by Jaymin Eve
I reached out and felt for Grace along our bond. She was cleaning up in the bathroom, seemingly happy and content, so I gave her privacy. I didn’t like leaving her at our house – and not because I was a crazy possessive bastard – okay, I kinda was – but mostly because I’d only just gotten her back from being tortured, and she was still being hunted. If she disappeared again, I would lose my mind. The dragon and sorcery sides of me would burst free, and I had no idea what the end result would be.
“Council leaders,” a troll shouted to us as we dashed past. I caught a glimpse of his rugged, bark-like features, and realized it was Jerak, the demi-fey leader.
We waved back, but there was no time to stop, and that would piss him off. Again. Jerak had been requesting a meeting for the last few days, hoping to plan the next gathering, but none of our schedules had matched up. We just never seemed to have enough damned time.
How were we supposed to govern a community of supes when we were also constantly stopping the world from being destroyed.
“I never wanted to be council leader,” I growled out, fighting against the rising tide of energy in my chest. Not only did I have to deal with sorcery, but now dragon had been added to the mix. The fates had a fucked-up sense of humor, that was for sure.
“I always agreed with you, to some extent,” Maximus stated. “But I wanted the glory.” He rubbed a hand over his hair, leaving it standing in spikes. “Who would have thought we’d be on our third world-ending crisis by the age of twenty-three.”
In the early days, I had been the only one of us to ever express worry over running the council. Not only did I feel we were too young – as a magic user, I was educated more than anyone about the importance of not taking on things until you were ready for them – but I also wanted the freedom after we graduated. Freedom to travel between the supe communities. To hunt supernatural criminals. It’s what I felt we were most suited to.
We’d always gone out on little jobs, helping round up lawbreakers, but I was ready for the big stuff.
Jacob surprised me by agreeing. “Our lives are too chaotic for a position that requires such time and political maneuvering. But it’s not like this is a job you apply for … or can quit. We’ve been groomed our entire lives for this…” His musical voice trailed off. “We can’t just quit, right?”
Braxton shook his head, drawing our undivided attention, mostly because he had been so quiet. “I don’t like the thought of quitting, but we aren’t doing the best job we could be. We’re breaking rules all over the place, and it’s only because the other councils haven’t caught up to us yet that we aren’t being questioned. We do need to give our future as council leaders some serious thought.”
We paused our conversation as the main hall came into view. Our pace slowed; there were a lot of supes mingling around, watching their kids playing in the street. This central area of Stratford – the fountain in particular – was a popular meeting spot. We stepped up the front stairs and made our way into the hall. The office was off to the side; we maneuvered through the empty rows to get there. Braxton went straight across to the computer, since that would be the quickest way to get a message across.
Electronics don’t work well with the magic that flows through supernaturals’ bodies, but there are a few phone and computer brands we can use. Otherwise, we would have been in for a very long wait to contact Antarctica. They even limited step-throughs in their territory, because of the nature of what they guarded. We’d have had to trek in from miles away, and in those icy conditions it would have been rough.
Dropping into the chair, Braxton’s face was hard, his eyes blazing a blue-yellow. I wondered if mine would do that now, and how the gold of magic would play into it. The gold was the original magic, which dragons were born of, so it was probably the same thing.
A surge of ancient, earthy energy rocked against me, and I felt ghostly wings burst from my back. Shit. It wasn’t an actual shift, I remained in my human body, but it felt like a spectral dragon was riding on top of me.
Stepping toward a nearby window, I examined my reflection. My eyes were intersected with yellow and brown, gold veins running through them, giving them a gilded look.
“The eyes of a hybrid,” Maximus said, sounding both impressed and annoyed.
Turning to him, I could see rainbows of light beaming off his body. I had some dragon vision going on. “Maybe it was because you were holding Mischa and Lily. The dragons pretty much burst from our skin in that first shift, so … it was definitely good it didn’t happen while you had them in your arms.”
Some of the pissed-off disappeared from his face. “If that’s the reason, then I’m good with being a plain ol’ vamp.”
“It’s connecting,” Braxton said. Maximus and I crossed the room to stand behind him. My dragon ghost faded away as I pushed him back deep inside my energy.
“Hello…”
The rumbly voice thrummed with age and energy, even over the computer. We all leaned in to see the wizened supernatural in the small call box. He looked to be close to the end of his long life, so anywhere from seven hundred to a thousand years old, depending on race. A spark of familiarity hit me. I knew this supe. He was a lion shifter … if I recalled my history lesson correctly. Lorenzo Giovanni. He had been a leader in Europe for many years, moving between councils and cities. He was an elder, powerful and revered.
“Thank you for taking our call,” Braxton said, his gaze locked on the screen. “We have an urgent matter to discuss and it’s going to require we visit you there at Jeste.”
Lorenzo tented his hands, leaning back. “You’re going to have to explain more before I remotely consider letting you through our securities. The only reason I took this call at all is out of respect for what you four have done recently for the supernatural communities.”
Fucking lions, always so arrogant and proud.
Braxton must have decided it was easier to simply lay it all out, because he launched into an explanation. He spoke of everything we had learned from Josephina, of the task we were in the middle of, and what it would mean should that gateway open between the jeweled meadows – that the shadows would be free, and so would the demons.
Lorenzo did not interrupt or move while Braxton spoke. He appeared to be listening intently, and even when we were done, still stared at us over his tented hands.
Impatience bit at me, and I was just about to demand an answer when he leaned in closer and barked out, “A portal will open near Louis’ house. Thirty minutes. Do not miss it. It will not open again.”
The screen went black and the four of us exchanged a relieved glance. None of us had been too confident in our chances, but we had a shot at least.
“Let’s go get our families,” Braxton said, pushing his chair back to stand.
My hand snaked out and gripped his forearm; blue eyes pierced into me as he gave me his full attention. Thankfully his dragon had disappeared too, so this conversation might happen without a building getting destroyed.
“Is everything okay? You haven’t said anything about us being dragon shifters.”
Our quad bond hummed in the air, wanting to connect since we were touching, but I held it back. Braxton didn’t answer for an uncomfortably long moment. I could not remember ever being uncomfortable with my brothers. Pissed off at them? Often. Competitive with them? Every day. But uncomfortable? Never. I wasn’t a fan.
Our bond continued to push, and my magic lashed out, wanting to fix the issue.
The moment we were connected, the bond thrummed between us, and I no longer had to wonder what was going on with Braxton. He was not mad. Not even remotely upset at all … he was overwhelmed. The strong, stoic dragon shifter had no idea how to process the emotions he was feeling. That his brothers were shifters … it was everything to him and he couldn’t deal.
Energy whipped around the room; we were all freely allowing each other access to our inner thoughts and emotions. Such was the nature of this bond, there was very little th
at could be hidden when we were open like this. I felt their happiness that Grace was joining our pack, their worry about what this trip to Jeste might bring, what the shadows and demons might take from us … if we would lose someone we loved.
So many thoughts and emotions, intermingling to the point that I couldn’t tell if it was my feelings or one of the others. In the end it didn’t matter. We were all our own people, but we also would never be as unique or individual as other supes, even those who were part of a twin or multiple birth set.
“We were born to create a single, unstoppable weapon…” Braxton’s voice was deeper than usual, somewhere between man and dragon. “They will not touch your mate, Ty. They will not free the shadows.”
All four of us nodded, like the sealing of a pact, then the bond between us faded away. I tucked my magic back inside of me, trying to separate myself as much as I could. It was difficult though. Every time we connected like that, more of the other races mingled with my own energy.
I wondered if, the next time Maximus had to feed, I would find myself having the same urges and need for blood. Who knew where this could lead?
“As long as we’re all alive to figure it out,” Jacob said with a laugh, tapping into my thoughts. Some of our bond lingered, so I reinforced my shields. There was only one person I wanted in my head all the time. My little witch.
“If I start craving blood, Maximus is going to be the first fucker I kill,” Braxton said, his voice holding a hint of amusement.
The vampire threw back his head and laughed. “It’s not so bad, you’ll be wicked fast and strong.”
I was not impressed. “We’re already fast and strong.”
He shook his head at me. “Trust me when I tell you you’re only moderately fast and strong now.”
My competitiveness reared its head, and I was almost curious about what might happen if we had blood. “No time to find out,” I said with some disappointment. “Let’s go get our family.”
When we were half way to our cabin, the healer symbol etched high on a white building caught my eye. I made a split-second decision. “You three go on ahead and make sure the girls are good to go. I’m going to check Louis.” I needed to see the sorcerer. His situation was always hovering in the corner of my mind.
Maximus nodded. “Elizabeth should be there with him. We called her and Marco in. He didn’t respond.”
That surprised me, but it had been a long time since I’d seen that powerful sorcerer. Life changes, and maybe his had left him in no position to help. My brothers continued on, and I hurried across to the building. As I stepped inside coolness enveloped me, along with a scent of magic.
“Hey there, Tyson.” Lena, the witch behind the reception area beamed a broad smile at me. “Here to see Louis?”
I nodded, forcing myself to return her smile. I didn’t need rumors spreading about our current stressful situation. Keeping the town calm was very important, scared supes could do a lot of damage.
She opened her mouth to continue speaking, but I was already striding away. There was no time to waste.
Louis was in one of the larger rooms, with two big bay windows. As my hand landed on the door, an exasperated voice caught my attention.
“You are the most frustrating man I have ever met. And let me tell you, I am old and have met some real pieces of work.”
She had a rich, husky tone. It reminded me of aged whiskey and moonlit nights. The kind of voice which would have highly intrigued me before Grace came back into my life.
With a light knock I eased the door open, before stepping inside. My sorcerer energy was still erratic, so I wasn’t surprised when it gave a jolt as I met the gaze of the magic user standing at Louis’ bedside. Elizabeth.
I knew about her through reputation only. She was very powerful, and had been in line for some leadership roles about ten years ago. Something had happened, though, which caused her to bail on the supernatural world. I knew no more than that.
She was even tinier than I expected, only a touch over five foot, and I wasn’t prepared for how ethereally beautiful she was. Huge, shimmery eyes met mine, they were a gray so light it almost looked silver. Her hair was a long mass of thick curls, which fell almost to her mid-back. The color a mix of blond and silver and gold. Shades and tones blending and intermingling. She looked the same age as me, physically at least, but her power slammed into mine so strongly I almost lost control.
“Tyson Compass, I assume.” The husky voice somehow suited her perfectly. It fit the years of experience she wore in those silvery eyes.
I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Elizabeth.” My gaze shifted to Louis, who remained prone on the bed, eyes closed, aura dangerously weak. It was almost impossible to believe this was the powerful sorcerer. “Have you learned anything? Any way to save him?”
Josephina’s cryptic advice did not satisfy me, I needed something more to go on.
“Call me Lizzie,” she said, before turning to stare down at Louis. Frustration creased her forehead. “I have tried everything I can think of. Something powerful holds him, and I also sense that he is not ready yet to return.”
There was a look on her face which intrigued me, but I had no time to try and unravel the mystery of this sorceress.
“We have to go to Jeste now, to try and save the world.” My words were dry, tinged with a slight sarcasm, even though I spoke the truth. “Whatever is happening to Louis is tied into our current task.” She was watching me closely, her gaze never wavering. “Hopefully we will have more answers soon. Will you continue to help?”
There was no hesitation. “I never stop when I am committed to something. I will not rest until Louis resumes his normal position of annoying the hell out of me.”
There was a history there, I saw that now, but again, a story which would have to wait for another time. “It was really nice to meet you Lizzie, look after him for us. Don’t let him fade away.”
A slow smile tilted up the corner of her lips. “You have no idea how stubborn I can be when I set my mind to something. Louis is not going anywhere.”
I didn’t doubt it for a moment. With one last nod, I touched my hand to Louis’ shoulder, before turning and striding from the room. I hated seeing him like that, so weak and vulnerable. We had to figure out how to save him, there was no other option.
Everyone was waiting for me on the front porch. The three babies were strapped to the girls, and some of my heavy thoughts lifted at the sight of Grace. Seeing her with a child held against her sent a shot of heat to my heart – and my groin, my inner caveman coming out to play, creating a war of emotions within me. I wanted to love her so badly, to see her carry our children. I wanted to watch her cradle them protectively like she was right now.
An audible rumble of need and want and instinct shot out of me before I could stop it. Braxton, who was standing in the front yard, gave me a knowing look. “Dragons are very family oriented, as are supes. He’s going to push you to knock Grace up. You might want to start fighting him now.”
The rumble happened again, this time louder. The beast’s instincts were starting to feel more natural to me. Braxton’s heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “Don’t let him control you. I have had many years to deal with my dragon. You’re going to have to learn much faster.”
“What else is new?” I muttered.
Large, dark eyes were following my movements, and I found my pace picking up. Grace had cleaned up and changed her clothes – either magically or borrowing from the twins. She was wearing jeans and a snug fitted shirt. A heavy winter jacket was loose over the top, waiting to be zipped up. Her hair was pulled up in a high, messy bun, with tendrils of hair framing the gorgeous angles of her face.
If I could see magical resonance, I had no doubt that the flow between us would have been strong. She was drawing me closer, and I was almost running by the time I hit the stairs to our porch. My arms swept out around her, and with as much care as I could, I snatched her up and into my arms, lifting he
r with ease.
She let out a small squeal of surprise, which had Evie letting out her own little cry. Baby should have been used to it with a daddy like hers; he was always carrying Jessa around. But clearly today she did not like being disturbed. Gently returning Grace to the floor, my lips descended and pressed against the corner of her mouth. It was a skimming kiss, and she let out a breathy sigh as I pulled back. Without thought, because the only thing in my head was Grace, my hand started to pat at the child’s back, soothing her to a more contented state.
“I missed you.” I didn’t make it into a joke or throwaway line – something I would have done a year ago.
“I ... I missed you too.” A sense of surprise creased her eyes. She recovered quickly though, asking, “How was Louis?”
Some of my joy faded again. “No change. Elizabeth is going to keep him from fading further, so we should have enough time.” No one looked happy, Jessa’s hands were clenched in tight fists.
“I was really hoping that Lizzie would figure something out. Help him.”
Braxton crossed back toward his mate, unable to be away when she had so much sorrow within her.
“I’m sorry, Jessa babe,” he said gently. “I promise, we will not stop until Louis is back with us.”
She stared up at him, and finally nodded. “I know. We … we should start moving toward Louis’ house.”
As those words left Jessa, a gust of air expelled from Grace and she sagged forward a little; I caught her with an arm around her shoulders. “I can feel the urgency,” she murmured against me. “We need to find these girls now. I have had this niggling sensation ever since Gran unlocked that energy, ever since I opened that portal to Faerie. At first I thought it was about finding my mom, but now I think it’s also … the princesses … I need to find them.”
