Riding the Veil (Veils Book 1)

by Claudy Conn

  He put up his hands. “Jacie, darling, you don’t have to praise me. I don’t need accolades. I know who and what I am. Be at ease, precious witch, I mean you no harm, quite the opposite.” He paused and grinned as he pointed a finger at her. “Your face is still giving you away. I can see your mind searching for a way to…er…handle me. I assure you, you wouldn’t be able to, and rest easy, there is no need.”

  “What are you really doing here at my apartment?” Jacie asked as she scanned his aura for the truth.

  “I’m here for you, but only because…well, let me start by telling you that yes, as you have already surmised, I am a rebel leader, however, not just a rebel leader, but the North American rebel leader,” Niall answered.

  She eyed him without responding at first. He waited.

  Finally, she said, “What exactly do you mean by you are here for me?”

  “Cumas, Anunns and all other supernaturals in the Dank must be freed at all cost. Some of them are our best, our finest heroes. I had agreed to give Apollo some time, some leeway to break them out without…too much bloodshed. That time has expired.”

  “You and Apollo…talk?”

  “Aye, now and then.” He grinned.

  “And again, you said you are here for me. What does that mean?” Jacie pursued.

  His dark blond brows drew together and she saw a flicker of emotion in his green eyes. His voice, however, held no sign of any sentiment whatsoever when he spoke. “Aye, here for you means exactly that.” He stepped closer and Jacie stepped back, her chin up as she waited for him to explain.

  “First, allow me to assure you that our purpose was to break all our brothers and sisters out to the last one, leaving no one behind. Recently, a witch from your coven, who had escaped Crawly’s raid, joined with us. She is a lesser witch and was uncertain what kind of spell Celine has used, but she was able to mind-link with her for a short duration. The ward doesn’t work on one of her own coven. She asked Celine, who agreed, to drop the ward long enough for us to get in. We failed miserably and Celine won’t risk doing it again.” He shook his head. “We had no intention of leaving even one supernatural behind. Our kind and most of the supernaturals would survive an indirect explosion, so we planted one bomb very carefully in the elevator as a distraction. It was meant to create chaos amongst the human guards, a diversion while we went in and freed our brothers and sisters. Then everything went to hell when they set off the gas bomb.”

  “Okay, say I believe you, I still need to know what did you mean by you are here for me?” Jacie had a bone she wasn’t letting go of.

  “I am getting to that and it isn’t anything for you to worry about. I first need you to understand who we are, what we are accomplishing, what we need to accomplish in the future, and that I do try and respect Apollo’s wishes. He is my friend. I understand him, but I don’t agree with him about humans.” He stopped, paced, and then came back to stand near her. It was apparent that he was momentarily stalled.

  “You seem reluctant to answer my question. You said you are here for me?”

  “Yes, yes, but first, I need you to understand who I am…who my rebels are,” he said, genuinely concerned.

  “Someone knew you were coming. They set off the gas bomb, like they were prepared,” Jacie said.

  “Yes. It was crude and it was set by the humans. We were taken by surprise. That never happens. Although, as of late, a few things have occurred that should not have. At any rate, I took my best soldiers with me to investigate and yes, it appears as though we have a traitor on our team.”

  Diverted, Jacie’s mouth opened and closed before she asked, “But…why? Who would? Do you have humans working for you?”

  He looked like he was about to spit, controlled himself and said, “Of course not. Humans can never be trusted. They hate us.”

  “You think one of our own demigods betrayed you? I don’t believe it.” Jacie was astounded.

  “It never is so black and white, love. The Anunns who have lived here on Earth have acclimated to the human culture in order to fit in with their neighbors. Many have taken human mates…have children…happy with their lives here on Earth, and would do anything to preserve their lifestyle.” He stopped and looked away.

  “Any ideas who your mole could be?”

  “As I explained, extended family is a potent tool. It is inconceivable to me that one of us would allow himself to be turned unless there is a threat to his family. However, my initial investigation has not turned up any evidence to suggest one of my team has been compromised.”

  “I am sorry for it. I am sorry for anyone who may be held to such a decision, and I am sorry that your plans did not succeed to free the prisoners of the Lower Planet.” Jacie put a hand to her forehead. “Look, maybe between us, maybe, we can come up with a way to free everyone in that awful place without bloodshed, without giving away our plan to your so-called traitor?”

  “First, I would have to know who the traitor is,” he answered. “At the moment, all plans are on hold for obvious reasons.”

  “Yes, but there is another way,” Jacie said.

  “How?”

  “You work with me, Dog, and Retaal…and start eliminating suspects. Who has human families on your team? Work it from that angle.”

  “Indeed, smart little witch, it is precisely what I am doing, and while I am intrigued about your suggestion of working with Retaal and Dog, as well as you, I have to decline that offer and put one to you instead.”

  “What?” she puzzled up.

  “And we get to the point of why I am here for you, Jacie,” he answered, and took her shoulders in his hands.

  She pulled away. “Okay, I’m listening.”

  “First, I stand for the Cumas at any human cost. I despise humans, but have given my word that, for now, I won’t indiscriminately destroy them if I don’t have to do so. However, in the end, I don’t believe we can accomplish our goals without devastating bloodshed. I believe we will never be free of their tyranny until we display our might as a race. Only then can we live in peace,” he said grimly, and stalled her comment by putting up his hand. “Eventually, you will see that Apollo is getting nowhere…”

  “Wait, I can’t accept everything you are saying. First of all, I am working on a way to free the prisoners in the Lower Planet, then…” Jacie interrupted.

  “Then, you have to consider working with me and my team,” he said, cutting her off.

  “Nope, no, no can do.” She waved the suggestion off.

  “Look, Jacie, allow me to be blunt. There is no peaceful solution without a show of power. We rebels are making great strides. What we need to do is declare war, win the war, take over, and then from a position of strength, negotiations can commence. I hope you will give this some consideration. In the end, it is all that humans understand—war.”

  Jacie’s chin went up. She loved Apollo and she could never oppose him.

  “Listen to me, coming across you yesterday, when we broke into the Dank, convinced me that you and I were destined to meet and work together. You see, I knew Apollo was sending someone. I did not know it would be such a powerful witch…”

  “How do you know what kind of power I am capable of? How did you know Apollo was sending anyone?”

  “Apollo and I are on the same side, love. We have mutual friends and allies,” he answered, and smiled. “Besides that…I was made aware that Dog was looking for a loft…and put two and two together…especially because he wanted a location near Crawly Headquarters.”

  “You mean, you arranged for Dog to find this apartment!” Jacie’s hands went to her hips. “It is no coincidence that you are in the same building. You wanted to spy on us!”

  “Spy is a strong word. I did want you near…for a couple of reasons. I see you, even if you don’t accept to work with me…as an ally. I protect my friends and allies.”

  She scanned his aura again. He seemed to be speaking the truth. While she found a darkness in him, she did not get hit with e
vil.

  “So, you arranged for me to have this loft,” she said, and gave him a half smile. “I don’t like being manipulated.”

  “Not manipulated…cared for,” he answered, and she noted his smile was all too charming. “Jacie…I simply wanted to keep watch and reassure myself of your and your shifter friend’s safety in case you were discovered by ACE. I have to say, I am impressed with both you and your wolf. It isn’t an easy thing to infiltrate ACE, let alone bring anyone into that tight organization.” He reached for her hand and put her knuckles to his lips. “I am even more impressed now after meeting you, sweetheart.”

  Why the hell had she allowed him to kiss her hand? She knew better. This Cuma was a player and she knew, absolutely knew, he was playing her. Well, why not have a little fun?

  She didn’t respond and waited for him to say more.

  “Jacie, your force takes over the air around you. Your magic is more than anything I have ever encountered before, and I sense you have scarcely tapped into it. I swear to you, Jacie, I will never take advantage of you, but we rebels could surely use a witch such as yourself in our ranks, and if you like, your wolf can join us as well. Together, we will be able to free all Cumas around the globe in a much shorter time span.”

  “How can you ask me to do such a thing? I would never betray Apollo. He is like a father to me, and I believe in his cause. I stand for his ideals,” she returned sharply.

  “Do you? Have you never wanted to bring the humans low for the pain they have caused us all?”

  “Apollo says…”

  “Yes, Apollo, but what do you say, Jacie?” he cut in sharply. “What do you feel?”

  She frowned. “I believe that you have a point, but I also believe if we achieve it Apollo’s way, it would be better. Humans do fear us, and so they hate us. If we can get them to stop being afraid of us, then I think we can achieve peace.”

  He smiled sadly. “Compromise won’t work. We need to show them what we can do to them. We need to defeat them with our might.”

  “Wrong,” she said.

  “Not wrong! I want to beat them into the ground. I want to subjugate them until they have no alternative but to choose between life and death. Life being under our laws, our rules, death to those who don’t submit.”

  “I…I can never agree with that. It would make us as bad as they are.”

  “It is the only way, Jacie. Look at it with both eyes wide open. They will never give up unless we use all our magic and powers to make them give up. We have to disable their technology, their weapons…take apart their comfortable lives, make them aware of what we can do.”

  “No. Apollo wants to show them how easily we could all live in peace, and I want that,” Jacie said staunchly. “Look, Niall, when we were at war with them…we were not the only ones that lost loved ones. They shed our blood…and yes, we shed theirs. Nothing in this argument should be black and white. This situation is filled with shades of gray.” She realized she was repeating Apollo’s words once again. How odd that she should do that when she always played devil’s advocate with him, taking the opposite point of view.

  Was Niall right? They were accomplishing much more than Apollo’s team. Everyone on Devos whispered about the rebels’ wins, and everyone wondered if in the end we would have to go to war. Still, she didn’t think war with humans just yet was the answer to their long-term goals.

  “Ah, of course you have had a lifetime of Apollo’s teachings, and as I said, Apollo is not only my friend, but dear to me. I see his point of view. I have examined it and find it lacking. I know, absolutely know we cannot win without bloodshed,” Niall scoffed. “Why he should think so when after all these years, Crawly’s animals won’t even consider coming to the table. I waited before I assembled my teams across this earth. I waited while Apollo sent his emissaries and was rebuffed. Humans refuse to negotiate peace with Cumas. They believe they won the Purge and mean to continue their efforts to wipe us off the face of their planet.”

  “Even so, the rebels doing violence now…when we are trying to get them to the table, is not exactly helpful,” she offered.

  “Enough. We must show strength,” he said. “Jacie…

  “As you say…enough. I don’t want to debate this with you. I will never take orders from anyone other than Apollo. Discussing this with you feels like betrayal…so please, stop,” Jacie said.

  He had imperceptibly moved so he was towering over her, and she had to put her head back to look up at him.

  “Oh, I like you, witch. In fact, I like you a great deal. It isn’t only because your beauty…absolutely kills me, but because I like who you are.” He shook his head. “However, your time with Apollo has softened your point of view far too much. I see three things I need to repair. One, you have no notion how much magical power you wield. I will help you achieve it all. The second thing…which I prize, is the innocence and the purity of your loyalty. You are simply loyal to the wrong side. And thirdly, you haven’t a clue what affect you have on a male. Jacie…I mean to show you just how beautiful you are. I want you on my side, fighting the good fight, winning with me, with us.”

  “You mean to seduce me with compliments I don’t want or need. Look, Niall, I hope you achieve your goals with as little human and Cuma causalities as you can manage, but it won’t be with me at your side.”

  “What then? What do you hope to accomplish on your own working for Apollo?” he said, and clucked his tongue impatiently.

  “Our objective is, as you must have realized by now, to rescue Apollo’s son and as many captive Cumas and supernaturals as we are able to free. However, we are also here to divert ACE and keep Cumas from being captured, while others in the effort try to bring the human leaders to the table.”

  “And how long do you think you can keep that up without ACE noticing what you are doing? You are putting yourself and your wolf shifter in jeopardy. Don’t you see, Jacie, you will suffer your shifter’s death…you must see that. Are you willing to risk his life as well as yours? Eventually, they will look at him and then because he brought you in…”

  “As you have pointed out, I am a powerful witch.” She eyed him steadily. “I will not allow Dog to be harmed. We are not stupid. We are on guard, and should the day come when we sense that we are in danger, we will pull out,” Jacie answered quietly.

  “Ah, Dog…is that his name?” Niall asked with an accompanying grin. “Is he your lover?”

  Jacie’s cheeks burned. “No, why would you ask such a thing? And who my lover is or isn’t is certainly none of your business.”

  “I’m making it my business,” he said on a bold note.

  The next thing Jacie knew, she was in his arms and being ruthlessly kissed. His mouth on hers was rough before it eased into gentle passion. His tongue moved with expertise and his hand pressed on her back and began a descent towards her butt.

  She pushed off him. He chuckled. Jacie hauled off and would have slapped him but he caught her wrist and held it in the air.

  Their eyes locked. His green eyes glittered with amusement as she returned his look with a glare.

  He said, low and sweet, “Ah, sweetheart, you will find I am used to taking what I want, and I want you, but I see you will need to be…” he grinned wickedly, “romanced. I don’t do romance. I don’t have the time or the patience, but I am willing to make an exception in your case. You are quite a prize and worth the time and trouble. Allow me to apologize for rushing you. The next kiss I take will be one you freely give me. Deal?”

  In spite of his audacity, Jacie found she like this bold hot-blooded Cuma. He was in your face open, and that made him appealing. She gave him a smirk and said, “As that is not going to happen, sure, deal.” Jacie smirked. “Now, I think you should leave.”

  A soft smile only added to his charm as he turned to go, but stopped at her loft door and said, “If you need me, sweetheart, if you find yourself in a situation where you need help…I will come to your call. My mind is open to any in
trusion you wish to make.”

  He was talking about a mind-link. “That won’t happen,” Jacie said quietly. “And, by the way, don’t call me sweetheart.”

  His laugh was instantaneous. He pointed a finger at her and said, “And still, my offer stands.”

  He shut the door at his back.

  Jacie stood there looking after him. What she wanted to know was what fate had put her in Niall’s line of fire. Did Apollo know everything Niall planned on doing with his rebel band? Why hadn’t Apollo warned her about the handsome rebel leader?

  She shook herself loose and stood in front of the door a moment as she tried to recall what she was doing before Niall had shown up. It was just then that her door burst open and banged against the wall.

  Retaal came stomping inside and demanded, “Who was that?”

  ~ Seven ~

  “GEEZ, DON’T YOU EVER KNOCK before entering a lady’s apartment?” Jacie snapped as she gave Retaal a once over, hands on jean covered hips. She realized her blue tank top had been hiked up during Niall’s kiss, and pulled it back in place.

  “Who was that, Jacie?” Retaal said as he watched her, his brows drawn.

  “You saw him, so you tell me, he says he is your father’s friend,” she answered angrily.

  “I didn’t see him. I got a whiff of his scent in the elevator, in your hall, and now in here!”

  “He says his name is Niall McGowan and that he is the rebel leader.” She watched Retaal’s poker face give absolutely nothing away.

  “I see. Yes, I should have recognized his scent. We are acquainted,” Retaal said. “Why was he here?”

  “Oh sure, just like that, you want me to share, but you don’t. What I want to know is why I wasn’t told about him before I was sent here?”