Rebirth (Rogues Shifter Series)

by Gayle Parness

  “To relax and forget. I need you tonight.” He kissed my mouth urgently and I opened to him, pulling in magic and mixing it with desire and love, a potent brew which carried us below deck. We spent the next precious hours as he’d predicted: banishing our fears and strengthening our link. Sharing our bodies and our blood worked its magic, because as we sailed back to the Crescent City Marina, Garrett and I were feeling more carefree and contented than we had in many days.

  Chapter Forty

  Rob was sitting on our stoop looking grim when we got back to the house two hours before dawn. My skin grew cold as he stood up. “Carly’s been murdered. We think it was Antoine because a witness who saw him leaving her house described him perfectly. I’m sure he wanted to be seen, otherwise he wouldn’t have been. She was beaten and drained. Samson was knocked unconscious.”

  Garrett reached out for my hand. “Have you called her family?” he asked, draping his arm around my shoulders when he felt me start to tremble.

  “Yes. They’ve asked me to tell you that the service will be held at Trinity Chapel on Sunday evening. There’s another rather large problem, however.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “Samson doesn’t really get along with anyone except you, Jackie. Carly’s family doesn’t want him and he doesn’t like me either.”

  “I’ll take him.” I looked at Garrett pleadingly as tears continued to chase each other down my cheeks. He dabbed at them gently with his shirt tail.

  “Yes, we can take him. He seems to tolerate me fairly well and no dog can resist Liam. Carly would be happy that Jackie has him. Not too sure about me, though.” He shook his head sadly.

  “She’d want him to be cared for. He'll be happy here.”

  “Where is he?” I asked, looking around.

  “In my truck.” He tossed me the keys. Samson started to whine pitifully as soon as I got close.

  I could hear Garrett's angry tone as he spoke to Rob. “This is obviously part of Eleanor’s strategy. She wants to break our concentration before the duel. Also, Antoine got a good dose of 200-year-old shifter blood which will strengthen him.” Garrett was pacing back and forth. “I don’t think there’s much we can do about it. It’ll be up to Jackie to avenge Carly.”

  They both looked at me with concern as I walked back holding Samson by his leash. "Do you think he needs a vet?" I couldn't see any obvious wounds as I crouched to give him a hard squeeze around the neck. His enormous tongue laved my cheek. making me smile

  "No. He has a hard head. But he's going to miss her terribly." The renewed vision of Carly beaten and drained had me leaning against Garrett, sobbing, while Samson lay at my feet, his huge head resting on his paws. Rob returned to his car and brought out Samson’s bowls, food, blanket and toys and carried them to our door. We all filed in and Rob put Samson’s few possessions on the floor in the living room.

  “I’ll call you in the afternoon. I’m sorry you had to hear about Carly like this.” Rob left, his face looking tired and drawn.

  We put water in one of Samson’s bowls and a little dry food in the other and left them in the kitchen. Garrett and I decided to let Samson sleep in my room this morning, thinking that he might be more comfortable not being alone, so we laid his blanket on the floor by the foot of my bed and put one of his toys near it. He settled in and seemed to make himself comfortable, although his eyes looked so sad. We left a note for Liam explaining about the dog and that I would probably not make my 9:00 AM lesson. I changed into pajamas and dragged Garrett into bed with me, desperately needing to cuddle up and feel safe in his arms while we both mourned the loss of a gentle spirit.

  Chapter Forty-one

  I woke in the afternoon around 1:00 PM. Samson was sprawled across the foot of my queen-sized bed taking up a lot of room. I scratched him behind the ears and he wagged his little stubby tail, perhaps trying to make the best of being handed over to people he hardly knew. I could so relate to that. "Good boy. We all miss her, but we'll take very good care of you. I promise."

  I jumped in the shower, dressed in jeans and a tank top and went out to see what Liam was up to. He was working in Garrett's office. I plopped myself down in a nearby arm chair.

  He smiled. “Good afternoon, Miss Jacqueline. I am very sorry to hear the news about your good friend, Carly. She is gone long before her time. Terribly young.”

  I wondered what it was like to be so old that 233 is considered terribly young to die. “Thanks Liam," I answered. “I’m still in shock.”

  “Miss Jacqueline, you must have your lesson today. We must go over everything we have touched on and work out some strategies.”

  “Yes, of course, Sensei.” The corners of his mouth twitched at my feeble attempt to cheer us both up. It failed miserably on my side.

  “There's food on the stove. Please eat something. We have much to do."

  Dishing out the homemade chicken soup that Liam had prepared, I sat down at the kitchen table. Samson trotted into the kitchen and lay down at my feet, looking at me with sad eyes. I petted his head.

  “Do you need anything, Samson? Do you want to go outside? He wagged his little tail so I got up and opened the patio door. Liam was there in a flash, crouching by the dog and speaking to him in a musical language, probably Fae. Samson seemed enthralled, then barked a few times as if they were carrying on a conversation. After a few minutes, Liam stood and walked back inside while Samson ran into the woods.

  “What did you say to him?” I asked, a little unsure of what I'd just witnessed. “Should he be in the woods? What if he can’t find his way back?”

  “He knows what is off limits and what is permitted when he is in the backyard or the nearby woods. I’ve already explained the house rules to him. He’s quite intelligent and will have no trouble finding the house again. He wishes to protect you above all others now that Carly is gone. He has some fae blood.“

  “Fae blood?”

  “Yes there are dogs bred to be used by the fae, primarily to hunt our enemies. Their blood is infused with some of the magic of the lines. Samson is a descendant of one of those dogs.

  Not much surprised me anymore. “Did you feed him?” His food bowl was empty.

  “Yes, I made my own recipe. Much better than the store brand. The dry food will do for now.” I managed to hold in a giggle and sat down again to finish my soup. The phone rang just as I swallowed the last bite. It was Sinc.

  “How are you, Jackie? I‘ve been thinking about Carly all day. She’s always been so sweet to Kyle and me. I hear you guys have taken Samson in.”

  “Yes. Liam is training him. It’s a riot.”

  “Jackie, I just wanted to say…well, we missed our shopping date but I still want to go sometime soon.“

  This was her way of saying that she knew I’d still be around after tonight’s duel. “Sure. Maybe next week. I’m kinda busy tonight.” My feeble joke died when she heard the anxiety in my voice.

  “You'll blow the asshole away." I didn't know what to say, so she continued. "Look, I know we started off a little rocky, totally my fault, but I’m glad you’re part of the team.”

  "Me too. Thanks."

  Liam supervised my normal routine: stretching my body, drawing in and focusing the magic and then using it in various ways. He wouldn’t let me overexert myself, because the fight was tonight, but he insisted that I do everything he’d taught me at least twice. He also had me go over what I’d learned from Maya. We finished by discussing various attack scenarios and how best to handle them.

  At the end of my final lesson, Liam stood and held out his hand to me. Since he rarely touched me I felt that this was a great courtesy, so I took his hand and stood facing him. He looked so lovely, almost feminine, yet cloaked in a wild masculine strength. Magic flowed from him in waves as his golden hair floated around his head and his violet eyes pierced my green ones with shafts of tingling energy. My body trembled from the power flowing between us and I thought that I could actually see the currents of the li
nes coursing through him the same way my blood flowed through my veins. We were exactly the same height, so when he leaned in to kiss me, I only had to tilt my head a little and our lips were touching.

  Suddenly, I became the magic too. Although my body was still, my spirit traveled inside lines of crackling force. My ghostly heart beat to the pulse of the power that enveloped us. I became one with the energy of life, death and nature as time and place were meaningless. I could feel Liam’s calm presence guiding me over currents and through eddies of magic, limitless in scope as all boundaries fell away and I became everyone and everything and no one and nothing. My self was left behind and I was free.

  Slowly, although it could have been centuries or a millisecond, I became aware again of his warm soft lips touching mine. He stepped back and smiled before I could speak. “Jacqueline, Antoine used violence to drain Carly and so through pain and blood, through dark magic, has gained in strength. To counter him, I have given you a touch of fae magic, life magic, infusing it into every cell of your body. I offer this to you willingly, as a friend. Trust your instincts, remember your lessons, and yes, you may share with Garrett.”

  He smiled more broadly and said out loud. “I will be there watching.” He stroked my hair once and then turned away and walked out the patio door, disappearing completely before he'd reached the edge of the woods.

  Our kiss had been chaste, just lips touching, one of his hands holding mine and no more. Yet I was amazed by the intimacy and the generosity of the gesture. Awed, I took a moment to breathe calmly and find my center. Aware of another presence, I looked to my right. Garrett was standing in the archway that led into the hall, leaning against the wall, a warm smile on his face.

  “I think Liam has a crush on you.” He laughed out loud, not exactly the reaction I expected.

  “He gave me some of his magic for tonight.”

  Garrett took in a long breath. “I smell it all over you. You're a delicious morsel.” He pulled me close to him and kissed me deeply, sucking in the fae magic and Liam's spell.

  When he pulled away, a silver whirlpool spun in his eyes. He forced himself to back up a few feet to lean against the wall. I rested against the opposite wall breathing heavily, and we watched each other across the narrow hallway.

  “Are you jealous that he kissed me?” I smiled slyly.

  “Yes, a little. But I’m also very turned on.” His eyes ran over my body and I couldn't stop myself from shivering. “Unfortunately we have to restrain ourselves. If we show up totally depleted, that would be a grave misuse of the extraordinary gift he gave us.”

  “It was very odd, because I’m not attracted to Liam in that way. But when I was looking into his eyes and his hair was doing that spooky thing and he leaned in to kiss me, I leaned in too. I wanted the magic, not really him. It wasn’t like he glamoured me. It was completely my choice.“

  “That Faerie mojo is powerful stuff." He ran his hand through his hair and my heart started beating a little faster. “Some people get addicted to it like a drug. And actually, he did glamour you. The fae are like that. If they feel it's justified, they just go ahead and do whatever they think is right. In this case, he did it to save your life, so I can't be angry with him."

  “The fae must have lots and lots of babies,” I laughed.

  “They have lots and lots of sex, but very few babies. They have trouble conceiving. That’s why they mate with humans or shifters once in a while. Liam's mother is human and his father is the most powerful fae Elder in the Cascade Sidhe, Lord Caelen. He also has an older brother, Aedus, who is the full blood heir apparent, so Liam is free to do as he wishes, to some extent. The fact that he's half human hasn't affected the extraordinary powers he's inherited from his father. Like you, he’s a healer, another reason he may be attracted to you.” His eyes narrowed in thought.

  ‘You know you have nothing to worry about don’t you? I know you vamps get all territorial, but Liam didn’t mean anything. He was trying to help us.“

  “Believe me I know exactly what Liam was doing and so does he.” His expression turned serious and I could feel his uncertainty. ”I’ll never take you for granted. There are other men, like Liam, who would be good mates and wouldn’t put your life in danger. I’ll always have something to worry about.”

  I think my jaw dropped six inches. “And what? Do you really think that I’m going to run off with someone else, someone safer?“ I was across the hallway in two steps. “Stop it, Garrett!” I grabbed his hands and squeezed them. “Please stop telling me that you’re not good for me. I don’t want to hear it anymore. And don’t insult me by imagining that I’m using you while I wait for someone better to show up. There will never be anyone else. You are my heart and my soul. If my life is in danger, then its Eleanor’s fault, not yours. I know all the risks, but I've chosen to live my life with you. You say that you can smell the truth, well use your nose.”

  I took a step back and let go of his hands, suddenly realizing what I’d been doing. Green waves of energy were flowing from my body into his; trying to make him believe once and for all that I wanted with all my heart to be his lifemate. His aura was blazing a vibrant blue, his eyes wide with surprise.

  Angry with myself, I backed away and ran through the patio doors and into the back yard. The sun was setting and there was a pinkish glow on the marble fountain so I sat on the scrolled iron bench and listened to the flowing water, breathing deeply to try and calm myself.

  I was ashamed that I hadn’t been in control of my healing energy. This was exactly what Liam had warned me about. I didn’t have the right to force my power into him, no matter how frustrated I was with his unfounded insecurities.

  When I looked up, Garrett was standing in front of me, his eyes still dotted with silver. “Maybe I’m the one who’s not good for you,” I said.” The healer in me takes over and tries to fix things. I think it was even stronger because of Liam’s magic. I don’t even know I’m doing it. I’m sorry.”

  He sank to his knees in front of me, putting his head in my lap and wrapping his arms around my hips. I leaned over and hugged him, burying my face in his silken hair.

  “I believe you,” he mumbled into my lap. “I believe you, Jackie,” he said a little louder staring into my eyes and reaching out to run his fingers through my hair. “You've chosen me.” His smile lit up his face and my heart.

  I laughed. "You're pretty dense for a 200 year old male." He laughed and kissed me playfully, gently biting my nose like his cheetah did all those days ago. “I’m your mate for all time, Garrett. Nothing can ever change that.” As I spoke, I jabbed my finger into his chest for emphasis. He quickly covered my hand with his and held it there securely.

  “I’ve never doubted your feelings for me, only my being worthy of them. Apparently I’ve done something in my life to deserve you.” He leaned in and kissed me, pulling me to my knees in front of him and twining his fingers in my hair.

  With a sigh, I leaned my forehead against his, then jerked away as I suddenly had an epiphany. “Is Francois around? Can he come tonight?”

  “I’ll call him now, but only if you’re absolutely certain,” he teased.

  I laughed and nodded." Yes I’m sure, just call him.”

  He pulled me to my feet, then made the call that would alter our lives for all time. Fifteen minutes later a tall, extremely handsome vampire was at the door smiling at me. He took my hand in his and kissed it seductively. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Jacqueline.” He spoke with a sexy French accent, mischievously doing his best to work his glamour on me. Garrett had warned me that Francois was an incorrigible flirt, but that he’d never step over the line with anyone who wasn’t interested. I had a sneaking suspicion that he was testing me, checking to see if I was worthy to mate with one of his line.

  “Please come inside, Francois.” He moved with perfect grace into the living room, turning to look back at us both. Appearing to be in his late twenties, he had that same charismatic seductive powe
r that Eleanor and Garrett possessed, and of course it didn’t hurt that he was absolutely gorgeous, with dark blonde wavy hair, crystalline blue gray eyes and the kind of broad shoulders that women loved to wrap their arms around.

  Garrett explained what we wanted and Francois burst out in laughter, his sparkling eyes glittering with excitement. “Eleanor will be so angry when she sees your mark. This is a perfect revenge. She’s always wanted you for herself, exclusively, but you’ve made it obvious from the beginning that you loathed her. Magnifique!"

  His expression turned serious as he sat gracefully in one of the arm chairs and said in a voice tinged with the authority born of living hundreds of years. “Stand before me, both of you.” Garrett took my hand and we stood side by side facing Francois. I was nervous, not knowing what to expect from this ancient and powerful master vampire.

  He smiled at me warmly. “Of course I approve your choice in mate, Garrett. You are exquisite, Mademoiselle, and I can sense the depth of your power. It's quite unique.” I was able to feel him playfully nudge at my wall and I must have looked a little surprised before I remembered that Eleanor could use the magic too. “I am her maker, much to my chagrin. Older vampires can all use the lines, but a well-trained cheetah can be a fearsome opponent. I prefer to defeat my enemies with my wits. I find it much more gratifying and also less messy."

  “Thank you, Grandsire, for coming to help us with such short notice. You’ve always supported my efforts to distance myself from Eleanor. I know that there have been times when your interventions have saved my life.”

  "You may repay my efforts by wiping the earth clean of that ungrateful, depraved bitch. I turned her at a vulnerable time. There was a minor civil war in France and the Catholic church was rooting out vampires in every corner of their empire. However, I take full responsibility for spoiling her in the beginning. She was so lovely. Unfortunately, her beauty turned sour as her true personality surfaced. I regret the havoc she's caused here in your lovely country."