His serious expression disappeared as he got back down to business. “Have you chosen a shape for your mark?” We handed him a sketch. He nodded his approval and produced an eight inch blade covered in beautiful etchings which he spun around in his hand like an experienced wielder. He must have seen my expression because he shrugged and said, “Our survival depends on our ability to defend ourselves in all circumstances. Tell your mate to train you to use a blade. You may be surprised how useful the knowledge can be. So who will go first?”
It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but Francois was careful and I only cringed a little when he threw salt on the wound to prevent it from healing then disappearing as most scars do on a vampire and a shifter. Garrett had held my hand and smiled at me the whole time, kissing me when Francois was finished.
Then it was his turn, and after only a few minutes we were marked and sealed together forever. The final part of the ritual made me a little anxious because I wasn’t too keen on Francois drinking my blood.
He must have seen my worried look, because he said, “I will not take your blood, because you have a battle tonight that will require all of your strength and resources, although I can smell the fae magic and it is quite tempting. You need to prepare, so I will leave you for now, but I will be at the duel and will help in any way that I can.” He stood and leaned in to kiss my forehead and pat Garrett on the shoulder.
Feeling overwhelmed by his generosity, I hugged him and said, “Thank you Francois. You’re always welcome here in our home.” He looked a little surprised at first, but then laughed at my audacity.
“Not many shifters would have the courage to embrace a seven hundred year old vampire, especially a shifter who smells as delicious as you do.”
My face flamed with heat and he lifted my chin with his finger tips. “Tres charmant et tres courageux. Bonsoir, Madame Cuvier, et merci.” Francois walked to the door and turned back toward us. “You should share a little energy. It will add magic to the mark as well.” He left in a blur, leaving behind the sweet smell of vampire with a touch of fine wine.
I sighed and Garrett laughed at me. “He’s…” I began, having trouble finding the right words.
“Yes, he is.“ We laughed together. “Are you alright, my love?”
I looked at the mark on the top of my wrist, a place that would be visible to everyone, and smiled, beckoning him to come closer. “I’m great, but I think we should follow his advice, don’t you, Monsieur Cuvier?”
He grinned deliciously. “Oui, Madame Cuvier, I do, but just a taste.”
“Just a taste,” I agreed. He leaned in and kissed me oh so perfectly and for a wonderful moment we shared our life force as we’d pledged to share our lives. As we looped magic between us, we watched the shapes carved into our wrists take on color: mine emerald and Garrett’s sapphire.
“I feel like I can beat five Eleanors right now.”
He smiled his sexiest, most evil smile. “Eleanor is mine, my lovely cheetah, mais Antoine est le votre.” I didn’t need to ask him to explain that he meant Antoine was all mine. His fangs were out and his eyes were a cerulean silver, so I started to giggle.
“Good thing there aren’t any humans around ‘cause you already look pretty terrifying. All you need is a Dracula cape.”
“This reminds me, we’re dressing up for the duel tonight. I’ve picked something very special for you to wear.”
“Let me guess, black leather?”
“No that’s for me. Yours is red.”
Chapter Forty-two
Apparently, when dueling, it was traditional among the vampires to wear something white. I guess so the blood would show up really well or perhaps some reason equally as macabre. For me Garrett picked out skin-tight white leather pants plus a form fitting red leather sleeveless tunic with a deep cut neckline. I looked at myself in the mirror and had to laugh. I looked sexy as hell, but was this ideal for a battle? I went through some basic moves and found that the lightweight leather moved beautifully with my body, plus nothing was dangling for Antoine to grab onto. I’d French braided my hair up and out of the way for the same reason, plus I wore boots, but would fight barefoot, my footwear of choice in a battle on sand. I could change my feet and hands to use my cheetah claws if I necessary, but I seriously prayed it wouldn’t come to that.
Garrett knocked and walked in looking like a Renn Faire fan. He wore a loose white leather tunic with a black leather belt that tied on the side and tight white leather pants. In his belt he carried a sheath holding a silver knife with an ivory handle. Words were etched into the blade and the handle, but I didn’t recognize the language.
“It belonged to my father. Even though the blade is silver. It's been warded so that I don’t feel it’s effects.” He saw me looking at the writing. “The words are a curse upon the enemy of the knife bearer written in an ancient French language, Old Breton. It translates into something like, “May the enemies of the rightful bearer know the fire and the abyss.”
“In other words, go to hell, Eleanor.” I smiled at him, trying to ignore the tight knot forming quickly in my stomach.
“Quite fitting don’t you think?” He must have seen the fear in my eyes, because he tried to distract me. “You're perfect. My angel of death.” He held me tightly, both of us realizing that this could be our last moment alone. He whispered in his most reassuring voice. “We’ll be home together again in a few hours, my love.“
As we clung to each other, I selfishly hoped that if only one of us survived, it would be Garrett, because I wouldn’t want to live my life without him. He sighed. ”The troops have arrived.”
“Hey guys, we’re here!” yelled Ethan as the front door opened, followed by Sinc’s telling him not to yell. Kyle had decided to travel over to the island with Peter and Rob, helping to make sure everything was set up properly.
We joined them and made appreciative noises regarding each other’s battle wear. Ethan and Sinc had chosen to wear loosely fitting clothing so that they could fight or shift more easily if the duels went badly and the vampires decided to attack the spectators.
Garrett cocked his head. “Liam's in the kitchen. I think he’d like to speak to you.” He smiled and squeezed my hand then turned away to talk to the others. I walked tentatively into the kitchen.
Liam was dressed in royal blue and gold, looking very handsome in a fae kind of way. “Good evening Miss Jacqueline. I’ve brought you a weapon to use at the battle. However, this is only a loan. I must get it back from you after you’ve killed Antoine.“
“I wasn’t planning on using anything, Liam” We were allowed to bring one weapon of our choice to use during the duel. I'd decided against it because I wasn’t trained to use weapons and I felt my ineptitude would distract me from the mental attacks I’d be dishing out. I saw a glimmer of disappointment in his eyes, so remembering my promise about listening to his advice, I said, “But if you think I should carry it, I will."
“I do.” He smiled and pulled a shining metal blade from a sheath on his belt and, holding it reverently, handed it to me hilt first. I took it from his hands and studied the elaborate etchings on the blade and handle, which was made of some strange stone. They'd glowed with a golden fire in Liam's hands. I watched curiously as the etchings changed to green as I held it, warming in my hand.
“It’s beautiful, Liam.”
“Already it tunes to your aura.” He seemed very pleased. “Although it is an ancient silver forged with magic, it has been warded for your safety. It will act according to your desires, wounding or killing. If you lose contact with it, the blade will come to you when you call to it, and it will never miss its target if your magic is well focused.”
I felt a mental tug, urging me to look him in the eyes. They shone with a violet fire. “It is very important that you do not wait until you are too tired to use it. It requires great mental strength.” I looked a little leery. ”You have the strength to wield it. You must trust yourself.”
I
nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Liam. Where can I wear it? I don’t have a belt.” My gaze remained locked on his as he untied his own belt and looped it around my waist, pulling it tight and fastening it in front. We stood only inches apart and I could smell magic on his breath as his hands worked deftly to secure it. He positioned the sheath and slid the knife in place. His hair brushed my face and I stared at his lips and breathed in, wanting so much to taste the magic one more time. To feel that freedom once more.
His voice whispered in my mind, his speech changing from formal to intimate. “Jacqueline, I know it's the magic and not me that you desire.” I blushed and stepped away but couldn’t take my eyes from his. “You're a remarkable woman and many fae lords would take you to their beds and make you their Lady, but not me. You love Garrett. Your bond has been sealed and you’re stronger now than ever before.”
He looked down at my wrist with its emerald green symbol and smiled, saying out loud, “Antoine and Eleanor will not see the next sunset. You will use the blade wisely.” He turned, walked out the patio door and disappeared.
A moment later, Garrett was holding me and enjoying the smell of fae magic. I confessed, a little shocked at myself. “I almost leaned in and kissed him again.”
“You vixen.” he laughed, playfully poking my ribs. “Liam would have politely pushed you away and probably scolded you for being greedy. I suspect that he’ll try to win you if I truly die in this duel. You’re both healers which would make a good match for him. Your children would be powerful.”
“I don’t want Liam.”
“I know that.”
“And I don’t want children.”
“Not now.”
“Not ever, Garrett." I hurriedly changed the subject. " Did you know that Liam can talk normally? I mean, using contractions and all?”
“Liam can speak hundreds of languages, so why wouldn’t he be able to speak English the way we do? He does everything for a reason. If he sounds like a servant, then he's perceived as one and underestimated by our ignorant enemies.” He brushed a hand through his hair, a sure sign of his tension. “Let’s get to the island.”
Chapter Forty-three
Ethan, Sinc, Garrett and I sailed across in The Spotted Lady, landing at the dock where Rob had kept his boat weeks before. We tied up and hiked along the path to a nearby clearing. Maya, Sylvia and Brad were standing by a large tent set up on the far side, so we walked over and greeted them warmly.
Brad turned to me. “On Maya’s recommendation you are officially welcome to join the shifter community of Crescent City. No further testing is necessary. Congratulations, Jackie.” Brad held out his hand and I shook it, a little amused at the circumstances. If Antoine had his way tonight, I'd be the shortest lived community member ever.
Garrett’s cousin Aaron was there with Catherine and Franklin along with maybe ten others from his pack. Aaron introduced us around, gave me a hug and clapped Garrett on the back. “Cuz, you two attract trouble like a black hole sucks in galaxies.” He laughed then winked at me. “You’re perfect for each other.” He leaned over and sniffed. “Why do I smell fae magic?”
“We had a little help from a friend.” Garrett reached out to take my hand and I leaned against his body with my own, wrapping an arm around his waist, not wanting to leave any space between us.
“Nice matching tats," Catherine said with a smirk. We looked down at our mating marks and then at each other. I'd noticed that our psychic connection seemed stronger than ever, so I smiled back at her, sure that our decision had been the right one.
“ Congrats, guys! “ bellowed Aaron. He gave me a kiss on the cheek while clasping Garrett’s hand. “So when’s the party? Man, the last one you had was awesome!”
“I had to replace three windows and several pieces of furniture.” Garrett replied giving him a playful shove.
“We’re enthusiastic, what can I tell you?” His grin was so much like Garrett’s, making them look more like brothers than cousins, and even in these tense circumstances, I couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. I wondered what they’d been like growing up together; the dynamics of their relationship was so much fun to watch. A part of me was envious. It would've been amazing to have had a brother or a sister or a cousin to confide in.
I took hold of Garrett's hand. “We’ll have a party next weekend, Aaron, and we’ll let you know exactly when and where. You’re all invited”, I said to the rest of the pack who thanked me and started talking and laughing about the last party and what had caused all the damage.” We can have it somewhere outside.” I sent to Garrett.
“Good plan.” He sent back with a hug.
I was surprised when Phillip, Jim and Anton wished us both good luck and actually seemed sincere. There were other faces that I recognized: Peter, having arrived earlier with Kyle, Chloe, the waitress from the diner, Joe Rinaldi, our mechanic and also his boss, Denis, the gas station owner and so many others. Garrett introduced me to Elizabeth, a young woman who smelled like thyme, and who grabbed my hands and said, “It’s wonderful to meet you, Jackie. A healer in the community will be an enormous blessing. I’ve done what I can to protect you, but your auras are already very strong.” She smiled and walked away.
“Let me guess. A witch?”
“Yes, and she’s powerful without using dark magic.”
Finally, after making their own rounds through the crowds, Ethan, Kyle and Sinc made it back to us, followed closely by Rob. They all hugged me and wished me luck, Ethan clinging to me the longest.
“You’ll be great. Everything’s set in case the vamps ignore the rules. Maya or Garrett will send you a signal.” He kissed my cheek.
Maya walked over. “You two can rest in the tent for awhile. Eleanor, Antoine and whoever they bring with them are expected to arrive within the next twenty minutes.”
Garrett and I walked into the extremely large tent and eased our tense bodies down on the small couch I recognized from the cabin. Wordlessly we took in breath after breath of our combined scents as we wrapped our arms tightly around each other, lost in our own thoughts. It was warm and stuffy under the nylon roof, but I ignored the sweat that beaded along my hairline and continued to lean against his chest and just breathe, and breathe. Garrett shifted position, putting his head on my chest so he could listen more closely to my heartbeat while I stroked his auburn hair, the steady rhythms calming us both.
I wondered if this would be my last few minutes alone with him for all time and what I should say or do if that were true. Soon, I’d have to get up and walk into the clearing and he’ll have to watch me fight and not interfere. I could smell his fear, not for himself, but for me.
I sent, “Promise me you won’t blame yourself.”
“I can’t. I…”
“Shhh,” I leaned down and we kissed gently.
I teased him to lighten the mood. “That fae magic is still messing with me. If we didn’t have a couple of vampires to kill I’d rip your clothes off and jump you right here.”
He didn’t laugh, but he managed to sound sexy when he said, “I’ll remind you later tonight.” We both knew there may not be a later tonight.
There was so much to say, but how could I even begin? “Besides me fighting Antoine, what would you change?” was all I could manage. I just wanted to hear his voice.
He thought for a moment. “I’d keep you from being attacked, of course.” He kissed my hands and arms where the old scars used to be. “I’d tell you more often how precious you are to me and I’d work on being a little more patient with you and the team.”
“We needed you to kick us in the butt that night. Lily could have killed us. And if I hadn’t been attacked, you wouldn’t have given me your blood and so we wouldn’t have had that early connection.”
“I still would have claimed you. I believe that we’re together for a reason—that this is our path—that we’re meant to make this journey together, wherever it leads us.”
I smiled even though my heart was bre
aking. “I believe that too.”
“But you haven’t told me what you would change, my love.”
“I’d ask you to play the violin or the guitar for me. I never got to hear you. And I’d make sure that we had more time for fun stuff, like hunting together. Besides that, I’d do everything the same—except for that day with Lily. I’d listen to Liam.” We were smiling at each other when Garrett tensed.
“They’re here.”
Chapter Forty-four
We came out of the tent and instantly noticed the difference in the atmosphere of the crowd. No one laughed or spoke or even moved. Eleanor and Antoine stood staring at us, fangs out and eyes full of malice. I have to say, they looked about as terrifying as vampires can look, and that’s saying a lot. I felt myself tremble just a little so Garrett sent to me, “Start your calming and focusing exercises, mon ange.” Stretching out my muscles, I never took my eyes away from Antoine, silently praying that he couldn't smell my terror.
Eleanor was dressed in a short white dress with a low neckline and a slit on the side which stretched to fit her shape perfectly. On her feet were sexy high boots and practical me wondered if she’d be taking them off for the fight. My boots were already off. Antoine was dressed in cream leather pants and nothing else. Jeez. I guess he figured I’d swoon and drop dead after one glimpse. There was blood on his mouth, as if he'd just fed, and his muscular chest and arms were covered in tattoos, probably hoping to send out the impression of a scary badass. I tried to ignore the blood and looked to see if he carried a weapon.
Seeing me watching him, he pulled out a wicked looking knife, which he decided to play with, tossing it around skillfully and then slicing it through the air in practiced maneuvers. My hand automatically went to my belt where Liam's smaller blade rested. I swallowed, my throat suddenly feeling very dry.
There were eight other vampires spread out behind them, more than Garrett had anticipated. Lily was there and Garrett pointed out others: Sasha, William, Heinrich and Yvette and three newly made teenaged vampires, probably no more than fifteen years old when they'd been turned. The young ones hissed at us like feral cats.
Rebirth (Rogues Shifter Series) Page 26
