by Nesa Miller
She hugged herself, smiling again. Dar was alive, her sister, Faux, was on the mend, and Spirit, Inferno’s wife, had survived her encounter with Midir. It looked as though things were finally–
A cough and the clearing of a throat broke into her thoughts, taking her by surprise. She turned, finding Inferno at her side, eyes sparkling. “Etain, lass.” He grabbed her in a tight hug. “About fucking time. It’s good to have ya back.”
Felix and Ruby, his Irish Wolfhounds, one black and the other red, joined in the reverie, barking and tails wagging.
Caught up in his bear-like hug, Etain uttered a muffled, “Sorry for the delay.” The smoky smell of his skin was a welcoming scent, the bristles of his unshaven cheeks scratching her face. “Inferno,” she croaked, “let go.”
With a good-hearted laugh, he set her free. “Ya look like hell.”
She breathed in, enchanted by the gold flecks sparking in his hazel eyes. “Aye, well, rough day at the office.” Managing a smile, she noticed his dark hair was longer than usual. “You don’t look much better.” Without taking much notice of the dogs, she patted each one on the head.
Inferno scrubbed his knuckles over the new growth. “Aye, well, no time for shaving, what with yer running off and the hellions showing up.” He cocked his head.
Etain smirked at his casual reference to her abduction. Glancing over his shoulder, she frowned. Sitting on matching brown leather sofas were five clan members most trusted by Dar, the creator and chieftain of the LOKI clan. Savage - his second-in-command - tossed her blonde hair, a glare in her grey-green eyes. Pyro, Nae’Blis (Commander) of the BloodCore Caste, distinguished by his black armor and blood-red cloak, sat next to Savage. To be a member of the BloodCore meant a warrior had proven their worth and loyalty on the battlefield.
Sitting on the other side of Pyro was Swee, a slim young woman with brown hair streaked by golden highlights, dressed in the armor of a healer. Across from the three sat the final two members of the Council. Warden, a tall young woman with dark hair and eyes, the Machin Chin (First Instructor) of the Warrior Caste, second only to the BloodCore, and the other blonde in the group, Shera, Councilor of the Judicial Caste.
Seeing the stern faces of the LOKI High Council, Etain cringed inside. “What’s going on here?”
Inferno turned, facing the group, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Accordin’ to this lot, the High Lord’s been neglectin’ his bloody clan.”
Etain’s eyes fell on the woman in dark green leathers, Dar’s second-in-command. “I find that hard to believe. Dar lives and breathes LOKI.”
Savage came to her feet. “What would you know about it? Our clan business has nothing to do with you.”
Etain felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise, a common occurrence when dealing with this woman. She and Savage almost never saw eye-to-eye, although they had come nose-to-nose on many occasions. No matter how many times Dar had demanded their cooperation, their differences had clearly escalated to the realm of never going to happen.
Etain had learned the hard way that from Savage’s point of view, cooperation meant everyone doing what she said when she said it, no questions asked. “What’s the problem, Savage? Can’t get the other chieftains to play your game?”
Inferno raised his eyebrows and grinned.
Pyro stood, stepping past Savage, his gaze on Etain. “You have no say in it, realm shifter.”
Felix and Ruby turned toward the man, growling.
“Hypocrite,” Etain said, stunned by his words. If not always supportive, she had thought the man sympathetic to her situation. “I was acting under Dar’s orders.”
He sneered at her. “What orders? Nothing came through the Council.”
“Not every decision requires your approval. He is the chieftain.”
“She has a point, Pyro.” Swee placed a hand on his arm.
Etain’s piercing gaze made the woman move closer to the Nae’Blis. “Swee. You’re a part of this, as well?”
Gentle blue eyes smiled back at her. “The voice of reason, Etain.”
“Reason dressed for battle?” Etain replied, angry that the “voice of reason” had chosen to wear armor instead of her usual riding leathers. “Excuse me if I don’t believe you.” She unconsciously placed a hand on the hilt of her sword, her gaze shifting between Pyro and Savage. “My relationship with Dar has gone beyond chieftain and clansman. Although it was quite a surprise for both of us to find out I’d been expelled from the clan.” A silver brow lifted in question. “I don’t suppose you’d care to elaborate?”
The frown lines on Savage’s face deepened. “You lost your LOKI status when you went on a destruction blitz with the demon girl. That stunt alone forced the clan into weeks of damage control. Even now, we must prove to the Ambassadors and our fellow Alamir that you acted without clan approval. That bit of business can’t be finished until our…” The tone of her voice turned venomous, “chieftain deigns to meet with the Ambassadors. And here you are again, sticking your nose into business that doesn’t concern you.” Her hand lingered over the handle of the whip at her side.
Etain’s glare met hers. “I did not release her, and we were not…” She sucked in a breath and ran a hand through her hair. It had been Freeblood’s and his merry acceptance of his Alamir powers, running around like a maniac, destroying everything in sight. Her only concern had been to keep Faux from joining in the revelry and condemning herself to permanent exile. “I don’t have to explain my business to you.”
“Perhaps we should all calm down,” Shera, the peacemaker, interrupted.
“Don’t be a stupid cow, Shera,” Savage said with a condescending air. Shera’s mouth opened and snapped closed without a sound. Savage smirked and faced Etain. “No, you don’t owe us an explanation, but you won’t get off so easily with the Ambassadors. They still have a team in the human realm, trying to smooth over that little stunt.”
Inferno came to her defense. “None of it would’ve happened if yer bleedin’ chieftain hadn't poisoned her with his demon blood. Yer damned welcome to take him off to hell with ya.”
“Oi.” Etain cut him a scathing look, which he answered with a shrug.
Warden, the fifth and final member of the High Council, spoke up. “Sharing of his blood is forbidden. A rule set by the man himself.”
Shera found her voice again. “It could be considered high treason against the clan.”
“LOKI wouldn’t even be a clan if it weren’t for Dar,” Etain argued, her narrowed gaze moving to each of the Council members as she spoke. “He wouldn’t go against his own rule without good reason, and y’all know it. If anyone’s committing treason against the clan, it’s you, marching in here with your ridiculous accusations.”
Swee tried to break the tension again. “Come on, guys. Etain isn't the one we've come for. I’m sure Dar will put things right once he arrives.”
Pyro grunted. “We have no proof Dar approved anything, or that he’s even aware of her, for that matter. If presented the right way, realm shifting between human and Alamir is as treasonous an act as breaking a clan code. Turning her in would raise LOKI’s standing with the Ambassadors, further supporting our charges against our renegade chieftain.”
“And lower yours by a head,” Etain said, gripping the hilt of her Nim.
“Tell me that wasn’t a threat against me girl here,” Inferno blustered, snapping his fingers. Felix’s ears pricked, baring his teeth. Ruby did the same, stepping closer toward the Council.
“Etain?”
All eyes turned to the doorway.
“Spirit…,” Etain said.
Spirit’s face reflected the confused feelings of both women. “You are alive.”
Etain’s gaze was for Spirit alone as she walked toward the young woman, afraid she may well be a ghost. She reached out, touching her arm. It felt warm, soft, and pliable. She was definitely not dead.
I survived Midir. Why not Spirit, too?
“Aye.” Grinnin
g, Etain lifted her friend in a tight embrace. Her hair smelled of freshly cut apples and cinnamon. “I thought you were dead.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, realizing she was doing both.
“Dar said you were alive, but I daren’t believe it until I saw you with me own eyes.”
“I’m so glad to see you.”
“You look pale, lass. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Am I?” Etain swiped at her eyes. “A lot has happened.”
“We need to talk.” Spirit grabbed her by the arm and, despite the ruckus raised by the others, led her down the hall to the stone-floored kitchen.
Fresh herbs lay by the Belfast sink and a stewpot simmered on a buttery yellow stove. The aromatic mix of herbs, garlic, and meat stock made Etain’s mouth water. She giggled as Spirit pulled her toward the pantry, her free hand drifting over the cool granite of the island in the center of the room.
Etain closed her eyes, breathing in the conglomeration of smells drifting toward her. Savory scents of fresh onions and rosemary blended with the earthiness of potatoes. Turning her head, she caught a whiff of sweet cinnamon and spicy nutmeg. Smiling, she opened her eyes.
Spirit looked her over. “What happened there?” she asked, nodding at the blood-soaked leathers.
Etain followed her gaze and shrugged. “Oh, well…” She shivered at the memory of Midir’s failed seduction. Unconsciously, she placed a hand over the torn sleeve where Midir had driven his blade, deep and sure, in his final attempt to take her away from Dar. “Midir,” she said, deciding it best to tell the truth, despite Spirit’s prejudice against Dar sharing his blood. “But Dar fixed it, uh…me.”
Spirit crossed her arms, shaking her head. “You must be as Krymerian as he is, what with the man’s generous nature with his blood.”
Etain spied a jar of chocolate buttons just beyond Spirit’s head. “Ooh, chocolate.” She reached for the jar, twisted off the lid, and popped a few into her mouth, then tipped the jar toward Spirit.
She waved off the temptation. “You’re a surprise. Not that I’m not glad to have you back, but I saw Midir stab you in the heart.”
“It hurt like hell, too,” she said, rolling her shoulder. “But…he missed, and he’s dead.” She nodded at Spirit’s wide-eyed look. “Aye. It’s over and done. Dar put an end to his miserable life.”
“How’s Dar?”
“He’s good, considering what he’s had to do.” Etain returned the jar to the shelf. “When did LOKI show up?”
“The pot’s been simmering since Dar left to find you, lass.”
“Oh, Lord.” Etain rolled her eyes. “How’s Faux?”
“She stirs now and then, but hasn’t opened her eyes.”
“Damn Midir. Will she recover?”
Spirit grinned. “Aye. Me potions and spells are stronger than his poisons. She’ll come around soon.”
Inferno's voice boomed from the living room. “Ya been waitin’ all this time. A few more minutes won't kill ya. The bleedin’ bastard’ll be back. Sit yer nazzy knickers down and stop worryin’ me damn floors. Felix, Ruby… Sit, ya wee hounds.”
Etain raised a brow. “I’d best get back in there. Dar shouldn’t be far behind me.”
“Oh, Etain…” Spirit tried to catch her by the arm. “There’s something else…” But she was already out the door.
Etain passed through the double-sized archway, not paying attention to a young man reclined in a worn leather chair just inside the door, Ruby and Felix at his feet. Spirit, who followed, sat on the arm of his chair.
The rubber soles of Etain’s boots whispered over the stone floor. Felix pushed up, gave his forelegs a good stretch, shook his body from head to toe, then padded after her. The room was light and airy, yet Etain felt the weight of anticipation in the air. The distinct tang of nervous perspiration grew stronger as she skirted around the matching sofas.
Joining Inferno in front of the fireplace, she turned to the cold faces of the High Council, while an enthusiastic blaze warmed her backside. “So…”
The movement of an unexpected figure lingering in the hallway caught Inferno’s eye. He leaned toward Etain and whispered into her ear, “In the hallway, another Council tosser?”
To smile would have been so inappropriate. Instead, she bit her bottom lip and turned to whisper, “You could say that.”
“Hmpf.”
“Don't turn your back on me,” Savage snapped. “We’re not going anywhere until we have our chieftain in hand.”
Felix took a protective stance in front of Etain, growling deep in his chest. At his move, Ruby inched closer to the strangers.
Etain flashed Savage a fierce grin. “That should be entertaining.”
The sun, having peeked out from behind a cloud, filled the living room with its brilliant light as Dar walked in. “I agree, Lady Etain,” he said, looking every inch the powerful chieftain. Wearing a fresh shirt, he glowed with health, his hair loose over his shoulders. The sight of his newfound love in a face-off with his High Council pricked his anger, but at the same time, she made him proud. His authoritative gaze swept over the Council. “What part of ‘stay put’ did you not understand?”
Except for the deep-throated growls from the dogs, the noise abated for a brief moment. Savage looked at her fellow Council members, who shared the same addled expressions. Inferno waved his arms and ordered everyone to “sit yer arses down before I set me hounds loose on yer bloody carcasses.”
Without the need for further encouragement, Felix joined in with his rendition of “Sit yer bloody arses down”, accompanied by an equally vociferous Ruby. Etain rolled her eyes.
“Call off your dogs, Inferno,” Savage yelled, reaching for her whip.
Felix lunged, forcing Savage back. Losing her balance, she fell back onto the sofa. Felix jumped, pinning her down. Faced with a lethal set of white fangs, her struggles promptly desisted. Pyro took a step toward the hound.
Inferno set his gaze on the man. “Don’t touch me dog.” When Inferno snapped his fingers, Felix growled one more time, then leaped off the sofa, joining his master. Ruby remained at her post, keeping a watchful eye.
Etain cocked a brow as Dar came toward her. “So many talents in one so young, milord. You’ve not only wreaked havoc just by entering the room, it appears you’ve brought the sun with you, as well.”
Dar grinned at her sarcastic tone, knowing she would have preferred a moment alone to prepare him. However, it was not in his nature to avoid confrontation, no matter how ugly the scene. Besides, he enjoyed the flash in her eyes and the color in her cheeks. “The Lord of Kaos, at your service, milady.”
“It’s gonna take time to get used to the new look. I like the blond,” she said, running her fingers through the long length of his heavy mane, “but I think I preferred your eyes blue.”
He shrugged. “We have the rest of our lives, a chuisle.”
“Who the hell are you?” Savage asked, pushing up from the sofa.
Etain smiled at Dar. “You don’t recognize your own chieftain?”
Everyone’s attention turned to Dar, followed by a few gasps and a definitive “Fuck me” from Inferno. The last time any of these people had seen him, his hair was brown, his eyes a deep blue, and he towered over them all at six-foot-five. He was even taller now, at seven feet with blond hair and golden eyes, all because he had been the victor in the battle against his evil brother, reuniting the dark and light within his own soul
“Dar, my darling,” Etain said, taking a step back. “Your Council…” She focused her gaze on Savage, “hand-picked by you…” Then moved to Pyro, “is under the impression you’re no longer fit to lead.”
The LOKI chieftain crossed his arms, his eyes on his second-in-command. “Is this how you lead? Traipsing across the countryside, abandoning your responsibilities to the clan, chasing after some whimsy you’ve fabricated in your head?” He took in the rest of the Council with a sweeping glance. “And the rest of you, being led by the nose.�
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That made Savage’s jaws flap. “I… We… Th-this is clan business.” She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “Unlike you, we aren’t in pursuit of debased pleasures.”
“However…” The young man popped up from his chair and joined them at the fireplace, giving everyone in the room the evil eye. “I was here first. Someone…” His gaze stopped on Etain, “owes me an explanation. I’ve come a long way for answers.”
“God…,” Etain groaned, rolling her eyes. “Where did you come from?”
“Please, let’s keep it informal. Call me Freeblood.”
“Now isn’t the time,” she said, remembering the boy, broken and bleeding as a result of a tap dance with two semis. She’d rushed him to a hospital and gave a lifesaving blood donation. A few hours later, a completely healed Freeblood had dashed out of his room.
“Too bad. I had plans before you screwed with my head. I wanna know what happened in Mexico.”
Everyone looked at Etain.
“Technically, it wasn’t Mexico. It was the Mexican sector.”
“Technically, I don’t give a damn what you call it.” His eyes on Dar, he stepped closer, then looked at Etain. “Why was I banned from an entire region of the planet?”
She sighed, considering how to answer his question. The glower on his face, coupled with the fact he didn’t belong there, fueled a childish devilry within her. “It wasn’t an entire region, just the UK sector.”
Despite the tension in the room, she heard a few snickers. So did Freeblood.
“Wait a minute. Wait a damn minute! I’ve gotten the cold shoulder ever since I got here. That’s okay. I don’t know these people,” he said, gesturing around the room. “And they don’t know me. But with you, the cold shoulder ends here.” He stabbed a finger toward the floor.
The palm of her hand itched, wanting to release an electrical charge. Her nerves were already on edge, and he made things worse. It was then she noticed his choice in footwear, making her want to laugh. “You do know your glow-in-the-dark sneakers make you the perfect target, right?”
