by KB Anne
“No, I’ll go…,” I said, but my body refused to move from its spot. A possessive word kept thundering through my brain, Mine. I was never one for material things, but Frank was something else entirely.
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” He leaned toward my kiss-swollen lips.
“Uh huh,” I murmured losing whatever train of thought I had left.
“Really?” He asked again his lips just centimeters away from mine. Instead of answering him, I pushed into them. What’s a few more minutes, anyway? The church lady called me the Devil’s Concubine. I might as well live up to the name.
His eager lips met mine. My hands stroked his bare arm and shoulder muscles. His skin was silky smooth and so freaking hot. His hands ran up and down my back. They never snuck around to the front for a quick feel.
It only made me want him more.
A knock shook the door. “Get your hands off each other and let’s get moving,” Ben shouted.
We jumped away from each other. My fingers trailed along his stomach.
“You are a tease,” he whispered.
“You’re no angel yourself. Put on some clothes. We need to get to OneTruth.”
He grinned as his fingers skirted ever so closely to my breasts without touching them. “Maybe we could start where we left off.”
“Depends on how lucky you are,” I said. I grabbed some clothes and left the room before he could distract me any longer.
“You’re still not dressed yet?” Ben yelled from the end of the hallway. “What were you doing this time? Nope, never mind. Don’t answer that. Just get dressed.”
My phone rang. I shuffled through my clothes to find it as I ran into the bathroom. If I didn’t get changed soon, Ben’s extraordinary patience would be tested more than it already was. “Hey Christian, what’s up?”
“Starr left in a giant limo. I assume they’re going to OneTruth. Are you there yet?” he asked.
Guilt ran through me. A half-truth would be appropriate right about now. “We’re on our way. We’ll see you after the service.”
“I’m going to explore the tunnels when no one’s home.”
I froze with my pants halfway up. “Christian, that’s a terrible idea. Wait for us.”
“It’ll be fine. There’s only servants left.”
“What if someone sees you?”
“They’ll claim they saw a wolf.”
He was going to shift again. Coda and Ben claimed it didn’t hurt, but every movie and tv series made the shift appear painful.
“You won’t be able to call if you need us.”
He snorted. “I’ll be fine. Just want to sniff around.”
“If that’s a wolf joke, it’s not funny.”
“Di, let’s go!” Ben shouted pounding on the bathroom door.
“You didn’t leave yet?” Christian growled.
Busted. “Talk later, don’t go in the tunnels, and be safe.”
* * *
It didn’t matter that Frank and I got tangled up in each other’s arms a second time or that I wasn’t dressed when Coda arrived, or that we had to pick up Rebecca who had insisted on being included in our future missions, because if we had arrived at the OneTruth campus early, we would have missed the circus of paparazzi swarming the giant silver stretch limo.
“That’s got to be her,” Frank said, watching from the back seat. “Didn’t Christian mention a limo?”
“He did, but he didn’t say it took up half a block,” Coda whispered.
Since arriving on campus, the team had grown subdued and tense as if at any minute we’d be called into action, and we wanted to be ready. Well, all of us, except for Frank. He’d try to fight, but his gunshot wound prevent him from taking a more active role in this operation. It didn’t affect his ability to kiss the ever-loving shit out of me. My gods, the things he could do with his tongue…
Focus Di, focus.
Frank looked at Rebecca. “Are you sure they won’t recognize the three of you?”
She grinned at him as if she couldn’t believe he was actually asking that question. “Remember the last time when we went to ranch or when I walked up to Starr’s group and asked for directions when they were in Asheville?”
“Of course, I almost shit myself,” Frank said.
“That made two of us,” Ben added.
“White people have a tendency to ignore our individuality. They refuse to acknowledge each of our unique traits beyond man and woman and because of that they clump us together as Native American or American Indian. The general might have his men on the lookout for two Native Americans, but we will be a group of three and two hours from the ranch. No one will look for us here. Trust me. Let’s park and see if we can catch a glimpse Starr when she gets out of the limo.”
I spent a lifetime despising any form of racism or prejudice against ethnic diversity. Today, the very perpetrators of that close-minded hatred would have it used against them. Or at least if Rebecca’s plan worked. I prayed it would for all our sakes.
Chapter Eleven
Starr
* * *
The morning light brought a renewal of my energy. I needed to learn how to control my energy, so at least if I had a flare up I’d be able to walk back to my room unassisted. Jude said it was his destiny as a Shadow Fae to protect me, yet, when he held me, my power was further drained. It was only when he released me after Thomas found us in the hall that my energy rekindled on its own.
What was it about Jude or was it all Shadow Fae that prevented my energy from recharging in their presence?
When Frank and I overhead the conversation between my grandfather, Treadwell, and Kenneth, they mentioned the Shadow Fae and a Shadow Fae Court. I didn’t know what any of that meant, but one thing was certain, I needed to learn more about Shadow Faes, as well as, my own Silver Fae nature and how to use it. Charm school wouldn’t teach me how to use my abilities to survive as a Silver Fae, and I refused to rely on Jude or the other members of Team Asshole for help of any kind. Would Willingsbee be able to fill me in? I trusted him more than anyone here, but did he know the true nature of a Silver Fae? Or Shadow Fae for that matter?
Willingsbee approached me as I descended the last step and landed on the first floor. “Miss Jessalyn, you will leave for OneTruth in just a few minutes. When you return home, the items you requested will be in your room,” he said without last night’s familiarity. I soon discovered the reason.
“Good morning Jessalyn,” my grandfather said, appearing from the throne room in a three piece silver silk suit. I wondered if he sat on his throne even when no one was around to witness his highness.
“Good morning Grandfather,” I said, “and thank you Willingsbee for tending to those matters for me.”
“Your wish is my command,” he said bowing again.
Actually it wasn’t. My grandparents were the wish granters, but with Treadwell and White biting at our ankles, even Lord and Lady Silverlain might not have enough power to stop them.
“Jessalyn darling, you look lovely as always,” my grandmother said gliding into the room in a very elegant silver silk dress. I guess even though my grandparents had to blend in with humans, it didn’t mean they couldn’t stand out in other ways.
Willingsbee smiled at my grandmother. She gave him a small nod as she walked passed him and stopped alongside my grandfather.
“Lady Silverlain, you’re coat,” Willingsbee said, as he lifted a white fur stole for her. He eased it over her shoulders, then she buttoned the silver clasp.
Willingsbee lifted a second one and brought it over for me. “Miss Jessalyn, your coat.”
I copied my grandmother’s actions and stepped into the fur stole. I found it inappropriate in this day and age that anyone wore fur, but it was best not to argue. I was playing a role, and I needed to make it award-winning. I pulled the two sides of the silver clasp together. I recognized the symbol. My eyes lingered on the triquetra. Since my arrival I’d seen the symbol all over the
house, but never paid much attention to it mainly because I had other things on my mind. What was the true meaning of it and how did it relate to me?
So many questions with so little answers.
The fur was silky smooth against my skin. I tried hard to not think about what poor creature gave its life so I could wear a fur stole. I didn’t select it or any of the clothing in my closet. When this day was over, perhaps I’d give it to Jovie Lynn as a thank you. An unsteady allegiance based on bribery was more than I had now. Jovie Lynn could prove useful later. Plus, it would piss off Sami, and that was worth its weight in empty promises.
Willingsbee held open the front door. “Lord Silverlain, your car is ready for you.”
“Excellent. Ladies,” my grandfather said, holding out his arms for each of us to take one.
Sami’s red eyes followed me as we passed.
That bitch would get nothing but my high-heeled-whatever-designer-boot I was wearing up her ass.
Grandfather led us across the portico and down the stairs. At the base of it was the largest silver stretch limo I’d ever seen. Ben would drool over it. Coda would love it even more if he could add orange flames.
Man, I missed those guys.
“Do you like it?” Grandmother asked me.
Cars did nothing for me. Although a big monster truck could smash through any gate...
“It’s amazing?”
“I prefer my Cadillac One, but with the added cargo we didn’t have enough room,” Grandfather grumbled. Kenneth opened the door for us. My grandmother and I entered first. Grandfather soon followed.
Once we were seated, Team Asshole climbed inside.
“There is a lot of extra cargo. Perhaps we could dispose of the dead weight?” I stared at Sami, daring her to say or do anything that would draw attention to herself.
Grandfather studied me for a long time. I wanted to break his gaze, but it was some sort of test. When I passed, he said, “If operations continue to run smoothly, we may be able to reduce the number of your guards.”
Jude’s eyes slid over to mine before returning to the window. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. He should be nervous. After Sami, he was next on my list.
The limo took off without warning. Unfortunately, Sami and Jude already wore their seat belts. Poor Jovie pitched forward at the sudden motion. Her hand shot out to catch herself to the closest thing that could stop her which was my grandmother’s knee. Thankfully for Jovie’s sake, she stopped herself by flinging her body backward. It was an impressive physical feat that if I didn’t witness it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed Jovie was capable of it. I hadn’t seen her eyes flash red, but it stood to reason that Jovie was turned into whatever Sami was. I still hedged my bets on vampire.
Or they were turned into something more sinister, and the evil hadn’t taken root in Jovie yet?
Regardless of her potential supernatural otherness, Jovie didn’t claw Lady Silverlain’s knee, and her and Thomas quickly buckled themselves before they got into any more trouble.
I toyed with the silver clasp on my coat as I stared at Jovie. I couldn’t decide if she was someone I could turn to my side and trust to do the right thing when needed. When her deep brown eyes met mine, I looked out the window instead. The only person I could ever really trust was myself. Christian proved that swimmingly.
The limo stopped just short of the entrance to the estate so the iron gates could swing open. I filed the security design flaw away in my brain for future keeping. I’d use that weakness to my advantage if given the opportunity. Once the gates were open, we drove onto the road. It was the first time I’d been off the property since my arrival.
The woods across from the estate came into view. It reminded me of my dream from the other night when I fell asleep on the window seat and the way I felt when I swore I saw the wolf silhouette. Then last night, Sami drudged up the horrible images of him all over again. Whatever imagined happiness I thought I felt was replaced by bitterness.
My claws dug into my palms. Actual physical pain was far better than heartache surfacing. Tension swirled around in the limo. Grandfather’s eyes swung over to mine. His forehead furrowed as if he was trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It’s not that he cared; it was more like my emotions annoyed him.
No one spoke the entire ride. Not any of Team Asshole, not Kenneth, not my grandparents, and certainly not me. In a crowded car I was alone. Every car ride with Ben, Frank, Coda, and Di, even Christian was an adventure. There was always loud music, light banter, and hysterical laughter. I longed to be with them. Were they even thinking about me or did they go back to their pre-Starr lives as easily as Christian had?
An eternity later, we pulled into OneTruth’s parking lot. The driver pulled up to the entrance. An attendant opened the door. “Mr. and Mrs. Silverlain.”
“Completely degrading,” Grandfather hissed before climbing out.
“But necessary,” Grandmother reminded him as she followed behind. Another attendant reached for her hand. She peeked her head back in, “You there, you climb out first.”
“M… me?” Jovie stuttered.
“Yes, you’re appropriately dressed. Get out first, and Jessalyn will follow.”
It was the perfect opportunity to make a scene if I wanted to, but with all the dedicated OneTruth followers, I’d probably get tackled by an energetic member and wind up at Treadwell’s Island or worse, Grandfather’s dungeons because after Willingsbee’s ghosts stories I suspected there were far worse beings than trespassers through the tunnels.
Grandmother ducked her head back in after Jovie got out. She murmured something and opened her palm. Whatever spell she cast hit me square in the chest. Soon after I tingled from head to foot.
Jude and Thomas gasped. I stared down at my hands. They were sparkling. Grandmother lifted my glamour or at least partially, but for what purpose I didn’t know.
“On with you, Jessalyn,” she encouraged.
I climbed out. It took a second for my eyes to adjust to the sunlight. It had been days since I’d been out in the sun. I blinked once as I took a deep breath. A silence fell upon the crowd.
I glanced around to see what had drawn their attention and soon realized it was on me.
“Who is that?” Someone whispered.
“She’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen her before.”
And the whispers grew louder and louder.
“Come now Jessalyn, let’s proceed,” Grandfather said taking my arm with Grandmother following close beside me.
“That’ll show Treadwell and White who’s in charge,” Grandfather said in a quiet undertone.
“Absolutely Horace,” Grandmother murmured next to me. “A new Court of Silver Fae will soon reconvene with no rivals.”
His grip on my arm tightened, not out of caring but because of his own excitement. A sadness swept over me. They only wanted me for one purpose and that was the undisputed return of the Silver Fae.
“She looks like an angel sent from the heavens,” someone sighed.
“Or a goddess.”
Or a kidnapped girl forced to be here against her will.
My eyes fell once upon the crowd. I skimmed the mob hoping to find a familiar face. Hoping beyond hope that one of my team members, one of my friends, came to save me or at least a show of support that I wasn’t alone.
The crowd kept a respectful distance. With their desperate looks of admiration, I thought for sure they’d swarm us. Well, me. Then I noticed a shimmer separating us from the masses. What other magic did my grandparents possess?
More importantly, what magic could I do?
My Silver Fae nature flickered. Soon it wouldn’t matter if I had an iron cross. A Starr couldn’t be extinguished forever.
Chapter Twelve
Starr
* * *
My imagination was playing tricks on me again. As we passed through the crowd, I thought I saw Rebecca, Coda, and Ben. As much as I wanted to see them to prove I
wasn’t alone, it would be idiotic of them. With Jude just inches behind me, Ben and Coda couldn’t risk exposure. With all my being, I wanted to glance back over to double check in case I wasn’t seeing things, but I couldn’t risk Jude following my gaze. Nothing else would happen to a member of my team and that included Rebecca, who it seemed had joined their ranks. If it was them, they were standing in dangerous territory. Even if we were on OneTruth’s campus, somewhere hidden behind the facade of Roman Columns and white stucco were men bent on the Fae returning to power and taking back what they believed was theirs.
“We have a treat for you afterwards,” Grandmother whispered in my ear.
Their ideas of treats differed greatly from my own.
We glided past the Jessalyn Silverlain Room and through a silver door that led to a special seating section designed for my grandparents, including three small silver thrones. Their area was in stark contrast to the stadium seating Frank, Jude, and I sat in the last time I was here.
My grandparents took their silver thrones. Once seated, my grandmother patted the open one next to her. “Come Jessalyn, take a seat.”
I stood glaring. It was one thing to pretend I was a princess and act like an entitled bitch when Sami was within earshot but another to sit in the throne designated for Silver Fae royalty. The people in attendance had no idea that Fae existed, let alone they had diabolical plot to take over their world.
Jude pressed his hand into my lower back and attempted to guide me. His proximity made me sick.
“Get your hands off me,” I hissed.
“Jessalyn, you must sit,” he said. His use of my birth name pissed me off even more. I stood rooted to my spot.
Grandmother nodded at my guards. Hands wrapped around my arms. Just as my fight instinct triggered, my limbs went numb, and I lost control of my own body. Before I realized what was happening, I found myself guided over to the third throne and not so gently seated in it. My grandmother didn’t murmur a spell or wave a hand at me, and neither did anyone else. My fears that the contract was magically binding were confirmed.
