rogue shifter 05 - caught between

by Gayle Parness

  A few minutes later, Ashlyn left and Isaiah and Flynn showed up at my patio doors.

  I ushered them in. "How are you boys doing?"

  Flynn was frowning, not a good sign. "He woke me up at 7:00 A.M. singing at the top of his lungs."

  "Mea culpa. I do not require sleep to function here, so I rose early."

  Flynn looked at him with irritation. "Yeah, well this particular lion does require sleep, so try to be more quiet next time."

  "I was working on my Queen repertoire. Perhaps we could go to a karaoke bar one evening. As long as Jacqueline permits, of course." He gave me a creepy grin, convincing me more than ever that he shouldn't be allowed in public venues around humans or other supes.

  "'We will Rock You' is a crappy wake up song. Especially when you started pounding on the walls." Flynn took a step closer, his eyes narrowed in anger.

  Isaiah leaned in. "I disagree. You were snoring much louder than I was singing and that racket can grate on one's nerves."

  They were within punching distance. Horrified I watched a tiny thread of Flynn's aura, now colored with rage, floated into Isaiah's nose. Isaiah breathed it in greedily, fueling his magic. Ew.

  I glared at my difficult demon and coughed, "Ah hem," not wanting to freak Flynn out by telling him what Isaiah was doing. Although I guess they all needed to be warned about him at some point.

  Isaiah moved away from the young lion, shrugging and sending to me, "Sorry. Still hungry."

  "We'll get you boys Guitar Hero. Then you can rock out together. Did you two eat?" I asked Flynn, hoping to change the subject and bring peace to the kitchen.

  "I called up Bette's Diner and they delivered breakfast. I hope it's okay that I put it on your account." I nodded. "Then we watched a couple of episodes of Buffy, but now he's hungry again." Flynn sat in one of the kitchen chairs, looking absolutely exhausted. I wondered how much of Flynn's aura Isaiah had already managed to consume.

  "Liam's upstairs right now, but he made pancakes and ham. I'll dish some out for you."

  "Where are your servants?" Isaiah looked around curiously.

  "With the rich people who can afford them."

  "So you cook and clean?" He looked shocked.

  "Well, not so much. Liam uses magic to clean up and tend the garden, but he really likes to cook the old fashioned way, and we all reap the benefits." Flynn nodded enthusiastically.

  "Your friend, Liam? Caelen's son?" I nodded. "And his father, the queen's twin brother, knows that his son acts as a servant to a demon and a vampire?"

  "Number one: he's here to protect Garrett, not to cook and clean. He just does the rest 'cause he likes to stay active. And number two: I'm a cheetah, mostly."

  "Liam's a half breed, isn't he? Caelen would never allow Aedus to lower himself in this manner."

  Liam materialized in the nick of time, taking my hand and leading me over to the sink, before I spat out my extremely angry response to Isaiah's comment. I didn't like the way Isaiah was talking about him like he was somehow less important than this brother.

  "Aedus is the heir—the full blood son. He is second in line to the throne. I appreciate your impulse to protect me from Isaiah's disdain, but I am content. I would never wish to change places with my brother. I prefer my freedom, such as it is. And Isaiah will feed on your anger as he has fed on Flynn's."

  I smiled and pushed him gently toward the table. "Today you sit. I will not allow you to wait on Isaiah." He did as I asked, grinning at me and watching as I dished up the food, adding butter and syrup and small bowls of fruit salad. Flynn jumped up and served the coffee and juice, obviously feeling a guilty that a pregnant female was doing all the work.

  After we'd eaten a few bites, Isaiah spoke again. "The blonde vampire slayer, Buffy, reminds me of you, Jacqueline. She is a warrior who thought she was human and who takes a vampire as her lover. Plus she has a group of amusing, yet inferior cohorts who help her keep the peace, just as you do. The parallel is interesting, yes?"

  "She's a T.V. character." I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Flynn almost choked on his food trying to stifle a laugh.

  "I notice that you do not often laugh around me. Even during peaceful times like these. Buffy the slayer rids her world of enemies and then makes jokes with her friends."

  "Someone writes her jokes for her. She doesn't actually face any bad guys, because they aren't really bad guys at all. They're all very well-paid actors. She can afford to be amusing."

  "Well, I for one would like to hear you crack a laugh occasionally."

  "It's crack a joke, Freddy." Flynn finished his first stack of pancakes and dished out some more.

  "Freddy?" Isaiah asked.

  "Freddy Mercury, from Queen? Never mind."Isaiah smiled at Flynn and then went back to eating his ham, obviously enjoying Liam's cooking very much.

  "Isaiah, why are you really here?" I asked.

  "I'm also wondering the same thing." Liam said. Golden specks floated in his eyes, a sure sign that he was ready for a fight if one should pop up.

  Isaiah ignored Liam. "To fulfill our bargain, as we've discussed before. I will train you in all the skills you will need to protect yourself and your son." I frowned, smelling the half-truth but not knowing how to get to the rest. "Always so serious. Perhaps you should rest today. We'll begin again tomorrow. We will work on your focusing technique." He stood up and touched his birthmark. "Thank you for the delightful meal." He turned around and disappeared.

  "I thought he wasn't allowed to use magic." Flynn looked confused again.

  "He can travel the lines as long as he stays on the property."

  "He's kind of a tool." This time Liam almost choked.

  "I wish that was all he was. Watch your back around him, and don't answer any unnecessary questions."

  "Sure. You can count on me."

  "Thanks, Flynn."

  That afternoon, Rob called the house."Welcome home. How do you feel?"

  "Great...fat...always hungry."

  He laughed, then continued. "And Garrett? How did things go at the villa in Carmel?" There was a note of anxiety in his voice. He was a close friend who knew Garrett's history with Eleanor.

  "That's a long story. Do you have a few minutes?" When he said yes, I gave him the shortened version of all that had happened at the villa, with Rob asking the occasional question to clarify.

  "So Kennet's back?"

  "Yes."

  He could tell by my clipped response that I didn't want to talk about it, so he quickly changed the subject. "Sounds like some vacation. You're probably more tired now than before you left."

  "I was awarded the day off today. Training starts up again tomorrow."

  "You're sure that it's safe to be alone with Isaiah?"

  "No. Yes. Maybe. I'm never sure of anything around him. He's a magical tornado disguised as an accountant. But I have no choice. I have to learn whatever I can to keep Charlie safe."

  "Are you up for some visitors?"

  "What's up? Is there work for the team?"

  "Yes. There've been two murders in town. We think it's the same supe committing the crimes. The evidence points toward another shifter, possibly a bear, but it could be a set up. I'll be by around eight if that's alright with you and Garrett. I'll bring Maya too."

  "Of course. Liam's making beef stroganoff. Come hungry."

  I strolled into the kitchen, hoping that Liam wouldn't be annoyed about the extra company for dinner.

  He was chopping onions, not fazed at all by the juice that stung my eyes from six feet away. "I heard. It's fine."

  "How can you stand that? My eyes hurt from way over here."

  "There's an extra film that protects them."

  "What? Like a lizard? Jeez." I should know by now that when you dealt with the fae, nothing was ever 'normal'.

  "It's useful." He turned around to show me, but I couldn't see anything. "And invisible." He put down the knife, washed his hands and gestured that I should sit. "Tell me about your me
eting with your father."

  We chatted for a few minutes as I filled him in. "He's coming for Christmas."

  "I'm happy for you." His smile disappeared as his expression turned serious. "We haven't been alone, so I haven't had a chance to ask you how you're feeling." I started in with the same thing that I'd said to Rob, only Liam stopped me. "No, that's not what I mean. How do you feel about Kennet being back?"

  "I'm fine." I snapped, wanting no part of this conversation.

  "He's back in Faerie and you haven't spoken about him. He'll be judged and executed soon."

  "I know." I could feel my whole body start to tense up.

  "Do you want to be there?"

  "I don't want him to know." I looked down at my belly.

  "I'm afraid his sister told him."

  "Shit."

  "If you want to be there, I can disguise you. Kellie and I could keep you out of sight. The judgment is carried out by the Elders in the same place where the Midsummer Ceremony was held. My father can change your scent, too."

  I looked into his beautiful violet eyes, trying to find an answer there. "Do you think I should go?"

  "I think you should do whatever will bring you peace."

  "Is he—the same?"

  "Physically he's healed, but he's lost some of his arrogance."

  "How will he die?"

  "In pain. The Ancient Darkness that led the Hunt will come and devour him."

  "Will it be...?"

  "It's not going to be pleasant to watch. It will take a few minutes for him to die. The Elders have decided that everyone from our Sidhe should be there to witness his punishment, although Philladre managed to get herself excused because of her 'condition'."

  "You sound annoyed." I was surprised. "I thought you liked your sister-in-law."

  "I love her, but she's a little too 'fae princess' for me at times. I'm being unkind I know, but I believe as the Elders do that watching him executed will be cathartic—a cleansing for our Sidhe."

  "So, you think I should be there too? That it will be a cleansing for me as well?"

  "Discuss it with Garrett and then do what you feel is best. No one will think less of you if you don't go. You're going to need your strength for when the baby comes, but I thought..."

  "Liam." Garrett appeared in the archway looking angry. "We talked about this. She's not going."

  Liam's eyes narrowed in anger. "I gave her the facts, It's her choice, not yours."

  Garrett sat down next to me and took my hand, still glaring at Liam. "Your timing is poor."

  "And when should I have mentioned it? One day before the judgment, when she'd have no time at all to think it over? When she's even closer to giving birth?"

  "That's exactly my point. It's not safe."

  "Please stop." I'd had it. "You're both discussing me like I'm not sitting right here and that really-pisses-me-off."

  "Jackie..."

  "Garrett, you can't protect me from this. Liam's right, I needed to know. I'll think about it and let you know what I decide to do. Thank you for telling me the truth, Liam." I couldn't keep the icicles out of my voice and I really didn't give a shit. Liam had been honest with me, Garrett—not so much.

  I stood up and walked to the sliding glass doors, turning back to Garrett. "Call Rob. He's coming over with our team to discuss two murders. He'll be here at eight."

  I sat outside on my favorite lounge chair, allowing the late afternoon sun to bake into my skin and bones, relaxing me. My gut still in a knot, I closed my eyes and hoped that Garrett would make the call and not come outside for a few minutes. We had a team meeting tonight and I needed time to let go of my anger so I could concentrate on the facts of the case and help brainstorm how we should proceed to catch the killer.

  It was a good thing Isaiah wasn't around 'cause he'd be feasting on pissed-off Jackie right about now.

  I mean, what the hell? How long was he going to keep things from me that he thought would upset me? I was a woman, not a child, and he was perfectly content to treat me like one when it was convenient for him. Last night, I was all woman, but this afternoon, he behaved like I was his little sister. This was getting old and it had to stop.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  I must have fallen asleep, because I dreamt.

  I was in Faerie and covered in blood, my hands, shirt and hair soaked with it. I was sure I knew whose blood it was, sure that I'd smelled it before, only I couldn't think of whose. I searched for a body, looking behind bushes and trees but there was none to find.

  I heard a man's voice and the dream changed. I was on Solo Island, standing on the shore near where I'd fought Antoine and where Garrett had defeated Eleanor. I looked ethereal, dressed in a pale yellow gown which moved in the gentle breeze off the ocean, my long hair was loose and tossed around playfully. A familiar scent assaulted me, so I turned quickly, shocked to see Kennet standing only six feet away.

  "There you are, and carrying my heir, just as I said you would." Although I knew this was a dream, his voice sent fear streaking through my body.

  "Go away Kennet, he's not yours."

  He looked exactly the same as he had on the day of the duels when we'd spoken privately on the beach. I hadn't seen him for what he truly was on that day, thinking of him only as a powerful and mysterious fae lord. I hadn't smelled the corruption or sensed the danger.

  "We both know differently."

  "He's your blood, but he'll never be your son."

  "You are naming him Charles?" He looked amused.

  "It's not your concern."

  He took in a long deep breath of my scent, something more common for a vampire or a shifter. "I would like to truly see you one more time." This was not an order, it was a request, and I was surprised to hear the tiny note of pleading in his tone.

  "No."

  "I have important things to tell you."

  "Tell me here." I shrugged, trying to look as if I couldn't care less.

  "I've made him my heir, officially. He'll inherit everything when I pass on."

  "Leave it to your sister or your niece. My son doesn't need your inheritance."

  "Perhaps not, but it will be his when I pass nonetheless."

  I tried to back away, but my feet were stuck in the sand as if cemented there.

  He moved another foot closer. "You're more beautiful than ever."

  Holy crap. I struggled some more, but my feet were still trapped. "Go away Kennet. Make peace with your family. I have nothing to discuss with you."

  "Jacqueline." He said my name almost reverently, the tone urging me to look at him. "I am not angry. I understand that you had an obligation to Isaiah. It may please you to know that he broke me more quickly than I would have guessed possible. I am not the warrior I once was.

  "You wanted to break me."

  " No. I did not desire that, at least not at first. I wished for you to come to me of your free will. I would have put you above all others. I would have loved you."

  I almost laughed in his face. "The way you loved your wives?"

  "They were shallow and useless. I wanted a queen."

  " I kicked your ass, Kennet."

  He laughed loudly, an unexpected sound coming from this cold creature. "You and the Hunt. But Jacqueline, I am not going to die. At least not on the day the Elders believe I shall."

  "You will. Caelen will turn you over to the Dark Master of the Hunt."

  "We'll see." His hand stroked my arm.

  I woke up with a start, leaned over the side of the chair and threw up in the impatiens.

  Garrett carried me into the bathroom and sat me on the counter, holding me there as I protested. "I can clean myself up."

  "You're shaking and pale as a ghost. I don't want you to fall. Humor me." He handed me a wet washcloth so I could wipe off my face." Do you think you can stand up?" I nodded. He helped, holding me securely above my waist. I brushed my teeth and then he supported me so I could walk over to the bed. He positioned a couple of pillows under
my bare feet, sending blood back to my head. Then he crawled onto the bed next to me.

  "Will you tell me what happened, or are you still angry with me."

  "Yes and yes." He looked hurt but I ignored it. "I dreamt that Kennet spoke to me, only I think it was really him sending me a message. He's been in my mind before, and we know how well he controls people mentally. He told me that he's made Charlie his heir and then he gave me some BS about how he would have loved me. What really freaked me out was when he said he wasn't going to die at the judgment. I woke up when he touched my arm."

  "You're still so pale." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear but I gently pushed his hand away, still overwhelmed by the dream and not ready to be touched by my infuriating mate. He sat up, looking sad because of my coldness but I stubbornly held on to it, afraid of bursting into tears and appearing weak yet again.

  "We'll ask Liam if it's possible for him to send you a message while you sleep. It could have simply been a dream, my love."

  "It started off strangely. I was covered in someone's blood, but there was no body. It wasn't mine, but I couldn't remember whose blood it was, although I was—I was so sure that I knew. Then I heard Kennet speaking and I was suddenly standing on the island where I'd spoken to him after the duels."

  "Your color is finally coming back." He hesitantly stroked my face, but I refused to look at him. "I'm sorry. You're right to be angry. Do you want me to leave, so you can rest?"

  "No. I want to talk this out. It just seems that what I say doesn't register with you." I was so frustrated.

  "I do listen."

  I yanked him back down next to me and then turned so we were on our sides facing each other. I touched his face so he'd lose the hurt look. I hated to make him sad. "When you have discussions with Liam about whether or not to tell me things, I want to scream."

  "It's only because you're in a more fragile state." He whispered.

  "Fragile? Do I look fragile to you? Soon I'll be big enough to play for the San Francisco 49ers. I'm pregnant. Billions of females have given birth. I'll survive."

  This time when he stroked my face, I didn't push him away. "There were so many deaths from childbirth when I was younger."