The Watcher (Crossing Realms Book 2)

by Rebecca E. Neely

  Dev’s gaze swept over the valley. Mount Verdant. The greenery. The beauty.

  “You have proven yourself,” Mataeus asserted. “You are a Watcher.”

  “Yes. I am,” he murmured. Even the pride he felt in it couldn’t stop his heart from breaking.

  Mataeus laid a hand on his shoulder. “I was once a young man. I know that is hard to believe, looking at me now. I too was smote down, in my prime. And I have pined. For centuries, for the woman I loved.”

  Dev turned to Mataeus, shocked. “I didn’t know.”

  “Not many do. When your parents brought you to me, they traded their energy to sustain you.”

  “It was you,” Dev gasped. “You saved me.”

  “No, Dev.” The old man’s tears glistened. “You saved me.”

  His mind raced. “I don’t—”

  “In many ways, you have been like the son I never had. Brave. Misfortune.” He placed a hand on his shoulder. “The Keepers and the Betrayers. There is a second Rebellion looming. A war. I believe we need someone closer to that war. Your clan needs you. And so does Meda. To sustain you in the human realm required the whole of our energy. However, trading one’s energy for another would enable you to remain in that realm, indefinitely.”

  Sudden understanding eviscerated him. “Mataeus, no.” The realization he loved the old man slammed into Dev without warning. “I can’t let you do this. It’s what my parents did. It’s not right.”

  “And it is because you feel that way, I must.” He smiled broadly. “I discussed it with them.”

  Dave stared, incredulous. “And they approve?”

  “You are their son.”

  Dev wiped damp eyes. “But—”

  “I am an old fogie,” Mataeus interrupted. “I have lived my life, sown my oats.”

  Dev’s eyes widened, remembering the thoughts he’d had of Mataeus and the others. Had he ever spoken the words?

  “I too am stubborn. Like you.”

  Dev trembled. “Mysterious ways.”

  “Yes. Now you too will possess those ways.”

  “Mataeus,” Dev cried. His mind raced. So much in the human realm was volatile. “What about Compulsions? The clan? I have so many questions.”

  “I know.” Those silvery eyes smiled. “I’m counting on it. The answers will come in time. And I will always be with you. We were prepared, when we sent you to the human realm. And now, so will you need to be.” He smoothed his long beard gracefully. “The other Watchers know I have made this choice. It is time for me to go home, to my love. And you, to yours.”

  Before he could say anything more, Mataeus gripped his hands. And didn’t let go.

  Fire, water, air and earth exploded around Dev, through him. Storms surged, flames engulfed, winds pummeled.

  And then there was only silence.

  CHAPTER 37

  The boarding call sounded over the loud speaker in the Amtrak waiting area. “That’s me.” Meda nodded at Nick, Libby, and Sean, and slung her backpack over her shoulder. The Steel City, awash in orange light, buzzed to life.

  A new day.

  The first of many without Dev.

  Sadness bubbled up in her. She reined it in and forced herself to her feet. In one hand she clutched a brown paper bag. “I’ll be back in a few days. I have to collect my things, talk to Musko. And get Tan.”

  Nick wrapped an arm around Libby. “You’ll stay with us when you return.” A muscle worked along his jaw. “I don’t want you to go at all. These are dangerous times. The war we’ve tried like hell to avoid is upon us.”

  And it’s only beginning. Meda touched a finger to the bandage on her throat. Dangerous times for Keepers. And for humans—though the rash of violence across the city had subsided, at least for now. That Nick, Libby, and Sean had come with her both awed, and relieved her. She forced a smile. “I’m grateful you’re here. All of you.”

  “After everything you’ve done for us, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. And after what Dev did for Libby when she was in the Watchers’ realm, I feel like I’m returning the favor.” Nick’s grip tightened around his mate. “I’m the clan leader. This is my city. I’ll be damned if we’re going to hide. We’re going to find a way to protect humans, Compulsions or no. And reclaim our Vitality stones that have been rendered into Similitude. There’s a lot we don’t know. But our network has been fortified by Dev crossing realms. We’ve got Flint, and we’re going to stand together and fight. No matter what.”

  “Damn straight.” Sean’s eyes glinted steel. He wagged a finger in Libby’s direction. “You, on the other hand, should definitely not be—”

  “Don’t start with me,” Libby scolded lightly. “I’m pregnant, not an invalid. For all the reasons Nick just said, I’m here too.”

  “I know, my girl.” Sean heaved a sigh and raised his hands. “Two babies on the way. My Fi, and now Libby. All the more reason to fight.” He placed a hand on Meda’s shoulder. “I’m not going to let you out of my sight,” he promised.

  Since Dev had crossed realms, as Nick had verified, the network was on its way to being restored. But it would never reach full power as long as there were no Compulsions, Similitude existed, and the Betrayers used it to drain Keepers.

  “Have you heard from Curtis and Zane?” Meda asked.

  “They returned to the warehouse a few hours ago.” Nick frowned. “Against my better judgement. Curtis wanted to . . . look into a few things. Kemp, Macen, and Ramsey escaped.” He met his father’s eyes, his disgust plain.

  “There was nothing you could do,” Sean said pointedly. “It was critical that you returned to the network.”

  “Yes, it was,” Meda chimed in. In so short a time, she’d come to care about these Keepers. After Dev had crossed realms, Libby had stayed up with her, until finally, sleep, restless as it was, had come. In the middle of the night, she’d been awoken by that same, electrifying energy she’d experienced only days ago in her apartment, when he’d first crossed realms. But her hope quickly disappeared.

  No Dev.

  Even if she had all the science in the world at her disposal, she doubted she’d ever fully understand how their realms functioned. She had to move forward. Leaving, as Nick had pointed out, was dangerous. But with Sean, a seasoned Keeper at her side, she would return to New York, if only for a short time. Musko and Tan would lift her up, heal her as they always had. And then she would return to Pittsburgh. The clan was well supplied with Flint. Abel stealing the Similitude they’d created was a blow for the clan. One they had to quickly recover from. She reminded herself they’d achieved what Dev had been sent to do. They’d created Similitude. As far as reverse engineering and reclaiming the stones, as Nick said, she wasn’t sure how, or where they’d begin.

  She would do all she could to help. As long as it took. These people cared about her. Understood her, and her gift. But someday she would leave, build another life for herself. Somewhere else.

  For how could she stay, without Dev?

  Her heart breaking in two, she hugged Nick, then Libby, fiercely. As she expected, impressions washed over her.

  Love. For her baby. For her.

  Libby released her abruptly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to crush your bag. Did Charlotte pack you a lunch?”

  “No,” Meda said softly, pressing a tentative hand to her own stomach.

  And frowned in confusion for a moment.

  Shaking her head, she held the bag out to Libby. “Something from . . .”

  Cocking her head, Libby opened it, peeked inside. “Pink Sno Balls. A whole bag full.”

  “Yeah.” Tears clogged her throat. “A whole bag full. Dev, he, well, it’s kind of a guilty pleasure of mine. Charlotte gave it to me this morning. I have no idea how he managed.”

  Libby smiled sadly. �
�I miss him too. Go now. We’ll talk soon.”

  Sean hugged Nick and Libby, then offered Meda his arm. “Come on, my girl.”

  They boarded the escalator that would take them to the platform. Glancing at the people around her, she envied them what must be their normal lives. They clutched children’s hands, chattered on Smartphones, discussed plans for when they arrived at their destinations.

  The trip from Pittsburgh to New York would give her time to think. She sighed. About too many things.

  Stepping off the escalator, they walked through the sliding glass doors. Conductors directed people, checked tickets.

  At the far end of the platform, a dog barked excitedly.

  In front of her, the crowd parted.

  Meda stopped dead.

  Dev strode toward her, Tan tugging on a leash he held in his fist.

  Her mouth fell open. The bag of Sno Balls slipped from her hand. Rushing to them, she threw her arms around Dev, then Tan, then both of them.

  Beside her, Sean whistled and accepted the leash Dev offered. “I’ll be damned.”

  Meda gaped. “You’re really here,” she managed, her voice quaking.

  “You didn’t think you’d get rid of me that easily, did you?” He snatched her off her feet and into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist.

  Clutching his face in her hands, she kissed his lips, his cheeks, his forehead, terrified to speak. Terrified he’d disappear. A group of people waiting to board the train clapped and cheered.

  “I’m staying,” he whispered, answering her unspoken question. “For as long as you’ll have me. I love you, Meda Gabriel. I’m never going to break a promise to you again.”

  “Dev. You heard me,” she choked out. “When you crossed realms.”

  “I heard you. And I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”

  “I love you.” This man, this Watcher, had changed her life. Who knew her. Understood her. Cherished her. The man she trusted with her life. Who remembered her weakness for pink Sno Balls. “I love you.”

  “I used to think settling down would be boring.” He grinned widely, his dimple creasing the corner of his mouth. “Ordinary. It’ll never be that way with us. It’ll be the best risk I’ve ever taken. Take it with me.”

  “It’ll never be easy,” she whispered huskily. “I’m human. You’re a Watcher. But there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

  “I’m not in this for easy.” He pressed his forehead to hers.

  “Me either.”

  “There’s hard times coming. The Keepers and the Betrayers are at war.”

  “Then we fight. Together.” She kissed him again. “Dev. I felt your energy last night, the way I did that day in my apartment. When you crossed realms, the first time. No one else did. I thought, I hoped.” She spread her hands. “I’m afraid to ask. How is it possible you’re here?”

  “You felt that,” he murmured. “Bless the gods. Let’s just say my circumstances were a bit different this time.”

  Emotion swelled in her and a puzzle piece fell into place. “Does this have anything to do with the older man I saw in your memory?”

  Dev’s eyes shone. “It has everything to do with him. I’ll tell you the whole story. Once we get back to the network.”

  Sean clapped a hand on his shoulder, wiped his eyes. “You bet your ass you will. Let’s catch up to the others.” He stopped abruptly. “Dev. Do the Betrayers know you’re here?”

  He smiled grimly. “They will. I’m not going to hide.”

  “Just like Nick.”

  Meda grinned. Dev and Nick were surely brothers. Another thought struck her. “What about Musko?”

  “He’s safe,” Dev assured her. “We’ll always have a Keeper assigned to him.”

  “Will he . . .”

  “He’ll remember,” he said, his expression pained. “Only for a short while. I worked that out with the Watchers. He knows you’re safe. And he loves you. He’s expecting your call.”

  The train chugged out of the station. Meda knelt to embrace Tan, to bury her face in his thick coat. Impressions once again rushed over her and she basked in them. Dog love. Pure and simple. He barked joyfully.

  Rising, Meda placed one hand in Dev’s, and held Tan’s leash in the other. With Sean following close behind, they all walked to the end of the platform.

  Whatever today, and every day after it brought, they would face it.

  Together.

  Dear Reader —

  I sincerely hope you enjoyed Dev and Meda’s story! If you would take a moment to leave a review on Amazon, I would be most grateful. Thanks!

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  Read on for a sneak peek of THE BETRAYER, Book 3 in the Crossing Realms series!

  Hugs!

  Rebecca

  SNEAK PREVIEW: THE BETRAYER,

  CROSSING REALMS SERIES BOOK 3

  “We are witnessing the start of the second Rebellion.” Behind his desk, Abel nodded in turn at Macen, Ramsey, and Kemp. “We stand together to mobilize our broods. Lead them. And mourn those we’ve lost.”

  From his pocket, he withdrew the Similitude the Keepers had created.

  He glowered. Fury at losing the opportunity to cross realms—by seconds and through circumstances beyond his control—couldn’t guide their actions. He’d nearly wrecked during the onslaught of the storm. And had barely made it out of the Keepers’ network intact.

  Turning, his gaze rested on the heavy plastic sheet on the far wall.

  And reminded himself Betrayers were masters of opportunity.

  He forced himself to focus. Strategize.

  Discipline would win the day.

  He had rid his brood of the mongrel.

  And perhaps the Keepers had given them exactly what they needed. “We must begin testing immediately. To see if it matches the performance of ours.”

  Leaning back in his chair in the fallout shelter, a saxophone’s rousing notes, emanating from the Victrola, eased his thoughts. Propping a booted foot on a corner of the trapdoor beneath his desk, he tapped in time to the music.

  “Why would the Betrayers leave her here?” Zane asked quietly.

  Jordan. Curtis regarded her, pale and still on the floor of the pre-fab office where they’d created the Similitude. The Betrayer Kemp must’ve cut her loose from the chair. Remnants of duct tape remained around her wrists, her ankles. Harvesting her energy had killed her. And that was on the clan now, to live with.

  A sick feeling settled in his gut. “I have no idea. I’m guessing they’ll be back for her.” If they didn’t come for her, Curtis promised himself he would get a message to the Watchers. They had someone on the inside now, so to speak. Dev. The clan would never leave one of their own behind, alive or dead. It wasn’t their way, he reminded himself, wanting badly to believe it after all he’d seen and heard in the last few days.

  “Agreed,” Zane said. “Keep your Flint handy. I’ll guard the warehouse. Do your thing.”

  Consequences. The word resounded in Curtis’ brain as he padded through the warehouse, laptop in hand. Every action had an equal and opposite reaction.

  How would that irrefutable fact affect his clan?

  He didn’t know. And he couldn’t dwell on fearing they would surely find out. Soon.

  He choked down the nerves that’d p
lagued him, as he had since he’d made his choice, days ago. Right now, he had a window of opportunity, a result of Dev crossing realms, and thereby strengthening the network. He also had the Flint, thanks to Dev and Meda. And Zane was with him. Though he was fully healed after the attack they’d sustained, he knew it was dangerous to remain outside the network.

  They were at war. No sugar coating that. Myriad unknowns loomed on the horizon. But he’d helped guard the warehouse, hadn’t he? Even helped some humans during the worst of the riots. Despite the circumstances, he nodded in grim satisfaction. Might be unfamiliar territory for him, but he’d navigated it fine. He and Zane would handle whatever arose. They had to. Everything that’d happened, in only a matter of days, had turned this realm as he’d known it on its ear. As far as he was concerned, there was no comfort zone anymore. For any of them.

  Resolutely, he marched to the back of the warehouse where the stack of pallets lay. He’d use this opportunity to learn all he could about the mysterious tunnels leading into the warehouse, before returning to the network.

  Descending through the opening into the bowels of the earth as he had only hours ago, he studied the tunnels, branching out in three directions. Quickly, he snapped pictures and recorded measurements. Exploration would wait for another day, when the others could join him. Once he ascended to the warehouse, he ran different scenarios based on the blueprints of the city he had available to him.

  When he was done, steel blue clouds were quickly swallowing what was left of the soft orange of the new day.

  Rubbing grainy eyes, he snapped his laptop shut and rose. He’d raised more questions, and found few answers.

  There could be dozens more tunnels like it. Possibilities writhed in his mind like so many worms. If that was the case . . .