by Patti Larsen
Blush. “She’s not?”
“She’s not,” he said. “In fact, that would be highly inappropriate considering she’s my sister.”
Ah. Okay then.
“Why,” he said, lips hovering, hot breath setting me on fire. “Jealous?”
Oops.
Damn it.
Piers laughed, stole a quick kiss and backed off. “Which brings us to the realistic part.”
“How's that?” Focus. So hard to focus when I just wanted to kiss him again.
“I understand there's a bit of a competition going on,” he said. “And witch leadership rules are in effect in a few months.”
I was going to kill that damned cat. Skin him and wear his fur for a hat.
If Piers thought his little talk was going to get him anywhere, he had another damned thing coming—
This time when he kissed me, he didn't hold back. I found myself in his lap, hands wound through his long hair, inhaling him, tasting him while even my demon begged me for just a little more.
I gasped and pulled away, sliding into my seat with some reluctance. “Are you kidding me?”
“I'm very serious,” he said. Took my hand and kissed the back of it. “I'm offering myself as a suitor, Coven Leader Hayle. And I hope you'll accept my advances.”
Well, since I'd just did the tongue-wrestling match of the century with him, accepting his advances didn't seem to be the issue.
Piers rose before I could come out of my gaping spaz attack and bowed to me.
“I'll see you soon,” he said before he formed a black hole with his sorcery and stepped through it.
I waffled between giggling into my hands in near hysteria and kicking myself for being such an idiot.
Like I needed another boy to worry about.
***
Chapter Thirty One
I stood outside the throne room at the palace, trying to figure out what to do with my hands as I forced myself to smile and nod at guests as they passed by. The slim black dress Mom made me wear didn’t have pockets, so I caught myself fidgeting between clasping them behind my back and toying with the thin silver band I wore around my thumb as a show of some kind of decoration.
When the invitation to Oleksander's coronation came to me at Harvard a few days ago, I had to say yes. If only for the chance to see Charlotte again so soon. It had been less than a week, but the werewolves made themselves very much at home in the old palace, more and more of them arriving from far-flung shores, free of their captivity.
Mom's smile was much more genuine as she slipped up beside me and took my elbow in one hand.
It will be over soon, she sent as she accepted cheek kisses from a Steam Union member.
The throne room beyond was packed with people, from vampires to sorcerers, witches to werewolves. Someone had managed to hang new doors, since the previous ones were gone thanks to my over-enthusiastic alter egos. I found myself wincing and grinning by turn as I thought about the crazy twelve hours I’d endured, struggling to stay present even while being forced to greet perfect strangers every two seconds.
Eva Southway cracked a smile at me as she glanced over the head of a small couple who practically gushed as they turned to see me. I hugged Nataliya Makosky, nodding and smiling as she babbled at me, then her husband, in her native tongue. It was nice to see her again, despite the circumstances of our first meeting and, when she moved on, it was clear from the brightness of her smile she thought so, too.
You're a celebrity, Eva sent, gray eyes weighing my every move. Why was she watching me like she was waiting for me to make a mistake?
I'm afraid you're mistaken, I sent back. I'm just a coven leader from America.
She turned away, Piers firmly held in place next to her. He blew me a kiss while his mother frowned at him.
Made me giggle, in spite of myself.
I don't think Eva Southway likes me, I sent to Mom.
She hugged me as we held our place at the top of the receiving line. Weird setup, as far as I was concerned, but I understood Charlotte's reasoning, having all of us here like this. Even Sunny and Uncle Frank had their spot in the line, Meira on the other side of Mom. A show of solidarity for the werewolves from some of the most powerful people on the plane—and beyond—had to go a long way to cement their right to their own rule.
Do you care if she doesn't like you? Mom's tone was light, but I could tell she was fishing.
Not at all, I sent, just as airy. Since I'm gathering a list, I figured I'd add her to it.
Mom laughed in my head. Syd, she sent, I think her dislike—if, in fact, it is dislike—has less to do with what you are and more to do with who you are.
Sorry? I was getting very tired of being ogled. Double cheek kissed. Looked at with fear and awe. But at least I didn't have Meira's problem. Most of the guests shrieked a little when they were faced with her towering, red-skinned, black-horned stunningness.
I believe the Steam Union leader is weighing your suitability to marry her son. Mom held me still as I tried to whip around and glare at her, pinning me tight with her arm around my waist, her free hand still holding my elbow.
Where did you hear that?
Oh, Syd. She was totally baiting me, her mental voice full of giggles. You're telling me it's not true?
No. Comment.
The line was finally done, the last of the invited guests passing through. I glanced around at our little group and felt a shiver of satisfaction as I shoved aside the issue of Piers for now. Because avoiding making decisions was my favorite course of action. Instead, I grinned and caught myself nodding in satisfaction.
Among the crew of us, we could do some serious damage.
And not one of us wondered why Charlotte hadn't invited Margaret Applegate.
Shocking, I know.
Mom released me with a soft kiss on my cheek, taking Uncle Frank's arm as he guided both her and Sunny into the throne room. I let Piers walk ahead of me, his mother watching with her piercing gray eyes, doing my best not to show her she was creeping me out.
Meira brushed past me, winking down at me. She had to wear those damned platform boots that made me feel like a munchkin, didn't she?
Bratski.
It wasn't until she passed through the doors I drew a breath and prepared to follow.
Heard footsteps behind me, the whisper of clothing. Turned.
Was crushed in a very enthusiastic hug. I hugged Charlotte right back, tears squeezing out of my eyes as we rocked and laughed.
“Я тебе кохаю,” she whispered.
“I love you, too,” I whispered back.
Charlotte stepped back, beaming, radiant. Someone had given her an updo that made her shorn hair look long again, makeup tasteful but dramatic. She wore a slim, ivory gown, almost like a bride, the silk floating around her in a cloud of fabric.
“You look gorgeous,” I said.
One shaking hand pressed to her pink cheeks. “I'm nervous,” she said. “Can you tell?”
So funny, this new Charlotte, with her open smile and sharing of confidence. I shook my head.
“Not at all,” I said. “You're a rock.”
She stuck out her tongue at me, such a child-like gesture I had to laugh.
“I'm not supposed to be here.” She gripped my hands between hers. “But I wanted to see you before the ceremony.”
Before she was bound to her people as heir forever.
I refused to be sad. Chose, instead, to be happy and proud. But knowing our days together were really over took a toll, I couldn't deny it. I'd missed her far more than I'd been willing to admit to myself in the last few months. And now that I had Charlotte in my life again, I wasn't sure how I was going to fill the void when she was gone.
Get used to it, Hayle. The older I got, the more people I was going to lose.
Happy thoughts. Happy.
Charlotte's budding power reached out for me and I embraced it.
“You'll have to learn to control your magic,
” I said. Sounded like my mother.
“I know,” she said. “I'm hoping I can have some help in that department from time to time?”
I grinned. “Anytime.”
“Oh, Syd.” She hugged me again, voice cracking. “I miss you so much, do you know that?” She pulled away again, dabbing at her eyes and fanning her face to keep from crying. “When we reformed the bond, when I realized it was no longer one-sided, I knew what my people could accomplish. And that they had to be free.” She sighed. “That I had to be able to act on my own without you. Being tied to you, as an equal, was the most incredible experience I’ve ever lived.” She shivered in delight, face bright with the memory. “But it had to end so my fellow werewolves could see I was committed not only to my own freedom, but to theirs, to our race’s.”
I nodded, choked up. Heard the sound of trumpets and knew we were out of time.
She looked over her shoulder, turned back to me, speaking in a rush. “I've thought long and hard over things these last few days. I've realized after everything that happened to me, I need to be with my family.” My heart tightened at those words, knowing it was the end for real. Yes, I knew. But she said it. And she had to say it. We both needed to hear it. “I have to keep my family safe, Syd. You taught me that.” Her smile woke up again. “There is so much turmoil, the world in such a mess. So much to come... I have to be ready to stand with those I love and do everything I can to save them.”
I hugged her quickly, heard fast footsteps approach.
“Sharlotta.” Raoul's voice hissed from behind her and we both turned to see him waving for her to come.
Charlotte laughed and kissed my cheek before running to her father, light as a feather. She waved to me as she took his hand and I waved back, turning away so she wouldn't see me cry.
No way was I ruining this for her.
I went looking for my seat next to Mom, the throne room filled to near bursting with chairs, only a narrow way open to the throne dais. I barely noticed the stares from the crowd as I drifted up the aisle, mind churning and heart sore. Mom took my hand as I sat down, squeezed it, but didn't comment.
Good thing. I'm sure I would have burst into tears.
The ceremony was long and complicated and in Ukrainian. I did a lot of standing and sitting down at random intervals when everyone else did. But the time went by in a blur. The only moment that really mattered to me was when Charlotte bent her head to accept her crown.
Saying goodbye was part of life. But this was one of the hardest goodbyes I'd ever had to say.
***
Chapter Thirty Two
I sat on the edge of Liam's bed, trying to study, failing miserably. He lay beside me, one hand stroking my leg as he read from a textbook. He hadn't pushed me for much information about what I was now calling The Charlotte Incident, and I was grateful. Partially because whenever I thought about my werefriend I either started to cry and couldn’t stop or I thought about Piers.
Way worse. Especially considering the company I kept.
Liam finally closed his book over and tried to pull me down beside him. My whole body resisted, to the point I shut my laptop lid and stood up to avoid him.
The hurt look on his face was almost too much.
“What’s wrong?” Green glittered in hazel.
“Nothing.” I was a record scratched so deep I couldn’t come up with another answer to his almost constant question.
“Syd,” he said. “You keep saying there's nothing wrong. But you haven't been yourself since you got back from the Ukraine.”
Sigh. “I just have a lot on my mind.” Wow, nice line, Hayle. Oh, and don't meet his eyes, right. Keep yours on anything but the pain in his. Very classy. “I have to go.”
Liam stood, came after me, but I was already slipping on my jacket, halfway out the door before he could reach me.
I stuffed my computer in my bag, struggling with my coat and scarf, though I didn't need them anymore. Weird, just weird. And only added to the craziness of what I was becoming.
When I almost dropped half the contents of my purse onto the ground on the top step outside Liam's dorm, I finally stopped and took my time putting my physical self together while my internal self slowly unraveled.
Do you love him? My vampire spoke gently.
I don't know. I sagged against the stair railing and shrugged. Two normal students walking past me looked at me like I'd lost it.
Maybe I had.
I do, I sent. But I'm not sure if he's the right one for me. This is so hard.
It is, she sent. Really helpful. But we are here for you, to help you make your decision.
Right. You guys have to live with him too, don't you? Forgot about that.
We will adore whomever you choose, my vampire sent while my demon grumbled, but finally agreed.
We love you, Syd, Shaylee sent. And we love Liam. More demon grumbles. But if you choose another, that's all right, too.
But if you do, I get to pick the next one, my demon sent.
We all laughed while I imagined the fiery, brightly burning disaster she'd likely saddle us with.
Syd. Mom's voice cut through the conversation. Are you nearby?
I looked down the Yard at Massachusetts Hall. I can be there in a second.
No rush, she sent. But I have dinner ready if you're hungry.
My stomach chose that exact moment to grumble.
Mom didn't say much as she doled out spaghetti and meatballs, sliding two thick slices of garlic toast onto my plate. The smell was divine and I kept my fingers crossed I would never lose my nose for delicious like I did my sensitivity to cold and hot.
Man, that would suck.
It wasn't until we were almost done, my fork scraping over the last of the sauce on the bottom of my plate, that Mom spoke.
“I wanted you to know how proud I am of how you handled yourself, sweetheart.” Mom's blue eyes shone with her smile.
“Thanks, Mom,” I said. Sighed and set aside my fork. “I made a mess, but I cleaned it up.” Well, mostly. Wasn't much I could do about the shattered ruin of the palace church.
“You did what you had to do and you followed the rules.” Mom grinned. “Well, mostly.”
A giggle escaped me. “I'm good at mostly.”
We clinked glasses in celebration of good enough.
“Margaret's state is an issue,” she said, sobering. “Though it appears the Brotherhood are, as of yet, unprepared for war between territories.” Mom set down her wine glass and threaded her hands together in front of her. “She's been speaking to the other Council Leaders, but so far no one has taken her side. Which gives me hope they aren't under Brotherhood control.”
Good to know. “I had a thought,” I said, remembering another friend who had been left behind. “Now that I know Applegate's rules, I can free Sebastian as long as I don't use witch magic.”
Mom's continuing hesitation told me nothing had changed, at least for her.
“I worry for him,” she said. “But I fear any kind of further prodding might push the Brotherhood past the point of no return. And we can't risk that just yet.”
I nodded, frustrated, but knowing she was right.
“This summer will tell us much,” Mom said. “And while I know you want to act now, having a world conclave of Councils will give us access to all of the territories. And grant us the opportunity to check all of them together for Brotherhood influence.”
“I don't know that we can afford to wait, Mom.” I sat back, dinner not sitting so well with me anymore. “What if the Brotherhood is ready to act before conclave happens? That's August. And we're in January.” Months. So much could happen in so many months.
“I know,” she said. “I really do, Syd. And I've considered other options, such as going to see them individually. But if I do that, the Brotherhood has warning, can act on one while I'm with another.” She dropped her hands, cutlery jumping. “And yes, I understand they will see through the conclave call. That they will e
xpect our tactics, know it is our way of examining each of the Councils.” She shook her head, long, black hair swinging over her shoulders in glossy curls.
“I could just gather them up and take care of it.” Tempting.
“Don't think I haven't considered that option,” Mom said with a little smile. “And I'm not even kidding.”
Okay then.
“I'm already getting positive responses from the other Councils,” Mom said, “despite Applegate's campaign against you.” She laughed. “Maybe because of it. I'm sure they are curious to meet you at this point.”
Ah, fame. Blerg.
“As long as we're able to hold things together,” Mom said. “August will be a telling month.”
I nodded, glum. August. Almost three months after my birthday. Mom must have known where my mind was, because her magic reached for me, ever so gently.
“How's Liam?”
Gulp.
“Fine,” I said, sipping my water. Avoiding her eyes.
Because that would work on my mother.
Um-hum.
“Syd.” She reached for my hand, squeezed it. “You know if I could change this law for you, I would.”
Shrug. “I guess so.”
Mom’s chuckle tweaked my temper.
“Believe me,” she said. “I know exactly how you feel.”
I finally met her eyes. “You loved Dad.”
She nodded, gaze far away even as my heart ached for her loss. She really did love him, probably would always pine for him though I hoped she considered dating at some point.
Shiver.
“It wasn’t easy making the decision to marry Harry,” she said. “Knowing how hard you girls would have it. Especially your sister.” She sat back with a sigh, setting aside her napkin, swirling her wine in her glass. The dark red liquid left a pink coating on the crystal. “But I trusted myself, my instincts. And you need to, as well.”
“There’s just one problem with that advice,” I said, softer and with the ache in my heart showing much more than I intended. “My instincts lead me down a road I can’t take.”
