Breaking Out

by Gayle Parness

  I felt he was telling the truth. He was probably watching me in the same way. Magic users negotiated on a lot of levels.

  “If I make a blood pledge to ally myself to you, I do it as an equal. When you train me to use my powers I will defer to you as I would any teacher. Because you are my grandfather, I respect your place in my family. As the King of Faerie I will respect you as my ally in the coming war, but not as my ruler or as my commander in the war. I will lead whoever will follow me, and I will make all the decisions regarding who they fight, when they fight and when they don’t fight.”

  He shook his head and grunted. “How is it that a seventeen year old child speaks with such fearlessness to a creature older than the world he inhabits?”

  “I’ve grown up around werewolves and vampires. I don’t quake that easy.”

  “Except when it comes to creating tables and chairs,” he teased. “Your mother is also a fearless creature. And wise. When you were still warm in her belly, she scolded me for my narrow views. I believe you take after her.”

  “And you. I am your grandson.” Fin was struggling to save his people the same way I was struggling to save my family and friends. We chose to hold a peaceful discussion rather than deciding the fate of the universe over a battle to the death.

  “Perhaps you do take after me. You have a knack for diplomacy.”

  “I get that from Garrett.”

  His loud laugh filled the room. “Are we agreed? We will draw blood together and call each other equal allies?”

  “If you treat me as an equal and not a subject, train me to control my magic, protect the humans and supernatural creatures who live in my realm by doing all in your power to stage the battle in a remote location, and accept anyone who I call ally as also an ally of yours. This includes Isaiah, the surviving son of Naberia.”

  Now he was leaning forward. “Naberia and the scum who follow her will never be allowed on the mortal plain without a battle.”

  “Isaiah does not follow Naberia, but that information must be kept between us.”

  “I will not ally myself with any full blood demon.”

  I frowned, “Then will you agree to meet with Isaiah and me? Just the three of us? We can discuss this.”

  “I will bring another, to keep things even.”

  “Since I have the blood of both sides, it’s even with three.”

  “No. Nice try.” He smirked.

  “Who would you bring?”

  “Caelen?” I shook my head. “Aedus?” Again.

  “Bring Lady Dinestri,” I suggested.

  “Why Dinestri, not that I have any complaints about your choice.”

  “She’s a Cascade elder with an open mind. And she likes me.”

  “Then I agree to a meeting between Isaiah, Dinestri, you and me to be held sometime in the next few human months. At this meeting we will discuss Isaiah’s loyalties.”

  “And everything we discuss will be kept secret.”

  “Of course. You are a most determined young male.”

  I’d made every point but one. “I want you to know something. Farrell, Linn and Sammy are three of my closest friends. Growing up Norienne, Aislin and Sinlae were almost as important to me as my own parents. Liam, Aedus, Brina, Kaera—they’ve all risked their lives for my family. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to help the people of Faerie. I’m proud of my fae blood, but there are just as many non-fae in my life that I feel the same way about. I won’t turn my back on any of them. If Naberia brings death to our people, we’ll bring her down, together. I swear this on my blood.”

  Finvarra looked surprised and pleased. “As you spoke, your aura vibrated with green and gold. The healer personifies Balance. I cannot find fault in your requests.” He pulled out his ceremonial knife and sliced his palm. “I agree, Charles Liam William Cuvier.”

  He handed me the blade and I cut the palm that had no scar. “And I agree, King Finvarra.” We clasped hands in the most ancient of supernatural rituals, our blood mingling to symbolize our pledge to fight together against a common enemy and to support each other in times of need. Now if I called him, he would come, not only as my grandfather, but also as my ally.

  The strongest fae magic imaginable sang in my veins, but he was just as surprised by the taste of my blood in his. “Extraordinary. Balance of another sort.” He smiled and we were suddenly standing on the dock in LA. It was empty.

  “Where’s Brina?” I asked.

  “She’ll stay with Aine for a time. Keep her company.”

  “Brina’s a prisoner there?”

  “No, no. She can move between realms at will and can join your Triad team when needed. I wish for Aine to recover. She is too weak to return to Faerie, but I see that leaving her alone was a mistake. I will have my people visit her.”

  “You might bring her back?”

  “I believe I might, but not until the war has ended.”

  “And Celine?”

  “Is currently in Faerie being educated in our ways.”

  “That doesn’t sound like too much fun.” Couldn’t say I minded much.

  “She’s a wild animal who must be tamed. I have already seen to the lord who raped her mother.”

  “Sweet.” He looked at me like I was nuts. “It means…good job…great…yay…” He nodded, but he still didn’t look like he got it. “Look, what do I do if this Ammon guy writes to me again.”

  “Contact me and take no other action. Do not meet with him. He is an ancient creature of unknown origin—extremely dangerous.” He glanced toward the hills. “Your team has been busy while we’ve been away.”

  “How long?”

  “A month or so.”

  “What? Sinlae’s gonna kill me for not calling Mom.”

  He laughed. “They are terrifying creatures are they not? The demi-fey?”

  “No kidding. Female cheetahs too.”

  “Perhaps females of any race.” We stood quietly for a few moments staring out at the ocean, both of us musing over the difficulties in dealing with strong females—just a couple of guys, hangin’ out. Yeah, right.

  Samson ran into me so hard he knocked me over, but I didn’t care. Fin laughed as Samson slobbered on my shirt and licked my face.

  He continued to chuckle as I struggled to sit up. “You see, males are much easier. They make their wishes clear.” When I was finally able to stand, he said, “I will see you soon to begin training. But first I must return to court to see how Caelen is doing. I will also stop by your Crescent City home and speak to your mother. She will not be angry with you.”

  “Thanks. For everything.” Fin nodded and disappeared and I allowed myself the first deep cleansing breath I’d taken in over a month.

  “Feel like walking me home, boy?” Samson barked in agreement and we set off, Samson chasing seagulls while I puzzled out how to keep from taking on any more dangerous cases. A purse snatching would be right up our alley, or maybe a stolen bicycle.

  I stopped outside the house-slash-office that was now my home. Soft music was coming from the kitchen and Ivy was shouting at Jay about something having to do with where she’d left her keys. The light had been left on outside. It was nice to think they hadn’t given up on me coming back. I rang the doorbell. Ivy answered. I think it was one of the only times she’d been shocked into silence. Too bad it didn’t last.

  “Where the hell have you been?” She screamed for Jay and threw herself into my arms. Soon I was in the middle of a group hug. It was great to be back.

  Acknowledgements:

  I could not have written this book without the support of my writing partners, particularly Kristina Wright and Sue Sbardellati, who listened to me vent every week and still showed an amazing amount of patience and a huge dose of friendship. You two rock.

  Thanks also go out to the Writing at the Boule Crew—you know who you are—and to the other members of SVRWA who are always there with a supportive hug.

  As usual, a very special thank you to my sister/editor/bes
t friend, Emily Schiller, who stepped up to help me out during Thanksgiving week. And thank you, thank you, thank you to my incredible beta readers, Chelly Fowler and Regina Roy. Their input was priceless and I look forward to working with them on future projects.

  All my wonderful book cover designs are by Tatiana Villa http://www.viladesign.net/

  About the Author

  I'm fortunate to currently be a resident of a lovely town in Northern California, a magical place within the context of the mortal plain, where flowers bloom all winter long and people actually smile and say hello when they pass you on the sidewalk.

  I've spent most of my professional life working with community theatre groups in NYC as a costume designer, production manager, stage manager, etc... Over time I've adopted the philosophy that life is one enormous theatrical extravaganza and I'm merely doing my best to keep it interesting for myself, my family, my friends and hopefully my readers.

  I've read fantasy my entire life and still read into the wee hours. Steven King said something about not having the tools to write if you don't spend a good amount of time reading. Well, I'm doing my best on that front.

  And to my readers, thank you. You are all important to me, not just because it's cool to sell books, but mostly because it's cool to share a story with others. You can leave comments on my website or on my Facebook author page. Or follow me on Twitter. I love to hear from you.

  Connect to Gayle Parness

  On the web: http://www.gayleparness.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GayleParnessAuthor

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/gayleparness

  Other books by Gayle Parness:

  The Rogues Shifter Series: A young adult fantasy series

  Rebirth: Book 1 – Free at all vendors! Sixteen-year-old Jackie discovers she's not human, but instead part of a large supernatural community. She trains with a group of young shapeshifters who become her close friends, and also meets Garrett, the magically powerful vampire who teaches her to use her unique energy and then manages to steal her heart. Together they face off against his destructive maker, the 500-year-old vampire, Eleanor Howard.

  Stalked: Book 2

  Twisted: Book 3

  Blown Away: Book 4

  Caught Between: Book 5

  Torn Apart: Book 6

  Cut Off: Book 7

  The Triad Series Continues:

  Falling Out: Book 2 – Available for preorder now! Releasing November 18, 2015

  Spinning Out: Book 3 – Available Fall, 2016

  The Theta Series: A paranormal romance set in a futuristic world where supernatural creatures rule, but revolution is a magical certainty.

  Playing with Passion: Book 1 Free until 12/31/15

  Yielding to Pleasure: Book 2

  Book 3 will be available in summer, 2016

  FALLING OUT excerpt

  COPYRIGHT 2015, GAYLE PARNESS

  CHARLIE

  Chapter One (partial)

  “Jay, catch!” The rottweiler flew over the fence with a horrified expression, or at least my estimation of a dog’s horrified expression. I vaulted over immediately after the toss, just in case Jay had a problem with the catch. Not likely. Jay was a grizzly shapeshifter, and bears in human form tended to be large and as strong as, well, bears.

  “Really?” Jay grabbed at the dog, losing his balance and landing hard on his butt, continuing the downward motion until his head splashed into a not-so-conveniently-located muddy puddle. Samson came to a halt spread-eagled on Jay’s stomach and chest, panting into Jay’s face. A drop of drool dripped onto my friend’s cheek. Drip. Another one.

  Dog and shapeshifter stared at each other for a few seconds, Jay doing his best to catch his breath while Samson wagged his stump of a tail, excited by his aerial adventure. Neither of them looked interested in moving anytime soon, but we had work to do.

  “Stop lazin’ around. We gotta catch this guy.” I said.

  Jay stared Samson down, his eyes morphing from hazel to grizzly bear copper. “Up. Now.” But Samson wasn’t impressed. He grunted, rested his enormous head on Jay’s chest, and licked his chin.

  An intervention was definitely called for. I shooed Samson off and extended my hand. “Hey. Sorry.”

  Jay was sitting up now, ignoring my apology and my offer of assistance. “What were you thinking?” He jumped to his feet with the strength and grace of a martial artist, scowling as he wiped the drool off his face with his sleeve. “Yuck. Your dog needs mouthwash, man.”

  “He’s going for a teeth cleaning next week.” Samson whimpered behind me. “I swear, he’s getting better at understanding me all the time. It’s spooky.”

  “I hate to tell ya this Char, but there’s nothin’ about your family that isn’t spooky.”

  Unable to argue the fact, I ignored him and took off running again, hoping my shortcut would put us in front of the thief before he disappeared. This time it was a convenience store robbery. According to the owner, the kid had waved a gun around, demanding cash. The owner had handed it over immediately, not wanting to endanger himself or his other employees. The detectives had called us because after viewing the security tape, it was obvious there’d been no gun. The owner had been spelled into believing the teenaged sorcerer had a gun and so had handed over the night’s receipts without hesitation.

  The young thief was experimenting with his powers. Never a good thing. Sorcerers, like witches, usually studied under someone more experienced for at least five years before going out on their own. Serious training usually began around the age of sixteen. This kid looked two years younger than that.

  Every supernatural group had it’s own laws and moral code, and humans were off the menu for every one of the good guys, except for vampires, but even then a human had to volunteer to be a donor. This kid’s path was already swinging in the dark sorcerer direction and someone had to stop him before he killed an innocent. There was no coming back from murder.

  Jay caught up with me. “What if I’d dropped your dog on his head?” Jay would gnaw a thing to death, like an old bone.

  “You’re the one who decided to climb the freakin’ fence. How did you think Samson was gonna get over it?”

  “He could’ve run around the fence.” Jay made a circular motion in the air.

  “I’m not letting him out of my sight. You remember what happened on the last job.”

  A week ago Jay and I’d chased down some wolf who’d been beating on his girlfriend outside a club. We’d almost caught up with the dude when Samson took off after an enormous stray cat. I decided to continue to follow the creep, knowing Samson was smart enough and strong enough to take care of himself. We’d caught the asshole, bringing him back to the club where the cops were waiting. But later we’d found Samson sitting on the path in front of our small house bleeding from scratches on his face. It was a definite learning experience for the big doofus. Stray tomcats were bad news.

  The Shifter Council in Crescent City and The Western Pack Council where my uncle Aaron was a board member had sent out the word we were the go-to team if a supernatural was causing problems in the LA area. Lately, the LAPD Supe Squad used us on a regular basis.

  We were running faster now, ducking under tree branches and jumping over benches, sticking to the narrow park trails and avoiding the more crowed sidewalks. The kid’s aura left an easy trail for a high-end magic user to follow. “You think he’s working for someone else?” Jay shouted out as I vaulted over a trash bin.

  “Nah. Not for $123.00 bucks.” I moved off the path, circling an enormous oak and cutting across a grassy section of the park. Jay and Samson followed behind me, one on either side. They were usually positioned that way when we chased anyone, falling into the habit because I was the only one who might use magic to take someone down. They didn’t want to be in the line of fire.

  I heard a lot of panting behind me. We’d been running at a very fast pace for Jay and Samson and only a moderate pace for me, since my shifter DNA was all
about running and tracking. I gave Jay the signal to slow down and continue north while I shot ahead. I’d contact him when I found the guy.

  The idiot was still wearing his bright orange jacket. Yeah, I knew it was a top brand and must have cost a fortune, but it was visible even without the aid of streetlights. Great for us—bad for him.