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

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  The news snapped Phoenix out of his morose thoughts. “Oh?” he asked, turning his attention toward Krysta and Arlen. “How so?”

  “Well, we miss Patala, and we’re needed there, to make further arrangements with the gryphons and the other rare shifters,” Arlen replied.

  “We’d like to return later on, to watch over Camden, but we feel that right now, he’s safe,” Krysta added.

  It was another vote of confidence for Phoenix. In many ways, they’d come here for the exact purpose of watching him and making sure he wouldn’t cause any mischief. They must have figured out that he truly had no intentions of doing so. In fact, the only thing he wanted was to focus on his own family, on getting his memories back, and preferably finding a way to have his own hatchlings.

  Still, Phoenix found that he regretted their departure. He liked and respected the Isaiat siblings. They were warriors, and it showed, but they’d been open toward Phoenix and given him a chance to prove himself. “Of course your brother will be well cared for,” he answered. “I’m sure you’ll manage to convince the rest of your caste that draechen mean well and that this Directive needs to be changed.”

  When Phoenix had first started living in Draechenburg—had it really been only a few weeks ago?— he hadn’t known much about the Directive of the Shifter Castes. It had been this nebulous thing that he’d occasionally caught a glimpse of in Rachen’s thoughts and memories. However, during his stay, he’d grown to understand how this law affected the paranormal world and was just as determined to change it as the draechen.

  For him, the Directive was a lot like the box he’d once been trapped in. It took away the freedom and choices of people. It enslaved them and turned them into toys or tools. While Phoenix understood that the law had originally been meant to serve a very specific purpose, it had now turned into pure and simple abuse. Phoenix wanted nothing more than to have it abolished. But it wasn’t possible, not just yet. The mentalities were too engrained in the fabric of their society after centuries of following the law’s provisions. And so, the Imperial Consuls had to be careful and patient, and approach this task with as much diplomacy as possible.

  Fortunately, the naga were on their side. “We think so, too,” Arlen said. “It has burdened the paranormal world for too long.”

  “We must point out that it will not be easy to make the rare shifters see that you mean well,” Krysta explained. “We ourselves had a lot of doubts. However, in light of our previous experience with Camden and Lieutenant Zager, we decided to be more open-minded, and I think it has served us well.”

  “I’m happy to hear that,” Camden said softly. “I do miss Mother, Father, and Sire a lot. I wish I could see them soon, too.”

  “It’ll happen. I’m sure they’ll want to come visit.”

  “Of course they will,” Phoenix heard himself say. “After all, they will likely want to witness the birth of their first grandchildren.”

  Arlen and Krysta turned toward him, gaping. “Grandchildren?” Arlen repeated.

  Phoenix stared at Camden. He hadn’t realized Camden’s pregnancy was a secret within the family. “Oh, dear. I apologize. I didn’t mean to blurt this out like that.”

  Camden winced. “Not your fault. I shouldn’t have kept it from them in the first place.” He bit his lip and gave Phoenix an inquiring look. “So…It’s truly going to be a multiple birth? I’m having the occasional blood test, but the benandanti couldn’t tell me for sure.”

  “Oh, yes,” Phoenix confirmed, happy that he could at least provide Camden with some information in exchange for his gaffe. “I can definitely distinguish at least two distinct energies, other than yours, within you.”

  Camden smiled, his slitted eyes shining like twin suns. “I almost can’t believe it. And now that everyone is working on the Directive…It’s not even dangerous anymore.”

  “Wait, back up,” Arlen said. “You’re pregnant? When in Varuna’s name did that happen? I thought you were using protection.”

  Phoenix was distracted from the conversation when, on his seat next to Karein, Sari fidgeted and rubbed his temple. He frowned, wondering if there was something wrong with Sari. Karein turned toward his mate, a scowl on his face. Sari just shook his head and smiled, but it looked obviously fake.

  Before Phoenix could figure out what that was all about, a knock sounded at the door. Kael stole a glance at Karein, who just nodded. “Yes?” Kael called out.

  The usher entered the room and bowed lowly. “Announcing Lords Pádraig, Iasan, and Cormac Sutharlainn and Ladies Britanni and Deidre Sutharlainn.”

  “We will see them now,” Hareem said.

  Draechen guards showed the group of sprites in. The Sutharlainn were accompanied by Sage Zager, who saluted respectfully and stepped back. Phoenix decided the ice dragon had the right idea and did the same, moving as faraway from the approaching magical creatures as possible. In spite of it, though, their gazes were immediately drawn to him. Mercifully, they didn’t comment on his presence, although judging by their expressions, they weren’t very happy about it.

  They bowed lowly when they faced the three Imperial Consuls. “Thank you for receiving us here,” Pádraig said. “You honor us through your invitation.”

  “Caelyn is like a member of our family, Lord Sutharlainn,” Karein replied. “We couldn’t have possibly refused him such a simple request. He wishes to speak to you.”

  “So we can see him in private?” Deidre inquired.

  Hareem shook his head. “I must point out that Caelyn is still in a delicate condition after having given birth. Naturally, his mate will not leave his side. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Zager will accompany you and be your guide through Draechenburg.”

  “I suppose that’s understandable,” Britanni said. “We appreciate your hospitality and generosity.”

  Phoenix wasn’t really inclined to believe in their kind and humble demeanor. His guess was confirmed a few moments later when Iasan suddenly piped up, “I might be out of line by saying this, but are you aware that the man you believe to be Alwyn Cyraltin is actually a very dangerous shifter?”

  Rachen released a low growl and took a step forward, ready to jump to Phoenix’s defense. Phoenix held him back, well aware that any intervention from Rachen’s part would just make things worse and possibly forfeit the consuls’ plans to investigate Ferradul. The other Tersain brothers didn’t seem inclined to just sit back and let anyone speak ill of Phoenix. “You’re absolutely right,” Karein said. He paused briefly, and a smile appeared on Iasan’s face. It vanished instantly when Karein clarified what he meant. “You’re completely out of line. You’ve come here to handle an issue that concerns your family. Stay out of ours, or you’ll find that I can be very unpleasant.”

  He smiled, and the expression reminded Phoenix of the way Rachen would grin when he had a particularly wicked thing in mind. “But then, I don’t have to tell you that. You’re already well aware. In fact, if I were you, Lord Sutharlainn, I would tread lightly. I haven’t forgotten your previous visit in Draechenburg.”

  He got up and went around the table, his eyes fixed on Pádraig and Britanni. “You know, I always wondered what you were thinking when you found out what supposedly happened to Caelyn. Did you blame yourselves even a little? Did you hate me? I know Iasan cares about his sibling, and that’s the only reason why he’s even alive today. But what about you two? Did you care about him at all? Why did you even come here?”

  “Karein,” Sari said, “calm down.”

  It was a testament to the extent of Karein’s agitation that Sari had actually chosen to speak out loud. Nevertheless, it worked. Karein took a deep breath and sat down once more. He didn’t speak again, but Hareem did so in his stead. “You are here as our guests,” he said. “Do not think that you can be anything else. We wish to start anew for the purpose of working on the Directive, but no slight against a member of our family will be accepted.”

  The Sutharlainn seemed in awe that the draechen imperial
family considered Phoenix so important. Iasan in particular appeared to be taken aback. It was strange, but Phoenix realized now that something felt off about the sprite. He couldn’t quite put his finger on his, but his energy seemed unbalanced somehow.

  For his part, he was surprised that Karein felt so strongly about this that he would risk jeopardizing their connection with the rest of Elusia. Perhaps the consuls were getting a little tired of treading lightly where sprites were concerned. If so, if Karein and the others forewent peace because of what Ferradul had possibly done…Phoenix didn’t even want to think what would happen.

  He half expected the sprites to insist on how impossibly dangerous he was, but they didn’t. Instead, Pádraig nodded jerkily. “Of course. We completely understand. I assure you, we mean well. In fact, we’d like to warn you to be wary.”

  “Wary?” Rachen repeated. “Of Phoenix?”

  “No.” The sprite shook his head. “The avians who originally created Phoenix are after him and believe to have found a way to control him.”

  The world started to grow a little hazy at the sprite’s words. No, it couldn’t be. Phoenix just wanted to be left alone. Why couldn’t they understand that?

  Phoenix had known that his mate had met up with a group of avian shifters who meant to trap him again. However, he had believed himself to be safe here and had hoped that, eventually, through the negotiations the draechen had planned, everyone would come to see him for what he truly was. Apparently, he wouldn’t even be given the benefit of the doubt.

  Nausea swelled inside him, and he swooned, almost falling over at the knowledge of what they had planned. “They found the box?” he croaked out.

  “No,” Britanni answered. “This is something else, but we don’t know what.”

  Something else? Phoenix couldn’t imagine what other trick they had up their collective sleeve, what other spell they had prepared to tame his beast. He also couldn’t figure out what interest to Sutharlainn had in telling him about it. They were clearly wary of him, and not even their fear of Karein could have managed to circumvent the extent of their apprehension. There was something going on that they didn’t know about. But what?

  Suddenly, Phoenix felt cold and afraid. He just wanted to get out of here already. He got the feeling that everyone could see right through him and notice how much the prospect of facing the avians scared him. If the Sutharlainn had wanted to disturb Phoenix, they’d certainly succeeded.

  Thankfully, he had his mate by his side. Rachen held him up, keeping him from falling. His arm around Phoenix’s waist provided him with a strength that Phoenix himself didn’t have.

  Meanwhile, Hareem had decided to take advantage of the Sutharlainn’s unexpected openness. “And what’s the Krites’ position in all of this?” he inquired.

  “We aren’t exactly in the Great Krites’ confidence,” Britanni answered, “but I would venture to say that Elusia would never jeopardize its treaty with Ornoz.”

  Phoenix wanted to snort. Of course the Sutharlainn would be happy to provide them with intel, as long as it didn’t involve the Krites. They’d have to come up with another way to hunt down Ferradul, because likely, a diplomatic approach wouldn’t be possible. Then again, knowing the Tersain, they’d probably been ready for all of this.

  “They are, baby,” Rachen told him through their bond. “I know for a fact that Hareem has people looking for avian activity. It was only a matter of time until we found out about this, even if the Sutharlainn hadn’t told us.”

  Out loud, he addressed the sprite family. “We appreciate the information and we’ll make sure to pursue it. I assure you, no one will harm my mate.”

  “Caelyn is probably waiting for you,” Talrasar said. “We thank you for your assistance. Accommodation has been prepared for you and should you need anything else, just notify us through the servants.”

  It was a dismissal, and the sprites couldn’t have missed it. Bowing once again, they each said their good-byes and left the room. Sage saluted and followed after them without a word. He’d undoubtedly received all the instructions he needed before the entire meeting.

  Once the throne room door closed, Sari unexpectedly got up and walked to Phoenix’s side. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “You’re one of us now. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

  The fact that the words came from Sari, who had every reason in the world to resent Phoenix, told him that his fears were more than a little obvious. Even so, Phoenix found that he appreciated Sari’s kindness. “I know,” he answered. “It’s just…It’s an involuntary reaction. But I realize I have Rachen now. I’m not the same creature I used to be. I have control over my choices and my power. They can’t take that away from me, not anymore.”

  As he spoke, he felt more and more empowered, although he knew better than to think it was only his own words that helped him through his near panic attack. Rachen’s embrace anchored him, reminding him how beautiful, true, and powerful their love was. Nothing and no one could tear that apart. Whatever weapon the avians had come up with, Phoenix could defeat it. He had too much to live for now to allow himself to be trapped once again.

  Karein still seemed a little worried, though. “If the two of you want to skip dinner, we completely understand.”

  Phoenix shook his head. “You have the announcement to make. It’s too important for Rachen.”

  “Don’t I get a say?” Rachen inquired.

  “No,” Phoenix shot back, turning in his mate’s embrace and kissing his cheek.

  There was laughter all around. “It looks like everything’s back to normal,” Taryn noted with a smile.

  Taryn was only partially correct. Tension still lingered within Phoenix, one he doubted would disappear just like that. In fact, he suspected that the only way he’d completely surpass it was by finding out whether or not the avians were planning something. The worst thing was that, even if he didn’t trust the sprites, he suspected that this time, they’d been telling the truth, insofar as the avians were concerned, at least. Phoenix just had to have the strength to face what that meant when the time came.

  * * * *

  Caelyn wasn’t exactly sure if he’d done the right thing in asking for his family to come here. In fact, he’d begun to doubt it from the moment he’d sent Graham to speak to the Imperial Consuls. However, as he held his son in his arms, he knew that he couldn’t have acted in any other way. Now that he was starting a new life with his mate, he needed some closure with his old one.

  Graham didn’t look so convinced. “I’m not sure I want you anywhere near your parents, angel,” he said. “It’s not that I don’t understand. Believe me, I do. But it could be risky. It could upset you. You’re not in any condition to withstand the stress.”

  Caelyn arched a brow at his lover. “The worst is over, Graham,” he said. “Sure, I’m tired, but I also feel stronger now. I have to face them, once and for all. They’re my family, and I want them to meet you, to understand how much we love and need each other.” He glanced down at the sleeping baby he held. “I want them to meet Micah.”

  To a certain extent, Caelyn still couldn’t believe that he was a father now. He’d been waiting for what seemed like forever, and, intellectually, he’d gotten used to the thought. However, actually cradling the child was very different. Of course, Caelyn had, in a way, been caring for their son for months now, so he fell into this new role with ease. However, Graham fretted and paced, hovering over Caelyn, unwilling to allow him to walk even one step on his own. It was beginning to become a little frustrating, albeit endearing.

  “I just love you so much, angel,” Graham confessed. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  “You won’t have to,” Caelyn assured his mate. “I’m far stronger than I used to be. Besides, you’re here to protect me.”

  At that, Graham finally smiled. “True,” he replied. “Nothing will ever harm you or Micah as long as I’m around.”

  Caelyn realized the protectiveness came w
ith mating an Alpha wolf, but he still felt a little warm inside upon hearing that vow. He had no idea what he’d done to deserve such a wonderful mate, but he would forever bless the moment when Graham had come into his life.

  Graham chuckled, obviously intercepting his thoughts. “And to think, we owe it all to Shtamakarein Tersain. A year back, I hated him so much. I never expected that something he did would lead me to my soul mate.”

  “I think that we also owe it to ourselves,” Caelyn answered. “Even if Karein hadn’t gotten involved, we’d have found each other eventually.”

  “Maybe,” Graham answered. “In any case, I’m just glad I didn’t have to wait.”

  He leaned closer to Caelyn and would have probably kissed him. However, instead of doing so, he tensed. Caelyn knew that the moment he had been waiting for had arrived. Indeed, mere seconds later, a knock sounded at the door of their chambers. “It’s your family,” Graham said. “Should I let them in?”

  Caelyn took a deep breath and nodded. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  Now that he was actually put in the situation he himself had created, he realized he wasn’t looking forward to seeing his parents again at all. He didn’t feel guilty for what he’d done. He had known then like he knew now that he’d made the right choice. Micah was more than eloquent proof of that.

  However, that didn’t change the fact that, the last time he’d seen them, they’d been trying to force him to marry Karein. Until recently, they’d also thought him dead, something which had made his brother lash out against Sari. Now, Caelyn needed to face all that, all the tension, the lies, the intrigue, all the expectations they’d had for him, everything he had left behind with no regret when he’d mated Graham.