Jaeger lifted his eyebrows, amused at the dreamy way Vail always spoke of Rachael. He supposed it was not unlike how he sounded when he spoke of Rhiannon. Two love-struck men yearning to be in their lovers’ arms once again. Jaeger sighed. He wondered if that would ever happen.
"There.” He pointed to a rocky overhang facing the ocean. “We can stop there and rest. We need to plan our approach. If you're up to it, I'd like you to scrye again. I want to get a better picture of where Rhiannon is."
"I can do that."
They trudged to the overhang and crawled beneath it. In minutes, Jaeger had started a small fire. He took a cup from his pack, filled it with water, and handed it to Vail. The young man settled with his back against the rock and began to work his magic. He peered into the water, waiting for the images to appear. Jaeger replaced the waterskin in the pack and slid beside him.
When at last the shapes began to form on the surface of the water, Jaeger was stunned. He could see Rhiannon very clearly. She lay on her side, her face visible. She was pale, her eyes half closed in either fatigue or illness. Instinctively, Jaeger reached out one hand toward her, then drew back.
Vail said nothing but pulled back on the image, widening it. Now, Jaeger could see Rhiannon's pregnant abdomen. She was caressing it lightly, as if in pain. Even as he watched, she grimaced, her eyes squeezing shut, her mouth forming a tight line.
"She's in labor!” Vail gasped
"No,” Jaeger murmured. “It's too soon. She's not far enough into the pregnancy."
Vail shot him a quick glance. “The baby seems to think so."
True alarm rushed through Jaeger. “Widen the image. I need to see Celd."
"Who is Celd?"
"The ... father of her child."
"Celd?” Again Vail looked up at him. “But I thought that you ... I mean..."
Jaeger averted his gaze. “No. I wish it was me, but it is Celd."
"And this Celd is who?"
"Please!” Jaeger snapped. “Enough questions! Widen the image!"
The boy started, alarm registering in his blue eyes. The image in the water blurred and faded.
"No!” Jaeger roared. “Bring it back!"
"I—I can't,” Vail cried. He tossed the cup to the ground and scampered out of Jaeger's way.
Jaeger stared at him. Anger, fear, guilt—they all tore into his senses, confusing and frightening him. He whirled away from Vail to lean against the stone, hiding his face and his fears.
"Who is Celd?” Vail asked again, his voice soft.
"I,” said another voice, “am Celd."
Chapter Twenty
Jaeger whirled as wicked pain shot through him. He doubled over, his breath hissing outward. Celd glared at him, while Vail pressed back against the rocky wall, his face white.
"Where is she?” Celd demanded.
"What?” Jaeger managed, then gasped as more pain seared through him. A second later, something soothing wrapped around him, driving back the dizzying pain. His gaze shot to Vail, then back to Celd.
The Vector seemed not to notice Vail's interference. His anger at Jaeger commanded his attention.
"I asked you a question!” he spat.
"I ... I thought she was with you.” Jaeger maintained his position, allowing Celd to think he was still gripped in pain. He wasn't about to alert the Vector to what Vail was doing.
"If she was with me, would I be here?” Celd bellowed.
"But, Darius—"
"Darius!” Celd interrupted, surprise on his face. “When did you speak with Darius?"
Jaeger shook his head, not really sure how long ago it had been. “He found me. He was sent to dispense my ... punishment for attacking you. He did so. He also took Rhiannon away with him. He said he was taking her to you."
Celd's face clouded over with rage. “He did not. He has not been back to the Lair for months. In fact, he is being sought as well as you. How you two are able to avoid the Sovereign's magic, and mine, is a mystery. Perhaps you could clear it up?"
Jaeger shrugged, shaking his head. “I ... I didn't know I was being sought. I was punished. I thought that was the end of it. I am doing nothing to avoid detection."
Celd was quiet a moment, then brought his gaze back to meet Jaeger's. “And you are doing what out here?"
"Nothing,” Jaeger lied. “Must I be doing something?"
Celd's gaze shifted to Vail. “A Bleeder?” he murmured, then suddenly lifted his head, as if sniffing the air. “And a witch!"
"No!” Jaeger moved forward, intent on doing whatever it took to stop Celd from hurting Vail.
"Oh, but he is,” Celd said. “I can sense his magic. He's using it, right now. To...” He paused, his dark eyes narrowing, and then suddenly looked back at Jaeger. “To shield you!"
Jaeger's breath caught in his throat. Vail slid sideways to put even more distance between himself and the Vector. Celd chuckled and started toward the young man.
"No, Celd,” Jaeger said, his voice firm and tight. “Leave him alone."
Celd stopped, looking from Vail to Jaeger and back. A slow smile touched at his thin lips. “Why, Jaeg, could it be? You and the boy? And here I thought that witch woman had claimed your heart. You even fought me for her. And now...” He chuckled. “Now, I find you enamored of a boy."
Jaeger flushed, but decided to play along, hoping it would dull Celd's interest. “That's right, Celd. I had no idea that a male could fulfill the same needs in me as a female."
Celd nodded, his gaze locked on Vail. “Yes, they can, can't they? And sometimes it's nice to have a variety. Come here, boy."
"No!” Jaeger snapped. He stepped between Celd and Vail.
The smile faded from Celd's face. “You defy me yet again, Jaeger? Didn't you learn anything?” He paused, suddenly thoughtful. “What exactly did old Darius do as punishment, anyway? You certainly don't look the worse for wear."
"He was quite thorough, Celd, trust me on that."
"Trust you? When Darius dotes on you like a son? And after what he's done in the Lair? I don't think so.” He looked back at Vail. “Come here, boy,” he said again.
Jaeger felt Celd's magic reach out toward Vail. He glanced over his shoulder to see the young man standing rigidly, eyes closed, fists clenched. He was fighting Celd's pull with all of his strength, but he was losing the battle.
In desperation, Jaeger looked back at Celd. He had no idea what Celd meant by “what Darius had done at the Lair,” but it seemed to infuriate him. Jaeger decided to play on that, taking a wild chance that he was right. “Were I you, Celd, I wouldn't be wasting my time with the boy. Darius has Rhiannon and your child. His plans are anyone's guess."
Celd studied Vail a moment longer, then looked at Jaeger, uncertainty in his dark eyes. “You are right in that respect. Still, a Vector has to feed."
"Not on him."
Celd's eyebrows rose in surprise. “And you'll stop me? You'll again attack one of the Sovereign's Chosen? Do you value your life so little, Jaeger?"
Jaeger remained silent, not having an easy answer. Then he felt the unmistakable tingle of his shift beginning. The sun was rising.
"Vail!” he snapped. “Into the sunshine! Now!"
The boy wasted no time obeying. He darted from the overhang, even as Celd whirled toward him. Magic crackled outward. Jaeger redirected it, claiming it for his own. The resulting pain almost floored him. Vail disappeared into the yellow light of early morning. Celd spun to Jaeger, rage in his dark eyes.
"How dare you?” he seethed, then actually gasped as Jaeger shifted into the mountain cat.
Jaeger bounded past him and ran along the ledge. Magic struck the ground beside him, scattering dirt, rocks and sand in all directions. Jaeger swerved, keeping his course confusing, racing upward, and not allowing Celd a good target. At last, he was out of sight of the cave and Celd.
He slowed, panting, then looked for Vail. He saw the boy sagged against a boulder, shaking. Jaeger trotted up to him in alarm. Even in
his cat form, Jaeger could smell the iron as it wafted from the boy's body. His magic use had been far too strong. Jaeger nudged up against him. Vail put out one arm, caught at Jaeger's strong body, then crumpled to the ground.
But Jaeger wouldn't let him rest. He nudged the young man, then growled, sending him to his feet in alarm.
"So,” Vail mumbled, “now you're angry with me as well?"
Jaeger shook his head, took hold of Vail's pant leg, and pulled him forward. Vail sighed but followed. Jaeger set a frantic pace, wanting only to put some distance between them and Celd. He knew the Vector would come looking at nightfall, and he knew Celd's anger would not be dulled by a day spent confined to a small cave. Unfortunately, Celd had the benefit of Jaeger's pack and supplies.
He pushed Vail relentlessly, letting the young man stop only for brief rests before again urging him forward with a growl and a nudge. Finally, in late afternoon, Vail fell and did not get up. Jaeger stood over him, waiting, but Vail only looked up at him through teary eyes.
"I can't,” he whispered. “I can't keep going, Jaeger. I tried. I just used too much magic. I can't go on."
Jaeger looked closely at the area they had reached. There wasn't much in the way of cover out here. No caves, no overhangs, just brush—thick tangles of it that looked impenetrable. Jaeger loped away from Vail to investigate several of the brushy groupings. In one, he saw a way to get into the center, away from direct view of anything flying overhead or running past.
Jaeger returned to Vail. The boy had almost fallen asleep, right where he lay. Jaeger nudged him awake, then again pulled at his clothing.
"No,” Vail mumbled. “No, Jaeger. Leave me alone."
Jaeger pulled again. This time Vail struck out at him with an open hand. Jaeger growled, baring his teeth. Vail gasped and staggered to his feet.
"I'm sorry,” he cried.
Jaeger ignored the terror in the voice and pushed Vail to walk. He led the boy to the brush, then crawled inside, hoping Vail would follow. He did.
"So, this is what you wanted,” Vail said. “All right. I'm here. I did as you said. Now, it's time you helped me, Jaeger."
Jaeger balked. He remembered all too well what he had done to Rhiannon while in his cat form. He wasn't about to risk it with Vail. He shook his head and drew back.
Anger clouded Vail's young face. He reached out and grabbed a handful of Jaeger's fur. “You will help me! I used my magic to shield you earlier. I can use it to shield us both now. But I need to be bled first. Otherwise, I'll not have enough strength to keep us both hidden through the night. I don't want Celd to find us. I don't think you do either."
Jaeger could not dispute the words. He knew Celd. The Vector was likely to bleed Vail to death out of spite alone. Still, Jaeger hesitated, his own fear paralyzing him. He brought his gaze to Vail's. The young man stared back, a mixture of fatigue and determination in his blue eyes. Jaeger could not look away. He felt himself slipping into the blue depths, drawn to the boy, to his blood, to his own needs and desires.
Jaeger moved slowly, hypnotically, to Vail's side. Only when he was inches from the boy's neck did his gaze move from Vail's. Even then, it seemed it was because Vail allowed it. Driven by both his inner desire and by Vail's silent pleas, Jaeger lowered his mouth and sank his incisors into the boy's neck.
He drew on the blood, feeling it rush through him, warm him, and replenish his strength. Yet, there was a tight rein of control as well. He would not allow himself to hurt Vail. He would not allow his turbulent emotions to run wild.
Vail held to him, just as Rhiannon had done numerous times, and Jaeger was once more reminded of how much the siblings were alike. Thoughts of Rhiannon drove pain through his heart, worry through his gut. He had to find her, had to get to her before the baby was born. If he could not save himself from this life, at the least he could spare the child.
"There,” Vail said quietly, pushing Jaeger aside. “There."
Jaeger sat back, mystified at this command Vail seemed to have over him. He watched, fascinated, as the bite wounds closed over and healed within moments.
Slowly, it dawned on him. Vail had again used the power associated with the Vector blood to command Jaeger to feed, and then again to bring his feeding to an end. Jaeger wasn't sure how he felt about that.
"I need to sleep for a while,” Vail said. He lay down and curled into a fetal position. “Wake me at nightfall. I want a shield in place before the sun is gone. Promise me?"
Jaeger nodded and curled up beside Vail. In moments, they were both asleep.
~*~
Jaeger was pulled from sleep by the beginnings of his shift. Quickly, he roused Vail, hoping the boy would be able to work his magic while still half asleep. It took Vail only a second and a quick glance at the darkening sky, to throw a magic shield around them. It was securely in place by the time the last traces of sun disappeared, and Jaeger shifted. He eyed Vail with a grimace.
The young man smiled. “Why does that bother you? I saw you shift in the village. I saw you shift from cat to dragon when fighting those men. Yet, you still seem embarrassed by it."
Jaeger shrugged. “Shifting at will is one thing. Shifting by force is another.” He was quiet for a moment. “I wish we hadn't lost the pack. We could do with some food and water."
Vail chuckled softly. “That's all right. I told you, I'm sick of rabbit. A night with only air suits me just fine."
"But will it still suit you come morning?"
"If not, then I'll be happy to once again accept rabbit."
Jaeger couldn't help but smile.
Vail glanced through their brushy enclosure at what was visible of the night sky. “I think we're close. I think we're very close to Rhiannon."
"How do you know? She could be anywhere on the coastline."
Vail shook his head. “No, she's close. I can ... feel her, sense her. Somehow."
Jaeger regarded him thoughtfully. “That was a nice bit of magic you played out on me earlier."
Vail brought his gaze back to Jaeger's. “Magic?"
"Yes, you seduced me, Vail. Plain and simple. You made me feed on you despite my intentions not to."
"I did?” Vail seemed truly surprised.
"You did. And I suspect that when you return to your clan, Rachael will suddenly find you most attractive. But, then, so might a few dozen others. You'll be hard-pressed to decide which of the lovely young ladies you wish to be with."
"I will?” Vail mumbled. He was quiet for a long time, then suddenly grinned. “I will! But, no, it's Rachael I want. It's Rachael I've always wanted. No other."
Jaeger smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “And I am sure she wants you as badly as you want her."
"Why do you think that?"
"Why? Because you are a gifted, sensitive, caring and compassionate young man, Vail. I am proud to call you friend."
Vail's entire face lit up with delight. “Thank you, Jaeger, thank you so much. I am proud to call you friend, too. Or,” he added with a teasing grin, “father."
Jaeger laughed. “I'm not that old as Vectors go.” He shook his head and sat back to wait out the night. He wished he had a plan formulated, something he could use with confidence. But he had nothing. He had no idea how he would find Rhiannon, let alone keep Celd away from her.
Where did Darius fit into this? Why had he not taken Rhiannon back to the Lair as he'd said? What were his plans for her? And what had Darius done at the Lair that other Vectors should now be hunting him?
Jaeger had always cared a great deal for Darius. He had considered the Vector more than a friend. But now ... Jaeger wasn't sure what to make of the whole situation. First, Darius’ lying to him about changing him back to a Vector. Then lying about returning Rhiannon to Celd. Now, it seemed he was holed up in some beach cave with her, waiting for her to give birth to Celd's child. It just didn't make sense. This wasn't the Darius whom Jaeger knew and loved.
But, then, so much had changed in such a short tim
e. He had come into his Growth. He had tasted human blood for the first time in his life. He had experienced sexual gratification with not just a woman, but with several men as well. And he had fallen desperately in love.
Yes, many things had changed, and if the events of the night before were any indication, much more was yet to change. Jaeger only hoped it was for the best.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jaeger carefully watched Vail's face. The young man was beaded with sweat, his skin pale, his eyes glazed with fatigue. He was trembling, his entire body shuddering with concentration. Twice Jaeger had sensed a Vector nearby. With the shields around him, he couldn't be sure of the identity, but he took an educated guess.
Celd.
It was only moments until daybreak. If only Vail could hold his magic until then, he and Jaeger could move on, get farther away, and perhaps even find Rhiannon.
That thought, alone, sent chills through Jaeger. He could barely wait to see her again, to hold her, kiss her. But what really sent cold panic through him was her child. He didn't know if he possessed the strength of will to kill it. He didn't know if he should. He didn't know if Rhiannon would even allow it. A mother's love ran deep, even for a child conceived outside of love.
And what about Darius? Would he be there to stop Jaeger? To deny him access to Rhiannon and the child?
"Oh, by the saints!” Vail suddenly breathed. He opened his eyes. “I can't, Jaeger. I can't keep the shields up any longer."
"You must. Just for a few minutes more."
Tears swam in Vail's eyes, spilled over, and ran down his pale cheeks. “I can't,” he repeated, his voice barely audible. “I'm sorry."
He crumpled at the same moment the shields did. Jaeger gasped and enveloped the young man in a tight embrace, half afraid Celd's magic would instantly claim him. Please, Jaeger begged mentally of the sun, please rise.
He sat in stony silence, cradling Vail in his arms, very aware of his own pounding heart, of Vail's tired breathing, of the intense scent of iron embracing them both. He knew Vail needed to be bled again, to be relieved of the excess iron that a full night of magic work had created, yet he was unwilling to do so until daylight once more provided a safe haven.
Blood Bred Series Book 1: Gift Of Love Page 14
