by M Guida
“True. Maybe we know more than we think we do. Let’s compare with what you saw and with what I saw.”
“Okay, but I think we pretty much saw the same thing.”
“Maybe.” I got off the floor and grabbed a notebook off my desk.
“I’m going to list the obvious and then we’ll go into the obscure information. We know his captor’s name was Peter. He had dark curly hair and was tall, fat, and mean as a junkyard dog. ”
“And he had on a white collar.”
I blinked. “He did? Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I am. I think maybe he was a preacher.”
I thought about it. “You’re right, now that I think about it. I hadn’t even noticed. All I noticed was his meaty fist and the hate and fury in his blue eyes.” I scribbled some more notes down. “What else did you notice?”
“Rusty had a tattoo of a skull on his right arm, and he was hot.” She patted my thigh. “Sort of reminded me of Bo.”
“Me, too.” I didn’t look at her and blinked away the tears threatening to streak down my cheeks.
“His bedroom looked more like an attic than it did a bedroom. It was so dingy with the metal bed, the broken down dresser, and his pitiful box full of his shoes.”
I nodded. “I thought so too. The problem is, I don’t even know what state he lived in.”
“No help there either, but I saw a red notebook sticking out of his red backpack.”
“You did? Did you notice anything on it?”
“I think it said Canyon View, but I wasn’t sure whether it was a high school or a junior high.”
I looked at her with admiration. “Mina, you’re amazing. You pay much more attention to detail that I do. I don’t know how I missed all these things.”
She shrugged. “I just couldn’t watch that man beat up on that poor kid, and I had to focus on anything but that.”
“I get it.” I softly tapped the pen against my chin. “Hey, do you remember that rumble we heard before Peter bolted out of the room?”
“What about it?”
“Do you think maybe it was a car?”
“Maybe.” She scowled. “But I couldn’t tell you what kind of car it was.”
“It might not have been a car. I think it sounded more like a motorcycle.”
“Armond said that Rusty couldn’t carry him on his bike, so he probably meant motorcycle.” She laughed. “Rusty didn’t look like the type who rode a bicycle. He looked like he belonged to a motorcycle gang.”
Someone knocked on the door, and I glanced at the clock on the dresser. I couldn’t believe it. It was almost five thirty. I got up and opened it. Once again, Professor Soto was there, but this time she had on her jeans and sweatshirt with the words Legacy Academy embroidered in gold across her right breast.
“Anton sent me to fetch you. The barbecue is ready and a friend of yours is here.”
I frowned. “Who?”
Please, let it be one of the Defenders.
Professor Soto smiled. “He told me to give you a message. What goes better with barbecued pork? Beer, wine, or High Tempest?”
Mina and I both squealed. “Rhys!”
We rushed past Professor Soto and ran down the hall. One more Defender was here. Excitement pumped through my veins, making my arms and legs move faster. I didn’t even ask how he got here or why. All I cared about was he was here.
Chapter 10
We burst out of the Wyvern Tower and nearly knocked Rhys over. He was waiting on the steps. The same old Rhys. His white hair flared over his shoulders, and he had on a big ole grin that reached the corner of his eyes. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him. Merriment flickered in his glittering starlight blue eyes. He grabbed me and swung me around. “Raven. Damn, it’s good to see you.”
He lowered me down. “Mina, you little minx.” He grabbed her hand and twirled her around like a ballerina.
“What are you doing here?”
He stopped twirling Mina. “Here, for the party, of course.”
I frowned. “Party?”
I followed his gaze. A big white tent had been put up in the middle of the courtyard, reminding me of the last Halloween costume dance we had at Legacy. Bo had asked Mina to go with him, and I had gone with Lucien. Bo and Mina had dressed as Jack Skeleton and Sally, while Lucien and I went as the Phantom and Christine Daae. Lucien had surprised me with the costumes. It had meant so much to me, because the song Think of Me calmed and controlled my dragon. We had a romantic time until, thanks to Ryker, all hell had broken loose.
Just like Halloween, there was a fire pit, and tables with white cloths draped over them. A much smaller number, but similar. Wooden Adirondack chairs had been placed around the fire pit, and Anton and Dr. Greenwood sat in two of the chairs.
Mina cocked her eyebrow. “Did you bring some Midnight Shadow?”
He shook his head. “That’s only for special occasions.”
“What about High Tempest?”
He put his finger to his lips. “Shh. My old man is here, and he has a problem with me supplying Fae drinks.”
Professor Soto squeezed past us. “Old man? I don’t think your father would appreciate that reference.” She brushed past us and headed toward the white tent.
Rhys’s face paled slightly.
My eyes widened. “Your dad is here?”
A tremor of fear raced through me. Shit, another king. The last one I met, I had made a terrible impression.
“Yeah.” He pointed. “He’s sitting next to Anton.”
I followed his gaze and gasped. I had thought the other man sitting next to Anton was Dr. Greenwood, but I was wrong. Instead of Dr. Greenwood, this Fae had a crown of white flowers upon his brow and had a regal look upon him. He was dressed casually in T-shirt and jeans, but even in that, the man sat and looked like a king.
“What’s your dad’s name?”
“Finbar.”
I frowned. “Why are you both here?”
“Well, my dad has news.”
“What?” I asked.
“If I tell you, he’ll have my head.” He ran his finger across his throat.
Mina punched him in the arm playfully. “Then why are you here? Did you get a letter from Anton?”
He laughed and tilted his head back. “You got one too?”
“Of course.”
“My dad wasn’t going to let me come until I pestered him to death.”
I cocked my eyebrow. “Pestered?”
“You bet. The old man doesn’t like to be browbeat.” He pinched my cheek. “I couldn’t let Raven have all the fun.”
I bit back a grin, because as we approached the tent, I noticed Rhys lowered his voice.
Dr. Greenwood, Professor Elfiel, the demonology professor, and Professor Griffith, the potions teacher, were all busy grilling. I hadn’t even realized that Professor Elfiel or Professor Griffith were even here. The two were complete opposites. Elfiel was Fae, tall and slender while Griffith was shorter, bald and with puffs of gray hair. Griffith always reminded me of Danny DeVito.
Professor Griffith waved over to me. “Raven, my best student, good to see you again. Good to see you too, Rhys and Mina.” He motioned with his metal spatula. “Would you three care for a burger?”
My stomach growled. “I would love one.”
Rhys held up his fingers. “Make that two.”
“Three,” Mina added.
He motioned toward a table that had plates, silverware, condiments, and every item I could think of to put on a burger. “Grab a plate and dish up. There’s plenty.”
Rhys, Mina, and I got burgers. I smiled. Rhys got two. I remembered how much food Bo used to put away and the same empty feelings filled my gut, but I put on a happy face for Mina and Rhys’s sake.
“Come over here,” Rhys said. “I want you to meet my dad.”
I hesitated. Not sure on how I would be greeted since all the kingdoms had been closed to me.
“Dad.” Rhys tilted his head. “These
are my friends, Raven Erickson, and Mina Dankin. Ladies, this is my dad, King Finbar.”
King Finbar had the same blue eyes as Rhys, but he seemed older and wiser. His white hair had a slight curl compared to Rhys’. He was just as handsome as his son.
I bowed slightly, trying to make sure I didn’t dump my cheese burger loaded with fried onions, guacamole, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce at his feet.
He looked at me curiously. “So, you are the famous dragon I have heard so much about.”
I held my breath, waiting for him to say something scalding, like it was my fault that Bo had died.
“I have been very impressed with how you have protected Legacy. Anton has told me of your deeds.”
I exhaled softly. “Thank you,” I whispered, still not believing his kind words.
His smile faded and his eyes burned brighter. “I also know of Bo’s demise. You must not blame yourself for his death. He sacrificed himself because he loved you.” His gentle voice was like a caress, trying to ease the grief haunting me.
My mouth dropped. Tingles swept down my arms, and the tension in my bunched up muscles relaxed.
“Raven! Watch what you’re doing.” Mina’s loud voice caught my attention, but her warning hadn’t been fast enough.
SPLATTTT
My nightmare came true. My cheese burger slid off my plate and landed right at his soft leather moccasins.
Tears welled in my eyes and my cheeks burned hotter than the coals in the fire pit. “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me, your Highness.” Bits of scattered meat, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes littered the lawn. I scooped up the messy ingredients with my palms and dumped it back on my plate. “I’m so clumsy.” My butterfingered speech matched my bungling fingers.
Someone put their hand on the top of my head. “Raven,” a soft male voice said. “Look at me.”
I stilled and groaned and then lifted my head, waiting to see the condemnation in King Finbar’s eyes.
But when I looked up, he had a kind smile on his handsome face. “Do not fret, child.” He looked over my head. “Do you know how many times my son has made a mess at the Royal Court, especially after drinking High Tempest?”
“Dad.” Rhys drew out the word.
King Finbar knelt and helped me pick up the remaining mess.
“Thank you,” I murmured.
I never in a million years thought a king would do such a thing.
“You’re welcome.”
Rhys held out his hand and tilted his head. “Let’s get you a new plate.”
I laughed and held up my hands that were covered with ketchup, mustard, and guacamole. “I don’t think you want me to touch you.”
“I don’t care.” He grabbed my hand and helped me up. I tossed away the plate into a trash can. There was a mobile sink inside the tent to wash dishes and silverware. Rhys, King Finbar, and I all washed our hands.
Rhys tilted his head. “We’re sitting on the other side of my dad and Anton.”
As I got a new plate, I looked up at the infirmary door longingly, thinking of Lucien, and then I ran into Montae literally. I bumped into his side.
He smirked. “I hope you don’t plan on doing a repeat performance with King Gregori. He’s not as forgiving as King Finbar.”
The blush on my cheeks made my lips run dry, but I refused to let Montae intimidate me. I stuck out my chin. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged. “The prince requested a burger.”
I kept forgetting Lucien was a prince and a future king, and according to Montae, a demanding one. “I thought he was only supposed to have broth.”
“He’s not being a good patient,” he grumbled.
That was my Lucien. “Then you best be off.”
Montae glared but didn’t answer.
I smiled sweetly. “Do you want me to bring back his burger?”
“No, I can do it. He needs to rest and you upset him.”
I blinked. “Why do I upset him?”
“Because he won’t stay in bed. He just wants to be with you. He doesn’t need a dangerous distraction.”
Dangerous? I turned on my heels and headed back to Rhys and Mina. I swore I could hear Montae chuckling behind me. I hoped Lucien gave him a run for his money.
I should be upset, but his little quip made me smile. I stared up at the infirmary door and debated about defying Montae and visiting Lucien, but what if I drained Lucien of his energy? His father was coming, and I didn’t want him to look weak when his father arrived, or I could lose him again.
I joined Rhys and Mina, who looked like they were in deep conversation. I took a chair next to Rhys, who elbowed me.
“Vampire, huh? Dante would be so proud.”
I gave him a bashful smile. “Who knew, huh?”
“Crave blood yet?”
“No.” My voice was a little too loud, and I caught both King Finbar’s and Anton’s curious attention. My cheeks burned even hotter, and I thought any minute I’d have holes in my face.
Rhys laughed and tossed his head back. “I was just kidding.”
“Stop.” I glared. “I’m nervous as it is.”
“Yeah, I also hear your parents are going to be part of the team.”
I sighed miserably. “Only if my dad can find my mom. Without them, we can’t hope to defeat Ryker.”
He lowered his voice and grinned. “What you need is some High Tempest.”
I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Only if I want to make a complete fool of myself and then face the kings with a horrible hangover.”
“Come on,” he urged and held up a finger. “Just one.”
“I’m going to,” Mina said. “I think after today you need something to steady your nerves.”
I looked at both of their eager faces and cursed myself for giving in, but I nodded. “One and only one.”
After our meal, Rhys led us to Anton’s quarters.
Uneasiness swelled in Mina’s eyes. “You’re staying here?”
He chuckled as he opened the door. “You don’t think Anton would have my dad sleep in Glamour Tower, do you?”
Glamour Tower was the Fae tower.
I looked back over at the fire pit and Anton and King Finbar seemed to be in deep conversation, but that didn’t mean anything. Anton could sneak up on us any minute. “I supposed not, but I feel weird going in here without permission.”
“I’m giving you permission, because I’m staying here.” His firm voice reminded me that Rhys was a prince, too. After the last three years, I had just never thought of the Royals as being future kings. They’d just been my friends.
Rhys led us down the hallway to the bedchambers, and when we passed Anton’s, I remembered how I woke up there the first time I came to Legacy. Anton had rescued me after Faas had burned down our house. It was such a strange feeling to be here without Anton. I felt like we were violating sacred ground.
But it didn’t seem to bother Rhys in the slightest. He opened a door that I had never been in before. The bed chamber was much smaller than Anton’s but it still had a canopy bed and the dark red curtains that Anton preferred and furnished in early Dracula fashion.
Rhys walked over to a small leather case that was on a nightstand next to his bed and opened it. Inside was a glowing blue bottle.
“You only have one bottle?” Mina asked.
“It’s all I could smuggle,” he said.
I crossed my arms. “Smuggle?”
“Dad didn’t want us drinking on this occasion.”
I smirked. “Us?”
“Okay, okay, me.” He took out three shot glasses and poured shots of High Tempest.
I took a shot from him and held up a finger. “One and one only.”
“Sure.” But mischief flared in his eyes. He lifted his glass. “To the Defenders.”
“To the Defenders,” Mina and I said at the same time.
We tossed back the shot and the same smoothness that I remembered the first time I drank it slid down my throat. Some
of the tightness in my muscles unwound, and I cracked my neck.
“Only one?” Rhys took the glass out of my hand.
I smiled sheepishly. “I’ll have one more.”
“Are you sure?” Mina sat on the bed and touched her forehead. “Just one is knocking me on my butt.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Rhys refilled my glass with the glittering blue liquid and then refilled his own.
He raised his shot glass again. “To the Path of the Burning Flame.”
My smiled faded and turned into a frown. “You know of it?”
“Yes. Dad told me about it.” His eyes turned serious. “That’s when I knew I’d stand by your side.”
“Really?”
“I’m not the only one.”
Mina dropped her hand. “Who else have you heard from?”
He downed the shot and then cleared his throat. “Xavier.”
Something in his voice made me uneasy. “What’s wrong?”
“Xavier’s not the same since he left. He’s a lone wolf.”
Mina gasped and put her hand over her mouth.
I looked between them. “What does that mean?”
Rhys sighed. “A lone wolf usually means his pack has rejected him, but in this case, Xavier has rejected them.”
My eyes widened. “Why?”
“Because he wanted to hunt down Ryker and kill him, but his father didn’t want him to be part of the war. He’s his father’s only child and he wouldn’t risk losing his son.”
I grabbed the High Tempest bottle and refilled my glass. “You mean like King Jackson did losing Bo.”
Mina hung her head. “Can you blame Xavier? He saw his mate murdered right in front of him. How could he stand around and do nothing?”
I quickly drained the High Tempest shot again. My eyes watered, and I coughed abruptly. Rhys’ handsome face blurred, and the bedroom decorated in Dracula’s dark colors of red, purple, and black swam around me. I blinked several times before my vision cleared.
Rhys gripped my shoulder. “That’s three, hot stuff. You might want to slow down.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right.” I handed him my empty glass. “How did you find out about Xavier, anyway?”
“He came to the Starlight Kingdom, trying to get me to join him.”
