by Harper Wylde
Stronger together, I reminded myself. Maybe if I saw it happen in front of my own eyes, I would adjust to the idea of the two of them involved romantically.
Voyeur much? Ryder teased.
Like you’re one to talk, unicorn, I spat back through our mental link.
Ryder faked an arrow to the heart and clutched his chest. You wound me so.
Fluttershy, Abra, Nix warned, but I saw the grin she tried to hide. Out loud, she answered my earlier question. “I’ve kissed Joshua plenty thus far, and it hasn’t been an issue. Besides, we already know I can rebirth if anything goes wrong. That goes for each and every one of you.” Her pointed look ended our discussion, but I saw Theo and Joshua chatting while Damien and Ryder stripped and shifted. Staying out of sight from Joshua, Nix did the same and followed, shifting into her alter form.
Her Phoenix emerged in colorful flames and she swooped around as Damien picked up Theo, and Joshua and Hiro climbed onto Ryder’s back. The odd man out and the smallest shifter of us all, I sighed and stripped quickly. Now my balls really were going to freeze off. I gave way to my shift and let my Puca take control.
Before I could hop into Hiro’s waiting arms so he could carry me, Nix swooped down and gently picked me up with her claws. Her fire receded enough to keep from singing my fur.
I’m trying to be careful, but tell me if I’m hurting you at all, she said, her worried thoughts entering my mind. I tried to reassure Nix, pressing a sense of wellness into her mind through Damien.
Our journey finally ended as we reached the top of the mountain. The view from up here was incredible, and I took a second to enjoy it as we shifted and redressed.
“How are we supposed to locate the entrance?” Hiro queried, looking around for some sort of secret lever or blatant sign that announced the rebellion’s presence.
I was about to scoff when Nix shouted, “Over here!”
My magic pulsed and thrummed as I neared her location, reacting to the ward that was set in place, obscuring the door. The strongest need to retreat worked its way through me. “Do you feel that?” I asked the others.
“It’s them.” Nix bounced on her toes. “We made it!”
“How the hell do we get through it?” The slightest shimmer sparkled in the late afternoon light like a sheet of glass. The barrier had been erected perfectly. I didn’t sense any flaws. The craftsmanship was impeccable, but that only posed a greater challenge as I looked for a way to infiltrate the ward.
Before anyone could answer me, however, the rock beyond the ward gave way with a thunderous rumble and a man stepped from the secret doorway that opened.
“Welcome and thank you for coming!” With a wave of his hand, the barrier shifted, and the overwhelming need to turn around and go home eased away.
Guards up, just in case, Damien whispered into our minds, and I built my mental barrier brick by brick, shielding my thoughts from any mind readers who may live inside the mountain.
One by one, we filtered into a dark hallway, and my Puca hissed in my mind, disliking the confining quarters and the lack of sunlight.
After a short walk, however, the hallway yielded to a large, open room set up with monitors of various sizes. The sweet scent of coffee wafted toward me and I bit back a groan. If there was one thing I missed the most about being home, it was the Keurig. I wanted nothing more than a good cup of joe rather than the instant sludge Damien had packed.
“We saw another team on the mountain heading this way,” Damien informed the man who’d let us inside. “I’m glad to know we beat them here, but there’s no time. Are your people ready to go? We really must extract those who want to leave immediately, before the Council’s team finds you and attacks.” Urgency spilled into his words and he glanced around, taking in the surveillance room that was much too calm.
“Damien,” I drawled.
“How many women and children are there?” Nix inquired.
“And what are their ages? It’s a steep climb down, but of course you know that. Will any of them have any trouble or require any accommodations? A few of us can fly and we’d like to make sure we focus our attention first on anyone who isn’t able-bodied enough to climb.” Theo instructed as he stepped into the role of our leader. “I assume everyone has the proper winter gear?” Theo continued, firing questions at the smirking man.
“Guys,” I bit out with a bit more vigor. My tone finally did the trick and five sets of eyes landed on me. “Have you noticed that there’s no urgency, hell… no people even?”
Damien scowled and turned back to the man. “What’s going on?”
“We’re so very glad you made the trip!” The man gestured his fingers toward us all. “The rebellion leaders will be pleased to know that you made it to our door in record time. I’m River, and welcome to my outpost.”
I inhaled, catching hints of fire and ash. “Dragon?”
“Yes. Helps with the treacherous terrain.” He motioned to the monitors lining the walls that displayed the world outside their sanctuary.
“Where are the kids? The women?” Nix asked, propping her hands on her hips.
“Please don’t tell me this was just a test,” Ryder whined.
“No, it’s very much real, but you must understand. My leaders have never seen you perform as a team before. In addition to sending you all, they also sent another team. They beat you here, arriving at another of our doors just minutes before you arrived. They’ll be escorting the few women and children down the mountainside to safety. Our intel indicates that the Council’s cronies will be arriving by nightfall.”
“So there is an impending attack?” I questioned, trying to wrap my head around the entire situation. I wasn’t a trusting guy in the first place, and the rollercoasters the rebellion has sent us on, and the hoops they’d made us jump through, were wearing on me.
“Yes, otherwise we’d never have asked such a dangerous mission from you. The rebellion may want to test your strength, but they’d never knowingly risk your lives for no reason. Had you arrived before the other team, you would have been the ones entrusted to care for our wives and children.” River didn’t see the flaw in his explanation.
“Sending two teams is risking unnecessary lives.”
“Or perhaps it was the safest way to ensure success,” he challenged me with a raised brow. “Mt. Hunter is the most technical mountain to climb in the Alaska Range. Things happen to the best climbers on this mountain. Two teams are often sent out on the most important missions, son.”
I bristled, my Puca’s power tingling in my hands, ready to be released, and I opened my mouth to throw a retort River’s way.
“Killian,” Nix said, stopping me short. “It doesn’t matter.” Stepping up to me, she soothed a palm down my chest, causing the rumbling roar in my chest to downgrade to a purr. “All that matters is that the mission is complete. We made it to the top and the women and children are safe. We beat the Council. Focus on that.” I concentrated on her face, her pretty lips, the honesty and acceptance in her eyes. Lifting one of my hands, she pressed it to her mouth and planted a kiss in the center, right over my lifelines. “Now, tell your Puca to back down. I can feel his power vibrating across the room.”
I mentally reached for him, ready with his metaphorical leash, but he skated a burst of magic past me as I fastened him. Sparks popped then fizzled around us, causing Nix to giggle and shake her head at his antics.
“Does this mean we’ve failed the rebellion?” Hiro asked the hard question I knew was ruminating in the back of our minds. “Lost our place?”
“On the contrary.” River looked to each of us in turn. “Without your intel, we never would have been able to head off the Council’s latest attack and be as prepared as we are. Our families would be in greater danger. Your position within the rebellion was finalized before you ever left Anchorage.”
“So we did all this for nothing?” I shrugged my shoulders and gestured around. “My brothers nearly died, all for the rebellion’s twi
sted games?”
Hiro and Damien hissed at my bluntness, and Nix tensed in my arms. I worried my big mouth had run away with me and that the news of my blunder would make its way back to the rebellion, hindering our initiation status. Guilt rammed into my heart like a freight train unable to slow down and I gulped.
Instead, River seemed to understand. “I was once in your shoes myself, and I felt the same way. From the outside, the rebellion’s actions may be hard to understand, but heed my advice, they always have a purpose. If they sent you on this mission, there was a reason behind their decision. You may not be enlightened now, but someday you’ll look back on this moment and understand it. Besides, the idea that you were coming for our mates and our young ones was enough to give us strength as we made preparations. There was nothing feigned about that.”
I huffed but nodded my acknowledgement of what he said.
“Now then, how about we get you out of here before you’re embroiled in our battle.” River motioned to a box of provisions. “We’ve put this together for you to take with you. We don’t have many extra supplies, but what we have is yours. From a man whose mate and infant are among those we’re sending to safety, thank you for risking your lives for us.”
Damien and Theo exchanged handshakes with the leader, and received instructions that we should begin packing our bags. Once again, the rebellion would be in touch soon, the last time before we joined them.
As quickly as we’d been ushered indoors, we were escorted down the same long, dark hallway and back out into the elements.
Sidling up to me, Nix wrapped her arms around my waist. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, letting her scent calm the brewing storm inside of me. “I’m done with this cold. Let’s go home.”
Twenty-Three
Nix
Although tensions remained high, it was a relief to just be at home with each other, with no more trials hanging over our heads as we waited for the upcoming holidays. It would be my first Thanksgiving with an actual family, and I was anxious and excited. Rini had called, begging me to join her in some volunteer work she had planned, and I had happily assented, not having been able to spend much time with my friend over the past few weeks. Despite our frequent phone calls, there was so much we were unwilling to say without protection, and things often ended up feeling stilted and superficial.
Currently, my mates sprawled around me, relaxing in complete contentment after the final trial, enjoying the accomplishment of passing all of the rebellion’s tests. While we hadn’t ended up involved in the actual rescue mission, we had proven that we could work together, becoming assets in the rising revolution.
A smile tugged over my lips when an alert chirped on Theo’s phone.
“What now?” Ryder asked, weariness clear in his eyes. “Can’t we get a little time to rest?”
“It’s probably just Ciarán fucking with us,” Killian replied, trying to assure him, though by the press of his lips and the battle ready stance he held, I didn’t believe him.
“It’s my mom,” Damien answered in shock, staring at the picture on his phone in confusion before darting his eyes to Joshua. “It’s probably best if she doesn’t see you here. We don’t need too many questions about why you’re so chummy with your competition.” Joshua nodded, brushing a hand down my cheek before taking the stairs two at a time as he darted away without questioning the Gargoyle.
“Why would your mom be here?” I inquired, patting my hair to try and get it into some semblance of order.
He winced. “I may have cancelled dinner plans with her for tonight. Given the situation, I figured it was best for everyone to have a night at home. I had no idea she’d show up instead,” he explained, shrugging his shoulders as he headed for the door. “But be grateful it’s not my father.” Well, that was true.
“Damien,” Celine called cheerfully, as she stepped from her car. “Well, there’s one of the ones I’m looking for.” The rest of us spilled out onto the porch and her smile widened. “Hello, children!” She reached back into the car, tugging a large box out before she joined us. “I brought cookies,” she chirped, and received approving murmurs from my mates who happily took the box and darted back into the warm house.
“Mother,” Damien greeted, brushing a kiss over her cheek with a soft smile playing over his lips. “What brings you here?”
“Well, you haven’t been to visit me in ages. Why do you insist on constantly cancelling my plans?” she scolded, arching a brow at him. “I keep asking you to bring home a mate and you refuse. Now that you’re finally friends with a lovely young woman, I wanted some girl time. But you never bring her to see me, so I decided I would come over here and hijack her.”
“Mother,” Damien sighed, exasperation clear in his tone as Celine settled on the couch and he closed the door. “I’ve been friends with Rini and Molly for years. You could have girl time with them,” he challenged her.
“They have other women around all the time though,” Celine retorted, practically pouting. “They’re so close they’re nearly sisters, always together or with their mothers. I’m sure Nix understands what it’s like to be the only female in a horde of males. It’s enough to burn even the strongest of us out, isn’t that right, dear?” she asked me pointedly, and I turned wide, desperate eyes on Damien as I offered an agreeing murmur.
“I appreciate the cookies, Celine,” Theo interjected smoothly as he settled down across from us. “The Council’s been very specific about Nix’s schedule, and I’m sorry we haven’t insisted on taking time so she could visit you.”
Celine shot him a sharp look, and I bit my tongue as he ducked his head. “Try that again, Theodore. That may work on other adults, but not me. Firstly, I’m married to a Councilman. I’m very well aware of how they have set up Nix’s schedule, and she’s doing admirably,” she countered, giving me a proud look.
“Of course, Celine,” Hiro soothed, and she shot him an adoring smile.
“Your favorite are in there, Hiro,” she informed him, as she indicated the giant box.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he said with a smile. “The Council has been extremely serious, as I’m sure you’re aware, regarding her safety. Damien may have clung a little too tightly to that, but I assure you, he was merely doing his duty as a guardian.”
“He always does an amazing job,” she replied, shooting her son a fond look. “Now, why don’t you all take your cookies into the kitchen and give us a little privacy?” She waved her hand, shooing them away despite my desperate look. “You’ll still be close enough to chaperone, while we can have some time to remember what estrogen feels like in our bloodstream.”
She won’t leave until she gets her way, Damien stated, as he scampered into the kitchen in the wake of the others. We’ll be right here if you need us. I wished I could stick my tongue out at him, but turned my focus to the woman settling in next to me instead.
“Nix, I figured I’d come here in person and ensure that it wasn’t an exaggeration on my part when I spoke to you before the Gala.” She patted my knee gently, turning to face me easier. “I have always wanted a daughter. I know you lost your mother, and though I could never hope to replace her in any way, I implore you to please remember there’s always someone here if you need to talk. I’m sure all of this has been very confusing, and only hearing the male perspective on things may not give you the answers you need.”
“T-Thank you,” I stuttered out, completely confused.
“Between you and I, as much as Damien enjoys the ladies, I’m doubtful he’ll choose a mate. It’s too final. I won’t be around forever and have already given up the idea of grandbabies to help raise. Would you mind if I popped in from time to time? We could have coffee, if you like it, or maybe go shopping? I was so sad to have missed that shopping trip you took before the Gala,” Celine suggested quietly.
My heart bled a little as I considered her. While Damien had spoken fondly of his mother, it seemed that she was incredibly lonely. “I don’t wa
nt to interfere with your work, ma’am,” I told her softly.
“Oh, darling, I spend most of my time at home. There’s not much for a Council wife to do once the children are raised, you see. It’s expected that we’ll have a passel of children and that by the time the youngest is ready to leave, you’ll be helping to raise your grandchildren.” There was sadness in her eyes despite the soft smile decorating her lips. “I was never able to have more children. Damien is the single light of my life.” She sniffed and waved a hand in front of her face as if to clear away her emotional words. “So, you wouldn’t be interfering in the slightest.”
Panic raced through me, though I tried to breathe through it, hoping she wouldn’t be able to detect it. “That’d be nice,” I replied, trying to smile brightly. It wasn’t that I objected to the sweet woman across from me. If anything, I worried about my capacity to handle another person in my life who I had to keep secrets from, especially one who was desperate to have my affection. While I had overcome my blocks with Rini, it was still difficult for me to be around other females since I had so little experience in that regard.
“Very good,” she said, beaming. “Now, no more of this ma’am business, you can call me Celine as the boys do. It suits me best.” She winked. “Besides, if you and I grow close, I’ll be able to tell you all kinds of wonderfully embarrassing stories about your friends. Oh, and offer input on your mates if you’ll allow it!” She squeezed my hand as I gaped at her.
“Mother,” Damien interjected, stepping back into the room. “Father texted me. He’s searching for you. He was worried since you weren’t answering your phone.”
“Oh, that blasted thing never gets service,” Celine muttered with a dismissive wave, turning her focus back to me. “Nix, dear, I’m so sorry that today has to be a short visit.” She brushed a hand down my hair, tucking it behind my ear, and I thought I saw tears in her eyes. “Thank you for your compassion, sweetie. I’m sure there are plenty of things you would rather do in your days than spend them with me. I promise I won’t take up too much of your time. Just, please, call and check in. At least tell me what my own son is up to since he doesn’t bother,” she added on a glare, and he rubbed at the back of his neck. She leaned over to give me a hug. “I hope you don’t mind that I consider you my daughter now, sweetie. You mean something to Damien and those brothers of his, so you’re one of mine now too. I’ll never be your mother, but I really do hope I can be your friend.” She brushed a kiss over my cheek, the scent of vanilla remaining as she bustled to the door. “Damien, show me out please,” she ordered, blowing me a kiss before sliding out the door.
