by Melissa Haag
I faced Raiden.
“You will never again command your son.”
He bowed his head. To the others, it might look like he was conceding to me. But I knew better. I’d implanted the thought, binding Raiden’s control over his son like Raiden’s pathetic druid had tried to bind me.
“And you will remove his tracking spell. It’s no longer needed.”
Another incline of his head.
I looked at Fenris, threading my fingers through his.
“Let’s go home, my mate. You can show me your boot trick.”
I slathered an ungodly amount of peanut butter on his sandwich as Fenris sat at the kitchen island and watched me.
“Are we going to talk about what happened?” he asked.
Adding the jelly, I wrinkled my nose at him then slid the food his way.
“Depends on what part has you feeling so happy.”
He grinned at me.
“Everything after the part where you stopped hurting so much. But I’d like to know what happened to get you to that point.”
A sigh escaped me as I started another sandwich. It was the fourth one. I could hear his stomach growling, though, and knew it would take a few more to make up for how much I’d fed from him once he’d showed up.
“I should have made you eat at your house.”
“No way. This is better. I could feel how much you didn’t want to be there. Which is why we really need to—”
“Talk about it. I know.” I sighed and slid the next sandwich over to him. “After today, I get that you’re going to want to live with the pack. They’re your family. Good. Bad. Annoying. Obnoxious. You can’t cut them out of your life, and I wouldn’t ever ask you to because I like most of them. I’m just really struggling with how I feel about your dad right now.
“He claimed that he was worried about your humanity, but in reality, his objection to me was because he didn’t think I was strong enough.”
“I think you’ve proven that you’re definitely strong enough,” Fenris said with a smirk.
“But I shouldn’t have had to. Knowing that you loved me and identified me as your mate should have been enough. I guess I’m angry at him because he caused you so much pain in his denial.”
Fenris nodded slowly, growing serious.
“He did. And I think he sees that now.”
“Does he? Or does he only see my strength?”
“Oh, he sees that too. But he’s not nose-blind. Everyone there could scent your anger at him. He knows he mucked up, and he’ll figure out a way to make it up to you.”
“No. He doesn’t need to make it up to me. He needs to make it up to you, Fenris.”
“And that’s how he’ll make it up to you. I’m not worried about it, Eliana. My dad and I have been at odds for a few years. He has a hard time seeing me as an individual instead of his child. You and I both know that the adults in our lives liked to exercise their control over us because they thought we were making bad choices. But, they’re just going through a phase,” he said with a smirk. “They’ll grow out of it when they see we’re smart people capable of making our mistakes and learning from them.”
He shrugged lightly.
“Your mom caught on, and you forgave her. My dad will come around, too. Now, how many more sandwiches do I need to eat before you take me upstairs and have your way with me?”
I snorted.
“My way will involve separate showers, a movie, dinner, and snuggling.”
“Sounds perfect.” He snatched his next sandwich from me and held out his hand.
Once upstairs, he left me at my door to go use Oanen’s bathroom, respecting my wishes. The hot shower was everything after the morning I’d had. Relaxed and warm, I prematurely put on my pajamas and went to the media room where I found Fenris already waiting.
Wearing only a pair of athletic shorts, Fenris lounged on the couch and ate a cracker off of a tray.
“It just showed up,” he said, catching my look. Then he made me jump by yelling, “Thank you, Mrs. Quill.”
“That’s what the intercom is for,” I said with an eye-roll.
I walked over and spoke into it. “Fenris says thank you for the snacks. He’ll be staying over.”
“I’ll send up more in an hour and make sure there’s enough for dinner,” she returned.
Fenris cocked his grin at me.
“I’m never leaving.”
“You’ll never need to.”
He opened his arms, and I went to lay on him. He tucked his nose into my hair and breathed in deeply before helping himself to another item from the tray. We stayed like that, snuggled on the couch while we watched a cheesy horror movie. Fenris was quick to point out the character's stupidity and had me laughing at his indignation.
Mrs. Quill surprised us by having the dining room set and ready with a dinner service for two. I was relieved I wouldn’t have to answer any questions or explain anything to her and Mr. Quill, yet. I just wanted to spend time with Fenris. When we finished, we went back upstairs and watched more movies until he caught me yawning.
Wrapped in his arms and in my own bed, I fell into a dream about cakes that lingered well past when I was bloated with dessert.
Daylight didn’t wake me. Fenris’s tongue on my nose did.
Frowning, I forced my eyes open to squint at him.
“What time is it?”
“After eight. Your phone’s been buzzing. Megan messaged something about coming over to meet with Zayn. And your mom’s worried because you never called yesterday.”
Both those things had my eyes popping open.
“Crap!”
I rolled out of Fenris’s arms, ignoring his chuckle, and grabbed my phone from the nightstand.
Megan: Zayn’s going to be here in less than two hours. Get over here so Oanen can feed Fenris pancakes while you tell me everything.
Megan: And I know Fenris is still there. Anwen told Oanen. AT FIVE AM.
Choosing to disregard that last bit, I read my other messages.
Mom: I hope everything went well. Call me when you get this.
Mom: Good morning, baby. I’m starting to worry. Please call me before I call Adira.
Jenna: Hey, Eliana. Great news! Aubrey went home after you left. Willow, Laurel, and I are wondering if you want to hang out today.
“Ugh,” Fenris said from behind me. “Needy people. Don’t they know you’re mine now?”
He wrapped his arms around me and tried to pull me back down.
“Behave,” I scolded.
“I’ll give you my best no-nonsense behavior today if you give me one minute of petting tonight.”
I paused my struggle to look back at him.
“Petting where?”
He narrowed his eyes at me thoughtfully.
“Five minutes for my head, four minutes for my shoulders, three minutes for my chest, two minutes for my abs, and one minute—”
I clapped my hand over his mouth.
“I get the picture.”
He gently nipped my palm and wiggled his eyebrows.
“I’ll do the five minutes for your head option. And if you don’t give me good behavior, you have to give me a foot rub for ten minutes.”
He tugged my hand away.
“Either way, I win.”
He left me alone to send my replies and get dressed. I let Megan know we were headed over, told Mom where I was going and that I’d call as soon as we were done, and asked Jenna if she minded hanging out tomorrow night.
Thirty minutes later, I met Fenris in the hallway.
“What kind of trouble are we up to today, chipmunk?”
“With Zayn involved? Who knows?”
A shimmer of light appeared before us, and Adira stepped out.
“Did you say Zayn? Would that be the druid who—”
“You don’t get to ask me questions, Adira,” I said sharply. “You get to listen. I understand that will probably be a painful transition for you. But I promise to
help ease you through it. We’ll start with dinner tonight. Please tell Anwen to make enough for eight. Our parents will be there, too.”
She gave me a gauging look then nodded and disappeared through her portal once more.
“We’re going to try another parent dinner?” Fenris asked, while threading his fingers through mine.
“I think it would be healthier for everyone all around if we set some boundaries in our relationships, don’t you?”
“Healthier, yes. More fun? I’m not sure yet.”
“You really want to rub my feet, don’t you?”
“You have the cutest little toes.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Megan was waiting on the back porch. She stopped pacing at the sound of our tires on her driveway and motioned for me to hurry.
“Is he already here?” I asked, getting out of the car.
“No. He won’t be here for another hour. Which gives you barely any time to tell me about the ass-whooping you gave Aubrey or how you handed Raiden’s ass back to him.” Her gaze briefly flicked to Fenris. “Sorry, not sorry. Your dad was being an ass.”
“I would have gone with day-old, overcooked dick-tator, but I’m gifted with pet name rhetoric,” Fenris replied.
“Not sure that’s what I’d call gifted.”
“We’ll agree to disagree on that.”
She snorted at him and waved to the house.
“Oanen’s being a good housewife and making breakfast. Go take notes.”
Fenris’s easy grin widened as he marched to the door.
“Babe, why isn’t the food on the table?” I heard Fenris demand but missed Oanen’s low reply. Whatever it was had Megan sniggering.
“Seriously, what happened?” she asked, still grinning. “Mrs. Quill called Oanen before dawn because she was so excited she couldn’t stand not sharing the news.”
“What news?”
“That Raiden publicly acknowledged you as Fenris’s mate after you put your foot down with Aubrey and told Raiden to mind his own business. Please tell me it wasn’t as polite as that. You dropped at least one f-bomb, right? And please tell me that putting your foot down involved at least one throat punch.”
I laughed and shook my head.
“The only violence and swearing came from Aubrey.”
We moved into the house, joining the guys as I related the events of the prior day. Megan wasn’t happy about the druid spell Raiden forced on me. Neither was Fenris. Oanen bent his fork when I described how hungry I’d been, and I loved him so much for the protectiveness he’d shown for me since his return. The collective hatred when I explained how Aubrey had pulled my hair, though, was too much.
Without consciously thinking, I stole it all.
“Trust me, I understand why you’re upset, but hating her doesn’t help anything. That strong animosity is why there’s so much division in Uttira already. If I can stand to have my hair pulled and choose to use the event to empower me to make this a better place, you all can too.”
“A better place?” Megan asked.
“Ultimately, it was the Council’s meddling that brought about yesterday’s events. They’ve been focused on the wrong things for too long. We’ve gently suggested they take better care of the humans, brownies, and other creatures unable to care for themselves. I think it’s time we more firmly redirect their attention.”
“Considering how quickly Adira backed down this morning, I think they’ll actually listen,” Fenris said.
That comment required a bit more explanation. Megan was smirking when I finished.
“She’s not dumb enough to come here,” she agreed.
We cleaned up the breakfast mess together. Before we finished, there was a knock on the back door.
Megan grinned and hurried to answer it, revealing a good-looking man.
“Zayn, what in the hell took you so long?”
“I’m on time.”
“I meant calling me back in the first place.”
“The world’s been falling apart, and I’ve had a few things to take care of. And then a whole lot of good to do to make up for it.”
She shook her head at him then pulled him in for a quick hug.
“Next time, just call. My fury can’t feel things over the phone.”
“Good to know.”
I could sense Oanen’s growing jealousy and irritation and stole it from him.
Zayn’s attention jerked to me, and he pulled away from Megan’s embrace. It was impossible to read his expression, but I could sense his joy and wonder as he turned to me.
“Do you know what I am?” I asked, unsure what else his reaction might be.
“I do. I’ve been looking everywhere for someone like you. You’re the last piece I need.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Megan said, holding up a hand while the fire flared to life in her eyes. “You’re not killing Eliana.”
I could feel that thing inside of me stir.
“No killing,” Zayn said quickly. “That’s not what I meant.”
He looked at Megan. “Allow me to explain.”
She calmed slightly and nodded, the fire in her eyes banking.
“I’ve been collecting ingredients for today’s spell. It’s been hard to obtain those ingredients because we need a powerful spell.”
“Powerful spells require life essence,” I said, beginning to understand.
“In the old days, most druids thought the last drops of a dying man’s blood were the only way to collect it. But it actually comes in many forms.”
“We’re familiar with one of them,” Fenris said with a smirk.
I made a face. I really didn’t want to dance with dryads again, but for Ashlyn, I’d do it. I’d do anything to help find her.
“Right,” Zayn agreed with a quick nod. “Sperm from a pure male is a reliable source. The strength of the essence is dependent on the type of creature. The more powerful the creature, the more potent the essence. As Megan knows, and thought I was referring to, a life force is another source of life essence. It’s one of the most powerful forms.”
He focused on me.
“But you beat them all. A virgin succubus with your strength is a once-in-a-lifetime find. The spells I could cast with your essence—”
He shook his head and produced six empty vials from his coat pocket. “Please. I’ll do anything.”
I looked from the vials to Megan, not fully understanding what he wanted but very aware of his desperation and need. Whatever he wanted from me would be powerful. More power in the hands of an already powerful druid. That couldn’t be a good thing.
Megan seemed to have the same thoughts because the fire rekindled in her eyes.
“No, Zayn. You told me you had what you needed for today.”
He ran a hand through his hair and looked at Megan.
“A god is awake. We don’t know what that will mean for us. I’ve been collecting ingredients. Powerful stuff to prepare for whatever he might throw our way. Even with the strongest of ingredients, I’m only a druid. But I’d take whatever I can get to stand against a god who might want to destroy everything we know and love.”
The four of us exchanged a glance.
“What do you want, exactly?” I asked.
“Your life essence, not life force.” At my continued blank look he added, “Sexual fluids. You’ll need someone strong enough to resist your lure to collect it.” He glanced between Oanen and Megan. “Since you’re a mated pair, you shouldn’t have a problem. Just make sure there’s no penetration when you arouse her. Potency is dependent on her purity.”
Megan looked at me and started laughing her butt off.
“Your face,” she wheezed, and I tried to suppress the absolute horror Zayn’s suggestion had provoked me to show.
Oanen moved closer to me.
“Eliana is like my sister,” he explained to Zayn.
“Ah.”
Megan wiped her eyes, still grinning.
“I’d willingly make out
with Eliana to help Ashlyn, and I know Eliana feels the same. However, I think you’ll see better results if you send this guy with her,” she said, slapping Fenris on the back.
I didn’t look at Fenris. I couldn’t. I felt just how willing he was to help me. But underneath the willingness, there was a significant measure of distrust. A sentiment I shared.
“Past experiences have left me with no faith in druids. I find your kind self-serving mercenaries,” I said bluntly. “The last thing I want to do is put untold power at your fingertips.”
“An unbreakable vow,” Oanen said. “You can’t use Eliana’s essence without our unanimous consent.”
“Our?” I asked.
“Just like we don’t want Zayn to have unlimited power, it’s safer to divide the decision of how to use that power.”
“I like it,” Fenris said, rubbing his hands together. “We’re forming our own Council.”
“A power coup in the making?” Megan said with a grin. “I’m for it. But part of the vow has to be that you’re agreeing to be part of this Council, too, Zayn.”
“I agree,” he said far too quickly, holding out the vials to me again.
Fenris took them instead and wrapped his fingers through mine and gave me a reassuring squeeze.
“You said you can do the spell. You don’t need us to fill them now.”
I understood what Fenris was doing and loved him so much for it.
“But it will work better with your essence,” Zayn said, looking at me.
My gaze went to Fenris. He said nothing, letting me decide. So many thoughts swirled in my head. The first one should have been that I owed it to Ashlyn to do whatever it took to find her. But that was drowned out by wondering how exactly Fenris would collect my essence. My hunger surged.
“We’ll be outside,” Megan said, tugging Zayn and Oanen along with her. “Take your time.”
The dark thing inside of me moved in anticipation.
Zayn was all business when Fenris handed over the vials. Megan smirked at me, but I ignored her and the extreme flush staining my cheeks and turned to focus on the spell preparations.
