Breaking Out

by Gayle Parness

  “The blood agreement must be adhered to. Do you want the fae army attacking us?”

  “He’s turned his back on his Fae heritage.”

  “That’s a lie,” I shouted.

  “I can kill you, child, for your traitorous words.”

  “And then Charlie will come with his army.” Tellek didn’t know that Charlie would never come here to help me out. He didn’t even know where “here” was. But Tellek was looking a little unsure, so my bluff might have worked. Yay me.

  “We’re meeting the Catalina wolves tomorrow.” I snapped. It irritated me that Tellek thought Charlie would be easy to force into submission. He might be young, but he was no dummy, his latest stipulation was a perfect example.

  Mentioning the wolves put Tellek in an even fouler mood. When would I learn to filter myself? He moved toward me, his heavy body forcing me backward against the colorful tapestry that covered the wall of stone. His three hundred pound body pinned me in place, a hand on each side of my head.

  “You’re allowing him to take you to the wolves?”

  “What can I do? He won’t let me out of his sight, except to come here.”

  The slap was a wake-up call, a reminder of who was in charge and who must submit. Unfortunately Tellek wasn’t finished. He nuzzled my neck, which was so much worse than the blow. I trembled, the knot in my stomach threatening to rise up. “You’re a lovely young thing, almost ready for mating. I could ask for a favor from the chieftain. I’m certain our lord and master has picked someone out for you, but he might be convinced to change his mind. I’ve served him well.”

  “I have a better chance of conceiving with a younger male.” I was holding back tears, rubbing my cheek.

  He grasped my throbbing face in one hand, bruising my jaw with the force of his fingers. “You are my servant. Never forget it. If you are mated to another, you will still service me, do you understand?”

  He laughed at my horror-filled expression. “Go back to your young fae. Tell him we agree to his terms. Let him feel confident.” He walked to the large archway, the flat of his hand resting on the ancient stone. He didn’t turn around. “Tomorrow you may go to the wolves, but beware of the alpha female. She may have the skill to see you as you are.” He strolled through the opening, leaving me alone to mourn my future.

  I wouldn’t submit to him. I would die first.

  CHARLIE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  We found her sitting on a low wall in the parking lot of a pancake joint, her backpack by her feet. Samson sniffed her knees. “Going somewhere?” I asked. It had taken us a while to find her, but I’d dropped the anger the minute I saw her so wrung out. She looked about as dejected as a kid could look, alone in a parking lot full of happy families going inside to eat. All she needed was a Tiny Tim cap and some fingerless gloves.

  “How did you find me? And you better not say the word fae or prince.” Her hoodie was pulled up, hiding her face. She sounded rough, like she’d been crying.

  I sat down beside her. “Grizzlies and cheetahs are good trackers.”

  “And vicious killers.” She pulled on the hood to hide more of her face.

  Jay sat on her other side, nudging her shoulder. “C’mon Ariel, what’s up? You starting to hate our company so much you’d rather hitchhike to…” she was near a highway heading east, ”…Lancaster? Not much but desert out that way.”

  “I was thinking Tahoe,” she mumbled.

  “You’d need to take 101 North. Then cut over…”

  “Tell us what happened,” I urged, rubbing her back the way my dad used to rub mine when I was a kid.

  “I can’t.”

  When she’d shaken her head, the hood had moved. “Holy shit. Who hit you?” I lifted the edge to get a better look, but she twisted away.

  “I walked into a wall.” I grunted in frustration, making the messed up aura gesture. “You look like a crazy person when you do that,” she snapped.

  “Yeah? Well you’re being stupid. You have two friends here.” Samson whined. “Three friends. Time to trust us and stop lying.”

  “Are we…friends?”

  “Yes, of course.“

  She wrapped her arms around her middle. “You know what happened last time I tried to talk.”

  “I relieved the pressure. It should work.”

  “Hmph. Should.” She tossed her head, wincing. “I should not have moved my head so fast. Ow.”

  “There’s always the ocean.” Jay piped in.

  “I can’t go back there, ever.”

  “The bathtub?” He suggested, adding a mischievous wink.

  The corner of her mouth turned up, then twisted into a grimace. She rubbed her cheek. “I can’t even smile.” She glared at Jay. “Don’t you dare make me laugh.”

  I needed to distract her so I could sneak her some of my magic. “Why’re you able to stay out of the water when the rest of your race can’t?” I touched her arm oh-so-gently, sending her my healing energy, keeping it subtle. Right now Ivy was feeling vulnerable and pissed off about it, probably not in the mood to be handled by a male, even one with good intentions.

  “My mother was human. I’m able to live on land.”

  “But you love the sea.” I pulled down her hood, and lifted her chin, getting a good look at her injury. I heard a soft growl and looked up. The rage in Jay’s eyes stunned me.

  “I’ll fucking kill this guy,” he sent.

  “Calm down. You’re not helping. I need to concentrate.”

  “I can reboot in a lake and the bathtub helps, but the sea is best.” She kept talking, not realizing we were discussing her. “Tellek won’t come to the marina, but he’ll appear on the boat once we’re a mile out. He’ll be in his element, able to summon magic you know nothing about.“ She touched Jay’s sleeve. “Don’t anger him, please.” When their gazes met they both looked away. “I don’t want to lose my only friends.”

  She tentatively touched her cheek, pressing lightly. The bruises had healed beautifully. “Is it gone?” I nodded and smiled. “I’d heard you were a healer, but I didn’t know you were this good. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Feel up for some pancakes?”

  “Sure.” She smiled full out, leaning over to pet Samson. “You want pancakes too, Monster?”

  Samson barked, wiggling his excuse for a tail, his entire rear dancing on the asphalt. Too bad we had to tie him outside.

  After getting a table, Jay reached for a menu. “You’re not eating again are you?” I asked. It had only been a couple of hours since we’d each scarfed down two bagels with cream cheese. When we hadn’t found Ivy, we’d given Samson the leftovers.

  “Growing bear here.”

  “Man, if you grow any wider, you’re gonna have to sit alone in the back seat.”

  “Cool. I can be the most annoying back seat driver in California.”

  “You already are.” I pointed out.

  “You drive like an old lady,” Jay mumbled.

  “I do not.”

  Jay turned to Ivy. “All a pedestrian has to do is think about crossing the street, and he’s already stopped.”

  “It’s the law.”

  “Yeah, when they’re actually stepping off the curb, it’s the law. Not when they’re still ten feet away.”

  “I’m not used to driving around so many people.”

  “I told you I’d drive.”

  “I’m not ready to bail you out of jail for reckless driving.”

  “I wouldn’t run anyone over. I’d honk to give them fair warning.”

  The server showed up. “Coffee?” We nodded. She filled our cups and left the carafe. “Do you know what you want?” she asked.

  “French toast and bacon, please.” Ivy said.

  “Just french toast.” I figured I could give the extra to Samson, who at the moment was unhappily staring at us through the window.

  Jay handed the server all three menus. “The same, with extra bacon. Thanks.” She left, hurrying to
put in the order.

  “You’re like one of those hobbits who eats a second breakfast and then an elevensies and a lunch and an after-lunch snack and…”

  “I’ll go for a run,” Jay growled.

  I gave my own stomach a glance. “Both of us.”

  Ivy’s smile was weak, her mind obviously on something else. When she lifted her head and looked across the table, I knew she’d made up her mind to be honest. “The chieftain wants you as an ally.”

  Jay was playing with his spoon, spinning it around on the table. “Funny way to go about it.”

  “Tellek wants something else. He says he wants you dead, but…I don’t see how he could kill you and not have a bunch of fae up his ass.”

  I rubbed my face. I was beat. “I know what he wants. My blood’s powerful. He wouldn’t have to kill me to use my blood.”

  “That makes sense. He’s into working spells and stuff.”

  “Who’s giving your people trouble?”

  “Recently, the wolves.”

  “The ones we’re seeing tomorrow?” Jay asked.

  “Yes. They’ve taken over territory on the Island that has always been ours. They’ve recently build a wall to keep us on a small peninsula.”

  “Wait, you don’t live in the sea?” Jay asked, sitting up and taking notice.

  “We do, in an underwater grotto with a dome. But we also have an estate on Catalina and others on Santa Barbara, San Nicolas and San Clemente Islands. We need space on land to run.

  Jay went back to his spooning around. “I’ve been to Catalina a bunch of times. There’s no hidden estate there. And there’s definitely no peninsula.” The spoon kept banging into his coffee cup.

  I slammed my hand down on top of his. “That’s annoying. You’re my second. You should be listening to Ivy. She’s giving up info.”

  “Okay boss.”

  “We’re able to keep our territory hidden with magic.” She tossed her head with pride. “My race is ancient and powerful.”

  Her renewed confidence brought her magical energy bubbling to the surface, cool with warm streaks, like wandering ocean currents. “Who are your people?” I asked, hoping for a real answer this time.

  “Mermaids, right?” Jay smirked and lifted his hands to his chest. “Do you wear those seashells…”

  “No, Yogi, not mermaids.” She scowled. “Charlie and I are trying to have a serious conversation. Go out and play with Boo Boo.” She pointed at Samson.

  Jay started to cough, clutching at his heart. “She made a joke. I might pass out.”

  Our food arrived, the server asking Jay if he needed a doctor.

  “I choked on my coffee. Nothing to worry about.”

  When she left we cracked up, trying to keep the laughter as quiet as possible so they didn’t kick us out. Even Ivy joined in.

  “So then what?” Jay asked, happy that he’d gotten her to laugh.

  “My race is hard to explain to those who haven’t seen us. Our history is connected with the ancient fae.”

  “It’s getting late. After breakfast, we’ll be heading out. Maybe you can show us later?”

  “Maybe.” She dug into her food, with great enthusiasm. My healing energy had helped and it made me feel really good. Guess Mom was right.

  IVY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Charlie had chartered a boat to take us out to the Island, handing over one of those platinum credit cards. The captain was friendly and offered us snacks and sodas, leaving us alone to soak up some sunshine. I sat in a spot where the spray from the ocean hit my face, a refreshing reboot.

  “Why don’t you just rent a boat you can pilot yourself?” Jay asked. He’d stacked three bags of chips on the seat next to him. “You have your license.” He ripped into the first bag. Fortunately, the engine noise would kill the sound of crunching.

  When he saw my puzzled look, Charlie explained, “I can handle my dad’s sailboat, but I don’t know the waters around here. I’d need to study the charts and that would take time we don’t have.”

  “Why don’t you take the lines?” I asked, watching in horror as Jay crumpled the now empty bag, making a motion to throw it in the ocean. At the last second he turned back to me, mouthing, “Psych.”

  Charlie was still explaining. “I’d rather not use energy I might need later. We can always hop on the lines going back if we have to leave quickly.”

  Charlie was nothing like Jay. He was conservative, careful. Most young males liked to show off, but not Charlie. When he didn’t have to make a split second decision, he took the time to evaluate the best course of action. And when there was an emergency, he was calm and in control, giving clear instructions.

  He was the perfect choice to lead an army, or at least he would be when the time came—if the time came. Like him, I hoped it never came.

  He was watching me. “What?” He was always watching me, a particularly annoying habit, IMHO.

  “Will the wolves know what you are?” he asked.

  Good question. “Tellek warned me about the alpha female. She’s got game.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “He used those words?”

  “Pfft. We don’t speak in English when we’re alone.”

  “Can I hear an example of your language?”

  When I’d researched his abilities I’d read in several places that he was an ace with languages. I told the truth, managing to put him off. “The boat engine would drown me out. Also it’s tougher in this form.” I pointed to my vocal chords. Both true. “In human form, my people would speak fae around you.”

  He nodded, looking thoughtful. “On the island, I’ll deal with the wolves. Think you can handle being my assistant?”

  “I don’t have a degree from Stanford, so I guess not,” I snapped.

  He laughed and held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry. Dumb question. Just take notes. If you have comments or questions you think I should ask, write them down and show me. The less they notice you the better. I’ll do all the talking.”

  “What about me?” Jay was on his last bag of chips.

  “You’re the chief assassin.” I suggested.

  “What?”

  “Don’t all private investigators have guys they call in to do the dirty work?”

  “You’re thinking of mob bosses.” Jay replied. “Like Luca Brazzi, the guy who makes his victims swim with the fishes.” His eyes widened. “That’s kind of appropriate if you think about it.”

  “Focus, Jay. You’re my science/tech guru. Your job is to take care of collecting and analyzing the data.”

  “Hey, I wanna be that person,” I grumbled.

  Jay put his feet up on the bench he sprawled on. “It might interest you to know, Mysterious Sea Creature, that my dad, Kyle, does lab analysis for cases he works on with Charlie’s mom and dad. I’ve helped him out in his lab dozens of times. “

  “Yeah?” I looked to Charlie for confirmation. He nodded.

  Jay sat up, turning to Charlie, all business-mode. “We need equipment, Char.”

  “No kidding. It’s time to give Uncle Aaron another update.”

  “You taking money from your relatives?” I asked.

  “I’ll be paying back every penny, with interest. He’s helping me out with seed money so I can get started.”

  “I thought rich uncles were a myth.”

  “More of a trope.” Jay said.

  “Oh.” Now I was more confused than ever. Charlie and Jay were laughing. Guy-speak—ugh.

  The island had been visible for the last half hour, but now the dock came into view. It wasn’t the usual touristy dock in the middle of town. Nope, this one was smack on the edge of territory belonging to the Catalina wolves. I sank down in my seat. This could get dicey.

  CHARLIE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Mr. Cuvier. So happy to see you again.” She was dressed in another business suit, this one a dark gray.

  Guess she’d done her homework. Still, I was surprised that she’
d used my real name in front of several unfamiliar members of her pack. I sent to Jay, “You and I have been outed. Don’t bother using your fake last name. Keep Ivy under wraps.”

  “Copy.”

  “Ms. Turner.” I held out my hand, smiling in the professional way I’d practiced in front of the mirror, adding just a touch of Charisma, a kind of glamour Isaiah had helped me practice. I wasn’t hurting anyone when I used it. In this case I was just encouraging her to feel comfortable around me. Less suspicious. Her hand was cool and soft, yet firm, her handshake speaking of power and confidence.

  “May I call you Charles?” I nodded. She smiled. “Welcome to our packlands, Mr. Bain.” She extended her hand to Jay.

  “Thank you, Ms. Turner.” Jay turned to the others, nodding a greeting. “Ladies, Gentlemen.” The three females and four males in the party smiled back. Jay might seem like a goof ball around me, but in these situations he was coolness personified, charming the females with his American boy appeal and winning over the most alpha of males with his I’m just one of the guys glamour. Other than their ability to shift forms, shapeshifters had no real magic to call on, unless they knew how to use the natural gifts they were born with, like Jay.

  “This is Ivy. She’s my assistant,” I told Staci. There were a few nods, but other than that no one paid a bit of attention to her.

  “Would you like to speak to the families of the dead wolves?”

  “Dead? I thought they were missing.”

  “I’m afraid that pieces of their bodies have washed up on shore.”

  “In your territory?”

  “Yes.”

  “Check into the currents. See if it’s likely for bodies to wash up on a beach out here. I’m thinking they’d be taken all the way to the mainland.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “We’ll have to hit the morgue and see if we can get a look at them.”

  “Mr. Cuvier?”

  “Sorry. The bodies have been sent to the mainland supernatural facility?”

  “Oh no. We have them here. What’s left of them.”