Fire's Embrace [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 6] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove)

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  He only realized he was doing exactly that, flying, when he started to move too fast for him to miss it. He gasped when he looked back and realized the balcony was way behind him. The motion broke his concentration, and he started to fall. At the last moment, he managed to grab a rocky outcropping and held on for dear life.

  For a few moments, Alwyn actually contemplated letting go. It would be so easy. He would just fall, fly for a little, like he’d wanted, and then it would all be over. With him gone, everyone would be free to live out their happiness. Rachen would eventually forget all about him, since he had the real Alwyn Cyraltin. Of course, it would be painful at first, but time healed all wounds.

  Deep inside Alwyn, the trapped beast whom he felt closer and closer with every passing second released a pained screech. He didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want to lose Rachen. It simply wasn’t fair. He hadn’t even had a chance to live yet. All his existence, he’d only been a weapon, a tool for other people to use, but now, he’d found his true purpose. How could he possibly give it up?

  Alwyn had no idea where that thought was coming from, but he felt the truth of it, echoing deep inside him. He surmised he must be remembering bits and pieces of his past, or maybe connecting with his true self in some way. In any case, the beast, however dangerous it might be, was right. If nothing else, he had to speak to Rachen one more time, to know what the dragon wanted.

  Nodding to himself, Alwyn released his hold on the stone. However, he didn’t fall. Instead, he continued to float, slowly, somewhat clumsily, but at a steady pace. No one saw him, which was perhaps fortunate, since he had no idea how the dragons would react to it. Finally, he reached the cliffside and landed onto the edge, far enough from the crowd that he wasn’t immediately noticed.

  He had enough time to draw his breath before someone finally spotted him. Karein emerged from the crowd and walked to his side, a frown on his handsome face. Oh, he looked so much like Rachen that Alwyn could have kissed him.

  Alwyn reminded himself that Rachen would be home soon and forced a smile. It obviously wasn’t as convincing as Alwyn would have liked, because Karein’s glare grew fiercer. “How did you get here?” Karein asked when he reached Alwyn’s side.

  Alwyn wanted to say he wasn’t really sure, but he had a feeling the dragons were getting tired of that. Besides, this time, it wasn’t exactly true. “I flew,” he replied.

  Karein just blinked at him. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, and Alwyn’s attention was captured by the deep red scratches still on his hand. Alwyn winced. He’d done that, and he hadn’t even been trying. They were right to be concerned. In truth, he knew he should have stayed in his room. If not for his connection to Rachen, they’d have probably treated him in an entirely different way.

  “I didn’t mean to,” he said sedately. “It just kind of happened. I just wanted to see him so badly.”

  Karein groaned. “You know, I should resent you because of what happened with Eanera. Sari is furious with you, so I should be, too. But a part of me can’t be, because you love Rachen so much. Damn it, I’m in so much trouble.”

  Alwyn bit his lower lip. He didn’t want to stir up things more than he already had, and he truly didn’t know what to say or do that would help in such a fucked-up situation. He could only hope that once he got a better grip on his powers, he could fix what he’d done to Eanera. But he couldn’t promise that. Nothing was certain at this moment, not when half the time, Alwyn had no idea what he even felt.

  He realized all too well that the entire Tersain family was here, and they were avoiding him. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand why they were acting like this. Of course he did. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t have liked to be a part of them, to belong.

  Thankfully, he was saved from the awkwardness when at last, Rachen’s plane landed. Naturally, he couldn’t burst forward to joyfully greet his mate like he wanted to, but that was only a temporary setback.

  The door of the plane opened, and at last, Rachen emerged from within. Instantly, his gaze met Alwyn’s. He greeted everyone in passing but didn’t stop to speak to them. In fact, he didn’t stop at all, until he reached Alwyn’s side.

  For a few moments, they just looked at each other. Oddly, Alwyn didn’t know what to do. He wanted to jump into Rachen’s arms, but at the same time, to run in the other direction and make sure that his mate wouldn’t have to suffer because of him. Conflicting emotions burned through him, and tears pooled at the corner of his eyes.

  In the end, Rachen made the choice for him. He pulled Alwyn into his arms and crushed their mouths together. Alwyn melted into his mate’s arms, kissing Rachen with all the passion and despair that had gathered during the dragon’s absence.

  Rachen groaned, his tongue greedily tasting Alwyn, awakening pure need inside of him. Alwyn forgot about everything that wasn’t Rachen, even the fact that his own name didn’t belong to him. When he was in Rachen’s arms, it didn’t seem to matter.

  It was beautiful, sweet, hot, and it ended too soon. Still, when Rachen broke the kiss, he held onto the embrace, so Alwyn couldn’t exactly complain. He leaned against his mate, feeling happy and safe for the first time since Rachen had left.

  Rachen turned toward Karein and smiled. “Thank you, Karein,” he said. “I knew I could count on you to protect my mate.”

  It occurred to him then that there was no sign of the real Alwyn Cyraltin. Surely, during his stay in Britain, Karein had met the sprite. Or hadn’t he? Was that why he remained so obviously drawn to him?

  “How did it go?” he asked, unable to keep the tremor from his voice. “How was your visit?”

  “It was…informative,” Rachen replied. He kissed Alwyn’s temple, all the while gesturing his brother inside. “But perhaps we should discuss this someplace else.”

  “Indeed,” Karein said, his voice glum. “We have some news, too.”

  The rest of the Tersain family joined them, as did Lieutenant Zager and his mate Camden. The mood grew awkward, or rather, more awkward. No one spoke, obviously noticing Rachen’s protectiveness toward Alwyn. It was Alwyn’s guess that once they were in private, that would no longer be enough. If he wanted to be perfectly honest, he was a little relieved. He just couldn’t help but feel that the draechen knew something they weren’t telling him.

  They entered the palace and walked toward the imperial wing. The silence was so oppressive that Alwyn had the urge to start screaming.

  Rachen couldn’t have missed it, because his hold on Alwyn’s waist tightened. He finally stopped when the atmosphere became too much to withstand. “All right. Can anyone tell me what the fuck is going on?”

  “In a minute,” Hareem replied. “We don’t want anyone to overhear.”

  It was fortunate that they were close to their destination, because otherwise, Alwyn didn’t know what he’d have done. The room that was picked for their little conversation was, coincidentally, Rachen’s.

  The moment they stepped inside, Rachen turned and glared at his family. “Okay. We’re here. Now I really want an explanation.”

  “We will be brief,” Karein said. “As it turns out, our guest can inflict injuries on draechen, injuries that don’t heal even with assistance from fae.” He showed off his own hand as evidence. “Apparently, he can also fly without even having to shift forms.”

  “So, he’s a shifter then,” Rachen said.

  Alwyn couldn’t help but note that Rachen didn’t seem awfully surprised upon hearing of his strange abilities. “Rachen? What exactly did you learn when you were in London? Did you meet…”

  He trailed off, unable to mention the real Alwyn, still wary of his rival. Surprisingly, Rachen just smiled, as if he knew what Alwyn was thinking. “He looked just like you…but he wasn’t my mate. You are.”

  A great weight lifted off Alwyn’s chest, and he smiled brightly. “Of course I am. We knew that already.”

  Rachen chuckled, but then, his expression sobered. “At first they weren’t cooperative in
the slightest, but earlier today, Ferradul Cyraltin and his son finally showed up. I think they knew about my interest in you and guessed that it absolutely had to be related to the original Alwyn. At any rate, they believe that you are dangerous and requested my assistance in neutralizing the threat. Naturally, I refused.”

  There was something Rachen wasn’t saying. Alwyn could tell, and he suspected Rachen’s brothers could, too. Karein was frowning in visible displeasure. “So that’s the only thing they told you?” he asked. “That he’s dangerous? Nothing else?”

  “Nothing else,” Rachen confirmed.

  “Well, it’s a good thing then that we found out what he is in your stead,” Karein answered.

  Rachen went rigid. It was quite obvious that, whatever secrets Alwyn’s identity hid, they weren’t ones Rachen wanted his family to know.

  “Oh?” he said inquiringly.

  “A phoenix,” Kael said. “A great fire bird that terrorized the paranormal world a long time ago.”

  Alwyn felt faint just upon hearing that word. Phoenix. He recognized it. That part of him that had become more and more assertive in past weeks screeched in delight. Another part, though, dreaded what the Tersain were saying. He simply couldn’t accept the fact that he was some sort of mystical creature that had once been the bane of shifters and magical creatures alike.

  “It’s only a legend,” Rachen pointed out, obviously noticing Alwyn’s fear. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Don’t lie, Rachen,” Hareem replied. “Don’t ever lie. We’re not your enemies here.”

  “And what would you have me do?” Rachen inquired. “Just trust that you’ll assess the threat Alwyn represents fairly? Somehow, I very much doubt that’s going to happen.”

  “You’re being unfair,” Sari said bitingly. “I think that given the circumstances, we’ve done that and more.”

  Alwyn didn’t know what to say or do anymore. He wanted so badly to believe that he had the right to a life at Rachen’s side, but what if he didn’t? What if the only thing ever would be was a weapon?

  “I don’t need your approval for what I know is right,” Rachen answered. “I love Alwyn, and that won’t ever change.”

  “Oh, Rachen…” Alwyn whispered. “How can you love me when I’m so obviously wrong for you?”

  “Don’t say that.” Rachen turned away from his family and focused only on Alwyn. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Surely you can see that.”

  Alwyn wanted to scream that yes, he did see. In the end, Rachen had met the real Alwyn, and he’d still come back. That meant something. Unfortunately, before he could point that out, Karein intervened.

  “Brother, please listen. While I’m the most ardent supporter of your happiness, you have to understand the situation is very complicated. Your mate’s powers are out of control. You can’t deny that.”

  “Well then, I’ll take him somewhere he can’t bother you. We’ll just leave. Draechenburg will be safe and everyone will be happy.”

  “Rachen, you have to reconsider,” Karein begged him. “We’re your family. You can’t go.”

  “It’s the only way. If Alwyn will have me, of course.”

  It was down to Alwyn’s decision then. He was torn between the need to be with Rachen and the desire to protect him. In the end, it was the genuine bond between them that won out. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he confessed. “I’d rather die.”

  “You won’t. We’re mates, remember? Your powers can’t harm me.” He extended his arm, his expression so trusting it filled Alwyn with awe. “Come on,” he added. “Try it.”

  “It doesn’t work like that,” Alwyn replied. “It just…happens. I can’t force it.”

  “Just close your eyes,” Rachen murmured. Alwyn wasn’t convinced this was a good idea, but he complied. Rachen continued to speak, his tone so low Alwyn almost didn’t hear. “Imagine we’re in bed together. I’m kissing you, making love to you.” Alwyn’s hand went around Rachen’s wrist as the other man whispered in his ear. Yes, he could imagine it now, so beautiful, so perfect, the two of them coming together again, touching like they had just before Rachen’s departure. Rachen’s hands would be so hot on his skin, his lips so delicious as they kissed him.

  “And then, someone bursts in and interrupts us,” Rachen said. “We can’t make love anymore. How does that make you feel?”

  Well that was a stupid question if Alwyn had ever heard one. Without even meaning to, Alwyn tightened his hold on Rachen. The coppery scent of blood snapped him out of his trance and he opened his eyes, only to see that he had indeed dug his talons into Rachen’s flesh. Horrified, he pulled back as quickly as he could. Yes, he was frustrated, but that hardly justified…

  Under Alwyn’s awed gaze, the wounds closed and healed, just like that. Rachen shuddered, and a strange light enveloped him. His body glowed for a few moments, and then the odd rays vanished.

  “Are you okay?” Alwyn asked, wanting to reach for Rachen again, but not knowing if he hadn’t fucked up and maybe stolen Rachen’s powers, too.

  Rachen himself looked a little surprised. “Never better,” he said, sounding a touch dazed. To illustrate his point, the dragon created a fire spell. It flared brighter and stronger than ever before. Alwyn gaped, but he supposed it made sense. He was a fire bird, and Rachen a fire dragon. They had truly been made for each other.

  “See?” Rachen asked with a smile. “I told you I’d be all right. Now, will you come with me?”

  “Okay,”Alwyn whispered. “I’ll follow wherever you take me.”

  It was crazy, but what else could Alwyn do? What other options did he have? Stay here as a prisoner and a test subject? He couldn’t hurt Rachen. That much seemed clear. Here, he was a time bomb, but with Rachen, he could just live and love.

  A voice at the back of his mind reminded him that he wouldn’t be Alwyn for much longer, that this illusion, and possibly this body, was fading. It had been strikingly easy to use his talons and they’d emerged more naturally than the first time. Not to mention that to his knowledge, Alwyn hadn’t been able to do the flying thing when he’d arrived here.

  But he’d deal with that when the time came. For the moment, he just wanted to enjoy the moment and the love that bloomed inside him more and more every time he looked at Rachen.

  It occurred to him then that the Tersain might not let him leave. He tensed and turned toward the draechen family. “You can’t go,” Sari said, right on cue. “You’re the only chance my mother has of recovering her powers.”

  Alwyn’s heart fell. Sari was right. He couldn’t turn tail and run. It sounded like an amazing idea in theory, but Alwyn had to face his responsibilities. Even if he hadn’t taken Eanera’s powers on purpose, he still couldn’t let her fight the condition on her own. “Is she still aging?” he asked.

  Sari nodded. “She forbade me to contact Father, because she didn’t want him to see her that way. At first, she claimed that it had to be temporary, and that she would get her powers back. But now…” Sari released a heavy sigh. “I spoke to Father this morning. He should be arriving today.”

  “My family is flying in, too,” Camden Isaiat offered, speaking for the first time. “They’re bringing the documents with the information on the legend of the phoenix.”

  Alwyn glanced toward Rachen, noticing the way the other man twitched when Camden mentioned the legend. What wasn’t he saying? What was he afraid of? Alwyn couldn’t discuss it with the rest of the group here. He had to get Rachen in private.

  Rachen met his gaze and heaved a pained sigh. “Fine,” he said between gritted teeth. “We’ll stay. But if I see someone—anyone—make a wrong move and try something against Alwyn, you’ll all regret it.”

  “Fair enough,” Karein replied. He didn’t sound resentful at being threatened by his brother. In fact, he seemed relieved. Perhaps he understood how Rachen felt, because he himself had a mate he was protective of.

  In fact, Karein might have let them
get away with Rachen’s vagueness, but Talrasar didn’t. “So now that we have that sorted out, care to tell us what you know? I highly doubt that we should be relying on the legend, when you went to the source of this whole thing.”

  Rachen said nothing. He just stubbornly remained quiet, obviously realizing that there was no point in lying now but still reluctant to reveal his findings. On his part, Alwyn was tired of being afraid. He just wanted everything to be out in the open.

  “Tell them, Rachen. You have to trust them. Otherwise, how can you expect them to trust us?”

  Rachen didn’t seem happy about the suggestion. However, he nodded. “They told me pretty much the same thing,” he began, “that Alwyn is actually a phoenix. Originally, he was created by avian shifters from the energies of the planet. They were the ones who used him as a weapon in an attempt to take over the paranormal world. But he turned out to be too difficult to control, and he was locked up.”

  “Locked up?” Hareem arched a brow. “How can you lock up a phoenix?”

  “There was a box…They called it the Phoenix Chest. Apparently it was made for exactly that purpose. It’s missing now but…”

  Alwyn couldn’t hear anything more after that. In his mind’s eye, he saw it, the dreaded box, his prison. It had held him captive for centuries, isolating his energy from the earth, keeping him trapped in a void. He could remember the torment of it so clearly, enduring in an existence that made no sense, unable to understand why he’d even been created.

  He fell to his knees, screaming, clawing at the floor, trying to escape, to find a way out. He was suffocating. He couldn’t see. It was too much, too much and he just wanted to die.

  Familiar arms wrapped around him, squeezing him close. “Shush, baby. You’re okay. I’m here. You’re safe.”

  Suddenly, Alwyn could breathe again. The darkness dissipated, and he found himself in Rachen’s familiar embrace. The smell of smoke tickled his nostrils, and he gaped as he realized half of the room was blackened and scorched. “Oh, gods,” he whispered. “What…Rachen, please tell me I didn’t hurt anyone.”