by Jessica Roe
“I'm confused,” Gable whispered to Nicky as they sat.
“Me too,” he agreed. “I kind of thought the Elders were gonna be more. . .elderly.”
“My name is Talon Bagely,” the Australian Elder continued. He had a friendly face, though his eyes were calculating. “Australian Elder, if you haven't already guessed. On my left here is the beautiful Weejida Contee, African Elder.” Weejida stood for a brief moment and nodded, though she didn't say a word. She was a statuesque, Amazonian looking woman with smooth, coffee colored skin, maybe about the same age as Talon.
“And next to Weejida is Faiz Pasztor, Elder of Antarctica.” Talon didn't need to tell them that Faiz was the Winter King, it was obvious just by looking at him. From his silvery blonde hair pulled back from his face to his glowing white skin and pale blue lips to his eyes, so icy blue that it was like looking into the frozen waters of the Arctic Ocean. Like Terelle's, they were ringed with purple – the telltale sign of a faerie. Gable shivered, suddenly feeling extra chilled. Faiz was muscular and large with a strong jaw and a beauty that only faeries seemed to possess. Though he looked to be in his thirties, Gable knew that like Terelle, he probably aged four times slower than humans.
Faiz was glaring at Terelle with stiff shoulders and fury rolling off him, so potent that snowflakes began to drift down from the ceiling. Gable caught one on her hand and studied it – it was exquisite.
“She should not be here,” he snapped in a deep voice. It had a lilt to it, almost a musical quality, an accent Gable couldn't quite define. It only went to show how long Terelle had been living in America that her own accent had disappeared.
Next to Gable, Terelle shifted uncomfortably and stared down at her lap like a scolded child.
Gable hated to see her strong friend cower; she didn't care who this guy was, he wasn't her Elder or her king, he didn't get to treat Terelle like crap because of something stupid from years before most of the people in the room were even born. About to open her mouth and say something – something that would probably have gotten her ass frozen – she stopped when Charles spoke up.
“Terelle is an extremely valuable extension of our team,” he explained rationally. “In fact, if not for her, we wouldn't have even half the information we do now.”
Faiz stared at both of them for long, tense moments, but eventually he backed down with a terse nod, though he still didn't look happy. The atmosphere practically crackled.
Before anyone else could speak, Nicky, never able to keep his big mouth shut, asked, “Why do you need an Elder for the Antarctica? It's empty, right? I mean, apart from scientists and. . .penguins.”
Quirking a thick eyebrow, Faiz glanced at his fellow Elders, bemused. “Do you not teach your human Guardians anything these days?” He turned back to Nicky patiently. “True, there are not so many Outcasts as in the other continents. If there were, I would not have time to be Elder and Winter King. But though it may be too cold to be habitable for humans, the Antarctica is the perfect environment for certain Outcasts to live and it is my job to make sure they remain undetected. Snowmen, for example.”
Nicky spluttered so hard he almost fell off his chair. “WHAT? I mean. . . WHAT? Snowmen?”
Gable had to purse her lips to keep from laughing. He was such a goof – an incredibly hot goof, but a goof nonetheless.
“Hush!” an embarrassed Charles hissed, flapping his hand at Nicky. “They aren't the snowmen you're thinking of, you imbecile. I'll explain to you later – though if you studied once in a while I really wouldn't need to.”
“What else is there?” Nicky wanted to know, like Charles hadn't even spoken.
“Later,” Charles repeated sternly. He turned back to the Elders, who were watching them in amusement.
While his father's back was turned, Zay, with a totally straight face, motioned for Nicky's attention and mimicked wobbling a big, round belly.
Nicky's eyes widened. “Santa?!” he expressed. Loudly.
Everyone gaped at him like they couldn't believe his idiocy and Zay fell about in silent laughter. Gable smirked when he winked at her.
“You see what I have to put up with?” Charles huffed. “Utter bloody children.”
“Try dealing with a whole continent of them,” Talon sympathized. Then to Nicky, “May I get on? We haven't even finished with these introductions. We'll be here all ruddy night at this rate.”
Scowling, Nicky waved his hand as a go ahead. Somewhere under the table there was a thump and Zay winced.
“Thank you. Now, our Asian Elder is Esha Kulkarni.” A stunningly beautiful woman with a mountain of inky black hair piled up on top of her head smiled at them all graciously with wide, red lips. She couldn't have been any older than fifty, and she had a timeless grace about her. “And on my right here we have Dorian Poirier, the European Elder.”
“Welcome, new friends,” Dorian greeted in a thick French accent, quirking a playful eyebrow at Gable. He was by far the youngest of the Elders – mid thirties at the most. His black hair fell across his head in a thick wave and then curled around the collar of his shirt. Dark eyes twinkled with amusement. This was a man who knew exactly how breathtakingly gorgeous he was and wasn't afraid to use it.
“Dorian is our newest Elder,” Talon explained. “He was chosen just last year when his predecessor stepped down. Don't let his age fool you, he's competent enough. . .I suppose.”
Dorian rolled his eyes at his colleague’s teasing. “Ignore him. The old man likes me well enough.”
“Next to the child is Ralf Vance, your very own big guy – the North American Elder.”
Ralf was red haired and rosy skinned, with an almost visible energy bubbling just underneath his surface. Gable would have been able to tell, even without seeing the ring of red around his pupils, that Ralf was a fire elemental – and a damned powerful one at that. Interesting – she'd never have guessed the council was made up not just of humans, but Outcasts and faeries too.
“And last,” Talon continued. “My good man, Gustavo Ibbara, Elder of South America.”
Once Talon had finally finished, Charles made his own introductions and then the meeting began. Charles, the official spokesperson for their odd mix of a team, explained everything they'd learned from Zebb and outlined a rescue attempt plan. Throughout the entire exchange, Gable was distracted by Dorian and his smoldering eyes. His attention as he watched her with interest was flattering, yet just odd.
When Charles had finished his speech they were escorted out by a still very chipper Kacey while the Elders debated over the best course of action. Kacey took them to a large dining room and served them tea in delicate blue and white tea cups. Nicky broke one within the first ten minutes.
It was a long, two hour wait before they were called back into the conference room.
Chapter 10
Gable
This time Weejida was the first to speak. “We of course approve the mission. All Outcasts, no matter their origin or power, are of great importance to us, and it is imperative that we bring those captured home. But under Faiz's advisement, as he clearly has more knowledge of Zawavia than any of us, we will only be sending in a small team.”
“To do otherwise would only draw unnecessary attention where it is certainly unneeded,” Faiz added. “I am aware your informant said that this particular island was devoid of dark faeries, but if you go in there with an army, the scheming devils are sure to involve themselves. That is not something you need.”
Charles nodded in understanding. “Yes, that makes sense. I was hoping you'd agree that since it was the New York City Guardian Division who gathered the intel, we would be the ones to take the mission on? I know it would usually be Trackers but-”
“I agree,” Faiz interrupted. “Your team have proven themselves to be most useful.”
“Though you yourself must remain behind,” Esha told Charles. “As Head Keeper, it is vital at this time that you stay to keep the peace. With Pablo's demise, Dark Ones are crop
ping up all over the city, vying to take his place. You must make sure none succeed.”
He sighed in resignation, though didn't seem surprised. “I had a feeling you might say that. Might I suggest Walker go in my place? She's highly-”
“No,” Zay spoke up firmly, and more than one head shot up to look at him curiously. “I'll go.”
Charles paled. “Son, this is an incredibly dangerous mission, far deadlier than anything you've faced before. I don't think you're quite ready.”
“I am,” Zay insisted passionately. “I have to get out there, Dad. Out of the city. I need to do this.”
Tension arose between the two of them – there was a definite story there that Gable didn't know about. She had wondered why someone as skilled and successful as Zay had chosen to remain a Keeper with his father.
“But-”
“It's actually not a bad idea,” Ralf said easily before Charles could argue further. He sat back in his seat and studied Zay. “You're an impressive Guardian, Xavier. Certainly one of the best Keepers I have. If I remember correctly, you were on course to be a Tracker in school before your mother stepped in and switched you to Keeper.”
Ah, there was that story.
Zay glowered at the mention of his mother. Gable hadn't met her. In fact, she was pretty sure she wasn't even around. Not long ago, Charles had been pretty into that psychic chick, Heidi, before Gable had shipped her off to London to save her from Pablo.
“I want to go,” Zay said. “I want to prove my capabilities outside of Keeping.”
Ralf clapped his hands once. “Then it's settled. Xavier will go and Charles and Walker will stay behind to take care of the city.”
Charles pursed his lips and frowned but didn't object any further.
“And what about. . .” Talon rifled through a pile of papers in front of him before pulling one free. “Ah, here she is. Your scientist, Felicity Xylander. I understand she researches faeries?”
“She does?” Nicky asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
“It's more of a hobby,” Charles replied. “Though it's taken a bit of a backseat of late. Ever since Nicky joined the team she's been studying him and his shadow guide heritage.”
Nicky blinked. “She has?” Gable was beginning to wonder if the guy ever paid attention to his team. Or to the general world around him.
“Her research might prove valuable on a mission such as this,” Talon suggested.
Charles looked almost as horrified as he had about Zay going. He was like a father sending all of his children off to a war he couldn't fight. “Felicity is very young, only twenty two. And her experience in the field is limited indeed. She's extremely smart, but I'm not at all sure she'd be up to the challenge.”
“Then this will be a perfect learning experience for her,” Talon said, no room for argument in the tone of his voice.
He didn't say anything else, but Gable heard Charles make a faint sound of protest in the back of his throat.
With her eyes averted from Faiz as a show of courtesy, Terelle said, “I'm aware that I can't go-”
“No, you cannot,” Faiz agreed curtly. “You and I both know it is strictly forbidden for a banished faerie to return to Zawavia.”
Terelle nodded respectfully, though Gable wasn't sure why. The guy might have been a king but he was also a giant freaking douche. “I'd like to send somebody in my place,” Terelle continued. “My best psychic, Cadby La Gatutta, has more power than most Outcasts. Not only that but he has a bond with one of the Outcasts we know for certain is on the island – they were close friends for many years. I believe once he is in Zawavia he'd be the best person to find a psychic link to the Outcasts and guide the Guardians to them.”
The Elders agreed.
“That's a great plan.” Ralf was impressed. “Cadby is one of the most powerful psychics we've ever had on record. Why he doesn't do more with his power is beyond me. As long as you think he can keep up with the others physically?”
“I know he'll do his best.”
“Good. And the earth elemental, the one who helped capture the informants. Do you think he'd be willing to accompany the team?”
“He's already on board. Ward wants to help in whatever way he can.”
“That's excellent news. A powerful earth elemental is always an exceptional ally to have. I'd like to send one of my Trackers, too.”
Zay pulled a face. “Is that really necessary?”
Ralf grinned. “Ah, how I do enjoy the petty Keeper/Tracker rivalries. Don't worry, I'll only send the one. Hubert Eades has recovered quite nicely from his brush with the rogue fire elemental you helped bring in the other week, thanks to the salve your scientist created.” Charles smiled proudly. “Hubert can go along with you. He's one of the greats.”
“So great he couldn't even hang on to a fire elemental,” Zay muttered darkly.
Either Ralf didn't hear his comment, or he chose to ignore him.
“I'm going,” Gable declared, speaking up for the first time. It wasn't like her to be so quiet, but the amount of power in the room was kind of overwhelming.
Gustavo, the South American Elder, glared fiercely at her, like he couldn't believe her audacity. “I think not. You are neither a Guardian nor an Outcast, which means you are of absolutely no importance here. Not to mention your recent association with Pablo Nunez, the very reason we need to rescue these Outcasts in the first place. I'm not even sure what you are doing here at this meeting.”
A couple of the other Elders nodded in agreement, though none of them seemed to feel strongly enough about it to speak up.
“You guys aren't my bosses,” she pointed out, refusing to get riled up. “You can't stop me from going. If I don't go with the team I'll just go on my own. I got mad skills, you may as well use me.”
“Ridiculous.” Esha turned up her pretty nose in disapproval. She was outwardly stoic – the only sign that Gable's being there angered her was the rosy tint to her dark caramel skin. “You are untrustworthy. And a civilian,” she spat, like it was a dirty word.
Talon, though he didn't seem as opposed to the idea of Gable's general existence as some of the others, grimaced sympathetically. “Esha is right, love. We can send our Guardians, and we can even recruit willing Outcasts, but we could never allow a civilian to endanger themselves that way.”
“Now wait just a moment.” Dorian held up a slender, long fingered hand. Up until that moment he had seemed rather easy going, happy to watch his fellow Elders take the lead. “I like her. She has. . .fire. I think you of all people, Ralf, would appreciate that.”
“The girl?” Gustavo demanded.
“I have a name,” she muttered, and Dorian grinned.
“Yes, I like her. And I like the idea of her. A pretty little high school princess turned street urchin, turned villain, turned. . .hero. We should take a minute to at least think about this instead of dismissing her immediately.” Gable was suddenly grateful for every moment of attention he'd given her during the meeting. He stared at her long and hard, the corner of his lips turned up in an ever present smirk. “Tell me, Gabrielle, have you ever considered training as a Guardian?”
Her automatic reaction was to snort, but it was lost in Gustavo's outraged protests. He slammed his fist down on the table with a roar. “A ridiculous idea from an utterly ridiculous child! What Vàclav was thinking when he chose you as his successor remains a mystery to me!”
Well now Gable wanted to be a Guardian, if only to spite Gustavo for being a total dick.
“You spit upon the sanctity of the Guardians,” Esha hissed. “To bring in this. . .traitor as one of our own.”
Dorian ignored them like he hadn't heard a word they'd said. “Well? Have you?”
She still couldn't quite tell if he was being serious. Why had things suddenly taken such an odd turn? Why was all the focus on her? “God, no.”
“And rightly so.” Gustavo shook his head. “No Guardian team in all the world would take her on.”
> And then, surprising them all, Charles cleared his throat and said, “Actually, I would.” When they turned to stare at him in shock, Zay and Nicky included, he only straightened his shoulders in resolve instead of backing down. “In our brief acquaintance Gable has already proven herself to be highly knowledgeable and far more skilled in combat than many a Guardian I've worked with in my time. Say what you will about her old employer, but he trained her to an exceptional standard. It might serve us well to have that to our advantage.”
Gable watched Charles in disbelief but he didn't once glance her way. The guy had certainly changed his tune about her, that was for sure.
Dorian nodded at Charles in appreciation. “It is her past with Pablo and her insight to the darker aspects of the Outcast world that I think we will find highly valuable. She certainly has a unique perspective. Already we've learned more from her about vampires than we ever knew. She knows things that we simply do not. Yes, she has many assets.” He cocked his head as he watched her, the smolder back in full force. “Many, many assets.”
Talon rolled his eyes. “If you want to sleep with her, do it on your own time, kiddo. This ain't a dating service.”
“I think we should vote on the matter,” Dorian declared cheerfully.
Gable gaped, taken aback. The whole discussion had just kind of. . .snowballed. They wanted her to be a Guardian? Her? Seriously? Were they on crack? And did she want to be a Guardian? She hadn't even thought of a life beyond getting Sacha back. In fact, it had been a long, long time since she'd thought of a life beyond getting Sacha back. But maybe. . .maybe becoming a Guardian would be a good thing, kind of an awesome thing. It would give her a purpose, a true path in life like she'd never had before. Oh, that was weird.
“We take a vote on whether Gabrielle joins the team for the mission,” Dorian continued, with such authority in his voice that if Gable had had doubts about his ability as an Elder before, she lost them all immediately. “And if she does, this can be a test of sorts. If she is successful on the mission, we agree to train her as a Guardian. What say you? Weejida, you first.”
