“Of course not.” He snorted. “They don’t know what you are, either. I took the job for money and then found you.”
She swallowed loudly. “You’ve been chasing me all these years for money?”
“Oh, no. I’ve been chasing you for me, because I knew you were special. I’ve finally figured it out—you’re part fairy.” A low purr came from his chest. “Do you have any idea how unique you are? How unique your offspring will be?”
Offspring? “Not a chance in hell, buddy.” She tried to remind herself that she had powerful immortal blood in her veins, but she felt more vulnerable than ever. Could a normal Fae-demoness fight a shifter and win? Why hadn’t she been taking karate lessons her entire life? “How much money am I worth?”
“To these idiots? A million,” Pierce said. “He really thinks it’s his calling, the greater purpose given to him by God, the Big Guy, to rid you of this evil. The pastor is obsessed, I’m telling you.”
She drew back. Her father had apparently grown his church admirably. “That’s a lot of money.”
“I’ll split it with you. Be a good girl, come out, go through the silly human exorcism, and we’ll run off to the Bahamas.” Pierce pivoted to the side.
The spit in her mouth dried up. “I am not going through an exorcism ritual.” Her voice shook.
“Come on, demoness. They can’t really hurt you.” He shrugged a strong shoulder. “They can cause pain, but it’s a million dollars. What wouldn’t you do for a million in cash?”
“Go through an exorcism,” she snapped. Obviously. But at least she had him talking. “Did you kill my, um, mother?”
“No. Knocked that bitch out, though. She can definitely talk. Would not stop praying.” He shook his head. “No wonder you’re half nuts, being raised by those two. I’ll make you a deal.”
She paused in planning her attack. How far were they from Quade? Was he okay? If so, he’d be on his way. She knew it. “Deal?”
“Yeah. Go through the ritual, we take the money, and I’ll come back and kill him for you.” In the moonlight, his canines glinted with sharp edges. “Or I’ll teach you how to kill. Could be a prelude to some pretty damn good sex.”
Oh, she hated this guy. “Animals aren’t my thing, shifter.” She made her voice as haughty as possible.
He threw back his head and laughed, apparently not insulted in the slightest. “Spoken just like a demoness. Stuck up and sexy. I have no clue what a fairy sounds like, but probably the same. They love money, you know.”
“What about Quade?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant. “Did he survive?” She held her breath, waiting for the answer.
“I have no clue. The Cyst and the vampire soldiers were fighting it out to the death, and I got you out of there. You are definitely going to thank me for that later.” He gestured with his arm. “Let’s go, fairy.”
Vampire soldiers? Would that be Quade’s family or friends? Warmth filled her heart, surprising her. He’d tunneled right in there, hadn’t he? She narrowed her focus. The shifter seemed to be a pretty selfish guy. “You know that the Kayrs marking appeared on his hand and that he considers me his mate, right?”
“I saw the drawing.” Impatience crept into Pierce’s tone.
“He’ll kill you. I saw him punch through a Kurjan’s throat once in a fight, and that was back when he hadn’t eaten in centuries. If he gets his hands on you, he’ll rip you apart.” She was trying to scare the shifter, but the words held so much truth, she shivered. “Let me go, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t hunt you down.”
Pierce’s chin lowered. “I’d normally take that deal. But you’re worth the risk, pretty one. Now come out here so we can get this over with. The humans won’t give me the money until after the ritual, so let’s do it. I’ll take you on a nice shopping trip afterward.”
She was immortal. A Fae-demon blend of pure adrenaline and strength. Keeping those facts in mind, she ducked her head and charged, swinging wildly with the garden tools.
* * * *
Quade kept quiet in the back seat of the large SUV as it drove away from the fight, his neck hurting nearly as fiercely as his chest since Haven had disappeared. Ronan sliced open his wrist and pushed it his way. Quade shook his head.
Ronan growled and grabbed his arm. “We need you strong to find your mate. Don’t be an ass.”
Quade settled and took the wrist, sucking deep and taking blood. His injuries began to close instantly, and power, the ancient kind, rippled through his veins. “Thank you.” He turned to face his oldest brother and forced a smile. Everything inside him was jumbled up with Haven’s abduction, but he’d waited for this moment for millennia, fearing it would never happen. His chest heated and warmed. He reached over and yanked Ronan close for a hard hug. His brother. It was a miracle and one he’d never even hoped for. “I missed you.”
Ronan hugged him back. Hard. “Me too.”
The soldiers in the front seat stared straight ahead, looking for threats.
Quade finally settled. Together again with family. With Ronan, the only person in existence who understood the solitude he’d withstood in a hell world so far away. He cleared his throat and leaned back. The painting Haven had completed ran through his head. He didn’t want to know, but he had to ask. “Jacer.” Their middle brother had always been the stable, calm one of the three, and his wisdom was needed right now.
Ronan’s eyes filled with pain. His mouth opened, but no words emerged. Finally, he shook his head.
Quade took the kick to the solar plexus and breathed out, pain engulfing him. He’d known, but having Jacer’s death confirmed was agony beyond description. “He lived a good life?” His voice cracked at the end.
Ronan’s smile was sad. “Aye. Mated and had two boys, but all are gone. One of the boys was very busy and had five kids.”
“Five Kayrs brothers?” Quade asked, his voice hushed. Incredible. Anybody with vampire blood only made males, so they’d be five brothers. “All still living?” He knew better than to feel hope, but right now, sitting with his brother, he couldn’t shield himself.
“Yes. All five are living and a few have kids already.” Ronan nodded, fully understanding Quade’s emotions. “When I came back from the bubble, I was shocked to know we had family left. They’re good soldiers, and our great-nephew is the King of the Realm. Name is Dage.”
Sounded like a good name for a king. “They know about the Seven?” There had been a blood oath of secrecy when the Seven were made.
“They know some but certainly not all,” Ronan said. “We got into a bit of trouble and had no choice but to reach out to the King of the Realm. We needed two new members, and the king’s nephew, our great-great-nephew, is one. You’ll meet Garrett soon.”
The painting came into focus in Quade’s mind again. “Zylo Kyllwood died as well?”
Ronan straightened. “Yes. How did you know?”
“Long story. Who took his place?” How odd that there were two members of the Seven Quade had never met.
“His great-nephew. A badass named Logan Kyllwood. The kid mated a fairy.” Ronan shook his head. “Hey. I’m mated, too.” He held up his hand to show his branding mark, which was faded since it had obviously been used.
Quade’s mouth dropped open. “You have mated?”
Ronan shifted his weight, his cheeks coloring. “Yes. I figured I’d take the time I’m allowed and enjoy it fully. Hell. Maybe we’ll win the final ritual.”
Quade shook his head. “The vow, Ronan.” His body ached.
“We didn’t vow to be alone,” Ronan countered. “Just to give our lives in the end if necessary. I will adhere to my vow.”
Quade exhaled slowly. He couldn’t let his brother leave a mate alone for eternity. “Ronan,” he muttered.
Ronan grinned. “Her name is Faith, and you’ll love her.”
Quade
’s head jerked. “Faith? A brunette with pretty eyes?”
“Yes.” Ronan frowned.
“Friends with a Promise and sister to Grace?” Quade recalled that other painting. “They contacted Haven a while back.”
Ronan nodded. “Yes. We found her and figured she’d lead us to you. But she’s smart, Q. She’s evaded us for months. Impressive, that.”
Yes, his mate was impressive. And missing. Quade looked into the darkness outside.
“We’ll find her.” Ronan clapped him on the shoulder as if he couldn’t stop checking to be sure Quade was real. “The mother says she doesn’t know where the father is, and I believe her, but we’ll find them. We have the Realm computer experts already dealing with satellites and cameras on the way, and we’ll locate her soon. Trust me.”
“I do,” Quade said softly. He trusted his brother more than anyone else on this world. “There’s so much…”
“Me too,” Ronan said, squeezing his shoulder. “All the words, me too.”
Quade grinned. “I hope you’re better getting the words out with your mate.”
“I’m okay,” Ronan snorted. “She usually knows what I mean. So do you.”
“Aye,” Quade said, finding the moment surreal. He was with his brother, and he was home. There would be time and space to grieve for those he’d lost later as well as to rejoice with those who had survived. Right now, all he could think about was Haven. “I should have forced her to remain back in the vehicle.”
“Based on my research, she seems a rather independent type.” Ronan motioned to the drivers, and they pulled up next to a helicopter. This one was black with twin propellers up top. “These days they want more than oxen and land. They want love and all that stuff, and they’re not willing to compromise.”
Quade stared out at the innocuous-looking helicopter. Love? After a life of hell, he wasn’t sure he could manage that feeling. But he could offer protection, and apparently, these days it was more necessary than ever. Life was dangerous, more so than before. With this new technology, even humans could be a threat. “Love is just a word.”
Ronan snorted and covered the sound with a cough. “So you say.”
Quade jumped out of the SUV and stalked toward the beast, his stomach pitching violently. He’d been through hell dimensions, teleporting wildly during his quest to become one of the Seven, but even then, he hadn’t flown in the air.
A male jumped out of the front, a laptop in his hands.
Quade stopped cold.
The stranger had sizzling gray eyes, black hair, and Jacer’s jawline.
“I know,” Ronan murmured. “Quade? Meet your great-great-nephew, Garrett Kayrs.”
Garrett held out a hand. “Great-great-uncle.”
Smart-ass. Quade drew him in for a hard hug. “You look like my brother.”
Ronan snorted. “You should see the kid’s father, Talen. He’s a dead ringer for Jacer.” Ronan cleared his throat. “He did not, however, inherit Jacer’s good disposition and calm manner.”
“Neither did I,” Garrett said cheerfully. “My uncle Kane is probably the closest in disposition to your description of Jacer. You’ll meet him at some time, I’m sure.”
Family. Quade swayed and then caught himself. He wasn’t alone any longer.
Ronan edged closer. “You okay? It took me a while to get accustomed to the gravity here, and I was in a coma for seven years. Your mind has to be spinning.”
“I am fine,” Quade said, nodding at the laptop. “Have you found my mate?”
“I’m on her trail,” Garrett confirmed. “We traced her through town to Malibu by hacking into bank, store, and traffic cameras. Then we lost her, but the techs at home are hacking into governmental satellites right now to pick up her path.”
Quade swallowed, his nerves fraying. “Good.”
Ronan gestured him inside the dark beast. “Let’s go. We can continue searching from the air.”
Quade sucked deep and nodded, taking a step forward. It would take time to heal if this thing crashed. “Who is flying?”
“I am,” Garrett said, reading his computer screen. “Don’t worry. I only hit buildings half of the time.”
“Wonderful.” Quade jumped all the way in.
Chapter Nineteen
Haven slashed Pierce across the neck and down his torso with the tool, spinning and aiming for his eyes. He roared and stepped back. She jumped out of the shed and looked around. A wood and glass house was perched down the path with a wide deck facing the ocean, and a trail led in the opposite direction around a stone wall. She turned and started to run along the rock-strewn path away from the house. On one side was a cliff; on the other, pointy trees.
Pierce moved silently, securing her around the legs and taking her down hard.
The air whooshed from her lungs and she coughed, momentarily stunned. He flipped her over, straddling her and looking down, blood dripping from his neck.
She slapped him, punching him in the stomach.
He shifted his weight and pressed his knees against her upper arms, effectively trapping her. He was heavy and strong, and anger glinted in his catlike eyes. His canines elongated beyond his lips, looking like they could tear her apart. Easily. “That all you got?”
She bucked and struggled but couldn’t dislodge him. Frustration brought tears to her eyes, and she blinked them away. “You are such a dick.”
“And you suck as a fighter.” He wiped blood off his cheek, and his skin slowly mended. His eyes filled with a light she didn’t much like. “I can see we’re going to have some fun together as you learn your place.” He pressed harder with his knees, and she bit her lip as agony shot down both arms. “Some females like pain, and I’m thinking you’re one of those bitches. Do I have it right?”
The ocean crashed far below as his words registered in her brain. “No. You have that wrong.” Why couldn’t she have some cool ability like being able to melt his face off? She struggled again but couldn’t get her hands free. “Why have you been chasing me?”
“Money and sex, of course. Aren’t those the primary reasons for everything?” He glanced down at her breasts. “I’m not saying I haven’t taken many side jobs over these years, but I’ve always kept on your trail. Someday, I knew we’d be here. You under me.”
Was the guy crazy? Were cougars insane with stalker urges? She fought harder, but he was too strong, and she finally stopped, her breath panting out furiously.
“Mary?” That voice straight out of her nightmares came from the porch.
She went still, her body going ice cold.
Pierce cocked his head. “Interesting. You’re afraid of a human but not of me.”
Not true. They both were terrifying. “Get off me,” she snapped, her voice shaking just enough to tick her off.
He rolled to his feet, grabbed her arms, and yanked her up. “You know you can’t die, right? Well, unless they take off your head, and I’m not going to let that happen,” he whispered, dragging her toward the porch.
She jerked free and walked forward, her chin held up. If it was possible to be cold to the soul, she was right now. The chill spread out, causing her limbs to tremble. “You’ve aged,” she said, reaching the porch and studying the man she’d once called Father. He was still ramrod straight and tall, but his brown hair had thinned and grayed. Though his hawklike eyes were still sharp, the hands holding the well-worn Bible had a few dark spots.
He turned his attention to Pierce. “Thank you. I can’t imagine the difficulty you must have had facing a demon.”
Pierce stepped up to her side. “Some demons are sexy, Pastor. You have no idea.”
“I do not wish to know.” Her father rubbed the frayed cover on the Bible. “Your eyes are both green. Contact?”
“Nope. The devil left me, Pastor,” she said, letting sarcasm bubble over. “That me
ans our business is concluded.” Adrenaline flooded her again, and her breath heated as her body screamed to run.
“Take it out,” he ordered. “If you don’t, I’ll do it for you. Neither of us would like that.”
“I remember how you don’t like to touch,” she murmured, studying him for the first time without fear. He was just a man. Just a human who had never shown her love. Never shown her attention, even before he’d decided she was possessed. She blinked hard, and the contact flew out. Score one for the Fae-demoness. “Better, Pastor?” She’d never think of him as her father again.
He took a step back.
Triumph filtered through her. “You know the moron next to me can shift into a cougar, right?”
The pastor shook his head. “You’re insane.”
Pierce snorted. “The more you call me names, the more I like you.” He brushed her hair off her shoulder and rubbed his knuckle along her jawline. “How silly, Pastor. Shifters? Maybe she is crazy.”
She turned in an instinctive move and kicked him square in the side of the knee.
Pierce’s leg buckled, and only catlike reflexes keep him from falling. “You’re going to pay for that later, I promise you.” His snarl was so bestial, it was astonishing the pastor didn’t see the shifter in him.
The pastor cleared his throat. “I’ve studied and prepared for years, Mary Agnes. I can save you. Please, let me.”
She frowned. He truly believed his baloney. “I am not possessed, Pastor. Never have been and never will be.” Pierce grabbed her arm, and she tried to pull free, but his grip tightened. Before she really started fighting, she had to know the truth. “My parents. My biological parents. Who were they?”
The pastor shrugged. “No clue. You were left at the church, and at the time, I thought you a gift from God to make my Allison happy. I was wrong.”
“You still are,” she said, squaring her feet. “I’m not going through another one of your stupid rituals, so you might as well give up now.” Telling him the truth wouldn’t help this situation any, and if she showed him how quickly she could heal, he’d think his suspicions were confirmed. She could probably take him, but the shifter next to her was strong. She couldn’t battle them both.
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