We sat and talked amicably about how cool it was to be together and what we should do today. I suggested that we all go out for a run, but Kyle and Sinc groaned and Ethan, who might have been convinced if it was just the two of us, shrugged his shoulders. In the end we decided to see a movie then go out for lunch. Kyle was going to call Peter to see if he could meet us at the movies or at least for lunch. I thought we should see if Rob was around and everyone agreed that was a great idea. Then, when I mentioned Bridgett joining us, the room got really quiet.
Kyle scowled. “She may be the same age as you, but she acts like she’s around twelve. I’d rather not have to see a Pixar film.”
I laughed, understanding exactly how they felt. “It’s cool, she can hang with Maya today. But you’d all better get used to having her around.”
“I like Pixar films,” Ethan piped in with a wide grin. He was a huge Disney movie fan.
“You need to take someone with you.” Liam’s voice cut through the laughter.
“Rob might come.”
“Miss Jacqueline, you need to take someone who can protect you from Kennet. I will send Brina with you.”
“Really? She’d do bodyguard detail for a bunch of shifters?” She was the daughter of an Elder and I was shocked that a high ranking fae would take that kind of job. Then again, here was Liam, another child of an Elder, washing our dishes.
“Many of the fae would consider guarding you an honor, Miss Jacqueline.” His smile was warm and infectious. “They believe that their people were saved because of your dream and your ability to interrogate Bridgett.”
“You standing there waving around your magical blade looking like you were going to chew her up and spit her out might have helped just a little.” We all laughed, even Liam.
“I can’t imagine Liam looking fierce. He’s so adorable.” Sinc had her mouth twisted in thought.
“You really don’t want a demonstration, trust me.” I turned back to Liam. “Okay, call in the reinforcements. We’re leaving in an hour.”
“Yes, Miss Jacqueline.” The corners of his mouth turned up just a touch and his violet eyes crinkled around the edges.
I sighed with contentment knowing our friendship was back on solid ground. I sent to him, “How do you feel?”
“I feel much more like myself today, Jackie. Thank you for everything.” I realized suddenly that I didn’t want him to leave yet.
“I meant it when I said you could stay as long as you need to.”
“ I would like to stay for at least one more night if it is not a hardship for you.”
“Only one more night? Could we talk again together before you leave tomorrow? I’ve missed our talks. Plus, there’s something I want to ask you about.” I’d just now remembered Caelen’s comment about my having “other” blood in my veins. I wondered if Liam could shed any light on the subject.
“Yes, of course. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon we could go for a walk? Tonight I will be going out, but I should be back around 2 AM.
“A walk tomorrow afternoon would be perfect.”
I called Rob, who wasn’t able to join us for the movie but said he would love to meet us for lunch. Kyle texted Peter who said he’d meet us for lunch as well. We agreed to meet at Bette’s diner, which was famous locally for fresh homemade comfort food and a very friendly staff. I was already thinking about the juicy bacon burger and sweet potato fries I’d be ordering, even though I’d just finished breakfast. What can I say? Shifters ate a lot because of our high metabolic rates.
The phone rang. It was Bridgett. I considered letting it go to voice mail, but instead I answered it. “Hello Bridgett.”
“Hi. What are you guys up to today? I just finished working with Maya and so I’m free. You wanna go to the mall?”
I thought about lying to her, but lies tended to bite you in the ass. Liam was standing in the doorway watching me with a tiny smirk. He enjoyed every moment that Bridgett annoyed me.
“I’m going to a movie with the rest of the team and then we’re meeting Rob and Peter for lunch afterward.”
“Cool, can I come?”
“Not this time, Bridgett, I’m sorry, but, how about this? Come over tomorrow at 11:00 and we’ll have brunch and we can hang out. I have another appointment at 2:00, but that’ll give us some time together.” I figured that Liam and I could go for that walk around then.
“Oh, well that’s okay. Sure, tomorrow is great.” There were a few beats of silence. “The rest of them don’t like me, do they?”
“They like you, Bridgett. We’re just stressed out right now. The four of us need some fun time together and then we’re meeting with Rob to discuss team business. It would be boring for you.”
“Do you think maybe one day I could be part of the team?”
Silence on my end as I remembered my first training sessions with Rob. “I think there’s a good chance if you really listen to Maya and learn how to use the lines. It takes a lot of control. Also you’ll need to do a lot of physical training with Rob or Garrett.”
“I’ll work really hard. Thanks.” I could hear the excitement in her voice and I was glad that I’d answered her the way I had. The poor kid had just lost her dad. She must be suffering. It was good for her to have some kind of goal to work toward.
“Are you doing ok?”
She sighed. “Yeah—I guess, but I miss him so much. I’ve cried a lot. I think Maya ran out of tissues. I’ll never stop missing either of my parents. Maya is really cool and sweet to me. She makes me all my favorite food and answers any questions I have. She’s real tough with the training sessions, but that’s okay, ‘cause it gets my mind off of everything else.”
Even though I had trouble processing the image of Maya being sweet, I was glad that she seemed to be settling in. I was her only family, and so I felt responsible for her. “I’ll see you tomorrow at 11:00. Kennet’s around so don’t go out alone, okay? Garrett's orders.”
“Sure no problem. Bye, Jackie. Say hi to everyone for me.” We hung up and I relaxed a little. That hadn’t gone too badly. I looked over to where Liam had been standing and was surprised to see Brina instead.
“Hello, Brina. Thanks for acting as our bodyguard today.” I nodded my head just a little in the fae manner and she nodded back. She was dressed in the usual fighting attire of a warrior, including a sword, and it occurred to me that she wouldn’t be allowed into a movie theatre with a visible weapon.
“Jacqueline, it is an honor to serve you.” She sounded sincere.
“Would you mind very much if we went to my closet and pulled out something else for you to wear to the theatre?" I gestured toward her weapon. "They won’t let you in with a sword.”
“Thank you, but that isn’t necessary.” She was instantly standing in jeans, sandals and a tight fitting red tee shirt. Her light blonde hair was styled in a shaggy cut and her nails and toenails were manicured in red polish. She wore dangling earrings and copper bangles. “This is an illusion. I am still dressed exactly as you saw me before, sword and all.” She looked like any other eighteen year old girl going to the movies.
The others joined us in the foyer. “If I may ask one thing,” Brina began. “For your protection, you must stay with me at all times. If you split up I will be staying with Jacqueline and you will not be protected from Kennet.”
“Are you strong enough to keep him from hurting us?” Kyle asked, sounding slightly unimpressed.
Sinc groaned, Ethan punched Kyle in the shoulder and I said, “I apologize for Kyle’s bad manners.”
She smiled. “It is a valid question. He is a fae lord over 3,000 years old. I am just over one hundred. However, I am strong enough to hold him off long enough to signal for help, which will come instantly from Liam, Aedus and others.” She turned to Kyle and her purple eyes flashed with gold. “Does that satisfy you?”
“Yes, Lady Brina. Sorry if I insulted you.” He actually looked embarrassed.
“Brina is fine, leopard.”
&nb
sp; “Kyle is fine, fae.” He twisted his mouth in annoyance, but when she smiled, having gotten the desired rise out of him, he barked out a good-natured laugh.
We were all ready to have some fun.
Chapter Twenty-seven
The movie, another silly Hollywood version of the supernatural world, was a riot, although Sinc wasn't happy when Kyle and Ethan got popcorn in her hair. Rob and Peter joined us for our late lunch which turned out to be relaxing and delicious and gave us all a chance to catch up. Rob was training a new shifter on the island and Peter entertained us with a funny story about how he'd met Kyle. After lunch, Brina made sure we got safely through the front door and then dissolved back into the lines, presumably heading to Faerie. Peter followed Kyle upstairs to play Mario Kart on the Wii while Ethan and Sinc stole away to their room and I cuddled up with Garrett in front of the fireplace to chat with Rob.
Garrett wanted to hear all about Flynn the Lion shifter so Rob explained his progress in detail while I found myself dozing in Garrett’s arms. I looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was only 6:00 PM. I needed to get up and stretch my legs. There was no way I wanted to fall asleep that early in the evening. I’d be up at dawn when everyone else was asleep. I left Garrett talking to Rob and looked for Sasha downstairs.
“Hi Sasha,” I said a little hesitantly.
He was leaning over the pool table, his cue poised for a difficult shot. He’d heard me coming, but hadn’t bothered to acknowledge me. Well, he had no choice now that I’d spoken to him. He stood up slowly and turned gracefully to meet my eyes.
“Mistress.” He nodded.
“Please call me Jackie. Sasha, would you be willing to help me with something?” He tilted his head and waited. “I need to work off some tension.” His smile widened. “Not that kind of tension. I thought maybe you could give me some weapon's training or maybe we could spar a little bit. You’ll have to hold back, I don’t want any broken bones, but I need the exercise. With all that's been going on around here I haven't had a chance to go for a run. We could go outside in the backyard.”
He nodded. “I’d be happy to spar with you, but I doubt that I’ll have to hold back.”
“I’d like to learn without using the lines at first. What weapon do you suggest?”
“I think we should start with a simple staff. It’s useful because in a pinch you can always find a broomstick or branch or even break off the leg of a chair and use it as a weapon.” He opened a closet door and pulled out two long staffs. “You’re tall and you have fairly long arms. This length should work for you.”
First up the stairs, I heard Sasha take in a long deep breath behind me. I shook my head. “Sasha, stop breathing me in. I probably smell like popcorn and cheeseburgers right now.”
“You smell delicious all the time.” I turned around and frowned. “Do you want me to lie?” he asked shrugging.
“No, it’s my fault. I leave myself open to your predictable responses.”
“I am what I am.”
“Fair enough.” We’d made it to the back yard where we turned to face each other. He was 6’2” and I was 5’9” so right away he had a big advantage. His arms and legs were longer and his eyesight and hearing was sharper. Did I mention the vamp speed and the muscles? What was I thinking?
He tossed over a staff and noticed me sizing him up. “Even without using the lines you’re faster than other shifters because you're a cheetah and I’ve experienced your strength first hand.“ He smiled and rubbed his head. “An untrained enemy will usually underestimate you because of your lean build and your—angelic appearance. I will never make that mistake, Mistress.”
"Jackie."
"Jackie." We spent two hours working together. He showed me different stances, hand positions, forward attacks and defensive moves. By the time we’d finished I was drenched in sweat, bruised, sore and feeling absolutely wonderful. Sasha looked relaxed and happy. I think he’d enjoyed himself too.
Garrett was standing by the patio door smiling. “Are you two finished beating each other with sticks?”
Sasha laughed. “You were never one to train with classic weapons, but they can be useful. And it’s a good place for her to start.” He looked at me with respect. “You did very well. I would like to work with you again if you’d be willing. I think we can make a proper warrior out of you, mistress cheetah.”
“That’s the plan. I’d definitely like another session.” He nodded and took the two staffs back downstairs. Garrett walked over and tried to wrap his arms around me, but I moved away.
“I stink from sweat.”
“You smell like a cheetah who has just come in from a hunt. Delicious.”
“Even so, I’m taking a shower and then making snacks for the crew.”
“Liam’s out, Kyle and Peter are out, Ethan and Sinc are busy.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “I’ll make you something to eat, while you shower.”
“Merci, monsieur.”
“Mon plaisir, madame. After you eat, you should rest. You haven’t been sleeping enough.”
“And whose fault is that?” I bit my lip remembering the last few weeks.
“Complaining?” He laughed.
“Not at all.” We’d been behaving like newlyweds, which we were, kind of. It was just tough finding any time to ourselves lately.
“So tonight you catch up on some of that sleep I’ve been depriving you of.”
I stuck out my lip and pouted. “Okay.” I walked past him, making sure to brush against his side so he laughed again and whacked me gently on the butt.
Garrett made me a yummy sandwich and salad and then watched me eat while he sipped a glass of red wine. After we cleaned up the kitchen, he tucked me into bed and curled up next to me until I fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Chapter Twenty-eight
A buzzing noise woke me up around 11:00 PM. I opened my eyes when I remembered I’d left my phone on vibrate. Garrett wasn’t in the bed. I vaguely remembered him saying he’d be having a meeting with his nest later. He must be down in the basement. I reached over to the bedside table and fumbled with the lamp switch.
It was Bridgett calling. “Hello? Bridgett?” I asked with a yawn.
She sounded excited—tense—and her words were a little bit mumbled. “Jackie can you go somewhere private so no one else can hear? I have something really important to tell you, and I don’t want anyone else listening in.” I told her I’d call her back in two minutes. I got dressed quickly, thinking she may be coming over to the house upset about something. I went into the bathroom, closed the door and turned on the water to drown out my voice.
I called her back. “Ok what is it?”
“I have your lovely young sister.” It was Kennet. My stomach clenched up. “If you want her to survive, make sure that no one hears this conversation. Bridgett, say something to Jacqueline”. I clutched the phone, frozen in time and place.
I heard rustling as the phone was passed to Bridgett. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was hoarse and her words were mumbled as if she was in pain.
“Bridgett are you alright?”
“Don’t come.” I heard a thump and then nothing from her again.
“Bridgett!”
“Quiet.” Kennet hissed at me. “She is unconscious. I will do much worse to her if you do not meet me. Come alone Jacqueline. If you tell anyone, I will kill her in an entertaining way. You will get her body back in pieces.”
“If I come you might still kill her.” I was starting to tremble. I had to tell Garrett, but then Bridgett would be dead. What the hell was I supposed to do now?
“I swear to you on our future child that I will not touch her again. I will leave her here perfectly safe. You will meet me where I say and then I will allow you to call someone to alert them as to where she is. Will you come?” I said nothing. “I am giving you ten seconds. She will be awakened and believe me, she will wish to die.”
“Are you going to kill and torture me instead?”
“I desire a child. Harming you would prevent that from occurring. You will be treated well depending on your level of cooperation. Ten seconds starting now.”
“I’ll come.” The words croaked out of me with great effort. I wasn't a martyr. I wasn't a hero. But I couldn't leave her to that monster. I might have gone to Liam, because he’d have the best chance of remaining undetected, but Liam wasn’t home. Maybe Garrett could change into a bird and follow us, but if Kennet saw him... “Tell me where.”
I grabbed a scrap of paper and wrote the location down. I left it on the bed along with a scrawled note to Garrett.
He has Bridgett. I’m going here to meet him and then he’s allowing me to call to say where she is. Please take care of her. I know that you and Liam and the team will find me. Garrett, you are my life and my heart is yours forever. I’ll always be with you no matter what. Jackie
I opened the window and snuck into the woods. He was exactly where he said he would be. He told me where Bridgett was and I called Garrett.
“Why are you calling me from upstairs?” He was laughing.
“Je t’aime, mon ange. Bridgett is on the southern hunting trail near the crossroads. Look on my bed, Garrett…”
Kennet grabbed the phone from my hand. “She’s mine now, vampire.” I heard Garrett hiss as Kennet smashed my phone to bits. He wrapped his arms around me and we were travelling through the lines. Terrified I tried to pull up some power to fight him, but my mind was surrounded by darkness and then there was only cold silence.
Chapter Twenty-nine: Epilogue
Stalked (Rogues Shifter #2) Page 23
