Aeromancist (SECOND EDITION): Art of Air (7 Forbidden Arts Book 3)

by Charmaine Pauls

  Kat shivered. Lann put his arm around her.

  “David’s sponsor is trying to create the ultimate soldier,” Cain said, “something immune to every weapon we know. David enrolled voluntarily, believing it was going to make him immortal.”

  “That ended well for him,” Maya said with a snort.

  “Why not us?” Clelia asked. “Godfrey could’ve snatched us.”

  “Seems he doesn’t have enough power in France,” Cain mused. “Otherwise, he would’ve used it.”

  Lann looked at Joss. They all knew he was one of the most powerful men in France.

  “At least we now know one more thing,” Cain said. “Godfrey’s power base is in the US.” He paused. “It won’t be restricted to that continent for long.”

  “The communication companies?” Joss asked.

  Cain nodded. “He’s looking for means to expand his power. Communication equals knowledge, and knowledge is power.”

  “Then you’re sure it’s him buying up the satellite and internet companies,” Maya said.

  Cain lifted a brow. “It’s a hunch.”

  “What now?” Maya asked.

  “Our lead’s dead,” Cain said. “Now we sit back and wait for Godfrey to make the next move.”

  Joss seemed concerned. “It may take time.”

  “Like in any good game of chess.”

  At least they had one hunter less to worry about, not that it made Lann feel much better. Godfrey could still send someone new after Kat.

  “Enough for now,” Cain said. “I’m going to check if new info came in.”

  Clelia got to her feet. “I’m going to wash the Piranha stench off of me.”

  Joss followed suite. “We’ll serve dinner in thirty minutes for those who’d like to join us.”

  Lann took Kat’s hand and pulled her aside. Her skin was cold to the touch. “Have you had more attacks?”

  “Some,” she said evasively.

  She was holding back from him. “How many?”

  She looked away.

  “Katherine, look at me.” When she did, he said, “I haven’t always been open with you, but it’s going to stop right now. We’re going to stop protecting each other.”

  She stared at him with surprise.

  “Tell me again,” he said. “This time, the truth.”

  “I’ve had three attacks, but they’re less intense. Eve says they’ll end soon, after the first trimester.”

  “Good girl.” He kissed her lips. “Let’s go upstairs. I need a shower too.”

  In their room, he took her into his arms and whispered in her ear, “I missed you.”

  “I know you’re angry about me cutting in on the communication system. It’s not Joss’s fault. I practically threatened him with his life.”

  Lann smiled at that. Nobody threatened Joss, not unless he allowed it. He pulled Kat down onto the sofa next to him.

  “There are things about me I didn’t want you to see.” He stroked her hair. “I was hoping you’d never have to experience that part of me.”

  “Why?” She took his hand. “Did you think I’d love you any less?”

  “Maybe. Maybe I just wanted to save you the horror of the truth.”

  “I love you.” She squeezed his fingers. “You’re a good man. You’re fighting for what you believe in, and we believe in the same things.”

  “Do we?”

  “We believe in the future of our child, don’t we? We want the world to be a better place for him.”

  “I want to make it a better place for you.” He bent down to kiss her. When she rubbed her body against his, all he could do to hold onto reason was push her away gently. “Let me clean up, and then we’ll continue this.”

  Early the next morning, Eve knocked and called softly at their door. Leaving Kat to sleep, Lann got up from bed and pulled on the pants he’d discarded on a chair the night before. The memory of their lovemaking made him turn hot all over again. Katherine had been a demanding lover, and he’d almost given in and lost control.

  So as not to wake Kat, he stepped into the hallway and closed the door. “It’s too early for tests.”

  “I need to speak to you about something else,” Eve said.

  “What is it?”

  “Joss mentioned that Kat wants to visit her parents.”

  “That’s right,” Lann said with a question in his voice.

  “I can only permit her to fly for another two weeks at most.”

  Kat was only two months along. “I thought pregnant women could fly up to six months.”

  “This isn’t a normal pregnancy.”

  “You’re saying it’ll have to happen in the next two weeks, because after that, she’s stuck here.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Thanks.” He dragged a hand over his head. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

  Eve offered him a smile before walking off.

  There were a lot he and Katherine still had to talk about, such as when they were getting married and how much to let her parents in on.

  He went to the kitchen, prepared a breakfast tray, and carried it back to the room. Kat was still asleep when he entered, and he didn’t want to wake her, but he also had to get back to his research, trying to find answers, and he had to speak to her before he left.

  Gently, he brushed his fingers over the soft curves of her breasts that peeked from under the sheet. She gave him a lazy smile as her eyes fluttered open.

  “Breakfast.” He handed her the tray, and lay down next to her, supporting his weight on his elbow.

  He watched her sip her tomato soup for a while. He could never get enough of her.

  “Just say what’s on your mind,” she said, smiling at him. She placed a palm on his chest and dragged it down in a slow caress. His breath hissed between his teeth.

  “What was that?” she asked, teasing him.

  He grabbed her wrist before she reached the hardness under his pants, or else they weren’t going to have this conversation. He’d forget about what he was supposed to say, and think only about her hot little tongue and all the places on his body where he wanted it.

  “Katherine.” The seriousness of his tone made her withdraw her touch. “We have to make plans to go see your parents.”

  “Why do you say it like that?”

  He trailed his fingers over her shoulder. “I spoke to Eve a few minutes ago. She said you can only travel for two more weeks.”

  “Oh.” Tension set into her shoulders. “So, this is my last chance to go home?”

  He hated the sadness in her expression. “Yes, but we can speak to Joss about bringing your parents here for a visit or even to stay, and about safety for having them with you for the birth.”

  For a long time, she was quiet, staring at her food. Giving her time to digest the news, he didn’t speak.

  Finally, she looked back at him. “I don’t want them to know.”

  “Of course. They can’t know what I am or what our baby’s going to be. It will put them at unnecessary risk. They can’t know about this organization either.”

  She shook her head. “You don’t understand. I don’t want them to know I’m pregnant.”

  That surprised him. He sat up, his gaze drawn to her belly.

  “I’m not showing much yet,” she said, misinterpreting his thoughts. “If I wear loose clothes, they won’t notice. In the worst case, they’ll think I’ve gained a bit of weight.”

  “Why, krasavitsa?” He stroked her hair. “Why don’t you want them to know?”

  “If they know, they’ll want to be with me. They’ll want to come here. There are too many things I can’t explain, and I don’t want them at risk.” She looked at him quickly. “Don’t get me wrong. I want them to know their grandchild. I just don’t want them to know until he’s born. I’m not flying them to France after what just happened with you, with us, and with David after the clinic.”

  “What will I tell them?” he asked, perplexed. “What will I say when I introduc
e them to their grandchild and they ask why we never told them?”

  She fumbled with the bed sheet. “The truth. Tell them I wanted to spare them the pain.”

  “Are you sure about this?” he asked with a heavy heart. The pregnancy was something her parents had every right to share, as much as he had.

  “Don’t you agree? Wouldn’t it be dangerous bringing them here or to Paris?”

  She was right. They would be at a bigger risk, knowing more than what was needed, and if they were brought here, it would have to be done with a hell of a lot of safety measures. What he didn’t say was that they were already monitoring her parents’ home, phones, and computers. Not just for their protection, but also because her parents could be watched by anyone wanting to get his hands on Katherine, or the baby, or the team, or Cain, for that matter.

  He regretted it more than he could ever express when he said, “I agree. It’s better this way.”

  A single tear fell from her eye and ran over her cheek.

  He kissed it away. “You can call them on the secure line, every day.”

  It was a sorry compromise, but it was all he could offer.

  She squared her shoulders. “I’ll make the plans today. I already told them we’re coming home for Easter. We’ll just arrive a few days early. They’ll want to fetch us from the airport. Are we taking a commercial flight?”

  “Too risky. We’ll go by private jet. I’ll go speak to Joss now to see how soon we can leave.”

  “Thanks,” she said, offering him a meek smile.

  He pulled a shirt over his head and went in search of Joss. He told him what Kat had decided about her parents. Together, they went over the necessary safety measures for the better part of an hour.

  When Katherine appeared in the door of the library, her hair still wet from her shower, Lann said, “We’re leaving tomorrow morning, krasavitsa.”

  “For how long shall I pack?”

  He couldn’t answer. It was Joss who did the unwelcome task for him.

  “I’m sorry, Kat, but we can only let you stay one day.” His silver eyes were apologetic. “More than that becomes too big a risk to handle, even for me.”

  Katherine gave a resigned nod. “We’ll travel light then.”

  She could hide it from Joss, but she couldn’t hide her pain from Lann.

  Chapter 11

  A few blocks from her childhood home, Lann parked the car on the curb. He covered Kat’s hand with his.

  His voice was tender, but the color of his eyes was pale behind his glasses, like when he was upset. “Ready?”

  She took a deep breath and nodded.

  He tugged a strand of hair behind her ear, studying her for a while. “You’re sure about not telling them you’re pregnant?”

  He agreed with her. There were things she couldn’t explain to them. This way was best for everyone—her, their baby, Lann, and her parents. Lann would only tell them once his son was born, but he needed her reassurance that she was fine with it.

  “It’s how I want it,” she said.

  Leaning over, he kissed her briefly. “I’m right here with you.”

  She tried to ignore her trepidation as Lann started the engine and steered Cain’s company car the remaining distance to the house in which she’d spent all of her years up to a few months ago.

  It was a simple, wooden house in a middleclass suburb. There was no fence. The garden with the big oak tree recalled memories of her playing on the lawn while her dad, John, did the mowing. Her mom would prune the roses. She’d help Dad, and he’d ruffle her hair and propose a reward for their hard work that usually included cookies and milk.

  As soon as the car came to a halt, the front door opened. She pulled herself from her reverie. Mom would’ve waited by the window in the lounge, keeping an eye out for their arrival. Lann got out and came around to get her door. He offered her a hand, and led her to the front door.

  Felicity held out her arms as they mounted the stairs. When had those gray highlights crept into her mom’s hair?

  Kat stepped into her mom’s embrace. John stood behind his wife. He waited until mother and daughter had said their greetings before he took Kat into a bear hug.

  “Daddy,” she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder, “I missed you.”

  She straightened and turned to Lann. “Mom, Dad, this is Lann.”

  Felicity extended her hand. Lann took it, but instead of shaking it, he pulled her into a light embrace and kissed her cheek. “Mrs. White, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  Felicity seemed flustered. “I … it’s … welcome.”

  Kat couldn’t blame her. After Mac, Lann had to come as a shock. He wasn’t exactly the type of guy she normally brought home.

  John shook Lann’s hand next, giving him an uncertain tap on the back. “Welcome.” There was a tinge of animosity in his voice, but it was gone when he addressed his daughter. “Well, are we going to stand here on the porch all day, or are we going inside?”

  Felicity patted her hair. “Goodness, where are my manners?” She led the way. “Please come inside.”

  Why was her mother so nervous? This wasn’t like her parents at all.

  In the entrance, Lann helped Kat out of her coat before he removed his and left both on the coat stand. They walked through the entrance to the lounge, Lann looking at the family photos that cluttered the walls. Once inside the cozy family room, Kat came to an abrupt halt. A tall man, all muscles and legs, sat on their sofa. He wore jeans and a red flannel shirt. The shirt was new. It still had the square folding lines from the shop packaging. The attire suited him badly, and seemed purposefully understated. His black hair was brushed back, curling over his collar. His green gaze immediately found Kat, and stayed there a fraction too long. Lann put an arm around her waist and pulled her against him in a possessively hug.

  Felicity darted forward. “Um, Kat, Lann, this is Gideon, a friend of your dad’s. He happened to be passing through town and they were just catching up on old times.”

  Gideon smiled. He got to his feet and offered Kat a hand. “Your daddy and my brother, Frederic, were best buddies.” His voice took on a somber tone. “Fred passed away, you see. I’m visiting the people he was close to.”

  Gideon held her eyes as his fingers gripped hers. She glanced at her dad. His eyes were trained on the carpet. He’d never mentioned Frederic or Gideon before. Was that a growl reverberating in Lann’s chest? Gideon abruptly released her and turned to Lann to shake hands.

  “Please.” Felicity motioned at the sofa. “Sit.” She fumbled with her apron cords. “Shall I make tea?”

  “That would be lovely, thank you,” Gideon said.

  Felicity all but curtsied before turning for the door.

  “I’ll help,” Kat offered.

  “No,” her mom said quickly. “You stay and catch up. I’ll be right back.”

  John sat down in his armchair and Kat and Lann took the sofa opposite Gideon.

  “How are your studies?” John directed at Kat.

  Non-existent. “Fine, Dad.” She looked back at Gideon. “Where did your brother and my dad know each other from?”

  “School,” John said.

  “Oh.”

  Lann said nothing. He cupped her knee, drawing patterns with his thumb on her skin.

  In the silence that followed, Gideon looked between Lann and John. “I’m going for a walk, if you don’t mind. I’d like to visit the park where we used to hang out.”

  “Of course,” John said eagerly. “Go ahead. Take your time. There’s no rush. We’ll wait with lunch.”

  Gideon got up and nodded in Kat’s direction. “Excuse me.”

  When he was gone, Kat stared at her dad. “You invited a stranger for lunch, today of all days?” It wasn’t that she had anything against unexpected lunch guests, but today wasn’t just any other day, not that her parents could know that.

  “He’s not a stranger. He’s the brother of an old buddy. I could hardly show h
im the door when he showed up.” John frowned. “It’s not like you to be so unwelcoming, Kat.”

  She glanced at Lann, but before she could defend herself, Felicity entered with a tray. Lann got up to take it from her, and placed it on the coffee table.

  Felicity looked around. “Where’s Gideon?”

  “Gone for a walk,” John said. “He’ll be back for lunch.”

  Had it been Kat’s imagination or did her mom exhale in relief?

  Felicity moved to the table. “Shall I pour?”

  Lann placed his hand on hers. “Please, why don’t you sit? I’ll serve.”

  The offer bowled Felicity over. She took a step back and flopped down onto the chair. Lann didn’t have to ask how they took their tea. He handed her mom hers black with a slice of lemon, her dad’s with milk and two sugars, and Kat’s with a teaspoon of honey. When she took the cup from him, he brushed his fingers over hers and gave her a sweet smile. He’d asked Kat all sorts of questions about her parents before they’d arrived. Now she understood why he wanted to know those trivial details.

  “Goodness, Kat,” Felicity exclaimed, “I should have made you some coffee. I’m sorry. It’s just been…” Her voice was shrill. “I’m just so excited to see you.”

  “Mr. and Mrs. White—” Lann started.

  “Please, Lann,” John said, “call us Felicity and John.”

  Lann inclined his head. “John, Felicity, you must have a lot of questions, so why don’t we get those out of the way?”

  Felicity’s shoulders tensed. “All right.” She moved to the edge of her chair like when she was getting ready for an argument. “I’m sure you can understand that your engagement came as a big shock.” She looked at the ruby ring on Kat’s finger.

  “A surprise,” John corrected.

  Kat’s eyes flared at her mom’s hostility. “I know it seems sudden, but this is what we want.”

  “When is this wedding supposed to take place?” John asked.

  “Soon.” Lann sat back and crossed his legs. He seemed so calm and in control when everyone else was as tight as overstretched guitar strings. He touched Kat’s hair. “Katherine and I don’t want to wait.”