“We’re making progress, I see,” Kellan’s voice interrupted the quiet stillness. Quinn caught a whiff of jasmine and honeysuckle, and she grinned. It had been two weeks since Kellan and Freya had returned with baby Sage and Kellan had been spending so much time with the child that her sweet scent clung to him permanently.
“He’s always been sweet on me,” she teased, watching as Primera bucked his rump once before disappearing into the trees.
“Hmmm,” Kellan cocked a blond eyebrow at her, “I thought perhaps it had something to do with your being ‘her royal highness’ and all that.”
“Don’t even start,” Quinn warned. “The wedding is only next week and if you start addressing me as ‘your majesty’ I’ll have you thrown out of the City.”
Kellan laughed, the sound carrying across the courtyard and to the newly-repaired Cathedral doors where Drake stood watching her. As Quinn caught sight of him he smiled – the same smug smile he had given her the first time they met.
With Wintyr’s help, Drake had already restored the City’s enchantments and the air crackled with the full power of the Fae magic that coursed through Summerfeld. It was surreal to watch the Fae using their magic, but Quinn could see how they glowed with vitality and pure energy. Evangeline had been proof that magic should not be contained.
“How are the merfolk doing?” Quinn asked, clearing her throat and turning away from the heat of Drake’s gaze.
“They have recovered well,” Kellan replied. “The elders are still deliberating, but, with any luck, a new king will be appointed soon.”
It was only after Drake had magically siphoned the poison from Lake Avalon that the merfolk had surfaced and Daniel had informed them of the death of the mer-king who had ruled since she and Avery were children. None of the merfolk could explain why he had left the safety of the caves, but Quinn suspected he had been trying to issue a warning to the Guardians or seek help. Now she would never truly know, but, thanks to Drake, the rest of the clan would survive.
“Avery says that there’s been no new mention of any dragons on the internet for a few days, too.” Quinn still struggled to accept that Piper was gone, but Avery had been the logical replacement for her duties. Avery had always had a natural flair for technology. The Saurean she had seen in the woods had returned to the City less than twenty-four hours after the fighting had ceased, and more had arrived every day since. Kellan answered her statement, but Quinn didn’t hear what he said because Drake had started to make his way over to them. Her heart stuttered in her chest as he approached.
“Kellan,” Drake nodded in greeting, his green eyes never leaving Quinn’s face.
“Drake,” Kellan mirrored the action, his knowing grin still firmly in place. “It’s looking good.” He gestured at the Cathedral which towered above them. Hardly any trace of the damage Aleksei had wreaked remained. The Fae had restored the building to its former glory, save for one very important detail which Drake had insisted upon. The statue of King Eldon had not been mended. It was a symbol of the old ways and Drake was determined to rule differently.
“Thanks,” Drake acknowledged Kellan’s compliment, “but I didn’t do it alone.” Then, holding out his hand to Quinn, “walk with me?”
They made their way to the cornflower field, content simply to be together in the moment.
“How are you doing?” Drake asked eventually.
“You asked me that this morning.”
“I remember,” his tone was playful. “If I recall, you were naked in my bed at the time, so you might not have had all your wits about you.”
Quinn laughed. “You’ve become quite arrogant since your coronation.”
“I’ve always been arrogant,” he reminded, and then, turning serious once more, “you are okay, though? I know you’ve had a lot to deal with. And I know you’re missing your dad.”
The day after the battle Channon had asked permission for her and Rafe to leave the City, to try and search for any wolves who might remain in man’s realm. Drake had obliged, but he had insisted that a Guardian accompany them and Braddon had been only too happy to volunteer. “He’ll be back soon,” Quinn insisted. “He promised to walk me down the aisle.”
“Speaking of the wedding,” Drake drawled, “Lenora’s insisted on being involved in the planning.”
“Of course she has,” Quinn smiled. Lenora was the only vampire who had opted to stay when the others departed the City. It was too tempting for them to be around the wards and Drake had made it very clear that any vampire who acted on his or her craving would be executed immediately. Fair he might be, he was still Aleksei’s grandson and was as vicious as he was just.
“Avery’s not thrilled with being demoted, but at least they agree that Ava will be the flower girl.”
“Knowing Ava we’ll have flowers all over the Cathedral floor.”
“And Jack will probably lose the rings,” Drake agreed.
Quinn laughed. “Between Avery and Camille I’m sure they can keep the twins in line.”
Camille had returned as a full Guardian, but she still spent most of her time fretting over Monique and Avery had enlisted her help with the twins to keep her mind off her headstrong daughter. Monique was spending most of her time up on the mountains visiting the hatchlings, which had been restored to independence of sorts, with Jonas in tow. As fond as she was of Jonas, Camille didn’t feel it was proper for the two youngsters to be left alone to their own devices for any extended period of time. Jack and Ava were the perfect distraction.
“You’re not getting cold feet are you?” Drake asked and Quinn stepped closer to him, feeling the tingle of energy emanating from him. Lifting herself up onto her toes she kissed his mouth, feeling the familiar fire bloom in the pit of her stomach, despite the chill of the evening.
“Not a chance,” she murmured.
“Good,” Drake brushed her lips again. “Because I would hate for one of my first orders as king to be forcing you to marry me against your will.”
Hand-in-hand they walked slowly back to the Cathedral. A few yards from the door, Drake stopped, pulling Quinn up short. All the light seemed to have drained from him and his posture stiffened, as though he was anticipating trouble.
“What is it?” Quinn asked.
“We have company.” He strode inside and Quinn followed. At the same time, the main doors on the opposite side of the Cathedral opened and a tall vampire stepped over the threshold.
“Roberto,” Drake greeted the vampire familiarly, although Quinn could sense his wariness. “What are you doing here?”
“Sire,” he bowed low to Drake, his eyes black in the dim light. “I came to pay my respects in person.” He moved forward with lithe grace, a supercilious smirk showing the pointed tips of his fangs. “Who would have thought, Drake?” he chuckled, suddenly, and threw his arms around Drake, clapping his hand over the taut muscles of Drake’s shoulder.
“Who indeed,” Drake replied dryly. “Quinn,” he pulled her forward, “this is Roberto. Roberto, meet Quinn, my fiancée.”
“Robert, please,” the vampire groaned, lifting Quinn’s hand and planting an exaggerated kiss on the curve of her fingers. “I haven’t gone by Roberto since the 1800s.”
“Robert,” Quinn complied, fighting a century’s instinct to dislike this man simply because he was a vampire. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“So,” Robert turned back to Drake, “what shall I call you? My Lord, my Liege... or do you prefer the Fae endearment, Highness?”
“Drake is just fine,” Drake replied lightly and Quinn began to relax.
“Drake,” Robert nodded, appeased, and then, gazing around the Cathedral curiously, “would you do me the honour of granting me a tour?”
“Of course,” Drake replied, turning back the way he and Quinn had just come. Since vampires were no longer forbidden to enter the City, Drake had not restored the Gateway. The portal served as protection from mankind, but Cliffdale was no longer a separate realm fr
om Summerfeld.
“I’ll see you at home,” Quinn murmured. Judging by their banter, Roberto was obviously a very old friend of Drake’s and she didn’t want to intrude on their reunion.
“No,” Drake’s voice was a low growl and the hair on Quinn’s neck prickled. His fists clenched as he faced Roberto again, his green eyes narrowed. Quinn didn’t understand his behaviour. Nothing about Roberto’s actions suggested duplicity.
“Why are you really here, Roberto?” Drake asked suddenly. His body was coiled tight as a snake about to strike.
To his credit, Roberto seemed unfazed. “I told you,” he replied easily, “I wanted to see for myself how far my old friend had come.” Nothing about his demeanour suggested deceit but even as Quinn’s shoulder began to relax a low growl emanated from deep in Drake’s chest.
“Drake...” Quinn hesitated.
“Bullshit,” Drake hissed at Roberto. “I’ll give you one more chance to tell me what you’re really doing here.”
Even Roberto couldn’t ignore the glow that illuminated Drake’s fingertips and he heaved a deep sigh, squaring his shoulders. “So it’s true then,” he snarled, “you are what they say. I would never have believed a vampire with your promise could be nothing but a half-breed, living among the Fae and betrothed to a Guardian, of all things,” Roberto hissed in Quinn’s direction. Drake said nothing but he had moved, subtly, positioning himself between Roberto and Quinn.
“Drake?” Quinn tried to steady her breathing, wondering if anyone else was inside the Cathedral. Her instinct to protect the wards was as strong as ever, but she only hoped that everyone had left for the day.
“You should go,” Drake told Roberto, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Go?” Roberto scoffed, dropping all pretenses. “Why would I leave when I haven’t got what I came for?”
“You will not harm anyone here,” Drake warned. “The Quest is over, Roberto. I decreed it so.”
“You decreed it?” Roberto’s voice rose hysterically. “You’ve gone soft, Drake. You are not worthy of ruling our people – you’re not even one of us.”
“How many are out there?” Drake asked calmly. “How many did you bring to stand against me?”
Roberto smirked, tight-lipped. He wouldn’t give up the information, Quinn realised, but the fact that there were vampires in the vicinity who would oppose Drake made her blood curdle in her veins. Involuntarily, she stepped forward, the magic in her tattoo willing her to protect Drake.
“Stay back, Quinn,” Drake told her calmly. “Roberto,” he sighed, sounding bored. “You have always been an idiot, but, even so, I never expected you were quite this stupid.”
The words were so serenely spoken that even Quinn didn’t anticipate Drake’s next move. Without warning, he lifted his hand and curled his fingers into a fist, bringing Roberto to his knees. The vampire glared up at Drake, but he was powerless to move.
“Have you fallen so far that you need magic to subdue me?” he hissed through clenched teeth. Drake smiled, opening his hand, and sprang forward, leaping onto Roberto’s chest. His long fingers gripped Roberto by the throat and he slowly pushed the vampire to the ground, so that his nose barely grazed the marble floor.
“I do not need magic to subdue you,” Drake growled, his fangs fully extended. He tightened his grip and Roberto’s fingers scrabbled ineffectually at his hands, his eyes bulging. Only when Roberto had given up, and his shoulders slumped, did Drake release him. He took a few gasping breaths, his hands rising to rub at his bruised neck. “I could kill you for defying me,” Drake murmured softly. “I am your king, Robert and I will not tolerate disobedience.”
“You believe you are more powerful than Aleksei?” Roberto wheezed.
“It doesn’t matter what I believe,” Drake replied. “What matters is that you leave this place and never return. I will allow you to live, this time. Do not test me again.” With the slightest movement of his hand, Drake shattered the bones in Roberto’s hand. The vampire screeched in pain, backing away from Drake as he did so.
“Go!” Drake roared, his voice magnified with the raw power of his magic. “Get out and tell anyone who would rally against me to do their worst. A few dead vampires are a small price to pay for peace.”
“You would kill your own kind?” Roberto mumbled, horror-struck, but Quinn noticed that he had lost much of his bravado.
Drake shrugged. “If that’s what it takes.”
“We should prepare the others,” Quinn said, as soon as Roberto had scuttled out of the Cathedral. She followed Drake to the doors, watching as Roberto made his way up the dirt road and moving closer to him.
“There’s no need,” Drake reassured her, “there’s no one out there.”
“But Roberto...”
“Was acting alone,” Drake finished. “I can sense them and there’s no one else out there. You have nothing to fear from my people, Quinn, they’re mostly good, but there will always be the occasional exception to the rule. Roberto was one such exception.”
Quinn thought of Caleb and how, until he had arrived in Summerfeld, she had believed that all werewolves were worthy of her protection and she had to concede that he was right.
“You’re sure there aren’t any others?”
Drake smiled, tapping his temple. “I’m sure,” he said.
Roberto paused at the crest of the hill, turning back to survey the sight that he had coveted for so long. From his vantage point he could see the entire City stretched below him. As they watched, Quinn took Drake’s hand.
“It’s really over?” she asked quietly.
“It’ll never be over,” Drake corrected, squeezing her fingers.
“How do we ensure peace?”
“We simply demand it,” Drake replied, “for we are the Guardians.”
“The Guardians of Summerfeld,” Quinn smiled, knowing she was finally, truly exactly where she belonged.
About The Author
Melissa Delport graduated from the University of South Africa with a degree in English Literature and now lives with her husband and three children in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. She is the author of The Legacy Trilogy, The Traveler and Rainfall.
For more information visit www.melissadelport.com
A Note from the Author
Thank you for taking the time to read the Guardians of Summerfeld series. I can only hope that you enjoyed reading it half as much as I enjoyed writing it. While Quinn’s journey must come to an end, I am hard at work on my next book and can’t wait to share it with you all.
If you would take the time to leave a review on Amazon I would be truly grateful!
Guardians of Summerfeld: Full Series: Books 1-4 Page 103
