Christian ducked his head, worry replacing embarrassment. “I didn’t expect this conversation to happen for quite some time.”
“Wishful thinking,” Liz offered half-heartedly. “Let’s close the shop. Delilah, you can stay. I’ll save you both the heartache and make sure you both hear what we have to say. No one else can decide what’s safe for you but you.”
Delilah frowned but moved to the doors. She flipped the sign and the locks before asking. “What is going on?”
Tremaine walked to the counter. “I have a question for you, Christian. It’s important you answer truthfully. We need to know if you ever told anyone about being a mystic. If so, who?”
Christian frowned and shook his head. “Other than Delilah, Slater and you guys, no one. I thought about calling Old Lady Murdock, but something stopped me from doing it.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Had a feeling calling her was a bad idea. I don’t know but something seemed wrong about discussing it over the phone.”
“Smart boy. We recently learned HARP is actively looking for mystics. Please, keep your eyes peeled. If you see anyone suspicious or following you, call Robert immediately. Especially if you get the feeling something’s wrong. And if anyone asks about mystics, play dumb.”
“No problem,” Christian answered without hesitation.
Delilah looked from Christian and then to Tremaine. “What gives here?”
Liz took over. “HARP. For now, that’s all we can really say. As far as we know, no one knows what you are, so you may very well be safe. However, you work here, and we know they are looking into either me or Tremaine, more likely both of us, for being hybrids. We want the bases covered.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to say a word.”
Liz chewed her lip, then sighed. “Are you interested in having Old Lady Murdock train you? She is one of the oldest mystics, and we know she’d offer.”
Tremaine’s brow arched. He couldn’t figure if Liz was letting go of the anger or simply being practical. “She would be the best person to train you.”
“They came for you, didn’t they, Liz?” Christian asked.
She laughed, lifting a single shoulder in a shrug. “Yeah, when we were back in South Carolina, in the middle of the forest. Not at all sure how HARP found us, but it doesn’t matter because they didn’t get me or anyone else. Promise me you’ll not say a word about what you are to anyone besides Delilah or us, for the moment.”
“I won’t.” Christian took her hands and looked into her eyes. “You need to be strong, Liz. Things may look bleak for a bit, but I know what’s coming, and I can’t wait to meet my cousin.”
Delilah’s frown was washed out by a grin. “You’re having a baby?”
“Shh, keep that quiet for now.” Liz touched her stomach with a smile. “We just found out, and the shit is about to hit the fan. Don’t want anyone to use that against any of us.”
Tremaine wished like hell he didn’t expect the same. Especially when Christian confirmed what he already knew.
Pushing his fingers through his hair, he winked at Christian. “We’re talking to her tomorrow. If you’d like to come with us, we can close the shop.”
“I could keep it open if you’d like,” Delilah offered.
“That would be less suspicious,” Tremaine replied. “They either know who Liz is, or they know about me. Maybe both.”
Excitement brightened his features. “Tomorrow, let me know when, I’ll be ready.”
“Maybe my cabin would be best. Robert can bring you and Preston. Then he can transport Old Lady Murdock and Draecyn to us.”
“Draecyn?” Christian asked. “I thought he was dead.”
“Apparently not. Though we haven’t really gotten the whole story yet. I suppose we’ll have those answers soon too.”
“Go, and stop worrying. I’ll keep my mouth shut, and promise to call if anything weird happens.”
* * * *
Anthony stalked through the room. The hunters had come back empty-handed. However, they’d seen Elizandra Delacroix before she was pulled back through the rift. Generally, only the person who created a rift could travel in and out without help.
Questions circled his head. He came to a stop in front of Theo. His sister had been more useful. Too bad she’d been too busy trying Tremaine on for size to pay attention to the fact the Rift Bender was more powerful than anyone she’d ever encountered.
Theo was only good for tracking, and he had successfully tracked Tremaine and his lovers from his family’s home, to what Anthony suspected was Tremaine’s first permanent dimensional rift.
Anthony stared Theo down. “You say she appeared only to be pulled back through the rift?”
“Yes, sir. I apologize, but she was only there for a few seconds before disappearing. Apparently, some sort of argument caused her to move. I couldn’t make sense of what I saw, but no one was happy with whatever they discussed.”
“And you couldn’t hear? Only see?” The pockets usually took you to a whole other realm, not halfway between. Certain portals could be seen through, but as far as he knew, not actual rifts.
“What did you see?”
“I can’t be sure, but it looked like Ceridwen Murdock, Draecyn Montgomery, Tremaine Gallagher, and Robert McCallister. Of course, Elizandra Delacroix was there.”
“Outside of Tremaine’s old home? It’s a safe bet that was Tremaine’s rift. How the hell did she step outside of it?”
“The man had been there before they stepped through. The woman I believe to be Ceridwen, appeared out of thin air.”
“Interesting,” Anthony muttered, unimpressed. He knew exactly who Ceridwen Murdock truly was. One of the divines who wanted no part of being a god. Her own brother expected the recognition, but she thwarted him every chance she got. Now, he wanted her dead.
Anthony wasn’t sure he could kill a divine, no matter whose side they were on. Jules would argue it had to be done, but Anthony worried he would tip the balance by murdering someone he still had faith in.
“Keep an eye on Elizandra’s bookstore. Don’t go in. I’ve seen what happens when the wrong people enter. It’s not pretty.” And he was certain Tremaine had warded against anyone in HARP. Though he had to wonder if they would hold up mingled with Elizandra’s wards. Reports seemed to confirm hers were more powerful. Anthony had been close enough to sense Tremaine’s own wards and knew them to be anything but weak.
“I have to assume they are all on high alert now. If Robert McCallister can translocate them back and forth, I don’t imagine we’ll see them again, except behind wards. Should we follow whoever comes and goes from the shop? See if we can find a connection?”
“Send one to follow. Watch from a distance and note if they go anywhere interesting. Don’t approach, and don’t talk to them. Stay hidden, if at all possible.”
“Will do. I’ll take the lead.” He dipped his head and stepped back in line.
“Good luck.” Anthony couldn’t imagine they would find anything worthwhile.
Chapter 21
After dinner, Liz curled up by the window, watching the storm roll in. She leaned her head against the glass, thought about everything swirling in her head.
Robert, Tremaine, and Liz all needed more facts. Robert and Christian needed training. The only way to get it was to suck it up and be cordial to her father.
Part of her understood why he believed she was safer away from him, but she couldn’t imagine making his choices, not even to protect her own child. Somehow, another solution was always possible.
When she looked at the bigger picture, she didn’t blame him, or Ms. Murdock. They weren’t in control of the situation that landed her in Sinclair’s hands. And to be honest, as much as Old Lady Murdock’s choice sucked, she couldn’t fault the logic.
Save close to a hundred people, or prevent the loss of Elizandra’s innocence?
Liz would have chosen the same. The woman had helped so many people with her c
hoices. She wasn’t omnipotent, couldn’t save everyone.
“Why are you hiding away?” Robert asked in a soft voice.
She looked up at him with a sad smile. “Thinking. I mean, if I were in Old Lady Murdock’s shoes, I would probably have walked the same path. She saved so many people knowing I would survive and come out stronger. And Draecyn, he did what he thought was best for everyone. I couldn’t walk away from my child, regardless of the circumstances, but he did make sure I was cared for once he learned where I was. And if he hadn’t let Tremaine take me to your father, then I may never have learned to trust you.”
Robert sat down beside her. “Yeah. Same with my father. He had his reasons. I may never understand them, but he did the best he could for us. You too, Liz. At least, your father is still around to ask why. Even if you can never understand his reasoning, you can, at least, talk to him.”
“I’m sorry you can’t. You have me, though. Tremaine too. We can hold each other up through this ordeal.”
Tremaine came to lean against the wall beside the bench, behind Liz. He smiled. “She’s right. And Preston is on his way.”
“Yeah, we best get this out of the way. I just wonder if Priscilla knows. I mean, the group is based on their last name.”
“Think bringing Preston is wise?” Tremaine asked.
“Don’t really care. I’d rather have him with us. He’s just as involved as us. One of his relatives is entangled in this group. Maybe more.”
“You okay with Draecyn after all of this?” Tremaine asked Robert.
He nodded. “At least on the keeping secrets from me part. I’m not sure how I feel about his choices where Liz is concerned.”
“That I get. He blames himself for her being taken in the first place. I read some of the book. Amalie isn’t part of the Branches of Emrys. He had to keep so many secrets from her, including what HARP would want with Liz.” Tremaine took her hand. “He fell apart when he realized exactly why they came for you. It was partly being a Rift Bender, and the rest in retaliation for Branches of Emrys.”
“Guilt is a damned bitch,” Liz muttered. “Kept me from being whole for too damned long.”
“Yeah, but now you’re more than whole.” Robert smiled up at Tremaine as he sat across from Liz on the window bench. “Come here, Liz.”
She leaned forward and crawled near him, wearing a sensual smile.
“Damn Preston for being on his way.” Robert plowed fingers into her hair and pulled her closer, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. He shifted onto his knees, sealing his body against hers.
The knock on the door made him sit back.
Tremaine snorted. “I’ll let party crasher in.”
Liz nipped Robert’s bottom lip. “Sorry I got quiet. I needed to process.”
“We all do.” He delved back in.
She pressed tighter, needing to feel his heartbeat against hers. The only thing she missed was the feel of Tremaine behind her, or at least with them. Didn’t matter how they wound up, as long as she had both loves of her life involved.
Preston cleared his throat. “Did you have to invite me to the love den?” he teased.
Rolling her eyes, Liz sat back. “We have some information that may change a lot of things for all of us.” She included Preston in the sweeping gesture around the room. “I’m not sure how any of us want to take it, but we can’t exactly ignore any of this… as tempting as that may be.”
“Okay, you have my undivided attention. What the hell is going on?”
“Ever hear of something called Branches of Emrys?” Robert asked.
Preston frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “On some of my grandfather’s journals. They were magically sealed, and the only time I attempted to get into them I found out real fast that was a bad idea. I haven’t messed with them since.”
“What happened?” Robert asked with a frown.
“The jolt of electricity knocked me clear across the room, gave me a concussion.” Preston snorted. “Apparently, he didn’t want anyone messing with it. I suppose I could call Mom, see if she knows.”
“Think she’ll answer?”
He shrugged. “Who knows. But wait, how do you know about it?”
Robert took a deep breath and gave Preston the rundown.
“So Draecyn isn’t dead. What the hell does that mean for you and the Magister position?”
Robert shrugged. “Not a clue. Not sure I care. I’m more concerned with HARP targeting Liz and Tremaine, not to mention our baby.”
Preston grinned. “I’m trying to imagine what your kid is going to be like. Between the three of you, all I know is he’ll be determined and loyal.”
Tremaine shook his head. “So, your grandfather had journals with the seal. Did you ever ask your mother about the books?”
“Once, but she shut me down. She only did that on one other thing, and she may have been right to keep my father a secret. I figured she had her reasons.”
“Call her,” Robert said. “Please.”
Headed to another room, Preston pulled his phone out.
“How many mages do you think are involved? How many do you think are hybrids or mystics or whatever?”
“Suppose we’ll find out tomorrow when we go talk to them.” Tremaine nudged his shoulder. “I have a feeling Draecyn will stay behind the scenes now. I know he was nearly burnt out on leading the enforcers and the secrets he had to keep.”
“Like the number of hybrids who are currently enforcers?” Robert asked.
Tremaine shook his head. “I couldn’t confirm Preston was. I only suspected. And Liz, shit, I’m a fool for not catching what you were.”
“No, you weren’t. I don’t cast like you.” She took Trem’s hand. “Think about this for a minute. Had you learned what I was earlier, and started training me, chances are I would have been in a lot more danger.”
One corner of his mouth tipped up. “You don’t have to stay so positive.”
“It’s the truth. So stop.” She leaned against Tremaine, wishing she could take away the pain.
Preston came back in the room shaking his head. “She’s not answering.”
“All right,” Robert answered. “Do you want to come with us when we go to talk to Draecyn and Old Lady Murdock?”
“Hey, I’m with you all the way. I always knew Ms. Murdock was something extraordinary, but now I wonder how benign she really was.”
“All we can do is talk to them, see what they say, then draw our own conclusions.”
“Call when you’re ready to go.”
“I’ll pick you up,” Robert told him. “In fact, after this afternoon, I should have thought about the very real possibility that you coming to us might put unwanted attention on you.”
Tremaine shook his head. “They don’t know where we are yet. We haven’t driven to this cabin in some time. So they probably don’t know to look for us here.”
Liz sat forward. “Maybe. I hope you’re right because both Victoria and Lincoln were here a few weeks ago. Think they’re still looking into either of them?”
Robert shrugged. “We’ve seen no activity for weeks. Other than you noticing someone following you the other day.”
Preston pinched the bridge of his nose. “Maybe no one had seen them yet, but I haven’t noticed any strange essences around.”
Tremaine shook his head. “Most of their trackers are going to be some form of shifter, usually wereanimal. They may have something mixed in, but they aren’t usually picky if they get results.”
“I can check down by the shop, see if I can sense anything abnormal out there. You never know. Maybe I’ll get lucky.” Preston turned to catch Liz’s reaction. “In case they’re watching, I won’t go in. There are plenty of other shops to visit and be close enough to sense an unusual presence.
Tremaine spoke up, “And it might be worth looking into a tattoo that will hide our specific magic from HARP.”
“You have one?” Liz asked.
He nodded. “G
abriel Sharpclaw did it long ago. Means Fallon could likely do something similar, probably better.”
Preston grinned. “I do need a new tattoo, one for Dacia.”
Liz nodded. “She showed me the rose and told me the thought behind it. It’s beautiful.”
“It is. I should get back to her. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. If I see anything, I’ll let you know.”
* * * *
Wanting to shut off his brain, he worked with speed and efficiency cleaning the kitchen. Tremaine’s thoughts continued to spin out of control. He glanced over his shoulder to find Robert in the living room, staring at the book he’d brought back from Draecyn’s.
“Why aren’t you opening it?” he asked.
Robert shrugged. “I’m too busy trying to figure out how he could choose to stay away from his daughter once he found her.”
“I plan to ask him tomorrow. It’s better than trying to guess.”
“You’re right about that.” Robert scanned the room. “Is Liz in the shower?”
“Yeah. Figure we could join her, then maybe all of us can lose ourselves in each other for a while.” Robert shrugged, a smirk on his lips.
“You still want to top me?” Tremaine asked.
He nodded. “I do. But not if that’s a problem.”
“I let Liz take control. Why wouldn’t I let you?” Tremaine stood his ground, waiting to see what he’d do.
Robert moved to him, his mouth cocked in a grin. “If you need me to stop, you only have to say the word.”
“No stopping.”
He grabbed the back of Tremaine’s neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss. When Robert broke away panting, he nodded to the stairs. “My suggestion, you focus on Liz while I make love to you.”
Tremaine nodded. “Don’t want to leave her out.”
“No. We all need a distraction.” Robert huffed a breath. “Let’s go find her.”
Tremaine turned to go up the stairs. Robert followed close behind. A smile spread on Tremaine’s face. Letting Robert take over had never entered his head until he brought it up. The idea turned him on in a way he never expected. When he’d submitted before, it was mostly to survive, partly to gain trust from the enemy, and partly out of some twisted notion he could turn the two men against each other. None of it was for love.
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