“He asked us not to.”
Colhart’s low voice washed over him, and he blinked toward the doorway. The foyer’s brightness framed his nephew’s silhouette as he lifted from his lean on the frame. He went to the bar and poured himself a drink.
“Kid didn’t know that, though. Father never included him in the Sentinel duties…or the reason to exclude the information.”
Rhune nodded and looked back down at his P-Lotus. “So I could have gone a millennia without knowing.”
Colhart took a drink and sank into a leather chair, stretching his long legs in front of him. “I trust your room is satisfactory. Mianna tells me you’ve settled into one she recently decorated.”
Change of subject. A small puff of air passed Rhune’s nostrils and he drew a breath, accepting a congenial conversation instead. “Oh, yes. Aside from the chill, it’s comfortable enough.”
Colhart grinned. “I’ll get you one of James’s cloaks and sleep ware.”
He nodded. “I forgot how much colder it is in the cornerstone realms. But, there’s no need, Colhart. The Terran woman provided a set.”
“Her name is Mianna.”
Cocking his head, he considered. “Mianna is the brunette you chose to spend time with, isn’t that right?”
The grin on Colhart’s lips faded, and he looked at him. “Mianna is my soul mate, Uncle Rhune. Not a simple bed partner.”
Rhune blinked as if the words shot air at his eyes. Surely not. He studied his nephew’s demeanor for a hint of humor, but Colhart offered no light-hearted expression. Onyx eyes stared back, steady.
He pursed his lips and nipped at the tip of his Lotus. “You’ve claimed a woman of Cornerstone Deep as an eternal companion?”
“All souls are eternal and progress.”
“Well, yes, of course.” He furrowed his brow. “But…” He can’t be serious.
Colhart lifted his chin.
“Their lives are the measure of a day compared to ours. Their advancement is that of a child.” A chuckle bubbled in his chest, and he let it curve his lips as much to lighten the weight of Colhart’s stare as to recall the moment. “Such as the one who showed me to my room. The redhead. Very inquisitive. I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman with more questions in over three thousand years.”
“That would be Elaina.” Colhart’s head eased into a lean. “And Vincent’s soul mate.”
Unable to control the reaction, air rushed from Rhune’s lungs. Surely, not! He cleared his throat. They’ve served this post far too long if they’ve come to this.
A scowl flashed across Colhart’s face.
Rhune flexed his leg muscles as he stretched them out in front of him with a relaxing growl. “Ah, well. Once you return to Meridian, things will most likely settle into place. I’m sure equal soul mates will surface.”
The tone in Colhart’s voice stiffened and lowered to a challenge. “Soul mates are eternal. You know this.”
He did know it. But nothing in the Arched Spectrum of Realms would convince him that his nephews hadn’t made a terrible mistake by opening their souls to foreign women. “So, you’re telling me that even if a soul of the Midway realms had called to you, you would have answered and locked your progression to the equivalent of a newborn.” He shook his head with a cocked smile. “They’re priceless—don’t get me wrong, but as simple as they come.”
Colhart’s hand tightened around his glass. “Eternal progression isn’t deterred by physical abilities. Technology has nothing to do with what a soul must learn.”
Rhune slowly nodded. Okay. This woman’s got him tied in deep. He lifted a brow and hoped the plea didn’t show in his tone.
“And Jamesuranton?”
“He’s courting Linda. He plans to wed her when the time is right.”
“So, they’ll be together until she passes.” Please tell me this is true.
“Yes.”
Thank the Gods!
Colhart shot to a stand, setting his drink on the table beside him with a clunk. “I should inform you that my abilities have grown since we last met. I’m able to perceive thoughts.” The plush carpet couldn’t hide the irritation in his long strides as he headed to the door. “I’ll bid you a good night.”
Rhune pursed his lips and upped his brows. Nice. At least the ancient lifestyle hasn’t hampered his advancement.
The door slammed.
Glancing up to the portrait above the hearth, he shook his head. “They’re your sons.”
“Vince, he told me all about her. She’s a Goddess to Midway Summit. And she adores being prayed to. Especially about children. She loves to grant that prayer.” Elaina’s enthusiasm added to his joy of his uncle’s visit.
“He’s my favorite relative, and he loves to talk about the gods.” The warm comforter enveloped him as he crawled into bed beside her. “Used to take me on his knee and tell stories. We’d sit there for hours.” He smiled and cuddled close, pulling her into an embrace. “Father never took the time. He always had some business to attend to with Cole and James. But, Uncle Rhune more than made up for it. He had me and Mother laughing all the time.”
“Did you know that all he had to do was enter the portal and think of Cornerstone Deep and start walking? Brought him right here.”
He chuckled and nuzzled her ear. “I’ve traveled the portal, Elaina. I know how it all works.”
She twirled a curl around her finger, and her gaze seemed to follow images in her mind. “I figured there was some big magical spell or something you had to do to make it work. If it’s that easy, how is it that others don’t use it?”
Vincent paused and looked at her face more fully. She really wanted to talk right now? From the time he left to search for the beads, she’d end their calls with promises of intimate acts he never thought she was capable of performing. Those acts dominated his mind and drove him harder to find the charms so he could return as soon as possible. He hitched his leg around hers.
“Well, for one thing, few know of the portal. And of those few, none know of the realms, other than Meridian. Nobody enters Meridian unless they hold a Meridian soul. That is, unless led there by one who does. Besides, only we know the portal’s location.”
Her face scrunched into excitement. “This is all so amazing!” She turned to face him. “Vince, I can’t believe all of this exists. It’s really real. Venus is real. And she loves to grant prayers to those who desire children.”
Unease heated Vincent’s stomach. “Elaina, you have your own gods. Your veneration should go to them.” He traced her cheek, looking deep into her soul. “Gryffin, Taravaughn, and Arylin are very worthy of your prayers. They created you. You’re their child. They know what’s best for you.” Elaina’s sweet smile sent sparks to her loving eyes. “But I’m married to a Meridian man. A glorious, wonderful, chosen soul who travels the realms. That has to mean that more gods are involved in our lives.” She placed her hand on his jaw and kissed him with a feather touch. Then, for the first time since they’d said their vows, she rolled over, pulling his arm around her.
Confusion morphed his mind. Where was the heated embrace? The desperate clinging? The proclamations of love? He kissed her strawberry hair, pulling her to him. With a deep breath, he ground his hips against her and savored the dip of her firm buttocks against his groin. Heat pulsed in his core.
“Elaina,” he breathed.
“Hmm?”
“I’ve been gone, searching for Father’s beads.” He led his lips to her neck and slid his hand along her abdomen, allowing the softness and warmth of her skin to heighten his desire.
“Oh, Vince. I really am so tired. And it’s going to be a big day tomorrow with Rhune here.” She peeked at him from the corner of her eye. “Let’s get some sleep. Okay?”
Sleep? Is she serious? As she settled into her pillow, she cupped his hand with hers, halting the tender caresses. Shock rushed him. Dear, Gods. She is!
James glanced down the hall to ensure an empty corridor and then
turned to watch Linda tuck the Clifford the Clown comforter around the twins. The image of the purple fringed-topped friend slept within the threads of muted tones, while the worn true-to-life doll slumped between the twins lying against matching pillowcases. Entirely too much clown for James’s liking, but they had been thrilled when he gave the birthday gift to them two days early.
A grin played on his lips as their mother placed kisses on their foreheads. The scene warmed his heart…clowns and all.
He stepped to Linda’s side, watching the sweet moment. As she rose from Momma huggles, he bent and pressed a kiss to each blonde head. His heart swelled as four little arms reached up and held his neck in a brief hug.
“Nighty-night, Poppa James,” chimed Mechenzie. Mandy followed with the same sentiment.
“Nighty-night, girls.” He smiled and wondered when his voice had taken on such a silly sounding melody when he spoke to them.
James and Linda stepped across the ingress, and he closed the door with a soft click. As she took his hand and headed toward their room at the end of the hall, he paused. “Perhaps we should stay in the room across from them tonight.”
Linda frowned, and her blue gaze met his. “What’s wrong? You don’t think he’d really do anything to hurt Kenzie do you?”
He straightened, squaring his shoulders. “Hurt her? No, not hurt.”
A heavy crease bit between her blonde brows. “James, it’s obvious you don’t trust him. If he wouldn’t hurt her… Why is he here, anyway? Was he sent to take her back to Meridian? Because if he is...”
James looked into her eyes and saw the protective flare he loved.
“I don’t care if he is from the highest, magical, most ancient, advance dimension there is. He’s not taking her. I won’t let him.”
Her grip tightened on his hand as she spoke, and her nails dug into the top of his palm. He kissed her fingertips to call her attention to the action.
Her gaze didn’t vary as she loosened her hold. A tone of reason replaced the anger in her voice. “James, he’ll be going against Taravaughn. He can’t go against a God. Surely, your gods will stand by the decisions of ours. I mean they’re all Gods—younger dimension or not.” A deep frown pressed her full lips together as she stuffed her hand inside her pocket. “And so help me… If Taravaughn doesn’t stop him, I swear, I will. Whatever it takes.” Tears moistened her eyes, and she shook her head as she removed a slender cigarette and lighter. She lit the tip and drew a quick puff. “I don’t care what they’ll do to me. They can’t take my baby from me.”
He set his large hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “The gods uphold decisions made. Taravaughn said he will allow her to stay as long as our gods wish it. So, he won’t be able to take her through the portal without our gods’ command. And we haven’t been notified of such an arrangement.” His lips curled with the disgust that boiled in his gut, knowing there were ways around that law. “I’ll make sure he never looks at her again.”
Linda’s complexion drained. “James?”
He scanned the portraits that lined the walls. The entire Shilo family was portrayed with the exception of Rhune Avier Hru Eshnal Shilomacj. As far as he knew, his uncle’s depiction still nestled in the dark corner of the cellar, tightly bound in heavy paper and cords.
Smoke billowed as her whisper carried an insecure pitch, “What has he done?”
James heaved a lengthy breath. Could he even say it after all the years of silencing the matter? Of denying the fact?
He pressed his lips into a line and slowly shook his head. Softening his expression, he brushed a few stray locks from her face. “Not now, Leenja. One day, perhaps. But, not now.” He lightly kissed her worried brow and took her hand, leading her to the room across the way.
One night, he decided, would be all he would allow the man in this realm; one night to rest from his travels. Elaina and Mianna may dote on him during breakfast, but then, he would see Rhune Shilomacj to the portal himself.
Chapter Six
Clinks and scuffs carried through the hall as Vincent neared the kitchen. The scent of sweet cinnamon filled the air, alongside fresh coffee, and he filled his lungs with the homey aroma. Stepping into the room, he paused. If he hadn’t known better, he’d swear he’d stepped back in time to his childhood.
Light blue sunbeams poured through the indigo-charmed nook window, creating rainbow starbursts on the polished cookware above the kitchen island. Whisks whipped ingredients alongside cutlery that sliced fruit, each bite-sized piece taking its place in a nearby bowl. The oven door opened and a sheet of rolls emerged. The sweetbreads lifted and settled on a platter as the tin returned to the cabinet, baked remains dissolving to leave it sparkling clean as if washed. The whisk tapped the edge of the mixing bowl with three sharp clinks and then paused in the air as the container tipped, drizzling icing onto the breads.
The coffee pot flew through the room from the percolator, heading toward the hall, and Vincent grabbed the handle as it passed. The sweetbread followed suit, and he allowed it to lead the way out the door.
Laughter flowed from the dining hall and he smiled to himself. Of course, Uncle Rhune.
As Vincent stepped into the room, the drapes parted from the large windows in a grandiose display, tassels tying the fabric up to mimic a grand stage. An opalescent sheen morphed the glass blue, causing the sun’s rays to darken and spill indigo light from the far wall. The cherry-wood dining set glowed deep red, mute tones reflected on the gold tray at the center. Bobbles, held suspended by the same golden material, dimmed and the larger three hanging over the center of the room hazed with a meandering mist.
A wide smile spread across Rhune’s face, and then he lifted his hands toward the door, eyes sparkling. “Vincent, my boy! Come in. Your little Terran butterfly has been entertaining me with her questions.”
Mianna laughed and picked up a treat as the platter lighted on the table before them. “More like Rhune has been entertaining us. I don’t remember you guys mentioning how charming he is.”
“Uncle Rhune?” Vincent placed the coffee on the table and folded his arms with a scoff. “He could talk a mouse out of its cheese.”
A one syllable laugh carried through the air as Rhune tossed his head back. His shoulders bounced as lively chuckles followed with a playful edge. The man, as big, if not bigger, than James, put on a larger than life show in his colorful cape, wavy hair, and broad mouth of shiny teeth. Mianna and Elaina joined in with high-pitched giggles, and the joyful moment burst through the room.
Elaina’s freckles seemed darker against her pale skin as she smiled so hard her cheeks pressed arches into her eyes. “How long are you planning to stay with us, Uncle Rhune?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” he said, mellowing. “It’s dangerous to wear out a welcome, especially at one of the Shilo Manors. Sentinels have duties to concentrate on now, isn’t that right?”
Elaina leaned farther over the table. “One of the Shilo Manors? You mean there are more?”
“Oh, sure there are. On each dimension in the spectrum. The Sentinels need a place to call home, don’t they?”
“I guess so,” she said, laughter lacing her words. “Are they all the same? Just like this one? Do they have the same protective charms? The magical items? The white trees surrounding them that bloom all year round? What about the—?”
Rhune’s laughter rang, cutting off Elaina’s intensive questioning. “Vincent, my boy, you do have an inquisitive girl here.”
A smile crept up Vincent’s right cheek. That he did, and though he had to admit it was bothersome at times, he couldn’t help being proud of the fact. Questions led to understanding, and understanding led to growth. He propped his leg on the table in a leaning sit as he observed Rhune filling her in on the matter.
“Let me see if I can put a dent into sedating your curiosity, Terran butterfly. The manors are the same. The original stands on Chenal hillside, facing Quelmacj sea. When Sylisan’s family was called to fill the
first Sentinel triad position, the family home was christened and endowed.” He lifted his finger and tilted his head toward her. “At that moment, the gods parted the veils to the realms, and each accepted a shadow of that hallowed home, along with certain items that aid in the Sentinel’s duties. The Utopian, Vignette, tapestries…”
He shifted in his seat and rested back into his chair. “While all the manors are protected within a band of enchantment to cause forgetfulness to any unauthorized person who wonders near, dear Lilith cast her own protective charms on this house. She couldn’t bear the thought of her treasured items being affected by the elements of the foreign worlds—whether shadows of them or not.
“Forgetfulness?” Elaina’s brows rose, causing her forehead to wrinkle. “Linda said when she came up here her thoughts were all over the place. She had to keep reminding herself the guys would help her get Mandy and Mechenzie back. So that was why?”
Vincent nodded. “If someone is really determined, they can get past the cloud of confusion. If they’re just curious, it generally breaks their interest.”
Rhune’s gaze lowered. “And the trees bloom year-round in case the blossoms are needed to carry a Meridian soul to his next life.”
Elaina voiced her awe with a breathy, “Wow.”
Mianna placed her hand on Rhune’s thick arm. “Well, don’t you even think about rushing off. You’re family. You stay as long as you like.”
His brows rose as he placed his hands on the table, palm side down. “The rest of the family may have a say in that.”
“But you haven’t seen Shilo. You must let us show you the city. It’s so amazing! So many wonders.”
Tilting his head, he peered at Mianna. “I remember Cole’s description of you so many years ago. Do you yet see all of life as a game, my little Terran angel?”
Destiny (Cornerstone Deep Book 3) Page 3
