No, he never changed. Except, she realized with a start, despite his now steel gray hair, he hadn’t seemed to have grown any older. In fact, with his new short haircut, he looked younger. She shook her head and he turned to look at her, questions in his hazel eyes.
“What is it, little girl?”
“How old are you?”
He lifted one hand and pressed the back to his forehead. “Where’s mah smellin’ salts?” He peeked at her from under his hand. “Honey, don’t you know never ask a lady her age?”
“Cut it out, Nightshade. Call me dense, but I’ve never thought about how you still look the same age as you did when I was five.”
His fingers flew in a zigzag triple snap. “I am a fairy, honey.”
“Give me a break. I’m serious. How old are you?”
Nightshade leaned forward and took her hand. “Take a look at your own father, Breanna. What about your pop-pop, Tommy? Allyn? They’re all full-human, and have aged imperceptibly over the years. I’ve been a friend of this clan for longer than your daddy’s been alive. Why shouldn’t I benefit from time spent in the Faerie Otherworld as well?” He lifted his eyebrows to punctuate his question.
Of course, he was right. Humans who had contact with the Faerie Otherworld enjoyed longer lives due to a much slowed aging process. So, obviously, his aging had been slowed as well. But, for how long? She opened her mouth.
“Don’t even go there, little girl. My age is my business and no one else’s.”
She nodded her acceptance. Someday she’d figure him out, but not today. “So, did your feeling tell you why you needed to be here?”
He shrugged with a graceful, elegant lift of his shoulders. Almost regal, she thought, and added this new facet of his personality to her list of the incongruities that made up Nightshade.
“What are your thoughts on this... adventure?” she asked.
Elegant hands resting over the ends of the armrests, Nightshade gazed out the window. He remained silent for so long, Breanna was about to ask again when he turned to face her. The tightly controlled warrior had emerged. “Honey, I think this is going to be most dangerous thing you’ll ever attempt. I also believe that you’re more than capable and have chosen appropriate companions.”
“How do you... nevermind, you talked to Granda, didn’t you?”
“When I mentioned my feeling to Derek, he provided a few specifics. I’m most concerned over your decision to include Chance. Are you sure he’s ready?”
That was the question she’d been asking herself ever since leaving her brother in Faerie. “He’s trained enough and is ready physically. Mentally... he’s young. So am I, if you want to be honest about it. There haven’t been any situations remotely like this, nothing to test my ability or leadership either. Thankfully, no one’s voiced any concerns about that fact, yet. I think Chance’s positive attitude will be a great help, especially when we have to deal with seemingly hopeless situations. Oh, yeah. I know we’ll have those situations. This whole mission could be viewed as hopeless.”
She remained silent about her concerns with Chance’s emotional state. She didn’t understand what he’d been experiencing, but wouldn’t discount his feelings. Once in the world between worlds he would have to discover his own answers. Morghan’s rescue came first.
Leaning forward, Nightshade clasped his hands between his knees. “If you’re worried about Chance, you could deny him—”
“No, I can’t.”
Nightshade nodded. “I understand, honey. Loyalty means a lot. Don’t sacrifice your team in misguided loyalty. Be sure of what you do.”
A hint of sadness tinged Nightshade’s eyes, and his mouth set in a firm line. Somewhere in his past, in those parts of his life he kept hidden behind a flamboyant character, he’d lost something. Or someone. In the name of loyalty. She understood that without knowing his past, without looking into his aura. She took a deep breath.
Nightshade lifted one eyebrow. “And what about Gowthaman?”
“What about him?” She winced at the sharpness in her voice.
“No need to get your hackles up, honey. I was just wondering what his part is in the grand scheme.” He chuckled and winked suggestively.
After blowing out a harsh breath, Breanna leaned forward, mimicking Nightshade’s pose. “With the extent of his research, and his personal experience, he knows more about the world between worlds than any of us. Maybe even more than Searlait. But I’d never, ever ask him to go there again. Nightshade, he won’t let me help him.” Realizing she’d slipped from business to personal she collapsed back in her chair. Nightshade elicited confidences and maybe if she vocalized some of her own pain and helplessness, she could leave those issues behind for the duration of the mission.
“I can see the effects of his pain, even without tapping into his aura. It’s in his eyes, in the way his shoulders slump when he thinks no one is looking. His hands... his hands tremble.” She covered her face with her hands, muffling her words. “I don’t know what to do. How to help.”
“When he’s ready, he’ll ask.”
She dropped her hands to her lap and glared at him. “You sound pretty sure of that.”
“I am.” He flourished a grand gesture, finishing with his fingers splayed over his heart. “Nightshade knows love, honey.”
“I’m not so sure he loves me... not the way I want him to, the way I need him.”
Serious, Nightshade took her hand between his palms. “If nothing else, little girl, I’m observant. I see how his eyes follow you, how his expression fills with longing. He’s got some hang ups about age and propriety. Fool. More important, he doesn’t want to saddle you to someone who’s not whole. He considers himself damaged.”
“How would you know? Oh, never mind. I’ve been fighting the age thing forever. It’s always been between us. Like you calling me ‘little girl’ I don’t believe he knows I’ve grown up.”
“Oh, he knows, honey, he knows. He just doesn’t know what to do about that knowledge.” Nightshade laughed softly. “When you get back, I’m sure you’ll be able to... convince him figure to it out.”
Bree cast him a doubtful look. “Thanks. If you say so.”
“I do, honey, I do.” Keeping her hand safe and warm in his, he rose with an easy, fluid motion. “Now, I’ve got a feeling Jayse and Lucidea will be making their announcement soon. Let’s get a front row seat.”
Breanna chuckled. “Let’s.” She stood, slipped her arm through his and rested her head against his muscular upper arm. “Thanks. Just talking to you helps. It always has.”
He patted her hand. “That’s what Nightshade is here for, honey. Now, head up. Back straight. Exhibit your strength and confidence.”
“Showtime?”
“Showtime.”
There. The veil thinned. The conjunction had begun. Brandr Ur smoothed his hands through his hair and smiled with satisfaction. Over time he had lost the locations of the openings to various worlds. Now the connecting points were revealed to him. Not long, and he would be free.
Brandr Ur strutted back and forth before the thinning veil. It didn’t matter what world this opened on to. Once he was free of his gray prison, he would easily find his way where he wanted to go. He wanted the humans.
The parents of Dea Anu had been human, or what passed as human at that time. He snorted. For a frail race, humans had survived long eons, rising many times only to fall prey to either the whims of the prevalent gods or the planet itself. Or their own foolish delusions of grandeur. Ah, how he would use those delusions.
The human world was ripe for his plucking. The fragile humans needed a powerful new god. He was that god. A god to control, to deliver them from foolish ways and into worship of only him.
Brandr Ur threw back his shoulders and snapped his fingers. A hunched, cowed being of indiscriminant origins crawled to his side and fawned at his knees.
The elemental smiled benignly down on it. “You have done well and I feel generous this day
. You shall have the world beyond this veil. When I am done with it.”
The creature’s eyes widened. “Th-th-thank you, lord. I am h-h-honored. H-h-how else m-m-may I serve?”
“I command you to watch another. The one who returned with me when I last split the veil. You know the one?”
“Y-yes, lord. Do you w-w-wish me to b-bring him to you?”
Brandr Ur thought a moment on the various possibilities before him then slashed his hand down across his chest. “No. Not yet. Watch only. He feels the weakened veil, knows the time for our confrontation approaches. I would not have him escape my wrath when he may yet be useful. Bring to me word only if he attempts to part the veil. Watch well, please me, and your reward shall be greater than a world to rule as you will.”
“Yes, m-m-my lord.”
The creature scuttled away in a swirl of mist. Smiling still, Brandr Ur watched the moving gray settle into heavy stillness. The anticipation was nearly as pleasing as using a woman’s body. Lust slammed into him, hardening his body, bringing his breath harsh and fast. He needed one of the females trapped in the gray. Perhaps he could even find a female who still had a fighting spirit. A challenge, the chance to overpower, suited his mood.
He drew his brows together. No female in the world between worlds was as pleasing as Dea Anu, but any would suffice when his need was strong.
As it was now.
He lifted one hand to summon a minion, then changed his mind. He would pursue his own prey. The hunt would postpone the satisfaction, making his release all the more powerful.
Power. Those without it called power an aphrodisiac. Fists clenched he threw his hands into the air, arched his neck and shouted. Vibrations pooled in his groin, the throb of his blood burning to more powerful lust. Soon his voice would carry across many worlds. As it should be. As it would have been, if not for the triple spawn of Dea Anu.
Lowering his arms, he growled in frustration for the millennia wasted, confined in the world between worlds. The burning raged along his veins, filling his body. All who remained with a single drop of blood from any of those descendents would be destroyed. By his own hand.
Brandr Ur strode forward, the mist flowing from him as if fearful of his anger. The flaming vow filled his heart.
By his own hand.
Nine
“That’s enough.”
In the midst of the sudden silence, Breanna rose from her seat and caught the eye of each person in the large family room. Much to her surprise and delight, even Gowthaman set aside his pen and watched her, questions filling his dark eyes.
“We’ve talked and argued this mission to death. We need a break. Each and every one of us. Tomorrow will be soon enough to get back to training and planning.”
Coralie lifted one hand, palm outstretched. “Do ye—”
“Nope.” Bree shook her head.
Chance pointed at Jayse. “Jayse and I are—”
“Not tonight, baby bro.”
Gowthaman reached for one of his precious books. “There is yet much—”
“I said no more.”
He tried again. “But, I must—”
“Not tonight. Everyone...” She glared at Gowthaman who dipped his head, then moved her glare to her brother. “Everyone is going to relax and not worry about what tomorrow night might bring.”
A slow clapping rose from one corner and Bree smiled at Nightshade’s show of support. After the flow of chuckles eased around the room, she pointed down the hall towards the media room. “Gowthaman and I are going to watch a movie.”
He sat back and frowned. “We are?”
“Yes, we are. And, I expect everyone to join us.”
Jayse leaned over to whisper to Lucidea and Chance, then eased from the overstuffed couch, holding one hand out to Lucidea. Chance flowed to his feet and bounced on his toes.
“Movie sounds great, Sis. We’ll need popcorn and sodas. Since it’s your idea, you get to help me with the snacks.”
Jayse gently pushed Lucidea toward the door. “Come on, Dea Annie. If we get there first, we get to choose the movie.”
Bree had expected more arguments, but was gratified her idea met with limited complaints. One glance at Gowthaman showed her the brunt of the resistance. Ensconced firmly in a hard desk chair, his palms flat against the curved arms, he stared back at her, defiance etched on his features. The man might as well be tied to his books. Disliking the feeling of pulling rank, she took a deep breath.
Nightshade moved silently behind her and whispered, “Go with Chance, honey. Coralie and I will make sure our librarian joins us. Look.”
Coralie stood beside Gowthaman’s chair. When he opened his mouth in protest, she silently shook her head. Then with one hand she carefully closed his journal. Still without speaking, she rested her palm on the book and jerked her head toward the hallway.
Knowing how Gowthaman disliked interruptions, Bree held her breath. Would he leave his work willingly? She couldn’t see Coralie’s face, but imagined the woman’s determined, no-nonsense expression. During those years Coralie had home schooled her, she’d faced that expression many times.
Bree knew the moment he capitulated. Her heart wept at the soft slump in his shoulders, although he did offer Coralie half a smile.
Nightshade prodded her shoulder to angle her toward the kitchen. “He’ll leave his work more easily if you’re not watching.” Louder, he continued, “Bring extra salt with you.”
She took a step then turned back to watch Nightshade twine his arms around both Coralie’s and Gowthaman’s shoulders. “More salt, honey,” he called back.
Watching for a moment, Bree sighed. Gowthaman had let himself be led away easily, but it would be difficult to keep him settled through an entire movie. Hopefully Jayse would pick a video that might hold her love’s attention, at least for a while. He’d effectively used his books to shut her out.
Smelling the warm, homey scent of popping corn, Bree hurried into the kitchen. Chance was notorious for overcooking popcorn and although he seemed to relish gnawing on the hard kernels, she hated the black flavor of burned.
Chance was another concern. She would never regret her decision to have him on her team, but she hadn’t had time to confront him on his personal issues. Maybe now, while they finished up the movie snacks, he could help her understand.
While he reached for colorful bowls, his back was to the door. Ringing pops slowed from a heavy pan on the stove. As usual, he wasn’t paying attention. She hurried across the wide stone floor and lifted the pan from the flames.
“I knew you’d rescue the popcorn.” Chance set a huge, deep bowl next to the stove. “How many batches to you think we’ll need?”
“Knowing you and Lucidea, at least three.” Bree dumped the fluffy kernels into the bowl, replaced the pan on the stove and started the next batch. “Butter?”
“In the microwave. You wanna finish the popcorn and I’ll get the sodas?”
“Yeah. I’d like to be able to eat it. Uh, Chance?”
“What?” He’d turned away casually for a tray but the tightness of his movements belied his calm tone.
Now that the moment was there, she discovered she wasn’t ready to bring up his reasons for insisting he be a part of the mission, so she searched for something else to say.
Chance reached around her and gave the popcorn pan a brisk shake. “Don’t do my trick. It’s okay, Bree. I know we haven’t had time to talk, and that’s okay. Really. Since I’ve gotten here, I’ve hardly heard... the noise. Tomorrow will be soon enough for us to talk about it.”
He moved to the huge stainless steel refrigerator, mumbling under his breath. “Never’d be soon enough.”
Dumping the second pan of popcorn, Bree sighed. Was it a guy thing to want to talk and not want to at the same time? The final batch of kernels sizzled in a bit of oil before she said, “Thanks for bringing the weapons from the armory.”
His shoulders jerked. A bronze red covered the back of his neck. B
ree frowned at his unusual reaction. Still, he smiled when he turned and saluted her with a bottle of soda in his hand.
“I only brought part of what you wanted. Searlait said she’d bring the rest when she joins us tomorrow.”
The blush deepened to stain his high cheekbones. He hid something from her. Why he’d always attempted to keep secrets from her was beyond her comprehension. Even without tapping into his aura, she’d always known. She opened her mouth to pry—
And closed it again. Hadn’t she been the one to call a stop to talking about the next night’s mission? Mentioning the odd voice in her brother’s head would only bring them back to Morghan’s rescue. While she couldn’t stop anyone’s thoughts, hopefully relaxing with a movie would keep the anxiety at bay. At least for a short while.
Clearer minds would be more aware and open to possibilities. No dramas for them tonight, hopefully Jayse picked a light-hearted movie, a comedy or musical.
“I’m ready.”
She started at Chance’s bright words then gave herself a mental shake. Getting her wayward thoughts under control before the mission needed to be her priority. She couldn’t let her mind wander when she needed to be fully aware of everything around her.
“Geez. You’re burning the corn.” Chance laughed when she jerked the pan from the flame. Carefully lifting the lid to avoid the steam, she inhaled deeply but didn’t smell any over-cooked kernels.
“Got ya. Come on, you’re the one who decreed we need to not think about tomorrow.”
“Nope, got you there, Chance.” She dumped the pan of perfectly popped corn into the bowl then poured the last of the melted butter over the heaping mound. “I wasn’t thinking about the mission. I was thinking about tonight’s movie.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Okay, and how I shouldn’t be thinking about tomorrow.”
They laughed together. Bree gathered the over-full popcorn bowl in both hands and followed Chance with his heavily laden tray of drinks. Before leaving the kitchen she stopped, leaned sideways and snatched the salt shaker from the table.
Gowthaman slouched in one corner of a well-worn loveseat, staring at where his hands lay idle on his thighs. Idle. There was no time for idleness this night. He leaned his head against the high cushioned back and stared at the dark ceiling. The wealth of information held in his brain left little room for his personal concerns, but the knowledge did little good if it was not transferred to a form others could use.
Blue Keltic Moon (Children of the Keltic Triad) Page 8
