by Harper Wylde
I writhed on the floor, a pain filled chirp leaving my lips.
“My car is parked nearby and I have Killian on speed dial. He’s got a plane.” Hiro sighed, “I know you want to help, but we’re all set. Just let me get her home. It’s what she’d want.” Hiro stood his ground. “It’s time for you to leave.” I’d never heard Hiro with such an edge to his voice before, but the effort he put into defending my honor paid off.
Joshua finally relented, hurried into his clothing, and started up the path, clearly realizing he wasn’t wanted. Regret emanated from him as he turned and called out, “Please, tell her I’m sorry. So fucking sorry.”
Relaxing a little, Hiro nodded. “I will.”
My Phoenix and I held out as long as we could, giving Joshua plenty of time to disappear before the shift tingled over us as her magic fizzled. I tried to breathe, but it was nearly impossible past the dagger that felt like it was shoved into my lung.
“Easy,” Hiro soothed, bending down and gently scooping me into his arms. The feeling of his skin sliding against mine was comforting, and I clung to him as he carried me hurriedly to the waterfall. Rounding the sheets of frozen water, he brought me into the cave and gently set me down on a pile of blankets. “I think you broke some ribs in that fall.” He ran his hands over my body clinically, and I saw the pain in his eyes as he assessed me.
“It’s okay,” I rasped, trying to assure him that I knew getting hurt beyond being bitten was a possibility. It’d been my choice.
“This was a foolish plan.” His brown eyes were impossibly black in the darkness of the cave, but I knew if I could see them clearly they would be full of self-loathing.
“Don’t. My choice.” I coughed and moaned at the pain. Pressing my hand to the source of the burning pain inside my body, I felt two large holes gaping in my side. “Venom.”
“Nix…”
“I’m going to die. Get… what we need.” I used the last of my energy to talk, and then collapsed back onto the blankets, shivering from the cold and no longer able to heat myself. I needed all of my energy to keep my blood pumping.
Leaning down, Hiro kissed my brow, covered me with a blanket to keep me warm, and moved away, quickly pulling on his own clothing and getting the medical bag and supplies set up next to my makeshift bed.
I felt myself slipping, my soul starting to separate from my body as he pulled the side of the blanket up, pooling it on my abdomen to gain access to the puncture wounds Joshua had inflicted.
Hiro’s hands moved fast and sure as he got to work, and I watched the concentration crease his forehead, all while he murmured sweet nothings to me about how I’d done a good job, how much he couldn't wait to take me home, and how much he was going to pamper me rotten until I was feeling back to one hundred percent. In that moment my heart swelled and I wanted to tell him how much I loved him. How very much I cared, but my tongue was like concrete in my mouth.
Instead, I kept my gaze locked on his as I took my last breath, his eyes meeting mine as darkness crept in. I felt the telltale tugging that turned into a fiery rip as my soul left my body behind. Hiro’s face was the last thing I saw as death claimed me.
Twenty-One
Theo
I attempted to ignore the slamming of the door downstairs, my gaze focused solely on the girl still lying motionless on the bed. I could hear Killian’s grumbling even upstairs, despite the door we had closed to allow Nix peace, quiet, and calm while she regenerated. It had only been two days, but the pallor that had robbed the golden color from her cheeks had finally disappeared. I was hopeful that meant she would be waking up soon.
The whole escapade had been logical, but it hadn’t diminished any of my doubts about putting Nix into this situation. My Kraken was still furious with me—with all of us, really—but seeing the improved health of his mate was helping soothe him. I hoped we would have time soon for another swimming adventure together, since I was sure that was the only way he would completely calm down.
The door creaked quietly and Damien stepped in, rubbing his eyes before studying the sleeping Nix. “How’s she doing?” he asked quietly.
“She still hasn’t moved, but her color and breathing are both better. I don’t think it’ll be much longer.” I knew I didn’t need to speak higher than a whisper for his acute hearing to pick up on my words. He approached the bed, reaching out to stroke a soft hand down her hair. Nix shifted as his hand brushed the side of her cheek, arching into the movement, and I jolted from my chair, striding over to join him. “Nix?” I called softly, as her eyelashes fluttered rapidly against her cheek.
“Hey guys.” She offered on a smile, her voice a little husky as she rubbed her eyes. “Did it work? Did we get enough?”
“That’s the first thing you say?” Damien’s chuckle was strained as he threaded his fingers through hers. “How about telling us how you’re feeling?”
“A little stiff, but I’m good.” She pushed herself up a bit on the pillow as I reached out a steadying hand, grasping her elbow and waist to balance her. “The venom? I’d really rather not have to do that again—not that I think he’d fall for it twice.” Guilt and remorse covered her face.
“We got it.” I rubbed her hand softly, enjoying the warmth of it against my own. “I ducked out to the university and extracted it, I wasn’t going to risk giving it to them mixed with your blood. We were storing it until after you woke up. I wasn’t going to separate us by sending one of us to a rebellion meeting while you were still regenerating.”
“Good.” She sighed, leaning her head against my arm. “That stuff burned.” Damien winced, but she didn’t seem to notice. Running her hands over her ribs, she checked to make sure everything had knit together properly. Seemingly happy with her regeneration, she yawned from the exhaustion she always felt after a rebirth and then forged forward. “So, when do we head over there?” She shifted as though she intended to rise from the bed, and I put a restraining hand on her shoulder.
“They’ve waited two days, I think they can wait a bit longer,” Damien told her, staying her movements.
“No need,” a low voice spoke from the doorway, and I whirled, a short roar escaping my lips before I recognized Ciarán lounging easily against the doorframe. “Hello, little sister.” His words were quiet, his eyes soft, as he approached Nix.
“You really need to stop avoiding my sensors and wards, or at least tell me how you’re doing it so I can increase our protections,” I scolded, pushing my glasses back up my nose while I scowled.
“I just vote for you stopping,” Damien added with a snarl.
“Hi, Ciarán.” Nix smiled at him, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Are you taking us to another meeting?
He smiled at her, shook his head in answer, and then turned to address Damien and me while he tucked his hands into his pockets. “What fun would that be? Besides, few have access such as I, and those who do may know even more tricks than I do.”
“That’s… not exactly reassuring,” Damien murmured.
“It’s not meant to be. It’s meant to inspire you to stay conscious of your safety—and her safety in particular—at all times.” He approached the bed, ignoring our growls, and kneeled next to Nix with his eyes locked on hers. “You did so well, little sister. You’re everything I could have asked for in a mate for my brother.”
Nix’s eyes were wide as tears gathered in the corners, and she gaped at Ciarán. I was sure shock was as clear on my face as it was on hers. Who would have expected ridiculous, goofy Ciarán to be as emotional as that? “Ciar?”
His face suddenly shifted, a goofy grin spreading wide over it, and his green eyes lit up. “Besides, who else would make such a beautiful fluffle for him?”
“So, what are you here for?” Damien asked, rolling his eyes and then wincing. “Will you stop that?” His Gargoyle was clear in his growl. “You don’t need to play that idiotic music when it’s just us!”
“What music?” Ciarán questioned innocently, his eyes
wide. “Do you have an instrument I can use? Music isn’t really my major skill set, but if it’s your wish then I’m always willing to try.” Damien snarled, reaching for Ciarán who slid away with a laugh. “Now, now. Injury will only mean I need to climb right into bed with your little Phoenix.”
My Kraken roared in my head, unable to recognize the teasing. “Ciarán, one of us is going to end up dismembering you, no matter how quick you think you are,” I warned.
“All of you settle down,” Nix scolded, shifting slightly on the bed.
“Stay in bed, please,” I pleaded softly, brushing my thumb across the back of her hand. “Just because he's causing chaos doesn't mean you need to be the one to deal with it.”
Nix giggled, but she complied with my request, snuggling back down into the covers. “If I don’t deal with him, then one of you is going to kill him.”
A soft knock sounded on the door. “I thought I heard Nix?” Killian's voice was a deep grumble through the door.
“Kill!” Her eyes lit up and she nearly bounced out of the bed to answer as I sighed.
“I'll sit down and hold you there if I have to,” I warned.
“If we're pinning people to the bed, I vote that I’m allowed to be involved,” Ciarán chirped. “Though I'm not quite sure if I want to be the pinner or the pinnee.”
Killian poked his head in the door, freezing when he saw his brother. “What are—When did—” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Nix, I'm glad you're awake.”
“Brother dearest! No warm greeting for me? No throwing yourself into my arms and telling me that your heart has ached without me?” Ciarán pouted, sticking his lower lip out as he shook his head. “What is becoming of our relationship?”
Killian studiously ignored his brother, approaching the bed to brush a hand down Nix's hair. “Glad to see you up.”
“Damien, you didn't tell them?” Nix asked, glancing at him.
“Ciarán here distracted me a bit,” Damien admitted with a shrug. As feet pounded up the stairs, I realized he had corrected that oversight, and Hiro and Ryder tumbled into the room a moment later. “I think he was just about to tell us what he's here for,” Damien said dryly, as Hiro and Ryder took their own turns greeting Nix, their smiles wide and bright. The pair had been inseparable as we waited for our mate to revive, and I hoped this meant they would finally be able to relax. It wasn't as if Killian would be able to, not with everything else we had to tell her.
“I came to get the venom you extracted.” Ciarán stood up, brushing imaginary dirt off of his clothing as he addressed us. “We didn't want you having to leave your home at this time, and we thought it would be better if I came to collect it personally. I was less likely to disturb you than some of the others.”
“I really don't think that's true,” Ryder muttered.
“I thought you might also want an update on what's coming up next.”
“You're satisfied with this?” I inquired, considering him. For a group as secretive and ordered as the rebellion, it was a surprise they'd so easily believe we had extracted the venom for them as promised.
“It will be tested, of course, but I don't think there's any doubt in its viability,” Ciarán assured us. “We will want to meet with you all in the near future so we can congratulate you as a group, so please be expecting another call.”
“Are they going to move us onto the next test?” Nix asked warily. Though she was excited to see us, I was sure exhaustion still hung over her, and the idea of another test this soon was not something that would sit well with her.
“No, not yet. There will be time while things are arranged. For now, we want you to rest and recuperate—all of you. This next meeting isn't to stress you in any way, it will merely be a conversation.”
“Isn't that what you said last time?” Killian challenged. “I think we all saw how well that conversation went. Our mate ended up bitten by a snake, and now we have the fallout to deal with.”
“I believe this is my cue to go,” Ciarán declared. “Fluffle emergencies are just between the fluffle, I'm sure. Remember to keep an ear out for me.”
“I'll take you—” I began, but Ciarán cut me off with a wave.
“I know where you have it stored, Kraken. I can manage it. Sit with your girl. If anything, she may listen to you. Or you can cool off my brother's head. He looks like he's about to explode.” He waggled his fingers in a tiny wave, striding from the room with purposeful steps.
“It should probably bother me that he seems to know exactly where I put that, but with him, it just seems normal,” I mused. “Not exactly comforting that he's becoming our new normal.”
“What's wrong, Kill?” Nix interjected, her eyes solely on the brooding Celt. He had been gentle in his greeting, but it was easy to see by the flush on his cheeks and the set of his jaw that something was bothering him.
“I just don't like it, that's all,” he muttered.
“Ciarán?” she asked blankly, glancing at the rest of us. “I mean, we all know he's a bit insane, but I didn’t think he was actually that bad this time.”
“He's not talking about Ciarán,” I clarified. “Or at least, not entirely.”
I sighed, joining her on the bed as my Kraken screeched at me to remain close to her. “Nix, when you agreed to the date with Joshua, it seems to have acted as a catalyst for your other suitors. Although we've managed to hold them off for the moment, gifts, messages, and requests to be the next suitor to take you out have all begun to come in.”
“On an annoyingly regular basis,” Ryder grumbled. I arched a brow at him, mildly surprised. Of all of us, I had actually expected Ryder to have the least issues sharing her time. He had no objections when that time was split with us, and actively encouraged her interactions between him and Hiro. Apparently, however, that generosity with her time and attention didn't continue outside of our group. I warmed a bit at the idea, wanting to keep her solely to ourselves.
“You've received simple gifts so far, thanks to the warning Gaspard put out,” I explained. “I believe they're trying to woo you as they think a human would. You've received mostly flowers and chocolate, though I think there have been a few pieces of jewelry and other things included as well. We didn't go through them, the presents are for you, so when you're up to it that will be a task for you to complete.”
“It's filling up the kitchen,” Hiro added on a laugh. “We didn't feel comfortable putting anything in your bedroom, but of course it’s your choice.”
“I felt more comfortable throwing them back outside,” Kill added with a sneer.
“I probably would too,” Nix admitted, shifting uncomfortably. Only Hiro's grasp on her hand prevented her from wringing them together. “It still seems wrong to be getting all these gifts when I know I'm not going to be choosing any of them.”
“Well, for now think of them as get well gifts,” Damien suggested with a smile. “I'm sure that would be true as well if they knew you were injured.”
“They don't?” she inquired, blinking at us.
“No.” I shook my head, offering her a reassuring smile. “Joshua was beside himself when you were injured, he didn't put up much of a fight with us taking you home. He did go directly to his father, however. Gaspard involved himself and ensured him that we were the best place for you at the moment, since you being in the hospital on the commune would cause far too many questions. Councilman Williams agreed, with the stipulation that once you were up and about you would be willing to meet with him privately.”
She swallowed hard. “Privately?”
“It's okay,” Damien assured her. “We believe he is going to request that you not spread information about his son biting you. Basilisks have had some struggles in our culture, in many ways the same way werewolves have. They're considered by some to be more animal than shifter—controlled by their needs. Add into that their ability to kill very effectively in more than one way, and you can see how they would be feared despite their status.”
> Nix picked at the blanket absently. “I’m glad that Joshua is alright and didn’t cause any issues that hindered the rest of our plan.” She paused, and then her eyes glanced up. “I assume meeting with his father is another area where I don't really have a choice?” she asked softly.
“We'll be right outside,” I promised her. “Damien will leave your connection open as well.”
“Alright.” She settled back into the pillows. “When do we leave?”
“Sleep a little more,” I told her, glancing at the others for confirmation. “You've only just woken up. Rest a bit more, and then we can go from there.”
“You'll stay?” she questioned on a yawn, her eyes tracking over each of us in turn.
“We'll stay,” I assured her. “Sleep, Nix. We'll watch over you.” She smiled before cuddling down into the warmth of the covers, as we stood around her bed, solid in our decision to protect her no matter what.
Twenty-Two
Nix
I resisted the urge to groan when the Hummer hit another bump on the road to the Lodge. I wasn't sure if it was the quickly approaching winter that made the roads so bad, or if it was merely because I was tired and sensitive after my regeneration. Either way, I wished I was back home, curled up in my bed with my mates around me. Surprisingly, Gaspard had insisted on coming with us and sat up front in the silent car, his silver and black hair shining in the light.
“Since we've almost arrived, I assume you will not mind me breaking into this productive silence to actually create a plan amongst us?” Gaspard asked dryly. “As much as I enjoy listening to all of you breathe, speaking may be of more use before her meeting.”
“What do you think, Grandfather?” Damien inquired wearily, not turning his eyes from the road.
“Firstly, I believe there was no reason for so many of you to come with us,” he stated, glancing over his shoulder to where I sat between Ryder and Theo. Killian perched on the small seat in the back of the Hummer, and Hiro had agreed to stay at home, although I knew he was far from happy with the decision. From the expression on his face, I assumed some kind of gambling had gone on behind my back to leave him as the odd man out of a seat. When Gaspard received no answer—like he hadn't since we left the house this morning—he snorted, shaking his head. “Nix, only you will be meeting with Councilman Williams. I highly doubt any other Councilman will be in attendance, so that should not be a worry for you. If it weren't for the fact that he has multitudinous duties at the moment, I believe he would have chosen to meet you at your home, or anywhere besides the Lodge itself.”