“Dayla, are you here?” she called quietly.
The fairy appeared next to her on the bench. “I’m always nearby, miss. What can I do?”
Karen watched the birds circling overhead. “Is he still safe?”
Dayla nodded. “He wants to be with you so badly, miss, but doesn’t dare show himself.” She looked around. Animals scampered nearby, stopping to glance at them and she shivered.
“The animals are still watching me,” Karen murmured. “Why hasn’t Harmon’s hold on them been broken yet? Is he really that much more powerful than you guys?”
Dayla shook her head. “His control is almost absolute. He has a knack for talking to animals that has nothing to do with his power. They trust him, and his power lets him into their minds.” The fairy shrugged. “All we have is magic.”
Karen ground her teeth, frustrated by not being able to help the people she counted as friends. “But fairies have been around for a long time. Shouldn’t old magic be stronger than one paranormal human?”
“Not really.” Dayla sat down near her. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the animals of the world controlled by someone.” Her hands balled into tiny fists. “We exist alongside the animals. We don’t control them or tamper with them in any way. The animals don’t realize they’re being controlled, so it makes the compulsion hard to break.”
Karen looked at her. “Why?”
“It’s not mind control so much as Harmon giving their instincts a boost.” Dayla flew up to sit on her shoulder. “He’s just nudging them in the direction he wants them to go.”
Another fairy flew up and whispered to Dayla. She turned and saw Randall standing at the edge of the woods and flew to him. “What can I do for you, guardian?”
“I need to speak with Karen.” He eyed the birds overhead and the small creatures running through the garden. “Tell her to wander over here and see if you can distract the blackbirds. The others I’m not that concerned about, but the birds are smart and they’re Harmon’s main source of information.”
Dayla grinned and took off. She reached Karen and nodded toward the woods where Randall was hiding. Karen walked through the garden, wandering closer to his spot. She watched Dayla punch a blackbird on the beak and then fly off at high speed.
Randall stayed under the tree canopy and Karen kept her gaze on the flowers bouncing in the breeze. “We don’t have much time,” he said in a low voice.
She glanced at him before stooping to smell some late blooming flowers. “You’re vulnerable to cold iron?”
“Every race has their own Achilles heel. Those of us in the fairy realm have cold iron.” As she moved down the outside row, he went with her, staying out of sight of the birds circling overhead. “Harmon was right, you know. It can kill us. It’s how they killed the guardians that came here first to rescue the children.”
She frowned. “How? I’m trying to understand, Randall, but every time I get an answer, I get twenty more questions.”
He nodded. “I know. Troyington had a cold iron dagger specifically made for my race,” he explained. “When our skin comes in contact with it, well, you saw what happens. If it gets in our blood, it poisons us. Leave the blade in and it can kill us it minutes.” He paused. “Troyington stabbed two of the guardians he took captive and tortured the others. He was going to kill me, too, but Strathmore told him she could replicate my powers and abilities and transfer them to him. That’s why they kept me alive. They keep trying to keep me locked up at night but aren’t having much luck.”
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“It’s all right,” Randall said. “Soon, this will all be concluded and Troyington will pay for his crimes against the northeast pack. If his brother was here, none of this would be going on.”
Karen glanced at him, then turned back to the garden in front of her. “Why? Is he someone important?”
“From what I’ve found out, his brother was disowned by their parents, and he and Troyington can’t stand the sight of each other. Unfortunately, he’s out of the country right now with some kind of medical condition that needs serious treatment.”
A blackbird’s raucous call sounded shattered the stillness and Randall lifted his head to watch it come closer. “I have to go. They’ll tell Harmon they saw me if they get any closer.”
Her chest tightened at his words. I’m getting tired of always being afraid. It wasn’t fear for herself, but the fear of what would happen to the man who held her heart that made this now familiar panic constantly claw at her guts.
She looked up at the blackbird flying overhead. “Are you in danger?”
“No more than usual. It’s you I’m worried about.”
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “I can take care of myself. What I did to Harmon is only a tiny sample of what I can do.”
“We’ve got to stay away from each other. Every second we’re together puts you in danger.”
She gave in to the trembling that constantly threatened her. “I’m afraid for you. Bradford told Cray to deal with you. He told Edna to get results.”
“I can handle those two. Cray might be strong, but he’s got a soft spine. Edna may think she’s untouchable, but she isn’t. As for Harmon, well, the wood folk’s magic is beginning to crack his hold. The more they push, the more concentration he needs to exert to control the animals in the area.”
“I guess my night friend won’t be able to come to me either,” she said.
“It’s for the safety of us all. We don’t have much time left. I truly believe Troyington will kill the children and soon.”
“I sent that same message to Raesheen.” She gazed at him, trying to memorize him as he watched her. “You need to try to let me know what I can do to help and when you want me to do it.”
“I’ll try, but things are coming to a head. I don’t know what’s going to happen between today and tomorrow.”
A bird’s cry sounded overhead, and they both watched it fly over. “I know it hurts. Soon, it’ll all be over, and we’ll be together,” he said. He ran down the path and disappeared into the trees.
She nodded, knowing nothing would come out of her mouth, even if she tried. She dragged herself toward Bradford’s mansion. If she moved any faster than her current snail’s pace, her heart just might shatter, taking her with it.
Chapter Twelve
“I don’t understand how you got through that whole thing with Jack,” Karen told Misty on the phone that night. “How did you keep your sanity with people hunting him and you every second?”
Misty snorted. “There were moments when I wasn’t sure I’d make it.” She paused. “Are you sure you’re okay up there?”
Karen crossed to the window and stared at the night. She missed the guardian. “For now. The situation is a lot more complicated than I realized.”
“Do you need the team? We’ll be more than happy to bust some heads on your behalf.”
Karen let the curtain fall back. “I’m not sure. There’s innocent lives at stake. I shouldn’t have even told you as much as I did.”
The concern in Misty’s voice deepened. “Okay. Let’s back up a minute. What haven’t you told me?”
“Everything,” Karen whispered. “For the first time in my life, I’m truly afraid.”
Silence. Then Misty asked, “Of what?”
Karen wiped at the tears that once again ran down her cheeks. She sniffed hard. “This whole situation.”
“Are you crying?” She heard the disbelief in Misty’s voice. “You never cry. You’re the only one on the team that thinks with a clear head because you’ve got all your emotions under control.”
Karen cleared her throat. “Things have changed. I’ve changed.” She stopped talking and closed her eyes. “Misty, Randall’s my soul mate.”
“Ha!” Misty barked out. “I knew it.”
Karen sank down on the bed. “But we can’t be together here. And this other situation is making it almost impossible to talk t
o him.” She stared at the floor. “This is so hard.”
“We can be there in an hour,” Misty said.
Karen paused. Would it be dangerous to bring in her team? Maybe. Maybe not. “I could use your help. But you’d better get here sometime tomorrow. It’s getting late, and the roads up here are really narrow. Better to come in the daylight when you can see.” She shook her head. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just wish Randall and I could be together.”
“It’s okay,” Misty said. “Now, what’s keeping you apart?”
“Bradford’s threatened us,” she said simply.
“I’m getting the car right now.”
Karen listened to the determination in Misty’s voice. Maybe this was just what she needed. Knowing her friends had her back would definitely help her frame of mind. “Not now, please. When you guys get here tomorrow, stay at the little town down the hill. It’s not too far from the estate. I don’t want Bradford knowing you’re here. Can you make sure Rena comes with you? I think a telepath would be helpful.”
Misty chuckled. “Are you kidding? Rena never passes up an opportunity to kick butt and take names.”
“I thought as much.” Karen smiled as Dayla appeared on her pillow. “And when you guys get here, you can join the army I have gathering.”
“An army?” Misty sounded surprised. “Of who?”
Karen smiled, giving Dayla a thumbs up. “Would you believe, fairies?”
****
Karen made sure the ruby necklace was fastened securely around her neck as she made her way down to dinner. She fingered it and muttered, “How can something so delicate feel like such a lead weight?”
Bradford rose as she entered the dining room. “So, have you forgiven me yet?”
She returned his smile. The whole situation was comical, questions asked more out of routine than concern. “Only if you’ve forgiven me.”
Moving to her usual place, she nodded at Edna. “I assume you’ve heard about our disagreement?”
Edna nodded, watching her every move as she sat. “Yes. There are bound to be a few rough spots as you two get used to each other.”
Karen glanced at the two of them, noticing the little looks they exchanged. They don’t trust me. Fine. The feeling’s mutual.
Karen laid her napkin in her lap. “You said you’ve got a way to keep Randall away from me. Mind sharing?”
Bradford sat back, his gaze shifting between the two women. Edna’s face said she knew what he was planning. “I’ve decided to show you tomorrow.”
She frowned. “Why can’t you tell me now?”
“I’m still working out some bugs.” He turned that same cold, mirthless smile to her he had the day before. “Don’t worry. I think you’ll be impressed with my solution.”
Karen’s stomach grew cold, and her legs shook under the table. Impressed? Horrified was probably going to be closer to the truth. What did he mean?
She sipped her water. What am I up against?
****
Karen and Bradford sat on the loveseat after dinner, watching the fire crackle merrily, trying to dispel the tension in the room.
Bradford stared at the flames. “You never did deny your feelings for Dupré,” he said flatly.
She sat up, staring at him. “Why is this so important?”
“Why do you continue to evade it?” he said, never moving. “I could’ve given you anything and everything you could ever want. Yet, you pick that freak.”
She laid her hand on his arm. “Didn’t we just go through this earlier today? I’m with you all the time.”
He faced her, his eyes almost sad, and laid his hand on her cheek. “And still, you don’t say it. I could’ve loved you. There’s a power in you that calls to me, but your unwillingness to deny Dupré tells me all I need to know.”
Her face burned where his hand touched her. “And what’s that?”
“You’re in love with him.” He dropped his hand, turning back to watch the fire. “This changes everything, all my plans, absolutely everything.”
“I’m so sorry, Bradford,” she said, her voice quiet. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“Don’t say anything else,” he murmured. “Please go to your room. I need to think.”
Karen went to the door of the library. He sounded so lonely, so hurt, she almost felt sorry for him, but then she remembered his cruelty to Randall and the children. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yes,” he said, his eyes boring into her. “You will.”
Karen trembled as she climbed the main staircase and hurried to her room, his last words echoing in her ears. What did he mean? They certainly weren’t said to comfort her. She threw her suitcase on the bed. She’d meet the other Angels in the town. As long as Bradford needed Randall, her soul mate was safe. But she needed to get the hell out of there while she could.
A quiet click behind her snapped her around to face the door. She tiptoed over and twisted the handle. So much for that idea. Bradford had her locked in. Well, she’d just go around the balcony to another room. Not a problem. She flung open the french doors, determined to leave.
Karen stared at the tree where the guardian had sat and talked with her. She plucked a leaf off and twirled it between her fingers, wishing he were there. Loneliness threatened to consume her.
“I wanted to tell you I’m leaving this house,” she whispered. “I’ll still be nearby to help you save the children, but I’ve got to get out of here.”
Nothing. No rustling of leaves, no fluttering of wings, no sound at all. She closed her eyes wanting him or Randall to appear in front of her.
Funny how the guardian disappeared when Randall was also nowhere to be found. But they did agree that he wouldn’t be coming to her anymore. But why wasn’t the guardian to be found during the day? Where was Randall at night?
Her thoughts circled around to her earlier suspicions. If Randall was the guardian, it would explain a lot. He seemed to know every word she and the guardian spoke. The same was true of the guardian. He knew every detail of what happened between her and Randall. Magic or not, fairy or not, nobody remembered every tiny detail. And everyone addressed Randall as “guardian.”
She took several steps to her right. A blackbird landed in front of her, its laughing call mocking her thoughts and feelings. It sidestepped closer, its beady black eyes watching her closely. She turned in the other direction and two more landed, staring at her with their unblinking eyes. More joined their kin as Karen backed away slowly, her eyes never leaving them.
Dayla appeared next to her head, tugging on her hair. “Come inside, miss, quickly.”
Karen stepped over her threshold and closed and locked the doors. “So much for getting the heck out of here,” she muttered. “Don’t they ever take a break?” She pulled out her cell phone, frowning when she saw the battery was missing. She tried contacting Rena through the telepathic link all the Angels shared, but couldn’t seem to break through. I knew Jeffries was a psionic. It really just figures.
“They can’t. Not as long as Harmon’s power influences them.” Dayla peeked out the curtain, shuddering at the amount of birds on the balcony. “I wish we could get through to them. They don’t think they’re doing anything bad, and that’s why we can’t break his hold on them. They like him.” Dayla frowned. “They think he’s their friend.”
Karen shook her head. If the wood folk couldn’t free the animals, it would make their situation even more dire than it was right now. She took a last look at the birds and held her hand out, letting Dayla settle there. “I need some information, and please, tell me the truth.”
Dayla crossed her heart. “I will answer you as truthfully as possible. Fairy’s honor.”
Karen took a deep breath. “Can the bonds between me and Randall be broken?”
Dayla chewed her lip. “Yes.”
Karen sat down at the desk, letting Dayla climb from her hand. “If I say I don’t believe in any of you, that I don’t believe in mag
ic, will I lose all of you?”
Dayla’s head bobbed up and down. “Yes.” She leaned on Karen’s hand. “You haven’t done that, have you?” She frowned. “You couldn’t have, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”
“No. I’ve minded my words.” Karen sat back, drumming her fingers. “Bradford keeps trying to make me deny Randall and I had to convince him I didn’t believe in fairies or magic without actually saying it.” She rubbed her eyes. “This is getting way too complicated.”
“You’re doing well, miss,” Dayla said. “I don’t know many people who could’ve kept their wits about them like you’ve done.”
“Comes from being a superhero,” she muttered. Karen studied the fairy. “Are Randall and the guardian the same person?”
“That’s one question I can’t answer,” Dayla said in a low voice. “I’ve made a promise to someone else to not say anything about the guardian.”
Dayla’s answer seemed to confirm what she suspected. She sighed. Why couldn’t the guardian be here to give her the answers she needed? She was getting impatient with not having any success with anything she was trying to do or find out.
She slammed her fist into her palm. “I just want to kick their butts and make them tell me where the kids are. I’m tired of playing their games.”
Dayla’s face turned serious. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“I was kidding,” Karen said. Then she grinned. “For now.”
Dayla grinned back. “I want to be with you when you do your butt-kicking thing.”
Karen laid out her nightshirt and sweatpants. “Of course. I’ll need you and anyone else you can bring with you, and my friends are coming. You ain’t seen nothing yet, my tiny friend.”
Dayla gave her a snappy salute. “Your fairy army will be ready when you give the word, miss. We’ll make a great team.”
Karen tugged her nightshirt over her head. “That’s what I’m hoping.”
Peeking out the window, she counted at least twenty blackbirds sitting outside her door, watching her. She shivered, pulling the curtains closer together. There was something unnerving about the way they just watched and called out with their laughing voices.
Night Angel (Angel Haven) Page 12
