Robert waited until everyone was in the cabin and seemingly settled. Silence weighed down on them. He looked to Liz. “You going to be okay for a couple minutes?”
She nodded. “Sure.”
He blinked away and came face to face with Ms. Murdock. “Why didn’t you tell me to take both Tremaine and Liz?”
A soft, caring smile crossed her face. “The boy must live. Had Liz gone, you would have been split up, and Liz and Preston may have been stuck on another plane for the rest of their long lives.”
Robert nodded, considering her words. She had a point. Liz wasn’t likely to stay put if she knew Robert could take Christian back.
Draecyn snorted. “Not to mention, Jules wanted Tremaine to suffer. Taking Elizandra would have done that. She may not have survived.”
“Everyone is back at Liz’s cabin. Will you come?”
Draecyn nodded his consent. Ms. Murdock grinned, “Finally, we can hash out everything at once.”
“My sister is there as well.”
“As she should be. There are others who may be of great help, but for the moment, we’ll worry about the immediate necessities.”
“And Emily is one?”
“Ah, yes. Her talents have blended into something entirely different, and you will find her help greatly needed in the future.”
He drew in a breath and reached out to touch both, bringing them back to Liz’s cabin. When they landed, Emily’s head cocked to the side. “I’m curious, why is this cabin safe when the Silver Council isn’t?”
Draecyn answered, “HARP members within the ranks have been watching for the McCallisters to discover their greater talents.”
Emily snorted. “Greater talents? What on earth are you talking about?”
Draecyn approached, taking her hands. “Emily, your father wasn’t a simple mage. He was a mystic, nearly full blooded. Your mother was part mystic as well. Making you mostly mystic. Your son inherited all mystic traits.”
Christian’s mouth fell open, turning to Ms. Murdock. “Then why the hell didn’t you train me? That’s what you are, right?”
“It’s complicated. First, you needed to be willing to embrace your talents on your own. Once you felt the pull, you did the right thing, asking Tremaine about the books. I would have waited longer for what’s coming, but your vision did save your mother and Slater.”
Christian shook his head, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Why keep the secret?”
“Coming into your powers too early would have made you a target sooner. Mystics need to be ready to accept their talents before they can learn. Besides, your safety hinged on the information coming out at the right times.”
“And how much are you sharing with all of us?” Robert asked. “If it’s less than the whole truth, you all can leave. I’m not playing around with the lives of the people I love. We need to know what we’re up against. No more secrets or half-truths.”
“I’ll tell you as much as we have time for. Though the secrets we hold are vast and would take years to share,” Ms. Murdock answered.
“Then start. I’m losing patience,” Robert demanded.
Draecyn chuckled. “The last one I expected to dive into details the Council would frown upon is the most eager.”
Tremaine snorted. “I’m too tired to argue. Just tell me what I need to know, and we can go from there.”
Liz shook her head. “I’ve known Ms. Murdock too long to expect something to come out of anything other than the pace she chooses. We’re safe here and have all the time in the world.”
Ms. Murdock raised a brow at Tremaine. “May I suggest we gather in the kitchen? This conversation could very likely take all night, and Tremaine will need food before his energy crashes completely.”
Chapter 26
Liz listened to all the details. Some of the information Ms. Murdock revealed about her abilities was startling—even to Tremaine. Apparently HARP had only revealed the most devastating abilities to him, and not how she could focus power to rebuild nearly anything, better and stronger. That, coupled with the combined power of Tremaine, and even Robert, they could erect a dimension to escape anything that all three of them could access at any time.
Both Robert and Emily were inundated by the specifics Ms. Murdock shared. Apparently Emily would always be better at healing, and Robert at translocation and playing within the mind. However, they could both learn the other’s skills if they took the time to explore new ways to learn extra abilities.
Christian absorbed it all like a sponge, eager to acquire more knowledge. Liz knew he’d always believed himself worthless compared to the other mages he knew when growing up. Then it turned out most of his friends and acquaintances were something more than a mage. Delilah was beyond confused but listened intently.
Liz trailed her finger over Tremaine’s thigh, longing for their bed, wanting all the noise to go away for a while. She was ready to forget the world and enjoy her men before the next round of chaos hit. And it would. It always did. Hiding forever wasn’t an option, especially for the Magister of the Silver Council.
Preston went to the fridge to grab another beer.
Draecyn was in the middle of a long recounting of the ordeal Tremaine had gone through, and what his goals were in sending a Rift Bender they were searching for. Apparently, destroying Jules and Anthony was part of it, though he never suspected the direction Tremaine would take. The rest of their assignment was to discover the identities of inner core members. Tremaine had tried but failed. Apparently, not even Jules or Anthony were privy to that information.
Robert came up behind Liz and Tremaine, putting his hands on their shoulders. “It’s getting late. I need some quiet,” he murmured.
Draecyn dipped his head. “I have room at my estate. It’s similarly unreachable by HARP. Whoever wants to come with us is welcome.”
“Better to stay where they can’t find us?” Christian asked.
Robert nodded.
“I want to look at some of the books Draecyn has,” Christian said thoughtfully. “That is, if no one minds.”
“It’s probably a good idea,” Liz answered.
“I’m coming with you.” Emily gasped. “I need to call Clint first.”
“He’s welcome too,” Draecyn offered.
“Thank you.”
She headed to the other room for privacy, dialing her phone as she went.
“Why don’t I take you four now. I’ll get Clint and Emily once she has time to gather her things.”
“Sure,” Christian answered.
“Should one of us come with you and Emily?’ Liz asked.
Ms. Murdock spoke up, “Nothing will happen tonight. Anthony will be busy ripping into whoever he believes failed him before coming after any of you. He’ll be ready for revenge soon, so everyone staying in safe locations is ideal. You too, Preston, at least starting tomorrow. Hopefully, I can talk to Preston alone about his role in the Branches of Emrys.”
“Is he going to have another big surprise?” Liz asked
Ms. Murdock smiled. “It’s possible. I’m not really sure how much he knows or suspects. Tomorrow will be a day of training and revelation, I’m sure.”
Robert motioned to Preston. “Let’s go.” He translocated him and the first group and came back, a weary look on his face.
Liz stood and focused on Robert. “What is it?”
He sighed. “It’s been a long day and all I want is to be with you two. I need time to process, but right now I’m on information overload.”
Emily returned to the room, blushing. “You don’t mind taking us?” she asked Robert.
“Not at all. Don’t want you without your mate.”
She grinned. “Yeah, I sleep better with him next to me.”
He chuckled. “Come on, let’s get you there and back.”
“Won’t be long. He has a couple bags ready… was actually planning a romantic getaway soon. Suppose that might have to wait a while, but the safety of our families is more important.”
>
“Got that right.” Robert took her hand.
They were gone, and Liz turned to Tremaine. “I say we go upstairs.”
He dipped his head while pushing up to stand. She moved to him, and he threw her over his shoulder, hurrying up the stairs.
She laughed out loud. “Thought you were tired.”
“Oh, not too tired to make love to you. And we’ve been doing nothing but sitting and eating all day long. I need to expend some of that pent-up energy.”
* * * *
Robert and Emily appeared in the master bedroom she shared with Clint.
“You sure you want to go to Draecyn’s? He kept so much from us.”
“You didn’t warn Christian away from Ms. Murdock.”
He groaned. “Christian sees the opportunity to learn from a woman who acted as his mother all his life. I can’t imagine he would listen to caution.”
“Because Christian wanted to be more than what he believed he was. I suppose it’s fitting my son would have the same desires I always held.”
“What are you talking about?” Clint asked, coming from the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed.
“Used to want to be like Liz. Her magic…” Emily shook her head. “Liz has an extraordinary talent. I was once jealous because all I could do was heal.”
“You do more than heal, Emily.” Robert squeezed her shoulder. “And your talent is just as amazing. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“I don’t. Not anymore. Took my whole life for me to accept my gifts for what they are. Now I wouldn’t trade them for the world, but that doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes wish I could do more.”
“Apparently you can. Which means we’ll have to work on those skills. My guess is our parents drilled the fact you were a healer into your young head and it blocked out the other skills. You could do some minor spells, but I bet with real practice and an open mind you can do a lot more than that.”
“Maybe. Right now, I’m more concerned with protecting my son. Which is why I want to be there.”
“Draecyn and Ms. Murdock want to help. Though secrets can cause hold-ups. I know they mean well, only wish I better understood what their goals are, but I suppose tomorrow is soon enough to find out.”
Clint’s head tipped to the side as he held Emily’s hand and looked into her eyes. “No matter what you can do, you’re mine, and I’m yours. Nothing will change that.”
“Thank you. Now, let’s go so I can make sure they don’t fill my boy’s head with nonsense. For once, I’m going to be a good parent to him. Even if it’s a little late.”
“Never too late, Sunshine.”
* * * *
Tremaine set Liz on her feet before the bed and whipped his shirt off. Then he took his time stripping her clothes away. He guided her toward the bed, kissing and caressing every inch of newly revealed flesh. His heart wrenched tight, expanding at the same time. He’d been certain he would die, thinking no one would find him in time.
“You brought me back,” he whispered against her neck, before pressing his lips to the tender spot behind her ear.
She shivered against him, a sigh escaping as he dropped her shirt on the floor and popped the front latch of her bra before letting it fall.
A tear escaped Tremaine’s eye and slid down her neck. He pulled Liz closer, his hands caressing down her sides to shed her jeans. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling his head back to look him in the eye.
Liz frowned as she wiped away his tears. “Don’t do that, baby. You’re not gone. I couldn’t let you go.”
“Without you, I wouldn’t be here.” He took her mouth in a kiss while her hands trailed down his chest and abs, to open his jeans. Then she slid a hand inside his boxers, easing them down.
Gripping her hips as the last barriers hit the floor, he pushed her onto the mattress, covering her with his body.
“You would. You’re my avenging angel.”
“Only because you were worth saving.” He reached for her hand and placed it over his heart. “You had such courage, such fight. You reminded me that some things were worth the greatest sacrifices.”
Tears glistened in her eyes as she grasped his face. “When Jules laughed about you not having long to live, I lost it. You’re always worth saving. Without you, I don’t have a place in this world. You gave me a chance I never would have found on my own.”
“Bullshit. You would have found your way. Might have been a different path, but you would have made it.”
“Wouldn’t be the same.”
“Make you a deal. Stop questioning everything about us. I will too. All I need I have. You, Robert, our baby.”
“Deal, now make love to me. I want to feel your heart beat with mine.”
He licked her lips before delving inside.
She slid her legs up around his, cradling his length against her core. “Please, Trem, I need you a part of me.”
He pressed deep and rolled onto his back, pulling her on top. She rose up over him. Tremaine sucked her sensitive bud into his mouth, laving his tongue over her nipple
One of her hands caught on the bed frame, the other wrapped around the back of Tremaine’s head as she rocked over him. He gripped her hip, driving her faster as he thrust from below. Needing to be deeper, he rolled her over onto her side, and he rose up, straddling one of her legs, curling her other over his shoulder as he pushed deep.
“Yes, there, God, please!” she cried out, her back arching. He reached down, thumbing her clit. Her walls started pulsing around him.
Before she could gasp again, Robert appeared in the room and stripped out of his clothes before climbing next to Tremaine. Gripping Tremaine’s hair, Robert took his mouth in a kiss.
“Come here, Robert,” Liz demanded
Robert pressed his forehead to Tremaine’s. “Love you, Trem.”
Tremaine kissed him before pushing Robert toward Liz.
Robert crawled up the bed where Liz could reach his cock. Wrapping her hand around his length, she stroked in slow rhythmic motions. Her eyes locked on his before her lips closed over his crown while Tremaine made love to her.
Robert caught the headboard as he let out a groan. “Oh, Liz.”
Watching her give Robert pleasure was a gorgeous sight. Robert took her hand, threading his fingers through hers as she started to cry out, coming around Tremaine. “Close,” Robert rasped out.
Tremaine nodded, shooting off the edge. Liz moaned, her body writhing as Robert joined them. Exhaustion swept through Tremaine. He curled behind Liz and reached for Robert, who draped his arm over her and gripped Tremaine’s hip.
“You scared the hell out of me,” Robert whispered. “I worried Liz would hurt herself taking the curse from you. I was wrong, I shouldn’t have questioned her, but our baby…” he blinked back tears.
Tremaine gripped his hair, forcing Robert to look at him. “Stop right there. Had I been in my right mind, I would have begged her not to.”
“Would have done it anyway,” Liz reminded.
“Yeah, I know.” Tremaine kissed her softly. “Wouldn’t have stopped me from pleading with you to keep yourself safe.”
“I am safe. Didn’t hurt at all.” She grinned, her eyes dazzling. “I can’t lose you any more than I can lose Robert. If I can fix it… if I even have a slight chance to heal you… I always will.”
He rolled closer and planted another kiss on her, enjoying Robert’s taste on her lips, and the way she pressed tight against him.
“I’m glad she ignored me.” Robert snorted. “That’s wrong, I know, but she argued and then told Preston to keep me back.”
“Glad he didn’t have to. I needed your help.”
Robert nuzzled against her shoulder. “This is better. We’re here. Tomorrow, we can figure out what we can do to keep us all safe.”
Chapter 27
Anthony stormed through the mansion, looking for the one person who could access any plane, and who was supposed to be tracking Jules. Anastasia could tra
vel anywhere, track anyone—besides Tremaine—and pull them into any dimension she chose.
The petite storm mistress ducked around the corner upon entering the room. Before she could slip through a portal, Anthony grabbed her arm and yanked her to face him.
He bent to glare into her eyes. “What happened to Jules?”
“He’s gone.”
“What do you mean gone?” he snarled.
“Just that. I can’t find his essence. He’s gone.”
“Gone. As in dead?”
She nodded, her face paling.
“Do you know where he last was?’
She shrugged, an innocent expression on her face.
“How long ago?”
“Hours,” she squeaked.
“Hours!” he bellowed. “And you didn’t think to tell me this when it happened?”
“Yes, but I knew you would do this,” she fired back while sweeping one hand his direction.
One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Stand up to me more often. It will get you further, Anastasia.”
“Or killed,” she muttered.
“Take me. I want to see what’s left. I need to understand how he died, if he truly did.”
She sucked in a breath and grabbed his arm, pulling him through the dimensions, stopping abruptly. Anastasia swallowed, looking at the ash spread across the grass.
“How did someone burn him?”
The temperature was freezing in patches, and scorching hot in others. Shaking his head, he looked around. Parts of the ground still had frosty patches mixed with scorch marks. “What. The. Fuck. Happened?”
“I’ll show you, as long as you swear you won’t blame me for not liking what you see.”
He huffed. “Think so poorly of me?”
“Of course. I’ve seen how you treat those who don’t please you. You’ve killed the messenger more than a few times. I’m about to anger you greatly with what you’ll learn. So you tell me. Is my life in danger if I show you what happened?”
“You have my word nothing will happen to you. In this case, I know someone else will be at fault. It’s only a matter of finding them.”
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