Blood Beyond Darkness

by Brown, Stacey Marie

  “How will the Queen not notice?” I squashed the ciabatta bread, trying to get it flatter to fit into my mouth.

  “Lars made it clear they glamour themselves, use different doors, and space out their arrival.” Rez snatched a pickle from my plate. “Most Dark Fae are eager for the fight. They want Aneira destroyed. They do not want anything to screw it up either.”

  Cooper mumbled through a mouthful of food. “Damn, this sandwich is amazing. I am already in love with you, mamacita.”

  “No kidding. You want to move in with me?” West winked at Marguerite. She blushed and batted her hand at him but hummed happily.

  The sound of someone tapping on glass flowed over to us. “Ummmm ... girlie? Help here?” A muffled voice spoke. “Come on, Marguerite, you won’t let them leave me in here will you?” Cal’s voice came from the middle of the island. Marguerite looked at the pixie then at Eli. She smiled at the two of them, and then turned back to her sandwiches.

  “Sorry, Cal. This is between you and Eli.” I held up my hands.

  Eli chuckled and took another bite of his sandwich, looking smug.

  I tried to keep the smile off my face as I peeked at Cal. He sat at the bottom of a glass jar, tugging on his feet, apparently glued to the base. Eli had taken a jar and slathered the inside bottom and sides with honey. He poured an inch of juniper juice into the bottom. Cal, of course, could not resist the temptation. As soon as he entered, his wings and feet became trapped in the sweet confection. He had been stuck in there most of the morning. The juniper juice had long since been drunk. Left at the bottom stood a bitter, pissed off pixie.

  “Your ass is mine, Dark Dweller.” Cal smacked the glass.

  “Bring it, Princess,” Eli muttered through bites.

  The situation was going to get bad. Pixies were not sweet, forgiving creatures. They were little, but mighty. Eli really was asking for it.

  “Should you be calling him a princess when you still have glitter covering your ass?” Cooper smirked, causing West to laugh.

  I tried to hold mine back, but a smile lit up my face. Eli had taken several showers since the morning and shimmer still clung to his skin.

  Eli shot a warning at his brothers. “Better watch it. I have pixie power now.”

  We all burst out laughing; even Rez and Marguerite couldn’t hide their amusement. When we quieted, Rez pointed at my plate. “Ember, eat. You are still weak.”

  My gaze stayed glued to my plate, but I could feel Eli stare at me before he turned away, shifting in his seat. He knew he was one of the reasons I stopped eating.

  “Eat, darlin'.” West’s shoulder knocked into me “So your boobs will get bigger.”

  Cooper snorted into his plate. “I second that.”

  Eli sat back, his hand stroking my thigh. “Wish all you want ... still not going to be touching them.”

  “Eating won’t help. They’re a lost cause now.” I shrugged.

  “Ember needs to eat. And you need to behave.” Rez pointed at West.

  “Good luck with that.” I shoved part of the sandwich into my mouth. I munched for a few bites. “How is our property going to hold thousands of Fae? Two hundred acres is not enough to hold so many.”

  “Glamour and lots of it.” Rez munched on the chips. “We’re extending our property line and glamouring it from humans, as well, to dissuade them from hiking or coming through our area. If by chance someone still does, they will not be able to see anything out of the ordinary.”

  The reality of the impending war was becoming real. We had talked about it, but seeing the invasion of Dark Fae coming onto the land made it tangible. And I knew a lot of these Fae standing in our field would not be alive in a matter of weeks.

  My stomach knotted. I pushed my plate away.

  “You better finish your food.” Rez stood, grabbed another plate off the counter loaded with a large sandwich and chips, and headed for Lars’ office.

  “If you don’t, I’ll eat it.” Cooper licked his fingers, getting every last crumb.

  Eli huffed. “I get priority, right?” He squeezed my knee.

  Silently, I slid my plate across to West. He chuckled as we both fist bumped each other.

  “I see how it is.” Eli stood. “Watch out there, Brycin. I know where Marguerite stores the peanut butter. You might find yourself out of it soon.” A conspiratorial grin edged his lips as he looked at the small force of nature. Marguerite tried to hide the smile, but her face flushed with it. She loved me, but I had no doubt Eli would win every time when it came to her.

  “Those are fightin' words, Dragen.” I slithered out from the booth, standing in front of him.

  Eli hands clutched my waist, and I went into the air. My body slumped as he placed me over his shoulder.

  “Oh, no, not again.” I fought against his hold.

  “No. Sin payasadas en la cocina.” Marguerite flailed her knife in the air at me and Eli.

  “If you would only learn your place, woman, I wouldn’t have to do this. You know, you should be docile, sweet, and subservient.”

  Cooper and West exploded in laughter.

  “Speaking of submissive. Take me to the training field, boy.” I let my arms and head dangle freely down his back. “Straightaway.”

  Lars had mentioned several times after I cleaned his office that he better find my behind on the training field after lunch. He meant partly to punish me, but I sensed he was as nervous as me about my fighting Aneira without powers.

  Eli turned us toward the door. “Are you lifting my wallet again?”

  “Shush, boy. You do not address the future Queen in such a manner.” My fingers tugged at the leather case. I picked my head up and winked at West and Cooper, as I sifted through Eli’s wallet and pulled out the cash, stuffing it into the back of my jeans. Cooper and West shook their heads, chuckling.

  “Wait!” Cal’s arms flailed around his holding pen. “Girlie, you better get me out of here, or I’ll pee on your head tonight, as well,”

  Pixies were not known to make empty threats.

  “Guys?” I looked at the boys and motioned to Cal.

  “Yeah, we’ll get him. I endorse anyone who wants to urinate on Eli.” West winked at me.

  Thank you, I mouthed to him. I waved and blew Marguerite a kiss as Eli stuffed us through the kitchen door. Stepping outside, the cool air brushed at my exposed skin, invigorating me out of my food coma. Eli carried me for a few steps before he stopped and glided my body down his, standing me back on my feet. “You know what I do to willful future Queens?”

  My fingers wrapped around his belt loops, pulling him against me. “Do tell.”

  “I tie them up and use my mouth to torture them.” His stubble brushed against my cheek, his lips skimming my neck.

  I rose on my tiptoes, taking his head in my hands. “I think I will need a preview to see how I will respond in situations like those you mention.” My mouth just met Eli’s when a voice spoke behind me.

  “Hey, little Dae.” Nic trotted to us, his brown eyes glinting as he stared at me and Eli. “Alki sent me to retrieve you. He says you need to be on the field right now.”

  “Yeah. Thank. You.” Eli’s teeth ground together as he glared at the Incubus.

  Nic’s eyes drifted slowly along the length of Eli, with an expression of challenge and interest. Nic did not discriminate between gender, race, or status. Sex was sex to him.

  Eli caught Nic’s look. “See something you like?”

  “More like what I want.” His lip hooked up. “Now I see why my little Dae is so content. The sex vibes coming off you ...” Nic breathed in.

  A lot of human men would have felt threatened or uncomfortable by his statement, but Fae did not grow up with the same sexual biases. Even as “manly” as Eli was, another male’s attraction didn’t faze him.

  “Sorry. Spoken for.” Eli shrugged.

  “Oh, I want her, too. I say we make it a party.” Nic winked at me.

  Eli’s shoulders bristled. �
�Yeah, you’re not going to be touching her or crawling into bed with her ever again. You got it?”

  That’s what Eli found offensive—Nic hitting on me.

  “Got it.” Nic held up his hands. “I won’t deny I will miss it. I’ve enjoyed the time with you, little Dae.” Nic turned to leave. “If you ever get bored, you know where to find me.” He winked and headed back for the field.

  Eli’s lids lowered, glaring after Nic. “She won’t.”

  My fingers twined with Eli’s. “I think he was talking to you.” I teased and hauled him toward the field. We both needed to work off some extra energy, but with Alki it would not be fun. Hours of pain and agony lay stretched ahead.

  Alki’s torture session extended for four hours. My legs barely worked to climb the stairs to my room. Eli turned on the shower and shoved me in. The hot water loosened my muscles and stopped them from shaking. Eli joined me, washing my hair and holding me upright. Times like now I missed my Dae powers with such a fierce passion it hollowed out my heart. My Dark Dweller part kept me standing and would get me moving faster than any human but nothing like my Dae magic used to. The lack of healing instantly and having abundant energy and strength buzzing from my magic left a chasm in my soul.

  “I hate this.” I pressed my head against the tile wall. Water plummeted on me from above. “Without my powers, I am weak. I feel like I am missing a part of me.”

  Eli grabbed my hips and turned me around. His hands curled at my jaw, tilting my head back. “You may not have your magic, but you are anything but weak.” Water coursed down his shoulders and face. “Believe me. With or without your powers, you are still the same stubborn, pain-in-the-ass girl I met at Silverwood.” He smiled and licked the excess water off his lip. “They don’t define you. You define you.”

  My gaze lowered, watching the pelts of water slip off his arm. He grabbed my chin, turning my face to his. “You got what I’m saying?”

  “Yeah. I got it.” A soft grin tugged at my mouth. “And you’re right. Even if you weren’t a Dark Dweller, you’d still be a dick.”

  A smirk pulled up his mouth. “Absolutely.” His fingers seized my hips. “How about I show you how much of one I can be.”

  Fresh from a shower and in the middle of getting dressed, a piercing wail filled my ears and vibrated the ground. Eli clapped both hands on his ears, wincing. I knew exactly what caused the sound, having experienced something similar at the Dweller’s ranch. The property spell had been crossed without permission. Before I could even react, Eli ran out of my room. I pulled on a pair of sweats and ran after him, my aching body not carrying me as fast.

  “Hey, girlie. Where do you think you are going? I have a bone to pick with you.” Cal spoke as I ran through the kitchen. He was probably there following Sinnie around as she tried to do her chores. He was lonely without Simmons. Simmons’ absence affected both of us more than I imagined. I missed the bugger.

  “Stay here,” I ordered as I caught the closing door Eli had gone through.

  “And miss all the fun?” He zipped to me. “Not a chance.”

  “Then promise me you will stay quiet and out of the way.”

  He settled on my shoulder. “Don’t I always?”

  I peered at him, my brow arched.

  “Yeah, yeah, okay. I will this time.”

  It was Lars’ property, and he would deal with whoever tried to get in, but I couldn’t stop myself from going. I had always been protective of my family and friends, but since becoming part Dark Dweller, those traits had heightened even more. This was my home, and I would defend it.

  Halfway there I picked up a scent.

  Lorcan.

  This time I did not dread seeing him. He was the only connection to my best friend. A nagging feeling pressed on my heart. Oh, please, say she is okay.

  The tendons in my legs stretched, aching with the strain as I sprinted after Eli. Cal flew next to me. My heart thumped with fear and anxiety. What if something happened to her? What had he done to her while she stayed with him? Had he hurt her? So many awful scenarios ran through my head as I made my way through the forest to the property line. Lorcan’s scent muddled with Kennedy’s pulled me in a definite direction.

  I slowed to a jog when I saw Lars, Rimmon, Gorgon, Cole, Eli, Cooper, and Gabby standing on the inner ring of the property line. Lorcan, Dax, and Dominic were easy to spot across from our group.

  “Not that bastard again.” Cal hovered in the air, his arms folding over his Woody Woodpecker t-shirt.

  Loathing slammed into my chest the moment I took in Lorcan’s smug face. He killed my mother. He took her away from me. Then I spotted long, red hair contrasting like a flare against the green leaves of the trees. Samantha.

  A growl vibrated in my throat.

  Cal snuck under my hair at my neck. “Easy, girlie.”

  Another rumble climbed my throat. Then Kennedy came into my sight line. “Kennedy!”

  Her head cocked toward me, and she smiled but did not move from Lorcan’s side. My feet came to a stop next to Eli. Something seemed wrong, like brushing the feathers of a bird the wrong way.

  “Lorcan, I swear to God if you harmed her ...” I spit out, my furor almost pushed my feet over the invisible line dividing our groups.

  “Does she look hurt to you?” Those familiar green eyes narrowed on me, looking me up and down in contempt. His physical likeness and mannerisms to Eli always unsettled me.

  “Simply because I can’t see—

  “I’m fine, Ember.” Kennedy’s usual sweet, soft voice rang boldly through the air, cutting off my rant.

  Lorcan opened his arms. “We heard you were recruiting people for your war. Thought we’d come and offer our services.”

  I snorted. “You’re kidding me, right?”

  Lars stared at Lorcan before he gave a nod.

  “W-Wh-hat? Are you serious? But he killed Aisling!” I sputtered like a cat in water.

  Lars turned to me slowly. “This is war, Ember, and we have to sacrifice.” His eyes glowered with meaning. “I may not like it, and when the war ends, some alliances may end. Until then, we must work against our common enemy.”

  Lars and his men turned to leave but stopped and faced Lorcan. “Our personal feelings have to come second if we want to achieve our goal. We cannot win unless we are all willing to compromise in some way or another.” He glanced at Lorcan. “You are welcome to join; however, if you make one move out of line, I will kill you myself.”

  As cocky as Lorcan could be, his Adam’s apple bobbed nervously as he nodded in concurrence. The Unseelie King did not make threats he did not intend to keep. Lars and his men disappeared into the forest.

  “He can’t be serious.” Cal stomped his foot on my shoulder.

  I turned back to Lorcan. His superior grin returned to his lips as he strutted across the property line. With a word from the King, the enemy was inside the walls.

  When Kennedy crossed the line, she did not run to me like I thought. She stayed next to Lorcan.

  Again my stomach twinged with uncertainty. No one held her or had a weapon menacing her. She had no restraints and didn’t even look scared. She stood strong but relaxed in her stance. She held her chin high, and her demeanor revealed her as part of the group, not against it.

  My gaze met hers questioningly, looking for a secret SOS or sign she was being terrorized in some way. Maybe they had dangled her family or possibly Jared as a threat for her to behave. She would send me some small signal. We knew each other well. She only had to blink funny for me to catch on.

  Nothing happened. Kennedy did not turn away from my gaze but held it. A wall blocked any emotion from her expression. I had seen Kennedy change and grow after finding out she was a Druid, but this felt different. The confidence caused her tiny frame to stand taller. She didn’t appear frightened or unsure.

  A lump formed in my stomach, which I tried to deny. But the thought kept coming. She was not a prisoner. She stood with them on her own.
r />   “I don’t buy the fact you are here to help.” Cole stood at his full height, every inch a powerful creature.

  Lorcan’s eyes darted to Kennedy then quickly looked back at Cole. “I have never been opposed to us working together. You were. I feel we can be stronger cooperating than apart against Aneira.”

  Eli’s booming laugh filled the air. “This comment coming from the guy who betrayed his family, crawled into bed with the one enemy who banned us to Earth, abducted Ember, turned her over to the Queen, and then kidnapped Kennedy.” Eli motioned to my friend. “And you want us to trust you? I don’t think so.”

  Lorcan rubbed frantically at his shaved head. “Believe what you want about me. What I did was for you guys. You think I wanted to go to Aneira? Eli, you couldn’t see straight when it came to her.” Lorcan pointed at me. “I knew going to the Unseelie King would only cause a war. And it did. I wanted to avoid combat so I went to the source. I tried to keep my family from this. I did it for you.”

  Cooper coughed a short laugh. “I think we can all do without your version of being there for your family.”

  Dominic moved toward the line. “Get off your fuckin' high horse, Cooper. Lorcan was the only one who truly sacrificed anything. Elighan only sacrificed his judgment and ethics to be with that abomination. He was only for himself. Not us.”

  “I absolutely love being talked about like I’m not here. So good for the ego.” I mumbled. No one listened to me. “Was killing my mother only out of love for your family?” I spewed at Lorcan. Eli quickly wrapped his fingers around my wrist. The feel of his hand on me calmed me a little, but my need to make Lorcan pay for his crimes pressed in on me with greater force.

  “Yes,” Lorcan replied. “I was doing a job. We were mercenaries. It’s what we did. We killed for a living, Ember. We have killed a lot of creatures and people who had mothers and families. Your mother was not personal to me.”

  “She was to me!”

  “If you want to hate someone, hate Aneira. She wanted your death and planned Aisling’s murder down to the last detail. I happened to be a pawn she used to do it.”