by Jones, AE
Sheila smiled as she pulled paper plates and napkins out of the bag. “No problem. I’ve been wanting to try this new restaurant, and you gave us an excuse.”
They loaded up their plates and sat at the small table, digging in immediately.
“This is amazing,” Maeve said. “So what did we miss before we got here?”
“What do you mean, miss?” Darcinda asked.
Maeve’s eyes widened. “Nothing.”
Darcinda turned to Alex. “I thought you came here for dinner and to save me from testosterone overload.”
“We did. But we also want to hear about what happened, so spill.”
“About what?” Did they know about her losing her powers? Devin had said they wouldn’t say anything, but did that extend to not telling their mates?
Alex huffed. “Don’t play dumb. Start from the beginning and tell us everything that happened.”
“Devin hasn’t filled you in on this?”
“I’ve only seen him for a few minutes, and he didn’t tell me jack.”
There was no fighting Alex. She was one determined female.
So Darcinda told them how they had found McHenry, badly injured, then moved on to the team trying to figure out what happened until they realized that the demon king was behind the attack.
“How is McHenry doing now?” Olivia asked.
“Physically he’s fine. But having the team there is stressing him out a bit. No, actually I’m the one who seems to stress him out.”
Alex frowned. “I don’t know why he gets so cranky when you’re around.”
Darcinda shrugged. “He doesn’t like faeries for some reason.”
“Maybe a faerie broke his heart,” Maeve said.
That would be an interesting twist.
“I’ll have to do some digging to see what I can find out,” Alex said.
“What’s the demon king like?” Sheila asked, thankfully changing the subject. Darcinda didn’t want to talk about McHenry, especially with Alex listening.
“There’s not much to tell. He strolled into McHenry’s courtyard emanating truly immense power. But he didn’t use it. He just disappeared.”
“Weird,” Olivia said.
“And then he showed up again. Why, when he could have escaped?” Alex asked.
“To get his daughter.”
Maeve’s eyes widened. “Where did he think they were going to go?”
Darcinda had been asking herself the same question. “I don’t know. But he’s the demon king, and I guess they can go anywhere.”
Alex bounced JT on her knee. “That’s what I don’t get. He is super powerful, right? He attacked McHenry, and then he came back two more times and didn’t do anything?”
Darcinda held her tongue. She wasn’t ready to tell them about losing her powers yet.
Olivia frowned. “You don’t normally see this. When someone is pushed into a corner, the violence escalates. In this instance he started off violent and then backed off.”
“Is that your professional psychiatric opinion?” Alex asked with a smile.
“Sorry, I can’t turn it off sometimes.”
“That’s what makes you a good doctor,” Sheila said.
“I don’t know about you, but I am so ready to bust into Olivia’s dessert,” Alex said.
A round of yeses answered, and Olivia brought the pastry box to the table.
After a few minutes of savoring their cinnamon-covered churros, they all sat back and sighed. JT yawned, making a small squeaking sound that got them laughing.
“I think that’s my cue to get this guy home to bed.”
Maeve spoke up. “You all head home. I’ll help Darcinda clean up.”
After some quick hugs, Olivia, Sheila, Alex, and JT left. Maeve helped Darcinda straighten everything in minutes.
“Thanks, Maeve. But you didn’t have to stay. There wasn’t much to do.”
“I wanted to help.” Maeve hesitated. “And I want to see if you’re okay.”
Darcinda’s heart rate sped up. “I’m fine.”
Maeve set the leftovers in the refrigerator and turned to face her. “You better than anyone know that my wolf is an empath. And she knows something is wrong.”
Darcinda chuckled. “Look at you, being all forceful.”
Maeve smiled. “You’re a great teacher. I’m here to listen, or help if I can.”
“I know you are.” Darcinda blew out a breath. “Okay. I didn’t tell the whole story earlier. When the demon king came back the second time, he put a binding spell on me.”
Maeve frowned, but didn’t seem surprised to hear it.
“Did Tim tell you?”
“I haven’t spoken to Tim today. But I can tell there’s something wrong with your energy. I just thought you were upset. The king can’t reverse the spell?”
“He says no. Tim spent some time with me, as did one of my healer friends, but neither one has figured out a way to reverse the spell. I’m sorry I didn’t talk about it earlier.”
Maeve shook her head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”
“Tim and the guys know, but they aren’t going to say anything. I can’t afford to let it get out.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say that it won’t go over well in the faerie nation if they hear I’m powerless.”
Maeve scowled. “Well, then screw them.”
Darcinda’s jaw dropped.
“You would think that supernaturals would be more understanding, but they’re a bunch of judgmental jerks.”
A giggle erupted from Darcinda. When was the last time she’d giggled?
Maeve gaped at her, which made Darcinda laugh harder.
“I really like this kick-ass version of you.”
Maeve smiled. “It’s been buried deep inside for a long time, but Tim and my brothers helped me bring it out. You helped too. Just remember that I’m here for you.”
Darcinda’s chest tightened. “Thanks, Maeve.”
“No problem. You know we all have your back, right?”
“I know. It’s a lot to take in right now. If I had told Alex, she probably would have stormed McHenry’s house and confronted the demon king herself.”
Maeve giggled now. “You’re right.”
“It’ll work out. The spell is temporary.” Was she saying this out loud to convince Maeve? Or herself?
Darcinda’s phone rang, and she cringed when she saw the name on the screen. Why was the faerie queen calling her? Had she somehow heard about the binding spell? And if so, how?
“Sorry, I have to get this.”
Maeve nodded.
“Hello, Belinda.”
“Darcinda. It’s been a long time.”
Not long enough. “Yes, it has. What can I do for you?”
“The Tribunal has summoned me to the Demon Burrow of all places. Apparently the demon king has screwed up royally.” She chuckled at her own terrible joke. “But then you’re already aware of that, aren’t you?”
Darcinda counted to five before answering her. “I was called in as a healer after the attack.”
“So I’ve been told. Are you still in the Burrow?”
“No.”
“I would like you to return there tomorrow. With the supernatural leaders convening in one place, it makes sense to have a skilled healer on hand.”
“And you chose me because…?”
A huff sounded through the phone. Apparently the queen still didn’t like to be questioned.
“Because you are one of our best healers,” she said, rather grudgingly based on the tone in her voice. “And because you may be called to testify as to the extent of the victim’s injuries.”
And there was the truth. The question was, should Darcinda tell her about the binding spell?
“I think—”
“Darcinda, do you honestly believe I’m giving you an option? I expect to see you tomorrow in the Burrow.”
Darcinda ground her teeth.
“And hopefully you
aren’t still dressing like a rebellious teenager. Remember you’re representing the faerie nation and dress like a grown-up tomorrow.”
Darcinda disconnected and dropped the phone back onto the table.
“Wow,” Maeve said. “Sorry, with my wolf hearing I couldn’t help but eavesdrop. Who was that?”
“The faerie queen.”
“What a…peach.”
Darcinda snorted. “You could say that.” And she wasn’t going to let it get to her. She was going to follow Maeve’s advice instead. “Do you have to run home right away, or are you up for a trip to the store?”
“I can go to the store. What do you need?”
“I’m thinking a new hair color is in order. Let’s see how the mood strikes us. Something a little wild and crazy.”
Maeve clapped her hands and rubbed them together. “Sounds like a plan.”
Darcinda grinned as they headed out the door. There was a reason she didn’t kowtow to what was expected of her. She became a healer because it was her calling, not because she followed some path that had been laid out for her.
And she wouldn’t backpedal now. If the faerie queen wanted her at the trial, she would be at the trial.
But she would be following her own rules.
Babies are magical.
Chapter 14
It was an invasion . There was no other word for it. Less than twenty-four hours since they’d locked up the demon king, and now this.
McHenry stood at his bedroom window overlooking the once-peaceful courtyard that was now teeming with people.
There couldn’t be this many leaders in the supernatural community. Apparently the supernatural leaders each had an entourage. Why, McHenry wasn’t certain, except for the obvious reason that nothing could ever be simple.
Standing in the middle of the pandemonium was Devin’s wife, Alex, talking to an older woman, who kept pointing around his courtyard. Alex nodded and took notes. She had wide straps over both her shoulders holding some sort of backpack on the front of her. When she turned to face him, he saw the backpack had arms and legs—or rather, a baby—tucked inside. Grinning from ear to ear, he took in the people, chortling with glee.
At least someone was having a good time.
That must be Alex and Devin’s baby. McHenry hadn’t seen Alex since before she gave birth. Why were they here?
He blew out a hard breath. He could either hide in the house or go outside and find out what was going on. As much as hiding tempted him, it was time to face the invaders.
He headed downstairs and flung open the door leading to his front porch. Noise assailed him. Voices talking louder and louder to be heard over each other. Fates give him strength.
Alex glanced over and waggled her fingers at him. She turned back to the woman and said something before handing the notes to her. Alex wound her way through the people and stepped up onto the porch.
“It’s good to see you, McHenry. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Aye.” He looked out onto the courtyard. “What is all this?”
She followed his gaze. “This is preparation for the supernatural leaders’ arrival. My grandmother has been charged with making sure all the moving parts work.”
“Movin’ parts? This is a trial, not a weddin’.”
Alex’s eyes danced at his outburst. “I would agree with you, but if this continues for days, we will need food and other amenities.”
Days? Damnation. “This can’t go on for days. I need my house back and these people gone,” he growled.
Instead of backing away from him, Alex patted his arm. Was no one intimidated by him anymore? First Darcinda and now Alex. At least the faerie wasn’t here to see all of this. It was a good thing he had sent her away. A very good thing.
“We’re arranging for meals, and also setting up some tents in the meadow for the trial. Everything can be torn down in a matter of hours.”
Her reassurances didn’t make him feel better.
A squeal erupted.
“Okay, young man, I hear you. McHenry, can you steady him while I take off the pack?”
McHenry held the squirming boy while she slipped off the straps. She then opened the carrier and pulled him out before setting the pack aside and propping the baby on her hip.
“McHenry, this is Joshua Thomas, but he goes by JT.”
“Hello, JT. I was with your mam when she found out about you for the first time.”
Alex face pinkened. “You and the whole team. They still pick on poor Devin for passing out when Darcinda told us I was pregnant.”
McHenry shrugged. “They’ll all act stupid enough once they become fathers. It’ll be one of the most important moments in their lives.” He cleared his throat. “Or so I’ve been told.”
Alex stared at him a little too closely. “You raised Andrew and Jamie. You know exactly what it means.”
A lump lodged in his throat and grew as the baby smiled up at him.
Someone called her name and she nodded. “That’s Grandmother. There’s a lot to do before the leaders get here. Can you hold him for a couple minutes?”
Before he could answer, Alex handed JT to him and walked away. McHenry held the baby out at arm’s length and gave him a once-over. No baby spit-up or suspicious smells. He pulled the tyke closer, and JT giggled.
“You’re a cute thing.”
JT grabbed two handfuls of his beard before giggling again.
McHenry should have known that innocent look was camouflage.
He secured the little devil to his chest with one hand before reaching with his other hand to pry the little pincers…ah, hands…out of his beard.
“Having some trouble?”
It couldn’t be…
He turned toward the voice. The faerie was back. She came up the steps and stood in front of him with a smirk. She was wearing green and blue striped pants along with a T-shirt that said I Heart Faeries . Today her hair was jet-black with red and purple highlights.
She held up her hand. “Before you start growling at me for being here, this wasn’t my choice. The faerie queen insisted I be available in case a healer is needed.”
“Are your powers back?” he asked.
She looked around as if to check if anyone was close by. “No. And I couldn’t tell her the truth.”
“Devin explained it to me. That’s shameful.”
“I agree, but now isn’t the time to stage a coup.”
JT pulled his beard even harder.
“Here, let me help.”
Instead of reaching for JT, she held out her hands. “Come here, you little troublemaker.”
JT loosened his grip and then patted McHenry’s cheeks before leaning toward Darcinda. She swooped him up and spun around, which had JT squealing in delight.
“You’re good with him.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You sound surprised.”
He wasn’t really. From what he’d seen so far, the faerie was good at everything. “I’m not.”
She turned toward the courtyard. “It looks a little chaotic right now.
“Yes. This is…”
“Ridiculous? Over-the-top?” she responded. “I would agree. Humans aren’t the only ones into pomp and circumstance.”
“This isn’t a celebration.”
“Correct. But it’s been years since the different supernatural leaders have all been together. Naturally there will be plenty of posturing and politics going on while they’re here.” She bounced JT. “Where’s Alex?”
“She went somewhere with her grandmother. Apparently they’re here to help organize this.”
“Supernatural cat herders.” She smiled and her eyes lit up. They were sea green and sparkling. He blinked. What was he thinking? They were not sparkling. And he was not someone who used words like sparkling .
“I want them gone.”
She waved her hand. “This is nothing. Let’s just call them the advance troops before the generals arrive.”
“Hells.”
“Ah-ah-ah. Little ears.”
He looked down at the smiling baby and the firebrand holding him.
Firebrand? Stop with the poetry, demon.
Hells.
McHenry glanced at JT, even though he hadn’t cursed out loud. It wasn’t like the baby could read his mind, right?
JT giggled.
“I think he likes you, McHenry.”
“Now you sound surprised.”
She chuckled. “I’m not. JT knows that underneath all that bluster is a softy.”
He frowned at her. She didn’t know what she was talking about. No one had ever called him a softy. Before he could respond, JT reached for him.
She chuckled again, low in her throat, and the sound reverberated in his chest as if he had laughed. He looked up at her and saw that smirk was back on her face.
“You were going to say something?”
He couldn’t stifle his own grin when he took JT from her. “I have nothin’ to say.”
It was only a couple moments before JT squirmed in his arms. McHenry followed his little gaze to see Devin coming toward them along with Charlie and Tim.
Devin jogged up the porch steps. “There’s my boy!”
“Bah, bah, bah!”
McHenry handed the baby to Devin, who held him up and blew on his belly. JT squealed. Devin pulled him to his chest. “It’s da-da, JT. We need to keep practicing so we can show your momma how smart you are.”
Devin patted his son on the back before turning to McHenry. “Sorry about the craziness. Lorinda and Alex will have everything set up in a couple of hours, and most of these people will be out of here.”
“Good.”
“Just in time for the leaders to show up,” Tim added.
Not good. “This is goin’ to turn into a circus, isn’t it?”
Charlie made a silly face at JT. “Yes. If you realize it now, it will help you resist putting your fist through a wall.”
“I won’t be makin’ any promises.”
“Don’t make me have to heal you again, demon,” Darcinda said.
Why wasn’t he surprised she had to add her two cents?
Damnation.
JT chortled again.
He excused himself and went back into the house slowly, even though he wanted to stomp or run or—something, anything. Maybe he shouldn’t have left his bedroom earlier.