Sorac would never act to free himself as long as she and his draklings were vulnerable prisoners.
But if she escaped with the hatchlings?
Vaspara smiled.
Her lover then would be free to torch this fortress-city as he escaped.
Chapter 25
Anna
IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING Anna’s return and reunion with her father, the tension in the camp was almost thick enough to taste. But Gran worked her magic and miracles and kept the peace. Major Resnick did more than his share of peacekeeping by building bridges to help span the divide between the magic and mortal factions.
As expected, Anna was required to turn herself over to scientists for study. Obsidian went with her, never leaving her side. It was as if he half expected the scientists to steal her away.
Which, Anna reflected, wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility.
While they’d been spending quality time with the scientists, Thayn had been reestablishing his friendship with the Avatars. Later she’d learned from Obsidian that Thayn still hadn’t told the Avatars the real purpose of their visit.
When Anna challenged the adept, he’d only called her young and impatient, claiming that this peaceful time was the perfect opportunity to learn more about Gryton, his Null keeper, what the Avatars had planned for their son, and how badly they would react when they learned Obsidian and Anna were under orders to bring Gryton and the Avatars back to the Magic Realm to face Lord Draydrak.
Everything Thayn said was logical, but something didn’t sit well with her.
“He’s setting us up for something,” Anna mused, glancing sidelong at Obsidian while they walked toward the maze for their next weapons practice in the glade. Gregory had demanded everyone stay in peak condition, claiming that they might be thrust into battle at any point.
That next battle might come far sooner and from a different direction than Gregory expected.
“Thayn is enamored with Gran.” Obsidian huffed with humor and then cleared his throat. “That’s why he wants to wait. The longer we’re here, the more time he’ll have with her.”
“I know he’s showing interest, but he’s too wily. I think there’s more going on inside his head than that.”
“And yet he’s using the excuse of ‘peaceful downtime’ to accompany Gran everywhere.”
“I noticed, but I thought it was just because they were looking to get up to some devilment together.”
“But Thayn hasn’t been playing his usual tricks and pranks, has he?”
Anna frowned. “Everyone has been so busy. Perhaps he just hasn’t had time?”
It was Obsidian’s turn to laugh. “When has being busy ever stopped Thayn from playing his games.”
“Good point.”
“No. Perhaps we should consider it a blessing that someone has caught his attention.”
It was Anna’s turn to snort. “Well, they’ll make an interesting couple.”
“Indeed.” Obsidian was still laughing when they reached the glade, but soon River came over and called a greeting.
Well, she greeted her son. The dryad still hadn’t warmed to her. And Anna was okay with that little detail. She wasn’t ready to become friends with the cast-iron bitch anytime soon.
She’d barely finished that thought when Gregory ventured over.
“Do you mind if I steal Obsidian for a round in the practice ring?”
“Knock yourself out.” Her eyes slid toward River and then back to Obsidian. “Don’t suppose you can convince River to come to watch you and Gregory spar?”
“I will try, but it looks like she wants to talk with you.” Obsidian turned to the dryad. “Mother, have you come to watch me spar again?”
She smiled up at him, a mother’s pride evident in her expression. “Of course! In a few moments. There’s something else I need to do first.” River looked directly at Anna.
Fuck.
Directing a futile glance at Private Emerson, Anna debated if she had time to get the Null’s attention before River dug in for a lengthy conversation. Anna had noted none of the fae species willingly stayed in the Null’s vicinity for longer than was necessary.
Anna couldn’t blame them. Even when Private Emerson wasn’t aggressively absorbing magic, there was often a subtle draining of power. Gregory and Lillian claimed the Null would purify any magic she absorbed and later release it. But as far as Anna could see, the Null wasn’t releasing magic, which meant she was likely in a draining mode.
Good.
Anna decided now was as good as time as any to learn more about the soldier’s formidable power. And if being near the Null had the added benefit of putting off River, all the better.
“Anna,” Obsidian’s mother said as she stepped closer. “I’m glad I ran into you. Are you free to talk?”
“I was actually on my way to speak with Private Emerson.”
River gave her a pinched look at the mention of the Null. Good.
“In that case, I won’t keep you long. I wish to smooth things over. I fear we didn’t strike a good accord during our first meeting.”
You think? Anna muttered in her head. I remember something about a human mongrel.
Aloud, Anna attempted to sound more neutral than she felt. “Happens sometimes.”
“It has come to my attention that I was wrong about you, Anna Mackenzie.”
Well, fuck me, is this an apology I smell coming? She wondered.
“Shadowlight chose well when he rescued you from the Riven. I didn’t see it at first. But then you went after him when he was abducted. No one else did. They said they couldn’t risk a war with the Lady of Battles until they were prepared.” River nearly spat the last words. “But you went. You disregarded orders and went after my boy.”
“I’m just sorry I wasn't able to escape with him and bring him back home.”
“That doesn’t diminish your bravery in trying.” River paused as she glanced toward the new sand ring where Obsidian and Gregory were presently pounding the shit out of each other. She smiled proudly at her son before continuing. “Compulsion might have forced you to follow him, but you survived and prospered. That was entirely your own doing. Obsidian couldn’t have found a better second to rule at his side.”
“Ah... thank you.”
Hearing compliments come from River was throwing Anna off balance, which might be why she didn’t see the next subject coming.
“You make him happy. That is what every mother wants for her child.”
“Shadowlight was the best little brother I could ever ask for.”
River nodded at her words, but Anna could see there was more the dryad wanted to hear.
Anna didn’t really know what the other woman wanted, so just continued to ramble. “And he grew into a wonderful partner. He earned the title of Rasoren. It wasn’t just given to him.”
River nodded again and then arched an eyebrow before looking around, noting where the other stood. She lowered her voice. “I noticed you and my son don’t share rooms.”
“Well, no,” Anna managed after she got over her surprise. “But I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”
River continued as if unaware of Anna’s stricken look. “He is mature, and the bond you share differs from what previous pairs enjoyed.”
“Yes. We’re aware.” Anna said in a neutral tone, giving nothing away.
“But you haven’t bonded physically yet?”
Bonded physically? That was a different take on the act.
“That actually...” Is none of your goddamned business. “Wasn’t required. Lord Death helped us overcome the last obstacle preventing us from completing the bond.”
“Really?” River’s gaze sharpened as she speared Anna with a questioning look. “That shouldn’t be possible. The bond can only be completed by a physical joining.”
Anna snorted. “That isn’t entirely accurate. We discovered that a shared trauma could merge our hearts, minds, and souls enough to complete the bond.�
�
“A shared trauma?” River sounded suddenly intrigued.
Anna flashed fang at the dryad. “Yes. Something in my past. Something only my Rasoren will ever experience.”
Surprisingly, River looked satisfied at Anna’s answer. “As it should be.”
“Damn straight.”
River laughed. “It’s good you are strong-willed. My son should never have to settle for a dull bed partner.”
What the actual fuck? Was I just talking to myself?
And just like that, the conversation was no longer in Anna’s control and had utterly derailed.
Anna cleared her throat. Time to set the dryad straight. “Obsidian and I don’t think of each other in those terms. We’re friends. Nothing more.”
River laughed in delight. “You’re so young and blind. Do you truly not see how my son looks at you? No matter. If Gryton keeps watching you the way he has the last few days, Obsidian will make his claim known.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No?” The damn dryad smiled. “I think you do. Besides, you are a mature gargoyle now. If you haven’t already experienced your first fertility cycle, you will shortly.”
“Obsidian, your mother wants to have a sex talk. I’m out. Finish up your match with Gregory. It’s my turn to fight the Avatars!”
Her words made Obsidian stumble. Gregory was swift to use the opportunity, knocking her Rasoren’s legs out from under him. Anna’s gargoyle partner was too well-trained to land on his ass, but it was a close thing.
“For shame!” Thayn roared from the other side of the ring. Though he was laughing too hard to make his anger convincing. “What was that? You let your Kyrsu distract you!”
How the hell did Thayn know it was her fault? Anna cast a suspicious look at the elder. She’d mastered her shields well enough to keep him out.
The apparent answer hit her a moment later. Frick. Thayn must have been in Obsidian’s head, sharing some training tips to help him fight his billion-year-old opponent. He’d heard the entire exchange.
“Sorry,” Anna offered.
Obsidian’s humor flowed back along the link. “I’d rather face the Avatars than talk with my mother about mating. You’re forgiven.”
While Obsidian was getting teased by Thayn, Anna used the opportunity to escape River and her inappropriate line of questioning.
Anna’s father had always taught her when to stay and fight and when to retreat.
River wanting to have a sex talk—retreat!
Chapter 26
Gryton
GRYTON WATCHED WITH interest as Anna fled River, the dryad’s probing questions unsettling the human-gargoyle hybrid. He hadn’t been trying to overhear the conversation, but his senses were sharper than they had been in days, thanks to the fact that his Null keeper hadn’t fed upon him recently.
She seemed to be gaining more control over it.
Though he wasn’t sure which of them could be credited for the recent change. Gryton admitted the Null’s control in not feeding upon him might have more to do with him regaining mastery over himself. Her ability seemed tied to aggression. His. The more aggressive he became, the swifter and more brutal her response.
But whatever the exact cause, he was enjoying the restoration of his powers. And his newly sharpened senses had just let him discern something he’d been very curious to know.
Anna and Obsidian were not physically intimate. He’d been as surprised as River by the knowledge. There had to be something substantial that was holding Anna and Obsidian apart.
Gryton mulled over everything Anna had unknowingly revealed.
While Anna had said she loved Obsidian like a little brother, Gryton was good enough at reading people to know a lie when he heard one. And there was a lie buried somewhere in Anna’s exchange with River. She might not even realize it yet herself.
However, that Anna and Obsidian weren’t yet mates also said a great deal. Gryton would dig until he found what it was. Perhaps Anna truly didn’t have feelings for the tactless brute?
Gryton’s lips pulled back from his fangs. He’d always admired the human-gargoyle hybrid. If the great musclebound oaf hadn’t figured out how to woo a woman, that was his loss, wasn’t it?
He’d always liked a good challenge. She was certainly worthy of his interest. As Gryton warmed to the idea, he eyed Anna. He’d always admired her tenacity.
“Hey, Hot Stuff,” the Null’s voice drawled in his ear. “Might want to rethink that entire last five minutes of mental conversation you just had with yourself. The big dude looks like he could break you in two. And while you’ve been drooling over Anna, I’ve been studying the big fellow.”
Gryton’s spine straightened as his elemental fire flared. He both embraced it and fought to hold it in check. Then with his control still at war with his chaotic nature, he turned to the Null, power flickering in his gaze.
“Oops. Hit a nerve, did I?”
“Why are you in my head again?” Threat reverberated in his tone.
“Trust me. If I could stay out, I would. A walk between your ears is mostly the stuff of nightmares. And as much as I don’t like you, my job is to keep you out of trouble and maintain the peace. Unless you want me to feed on you again, I’d suggest you not shove your nose in other people’s business.”
“Jealous?” He asked just to see how she’d react. Though he’d noticed a curious lack of sexual interest from the Null. While he found it refreshing after thousands of years surrounded by succubi and incubi, he also knew humans could be just as promiscuous when it came to mating.
The Null just laughed, her grin huge.
“It wasn’t that funny.”
After a few more snorts and cackles, the Null eventually got herself under control. “Stop and think about what your comment implies. And then think about if I took you up on your offer.”
“I wasn’t offering, Mortal.”
She snorted again. “Yeah, I know. Still, stop and think about it for a moment.”
He just continued to stare.
Rolling her eyes, she pointed at herself. “Null.”
After a pause, she pointed at him. “All you can eat buffet.”
“Of that, I’m very much aware. However, I still don’t see w—”
“Now imagine what a Null would do to you during sex!” She broke out with more hoots and snorts until tears were running down her face.
Gryton’s expression shifted to horror before he could smooth it over.
“No worries, Hot Stuff. You’re not my type.”
He narrowed his eyes, studying her anew. There was truth in her words. Yet somehow that didn’t explain her absolute lack of sexual interest. And it wasn’t just him. She didn’t seem to notice others, either.
Misinterpreting his look, she added. “No, I don’t like girls either. No one is my type.”
“You’re sexless?” Eyes widening, he studied her again, noting her relatively flat chest. “You’re not yet mature?”
She looked down at herself and laughed.
“While God didn’t give me much in the way of boobs, I am an adult female with all the correct parts. I just don’t feel desire for anyone. Some call it being asexual.” She shrugged. “I don’t care for labels, but that one works as well as any, I suppose.”
“Ah.” Gryton filed that information away for later. He wasn’t sure how to use it yet, but his earlier plan to beguile her just turned to ash.
She smirked at him. “I don’t do beguiled. Sorry.”
He huffed and mentally cursed for forgetting she could read his every thought when she was close. He hated revealing his plans. Even ones that were now defunct.
He and the Null needed a fresh start, or they would kill each other.
While holding out his right hand in what he knew was a customary way of greeting on this world, he smoothed his expression into something less hostile. “We have become needlessly antagonistic toward each other. I, for one, plan for that to s
top now. While we shall never be friends, I think we can behave in a manner befitting our stations and hopefully avoid making each other’s existence a complete misery.”
Her grin grew huge as she grabbed his hand and pumped it. “I accept your surrender.”
It was his turn to laugh. “I never surrender. And in case no one has ever mentioned it, Nulls are as mortal as a human. You will age and die like any other of your kind.” He flexed his talons enough that she’d feel their prick. Then he flashed his fangs at her. “Many non-magical means can kill you, such as poison, suffocation, or drowning.”
She was still laughing as she squeezed his hand while using her other to smack him affectionately on the shoulder.
“Thanks for the warning, Hot Stuff. I’m eating nothing you make. And I never plan to allow you near enough to try suffocation or drowning.”
He matched her smile. “Oh, I doubt I’ll need to poison you. I think we can come to some mutually beneficial arrangement in time. But for now, how about we stop trying to drive each other to suicide?”
Her lips still twitched with humor, but her eyes were serious. “I’ve really gotten under your skin, haven’t I?”
Unfortunately, Gryton thought it might be worse than that. She’d stirred his curiosity, which annoyed him no end. And her snort told him she knew it. That just annoyed him all the more.
“How about we declare a truce for now?” She offered at last.
“A truce is a noble enough solution,” he agreed as his eyes slid back to where Anna and Lillian were now crossing swords in the practice area.
His mother and the new Kyrsu were both skilled with the sword, but Anna’s skill had advanced to the point she was breathtaking to watch. For a time, he allowed himself to enjoy the rhythm of the two dueling opponents.
“You got it bad, don’t you?” the Null stated.
Gryton glowered at her. “Our truce was rather short-lived, don’t you think?”
She just shook her head at him. “I plan to uphold my end of the truce, but figured I’d give you a word of advice. Drop your obsession with Anna. Even I can tell she doesn’t return your... admiration. And the big fellow? Don’t think he feels particularly brotherly toward his Kyrsu.”
The Complete Gargoyle and Sorceress Boxset (Books 1-9) Page 171
