does not want to confuse you with her poor translation. I've called the others to witness, Sinlae." She looked again at me. "It is important that there are witnesses to this event, Jacqueline, as it is something that happens rarely. Try not to be afraid." She squeezed my hand.
I had no idea what she thought I might be afraid about until I saw the faces of the others. Aedus, Liam, Kellaine, Kaera, and Brina appeared behind Philladre, looking worried and solemn. Garrett came up behind me to snake his arms around my waist and pull me closer.
"What's going on?"
Liam explained. "She's clairvoyant and has Seen something of Charles' future."
"Oh." I clutched at Garrett's hand which was now resting over my belly; over our son. Now I was truly scared. The other fae made a circle around us.
Sinlae hovered before me and began to speak, her eyes still pulsing with a golden fire to the rhythm, I somehow sensed, of my tiny son's heart. When the demi-fey began to speak, Philladre translated smoothly, without expression or even much inflection in her voice, as if she were reading an unfamiliar text out loud for the first time. "I state now what I have Seen with nothing added or removed. By my life, my blood and my honor, I swear this before you all.
"There is a warrior leading an army: golden blonde hair, light violet eyes, dressed as in this shifter world. To his left stand many Cascade Fae: Lords Caelen, Liam and Aedus, Ladies Keara and Brina.
"His true father, Garrett Vampirelord, stands to his right. You advise him and plan..."
Philladre turned to Aedus and asked him something in Fae.
"Strategy." Aedus replied.
Philladre nodded, "...plan strategy. Although his fae and demon magic are strong, you remind him of his cheetahkin powers, which are different and yet vital to his survival. Lady Jacqueline has taught him to use his healing, and because of her he leads with compassion and not cruelty. Other beings stand to his right. Beings of enormous power who have chosen to follow rather than lead.
Sinlae shuddered in the air. Philladre reached out to hold her steady. The demi-fey continued. "His enemies are more numerous. Some are demons in warrior form, some are fae, seelie and unseelie. Some are practitioners of blood and dark magic."
Sinlae whispered her next words directly to me. Philladre continued to translate. "It is true that he will struggle with what he has inherited. The temptation to control is strong. If he follows his heart and his teachings he will not succumb."
She spoke louder. "He will learn a truth which may destroy him and many others with him. If he can accept this sharp blade, allow it to enter him and purge him, he will regain the purpose he believed lost."
"In three worlds he is in danger always, but because of his essential self, he will face his destiny surrounded by those who would die to protect him. Some will die and he will be gravely injured more than once, fighting many hard battles, but also finding great joy."
She turned to the other fae. "He will remain part of us still: Tuatha Dé Danann. He will bring Balance."
There were many seconds of complete silence, except for the sound of my quiet weeping against Garrett's chest. Sinlae was resting on Philladre's shoulder, the Seeing having drained her, but after a few moments, she flew once more into the air and hovered a foot away from my tear-streaked face. Philladre and Aedus, Liam and Kellaine and the sisters stood around us in a tighter circle, their eyes spinning with gold, drawn to this tiny seelie as witnesses to her Prophecy and now her Pledge.
She spoke for herself once more. "Lady Jah-Kee, do not weep. Your son will be a male who many respect and love. His life will have difficult moments, great anguish but also great joys. Will you look at tiny Sinlae, please?" I wiped my eyes and twisted my body, Garrett's strong arms supporting me as he always did.
"Jah-kay-lyn Crah-ford Coo-vee-aa, Cheetahkin Healer and Demonspawn, I pledge myself as guardian to your son, Char-ulz Coo-vee-aa, Seelie Fae warrior of Cascade, Cheetahkin Healer and Demonspawn." She lifted her chin even higher. "Perhaps you hear my words and look at me and laugh inside because I am so small. But I am a strong warrior, a creature not meant to tend gardens, although it is my race's predetermined lot. I have today chosen another path. By my demi-fey blood, I swear to protect your precious son with my skills, my magic, my blood, my honor and my life. Please honor me by accepting my Pledge."
Philladre spoke to me mentally, her expression full of awe, "You must accept her pledge, or else she is shamed and will waste away. It is unheard of for a demi-fey to behave so courageously."
"How? What do I say?"
"Speak from your heart the way she has."
"Garrett?" I needed to know that he was okay with this. He kissed my hair and nodded against me.
I took in a breath to steady my nerves. "Sinlae Seelie Fae Pixiekin. I gratefully accept your pledge of service to my son, Charles Liam Cuvier. He will be a most fortunate young male to have one such as you in his life. You are small only in size, because your spirit and your courage are greater than most, much larger creatures." She beamed at me and I suddenly felt completely at ease.
Her life magic was so strong, I felt compelled to say, "When he's born, you may come and live with us if you choose."
"She'll need a mate." Liam sent.
"You may bring a male with you."
"One?" She looked affronted.
I laughed. "Well, how many do you need?"
Philladre interjected. "Think carefully about who would actually agree to come, Sinlae. Life here is very different. The climate is colder and there are many dangers not found in Faerie: Violent weather and creatures that would eat a demi-fey and worse."
She pouted her lips and blew out an exasperated sigh. "Three. Three males will come with me, although it will be a great sacrifice. They will also pledge to guard you and your son, Lady Jah-kee. I will see that it is so."
"Perhaps you could live in the garden? We can find you an appropriate spot." I already had too many people in my house.
"Of course. Pixiekin do not live inside dead wooden boxes." She frowned and indicated Liam's house. "We will arrive two days before the birth, if that is acceptable, Lady." I nodded, wondering how she'd know that I was about to give birth if she was in Faerie.
Liam added, looking extremely amused, "You'll have to seal the pledge with blood, Jacqueline." I remembered how viciously she'd bitten into Liam's finger, but a deal's a deal. I sighed and extended my hand palm-up. "Will you honor me by sharing blood and sealing the pledge?"
Her eyes darkened as she smiled and landed on my hand, then brushed off her lovely gown and ran her fingers through her bright red hair. She nodded to each of our circle in turn. "I thank you for witnessing my Speaking and my Pledge this day." She knelt on my palm and quickly bit into a vein at my wrist, her tiny razor-sharp teeth making me gasp as she swallowed five or six times. She pulled away and cut open her own palm with her tiny dagger, placing her bleeding wound over mine, blending our blood and officially sealing the agreement.
Potent fae magic coursed through my body as Charlie started to Irish step dance again, and I wondered just how wise this move had been. I sighed and leaned against Garrett. I couldn't have let her fade away, could I? Brina and Kaera were smiling at me and shaking their heads, while Philladre chatted away excitedly to Aedus in Fae.
Meanwhile Sinlae was laying spread-eagled on my hand, giggling. "Your blood is honey wine, Lady Jah-Kee. Rich and sparkling, with blending swirls of power. The mix joins together in a perfect balance." She said something in Fae which made them all laugh, then she wished us well and flew off to find Bridgett, who was due to head back.
Garrett whispered
, "I believe that was the demi-fey version of 'what the fuck'. I think that describes your blood pretty well, actually." I jabbed him with my elbow half-heartedly as he pulled me closer, nuzzling my neck. "It's quite unique, especially when you've acquired a touch of fae blood."
"We can share later."
"I can't. I promised," he said, sighing dejectedly.
"I think I can convince you, Monsieur Cuvier."
"Perhaps a tiny drop..."
Liam walked over, still smiling. "I'll help you find a place for them in your garden. She'll need a smaller tree with a hollowed out section. We'll place protective wards around it and then add a heat and a light source. They don't do well in the colder temperatures, and the lack of sunshine will bother her. Also she'll need to eat often, especially if she bears young, so I'll plant a vegetable garden and they can tend it. We'll use a greenhouse in the colder months. They can drink the nectar from the flowers, too, and there are plenty of insects, small birds and rodents for protein. She has her own strong magic and since the lines are powerful here, they should be fine."
"Do you think I was foolish?"
"No. I think she manipulated you and you were left with no choice. But her pledge is genuine, as is her prophesy. You must understand that it is contingent on certain events transpiring in a particular sequence, which we cannot know. Changes in the universal order do occur. This prophesy is not set in stone."
He must have seen my worried expression because he smiled reassuringly. " It won't hurt to have more magical protection for Charlie. She's quite extraordinary and perfectly capable of putting out an eye or an eardrum with her fae blade. I've actually seen her practicing with it and she is skilled. Sinlae should fit into your collection perfectly. I'll make sure the males she brings will also."
"I don't have a collection, just a large number of friends and coworkers. Do you think the three worlds she mentioned included the demon realm?"
"I do. And Faerie of course. Charles is most vulnerable as a child, and so will need a fae guard at his side always. I know that you have your nest and your team, but he needs his own private bodyguards. The Elders have given me the honor of choosing them. Will that be acceptable to you?"
"Of course. The sisters told me to expect this. As long as the fae you choose aren't the stick-up-your-butt kind." We both laughed, remembering Bridgett's view of his people.
"And they're not spying for the court." Garrett said with a serious look on his face.
"Do you think I would allow that?" Liam was annoyed.
"No, but some of your people can still be..."
"What?" Liam was getting angrier.
"Influenced. Your queen has been known to...." Garrett's eyes flashed with silver as Liam interrupted.
"I can see through any ruse."
I tugged on Garrett's arm, dragging him toward the kitchen. "Come on, guys, let's enjoy this cool party. The host must be around somewhere and I could use a coke. Maybe I'll splurge and have one with caffeine." Both men gave me a look. "Or maybe not."
The rest of the night progressed peacefully enough. There was the consumption of delicious food, (the steaks were a tiny bit too spicy, but Kellaine was able to magically tone them down when Kyle wasn't looking), good-sportsmanship, (Aaron threw Heinrich in the pool because he said he was cheating, but Rick got back at him by calling Catherine and convincing her to call Aaron to say that little Sammy had barfed all over his IPad. The expression on his face was priceless.), and the usual stirring debates, (Kyle and Sinc were arguing rather heatedly with the Fae sisters all night over the benefits, or lack thereof, of modern weapons. At least Sinc and Kyle were on the same side this time.)
I'd snuggled next to Garrett on the couch and was annoyed when he got up to make room for Kellaine and Philladre who sat on either side of me. They had an evil glint in their eye and so I suspected the worst.
"Kellaine has a question, Jacqueline."
"Oh?"
"Yes, I do. Could you tell me exactly what you did to cause Aedus' fertility to kick in, because I would really like you to try the same method with Liam."
"I've told them that I didn't do anything at all. I was concentrating on his mind."
"Perhaps you touched him in some way, and you do not remember. I have read about the laying on of hands..."
I felt my face flame with heat. "I touched his forehead. You were there, Philladre. You saw."
"I thought that I remembered your hand going under the blanket." They both started to giggle and I glowered at them.
"You fae girls are all floozies."
"And you shifter girls are prudes." Philladre winked at me and smiled, then looked at Garrett, who was standing by the door laughing with Liam and Aedus. "Is she a prude, Garrett?"
"Not at all. Her demon comes out when we're alone." My face heated up even more. He was no help at all.
"And on other inopportune occasions." Liam was referring to the incident with Gabe.
"I'm a floozy only with my mate, Ladies, and you should take that under advisement." They giggled again and I could smell wine on their breath. "Philladre, have you been drinking?"
"Please call me Phillie when I'm here. Yes, honey wine is healthy for little Jacqueline. Liam, get her a glass, please. Charlie is fae and needs his nourishment. Especially now that we know a little about what lies in store for him."
Liam handed me a glass of amber liquid, which I sniffed suspiciously. When I looked at him he nodded, so I took a sip of the most heavenly beverage in three worlds. Kellaine laughed. "Look at her face."
"Liam, why didn't you give this to me sooner? You're a horrible friend."
Garrett gave me his 'take it easy' look. "One glass. You're not used to it."
"How many did you have Phillie?"
"Three, but he's right, you aren't used to it, so one glass is more than enough. When we visit you, I'll bring a bottle of the best vintage. The demi-fey make it, you know. Sinlae can start her own little factory."
That made me think of Sinlae and her prophesy. "Do you believe her?"
"We do. It is his fate to lead armies into battle, a glorious honor for a member of our race. There will be war soon. Her prophesy was a gift to us all because now we can prepare." She noticed my worried expression. "There can be unexpected twists that she could not have seen. Try not to obsess about what she spoke of. Mother him as you would have before you heard the prophesy. It is obvious that your love and Garrett's leads him to this greatness."
When Philladre got up a few minutes later, Garrett sat down beside me so I could rest my head on his shoulder. He knew without asking that I needed the comfort of his closeness and his scent as I thought about all that had happened.
My son would lead armies, putting himself in constant danger, but he'd have family and strong allies who would stand beside him. Life was good if you had loyal friends and a loving family, and Charlie would have both.
Before we left that night, my mate and I stood once more on the cliff overlooking the constantly restless waves. The full moon shone in streaks across the water and the stars winked mysteriously within their backdrop of a velvet sky.
I took my lover's hand and placed it on my belly. "Charlie's real to me now. It took me awhile, but I know him. If he was born tomorrow and taken away from me, I would recognize him in a crowd. I can smell his scent." I took a moment to think about what it was. "Cheetah of course and Jeffery pine. It's kind of like vanilla. We have some in the woods behind the house."
"I know the scent. They grow in the Northwest. So you're certain—he's cheetah like us?"
"He's definitely shifter, and since my background is all cheetah, I'd have to say yes. And according to Sinlae, he's a healer too." I squeezed closer. "But I'm scared for him. My grandmother is a danger to him and—and also the Faerie Queen."
"He's safe, my love. I'm here always to protect you both, as your strength protects and empowers me and now Charlie."
I nodded and turned my body toward his. "Yes, you're right. Everythin
g is exactly as it should be." I filled my heart and my smile with love for Garrett and Charlie and sent it out to them both in a wash of my magic. Garrett smiled sweetly as I spoke, "We'll protect each other from whatever comes, and when Charlie's a man, he'll keep us safe, too. Let's go home. Samson's hungry and so's our baby."
After one last glance at the moon, I took Garrett's hand and we disappeared into the lines, leaving behind the scent of wildflowers, dark chocolate and Jeffery pine.
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OTHER BOOKS BY GAYLE PARNESS:
Blown Away is book #4 in the Rogues Shifter Series. I do recommend that you read the books in order, although they can stand on their own. If you haven't read the rest of the series, then here's the reading order.
Rebirth: Book #1 - Sixteen year old Jackie discovers that she's not human, but instead part of a large supernatural community. She trains with a group of young shapeshifters who become her close friends, and also meets Garrett, the magically powerful vampire who teaches her to use her unique powers and then manages to steal her heart. Together they face off against his destructive maker, the 500 year old vampire, Eleanor Howard.
Stalked: Book #2 - Jackie and Garrett travel to Faerie to celebrate the Midsummer Solstice Ceremony with their new fae allies, only to become the hunted enemies of a powerful fae lord who wants to claim Jackie as his own. At the same time, Garrett's team of rogues go undercover to find a female fae warrior who's disappeared without a trace. What and who they find instead, turns everyone's life upside down, forcing Jackie to have to choose between family and friendship.
Twisted: Book #3 - Now a prisoner of a fae Lord, Jackie is faced with the impossible task of planning her escape, only to find help from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, Garrett is devastated by her kidnapping, but must force himself to keep his head clear and organize the search in the field and at home. He's joined by his fae allies who prove themselves to be more than just magical warriors. Jackie's sister, Bridgett, is trying her best to fit in back at the house, but she feels tremendous guilt over Jackie's kidnapping. She's surprised by her growing attraction to William, a young vampire in Garrett's nest who also seems smitten by the same arrow. All three stories merge as Bridgett's connection to her twin sister strengthens and the aftermath of the kidnapping takes on a life of its own.
Blown Away (Rogues Shifter Series Book 4) Page 26