Herme spoke with confidence, though his eyes beseeched forgiveness from her. Why? “Once Mick’s paternity was established, I got an idea. You and Conlon are bloodmates. I had your and Conlon's chemical biology compared. As expected, they aligned at ninety-seven percent—that's a normal finding between known bloodmates. Then I checked yours against the one on Mick we have on file … and found a ninety-two percent match. What you two felt in the breeding cage was the draw between bloodmates. Bloodmate compatibility and estrus pheromones probably put you both into rapture.”
A tick in Conlon’s jaw was the only reaction Stacey saw to the bombshell Herme had just dumped. Mick’s incredulous expression was far easier to read. “I don’t understand.”
“Hulven males aren't sterile. They have been incapable of procreation because the acidity of a female's ovum kills Hulven sperm before it can fertilize. Stacey's body chemistry nearly matches yours, including her acidity. Her body wouldn't destroy your seed, though it would kill that of any other Hulven male.” Herme paused giving Mick a chance to absorb somewhat. “Mick, this proves that Hulven males can have bloodmates ... families.”
Funny that Mick still didn’t look at Stacey but instead met Mattie’s gaze again. The Tellus gave him an encouraging smile but could not hide the pain etched on her face. Mick closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Stacey felt a little sick herself. Conlon’s expression was harder to gauge. He looked like a statue.
“How can I be both males’ bloodmate?” Stacey demanded. “I thought bloodmating was a fated gift of the universe, destined kind of shit.”
Finally, a smirk from Conlon, though it disappeared as quickly as it came. Innanna gave her an understanding look. “In the past, that is what Volaticus believed. People bloodmated even if they didn’t love … or sometimes like one another. Those couplings were rare, however. In nearly every bloodmating, the connection between the couples goes far beyond chemical and biological attraction. Love is ultimately what makes the unions work and last through the eons.”
Herme joined in the fun. Sucker. “Bloodmate compatibility ensures a couple can bond to each other on a far deeper level than any other type of bond. Bloodmated couples have a better chance of success and face less danger when and if they choose to have young. The bloodmate bond is a powerful manifestation, a force unto itself, and incomparable to any other. It blends two peoples living energies and psyches together.”
“That’s the scientific side of it,” Innanna continued. “The emotional side is just as important, if not more. I understand how difficult this concept is. I’ve been in your shoes. Everyone knows Gilgamesh is my bloodedmate. What they don’t know is that I was to be bloodmated to Eros Sicarius ten thousand years ago. The fall of Atlantis interrupted our nuptials. Back then we would have bonded, because that is what was expected of us. The problem was, Eros and I grew up like siblings. We didn’t love each other in that way. Just because you can have that bond with someone doesn’t mean you have to. You live in the age of choice, Stacey.” Innanna’s violet gaze held Stacey’s captive as she spoke. Stacey could feel Innanna’s ancient energy without even touching her.
Mick spoke up. “My father will do anything to kill me. Hurt anyone. You are in danger if Osiris finds out.”
Herme shook his head. “It’s not an ‘if’ he finds out. I'm not sure if Osiris’s prior interest in Stacey was coincidental or by design. Now he knows about the two of you … and Johnny.”
Conlon asked Stacey's question before she had a chance to, his voice low and threatening. “How?”
Herme looked pointedly at Conlon. “I fucked up. I trusted someone I shouldn't have, and now all the information I've shared with you is in the hands of our greatest enemy.”
“I give up my parental rights … I can do that, right? I can’t have a son. I can’t have a child. I don’t deserve one, especially one born of rape.” Even with Mattie trying to sooth him, Mick seemed trapped in some sort of tantrum.
Part of her knew it was based on his fear, but still Stacey's anger knew no bounds. “That’s it!” She peered into Mick's panicked eyes. “Are you freaking kidding me? We have a son. You have a son. Is this the legacy you want to leave Johnny, you stupid bastard? Much as you would like to convince yourself otherwise, our child was conceived in kindness … not violence. How could you lend me compassion and strength in that dark time only to force me to tell your son that his father was too big of a coward to raise him?”
Conlon gripped her shoulders. “Stacey …”
She shrugged him off. His touch had calmed her somewhat, but she was still livid. “I want you to be a part of Johnny’s life, but not if you don't get your shit together,” Stacey railed at the father of her child, unable to stop herself.
“The test must be wrong,” he stated in a hoarse voice. His further denial after what she’d said sent her over the edge again.
“Then you tell me, Mick, who else had a go at me? Did you open the floodgate after you were done? Because I sure as hell don't remember being raped, and the only consensual sex I had was with you.” Stacey rose to her feet, emphasizing her words by pointing her finger at Mick.
Mick stood on shaky legs with lines of strain around his lips. He shook his head at her. “You can’t possibly believe what you’re saying.”
“Mick, you didn't rape me. You saved me. I know … I was there.” He shook his head, his hands dropping to his sides and shoulders sagging.
What would it take for him to forgive himself? Out of ideas, she swung back and slapped him with everything in her. His face rocked to the side from the impact. Out of the corner of her eye, Stacey saw Conlon grab and restrain Mattie from protecting Mick. “Are you done being a jackass? You didn't rape me, Mick.” She could see in his eyes he still didn't believe her. Frustrated more than she could ever remember feeling in her entire life, Stacey heated a ball of air in her palm. “You want to be purged of your delusional sins?” She touched the heated ball to his forehead. He hissed but didn't pull away. “There, call it baptism by fire. I absolve you of your sins.” She put her hands on her hips.
If that didn’t work, Stacey was done trying. She could only do so much … if Mick was bound and determined to torture himself, so be it.
You can’t save people from themselves, Stacey. The best you can do is open a door of opportunity and hope they walk through it. Stacey heard the voice of her mother. Stacey’s best friend had gotten into drugs when they were sixteen. No matter what Stacey tried, her friend kept using … until she overdosed. Why Mick’s self-recriminations reminded her of that she had no idea, but it felt the same. Helpless. Hopeless.
Defeated, she softened her tone and tried one last time. “Herme is right. I was drawn to you before my estrus started.” She was encouraged when it seemed like he might actually be listening to her now. “If you were strong enough to leave your old life, shouldn't you be strong enough to leave your old life behind? Carrying it around with you isn't showing true strength. Be a father, Mick. We can raise Johnny together ... as friends and parents.” The bloodmate thing was moot. Her heart already belonged to Conlon.
“I’m a … father.” Mick seemed to bloom with the statement. Stacey nodded. “I have a son!” he shouted into the air.
Stacey was exhausted. She dropped into Conlon’s lap, pushing Mattie’s shoulder. “He needs you.”
Mattie lifted a brow and rose. Mick snatched her against his chest. “I have a son,” he muttered into Mattie’s neck. His gaze met Stacey’s gaze with such joy that a lump rose to her throat.
Conlon’s breath brushed her ear. “That was a hell of a tough-love approach. You’re amazing.”
Stacey felt completely drained by the whole experience. “Thank you.” She turned her cheek and snuggled into his chest.
Innanna and Herme rushed over to explain everything to the warriors, many of whom where Hulven males, before things got out of hand. The stunned explosion of chatter amongst the group was deafening. Stacey grinned when Innanna fluttered above the cr
owd and placed two fingers to her lips and let out an incredible stadium whistle. Her hands went to her tiny hips in annoyance as she hovered. Stacey wondered if Innanna would be willing to head one of her companies. “Commandant Einar.” Conlon’s brother Shane stepped forward. “Please ready your conference room and call in the SOSC leaders. We will have a meeting in ten minutes. Until then, no speculating my brothers and sisters.”
Chapter Nineteen
“You’re not concentrating,” Umbrae chastised, dodging to the side.
Stacey snapped to attention as the leaves of the tree behind where Umbrae just stood started to wither and smoke. So far today, she’d caught the grass on fire twice and scalded some poor guard who’d inadvertently walked into her line of sight.
Stacey tried to shake off her distraction again. “Sorry. I’m ready this time.”
A crack of thunder in the distance caught her attention. She spun to see Jess standing behind her with glowing green eyes. How many times would her friend have to siphon off Stacey’s out-of-control pyrokinesis? She could see Shane looking over at Jess with concern. Jess’s ability weakened her when she used it too much.
“Let us take a turn.” Eros had his arm over Aymee’s shoulder as Enlil took Umbrae’s hand, lifting it to his lips with a wink.
Stacey was more than a little intimidated by the two males—not that she wanted them to know that. “Hope you boys ate your Wheaties this morning.”
Aymee, Umbrae and Jess sat on the grass. Eros held his hands palm out to her and Stacey linked her fingers with him. The guy’s hands were ginormous. “Drop your shield completely, Stacey,” Eros instructed.
“What? Not only no … but hell no. I’m learning to build them” A flash of fear coursed through her.
Enlil set his hands to her shoulders from behind. “You need to know what control and shielding feel like. Drop your shields and relax,” Enlil demanded. These males weren’t taking no for an answer.
Stacey counted to three and closed her eyes, willing her mind to follow their instructions. With the sound of flesh hitting flesh and a grunt, Enlil’s hands vanished. Eros began to laugh and dropped her hands. Stacey looked back to see Conlon and Enlil throwing blows on the ground.
“Conlon, what the hell are you doing?” she shouted. It was like he didn’t even hear her. Eros crossed his arms and watched casually. “Aren’t you going to stop them?”
“Nope. It’s better if the kid gets it out of his system.” Eros lifted the side of his lip amused. “If you two were already bloodmated, this wouldn’t happen.”
Suddenly Conlon dropped to the grass, unconscious. Umbrae shimmered into view. Rage rolled through Stacey unlike anything she had ever felt. She lunged at her friend. Eros casually caught her by the shoulder, halting her. “Let go.” She struggled against the gentle but iron grip.
Umbrae gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry, Stacey. He’s not hurt, I just boxed his ears. Finish your lesson with Enlil and Eros before he wakes up all feral again.”
Part of Stacey still wanted to kick Umbrae’s ass … yeah, right, as if she could, NOT. Was this what Conlon felt seeing Enlil and Eros touching her? Shit. Determined, Stacey resumed the position with fingers linked to Eros and Enlil’s hands on her shoulder. She needed to get control now more than ever. Conlon needed her.
With her shield down, she felt the powerful ancient and the male who was damn close to an ancient slide into her psyche. Enlil gripped her ability and Stacey felt fireballs shoot from her straight up into the air harmlessly. The pounding pressure of energy she constantly felt eased and then she felt like a steel cage clamped around her mind. Impenetrable, a calm sense of safety bloomed in her.
The two males released her and the instant flow of energy and chaos rushed back in. This time when Stacey lifted her mental shields, they were stronger. She tried to duplicate the relieving balls of fire, but instead of shooting harmlessly into the air overhead, they spiraled out in every direction, sending people squealing and dodging them. Instead of being mad, most people just chuckled and shook their heads before going right back to what they were doing.
“Shit, shit, shit, I’ll never get it.” Stacey sat and lifted Conlon head to her lap, absently running her fingers through his hair.
Jess stepped over and used her dentes to puncture her wrist, then moved to place the wound over Conlon’s mouth. Stacey felt the rumble of a growl in her chest. What the hell was happening to her? She grabbed Jess’s forearm.
Jess grinned. “Chickie, you two need to mate already before you both end up committed to the nut hut. He’s my brother-in-law, for hell’s sakes. Family. I already have a bond to him.”
Stacey released her friend and watched Conlon’s dentes slide into her friend’s wrist with envy. His eyes snapped open and clashed with hers. Her soul cried out for him. It was like Herme’s announcement about Mick and Stacey’s compatibility had made Conlon withdraw from discussing bloodmating. He hadn’t mentioned it since that day. Of course, neither had Stacey, but still …
Mattie staggered toward her. “Stacey, I need to talk to you.”
Conlon sealed Jess’s wrist. Reaching up, he gripped the back of Stacy’s head and pulled her face to his. His lips took hers with so much need, she forgot where she was. Tongue’s tangled …
“Stacey, please,” Mattie cried.
Conlon’s grip lifted. “I’m fucking dying, Stacey,” he whispered. She knew exactly what he meant. Felt the same way.
“ME, TOO,” Mattie snapped and dropped to sit next to her with knees to her chest, rocking.
Conlon stood and leaned to her cheek. “Later?” She nodded enthusiastically. He rubbed the top of Mattie’s head and wandered off. Everyone else had already left … probably to give Stacey and Conlon privacy.
“Your timing sucks. What’s up?” Stacey muttered to the tortured Tellus.
****
Johnny’s laughter lilted to him from the playground. The first time Mick heard it, he recognized it from the vision Innanna had shared with him at Meshy Hell. Just the simple sound of his son’s happiness made Mick’s entire day. Johnny was more than his child … he was a chance for Mick to make amends for horrible things done in the name of Osiris. He’d raise Johnny with love, duty, honor, integrity, and a strong sense of right and wrong. When combined with Stacey’s fiery, intelligent determination and financial stability, his son had opportunities that would have been inconceivable to Mick five years ago.
Sure, Mick had a job and lived under the blanket of the Symbiosis of Species Council. The fact that Mick, personally, was impoverished hadn’t bothered him. He’d never had his own money. When he needed it in the field, Osiris had supplied it. Many of his older brothers had compounds of their own away from Osiris’s, yet all had been financially paid for by Osiris. Ten had always been content to live with the other soldiers and guards wherever he’d been sent. Now the SOSC supplied his employment, shelter, food … everything.
He spoke six languages fluently, could hold his own with several more, which didn’t mean he could read and write very well in any of them. Stacey recommended he enroll in some business management courses between his work schedule and time spent with Johnny. If not for yourself, do it for Johnny. Someday Winkel Holdings will fall to his shoulders. His father’s support will be invaluable to him, trust me. His classes would be starting next week, and Stacey had hired Mick a tutor. How do you thank a female who asks nothing and gives everything?
If he had not already fallen in love with Mattie, he might have considered challenging Conlon. Stacey and Conlon were a good match, plus Conlon was terrific with Johnny and Mick. He couldn’t imagine why Stacey and Conlon hadn’t bloodmated yet.
A few times when Mick had found himself flustered with his son, it was Conlon who came to help him understand what to do. Conlon had taught Mick how to properly hold Johnny so his son could practice flight, how to encourage Johnny to go down the slide. Umbrae’s children had toy weapons made in the old way by hand. Johnny wanted one too
. Enlil and Eros both offered, but Mick really wanted to make the gift himself. Without him asking, Conlon knocked on Mick’s door at two in the morning.
“Come on.”
“Where are we going? Is Johnny okay?” Mick stumbled behind the big warrior, trying to dress.
When he stepped into the fully equipped metal and wood working shop, Mick felt completely overwhelmed. Conlon spent hours helping Mick not only learn to make a child-sized sword, but also adding the loving details—working the leather for the scabbard and smelt-molding the buckles. By late morning they emerged with Mick clutching his son’s gift.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Conlon.”
Conlon just shrugged. “We’ll work on daggers, slingshots, and others over time.”
Mick knew the answer would torture him, yet he asked the question anyway. “How did you learn?”
“My father and brother Gregor; in turn, we taught Shane. Miguel had no inclination for weaponry. Back then there were no power tools to aid the process. It took days, sometimes months to do what you did in a night.” Mick wished he’d grown up an Einar, instead of being Ten; the number/name meant nothing.
As if he could read Mick’s mind, Conlon stopped walking and turned to meet Mick’s saddened gaze. “You are not your father, Mick. It’s okay that you are learning as you go. The Hulven males will all have to face the same thing. None of them were raised Elven, none of them were born with the traits and instincts we have. Believe it or not, Stacey struggles with many of the same things. Becoming into Volaticus traits and psychic abilities in your twenties is not the same as being born with them. You’re Hulven brethren are looking to you for example; I for one am impressed with your fatherhood strides. If you doubt me, look deeply into Johnny’s eyes—he admires you, he loves you. That’s all any father can hope for.” That was the most he’d ever heard Conlon speak … to anyone. Except maybe Stacey.
Fire's Touch (The Enlightened Species Book Three) Page 18
