by Ford, Lizzy
Fate shook his head, not about to recount the manipulating and deals he’d had to make to prevent his own future from happening. He definitely wasn’t going to alienate his only ally by admitting what he’d done to the soul of his intended mate. As the appointed Guardian and Keeper of Souls, Gabriel took his duties seriously.
“Mates, blood, fate,” he repeated. “Destiny is not set. I should have been able to affect this.”
“Well you didn’t,” Gabriel said. “What makes you so sure it’s her?”
“Long story and not one I’m going to repeat,” Fate replied firmly. “Can you confirm if she has a soul?”
“Yeah.” Gabriel started to smile. “Are you asking me for a favor?”
“I’d think a zombie rates your attention, no matter who’s interested.”
“Don’t fuck with me. You want to know if she’s got a soul. I want to know, too, but if I find out tonight or in a few years, I don’t care.”
Fate was starting not to like being human. He had fewer bargaining chips to make anyone do anything. “Do it tonight, and I’ll void one of the favors you owe me,” he said.
“Deal. I’ll be back in five.” Gabriel strode away and opened a portal, disappearing into it.
Fate waited, not at all satisfied with the discovery. The unsettled feeling inside him was the most unpleasant sensation he’d ever experienced. Deities tended to have watered down emotions at best. But this, this was … awful. His stomach felt like it was twisting and his chest was almost too tight for him to take a full breath.
He was being crushed by something that wasn’t physical. It was a feeling or perhaps, several, ganging up on him. He’d never wanted a mate and taken great precautions to ensure she never was born. His parents left him no warm memories of relationships. As Fate, he enjoyed the freedom to change his world and his mind and future at a whim, to try out different realms, sleep with any woman who interested him and then move on when he grew bored.
Freedom, independence, free will ... he was fiercely in agreement with humans. Destiny should never become an unavoidable destination one barreled towards no matter what, but a culmination of choices and chains of events that changed the eventual outcome.
Confined by his duty, he wanted the same freedom in his own life. Yet somehow, against all odds, the woman meant to become his mate had been born without the soul he disposed of. Even worse, she was not only half-human, but the half-breed daughter of Wynn.
She was caught up with an Ancient whose definition of demonstrating mercy towards his children was either to exile or kill them. She was the worst-case scenario, appearing at the worst opportunity, in the worst circumstances.
Which means she needs my help. The idea of a mate, though, made him want to never cross paths with her again, until he recalled the unusual attraction he’d experienced upon meeting her and the odd energy that passed between them when they touched.
Every deity only had one chance at a mate. He hadn’t wanted his anytime soon, but neither was he willing to rule out a time in the far-flung future when he might enjoy companionship. Eternity was a long time to be alone. He appreciated having his sister back, even if she usually got into some kind of trouble he had to help her out of. He never minded because she was a distraction from his boredom.
While the exact meaning of the mates, blood, fate bonds had been debated among deities for a million years, if not more, it was generally accepted that one had to claim his or her mate upon discovery. Even the Dark One had sought his and trapped her in Hell.
Fate’s eyes went to the fog hanging overhead. He had made the mistaken assumption that balancing his karma load was meant to be easy: a vacation consisting of a series of good deeds, of living like a good human, for as long as it took.
He hadn’t considered it might be hard to regain his position as a deity. He knew he’d have to be careful of those he crossed but not that he’d have to do what he always did – manipulate the board – without his powers. With the life of someone else, someone innocent, now entangled with his, he innately knew his chances at balancing his karma were likely tied to his decision about whether or not to claim his mate.
Fate was not used to being short sighted.
“You got that right,” Gabriel said, walking back through a portal yawning open beside the diner. “No soul. It’s amazing, really.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Fate replied.
“You’re stuck here being good and she’s in the clutches of Wynn.” Gabriel leaned against the railing beside him.
Did he risk losing his one shot at a companion by not acting? Risk his life by stepping into a game when he had no power?
He did have thousands of years worth of knowledge, hundreds of favors and at least one ally. He’d worked with less before.
But did he really want this? If she were to die-dead at Wynn’s hands, could he live with never having a partner? After all, he’d always have Karma.
Mates, blood, fate. What if his karmic balancing, and return to his position, required him to do something he didn’t really want to do?
Chapter Five
Stephanie studied the slender man with midnight skin and brilliant eyes awaiting her in a large study that smelled of books and sunshine. He didn’t appear anywhere near old enough to be her father. His youthful features were offset by flaxen hair. Kiki, who seemed displeased at having a half-sister, had left her in the doorway without a word to the alleged head of the family.
Wynn didn’t look a day older than he had in the one surviving picture Stephanie’s mother had hidden in an old diary twenty-three years ago. Handsome with a near-regal appearance, he was the stoic man her mother snapped about whenever Stephanie asked about her father. Her mother always turned from warm and sweet to cold and dismissive when she discussed Stephanie’s father.
It was a similar reaction to those of Kiki and Ileana, and Stephanie withheld judgment until she’d heard a good reason why no one seemed to like her father. She was in part excited to know her search for him was over – but uncertain how to talk to him.
Wynn leaned against the desk behind him and considered her for a long moment. She felt like she was in the principal’s office, not meeting her father for the first time. He didn’t seem appreciative of finding a long lost daughter.
“Your mother is Rachel Jennings?” he asked finally.
“Yes.”
“You’re a half breed.”
Uncertain how to respond, Stephanie cleared her throat and looked around.
“What did she tell you about me?”
Stephanie shrugged. “Just that you ditched us soon after she got pregnant. She doesn’t really like to talk about you.”
“So you had no idea you were one of us?”
“Of course not.”
He frowned. “Kiki confirmed your blood test,” he said. “Do you have any tattoos?”
“Tattoos?” she echoed, confused. “This is the first time I’m meeting you in my life and you want to know if I have tattoos?”
“I’m not a normal father, and you’re not a normal daughter. You’ll learn when I ask a question, I expect an immediate answer,” he chided.
“No. I don’t have any tattoos. No birthmarks or scars or anything!”
“Good. Each of my sons has a particular gift inherited from his respective mother. Kiki is a math and science genius. My other son, Tamer, is a keeper of knowledge. He can read ancient writings and inscriptions in a way no one else in the worlds can. Do you – or did your mother – have any talents?”
“You knocked up my mom. Wouldn’t you know?” Stephanie asked.
“I want to know what she told you.”
“Nothing!” she exclaimed. “Do you even care how I spent my childhood or that she worked two jobs to raise me?”
“Had I known where to find you, I would’ve taken you with me. You don’t belong in the human world. Your mother knows this.”
This sent chills through her.
“Although, I don’t know
what use you’ll have here, either,” he added. “Fortunately for you, I’m three children short right now. There’s room for the family to grow. You’ll be treated with the respect your place in our society deserves.”
“You say it like I’m staying,” she said. “I don’t have any idea what’s going on, but I do know I’m not staying here.”
“Of course you are. You’re my daughter. Once it’s public knowledge, you won’t have anywhere else to go.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have many enemies, the kind you don’t ever want to meet. They’d likely use you or torture you to get to me.”
She gasped. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious.”
He was scaring her, and he hadn’t moved from his spot on the desk or raised his voice in the five minutes that passed since she entered the study.
“You can’t keep me here against my will,” she said firmly. “I have rights.”
“You’re a half Immortal and the daughter of the primary Ancient, who happens to be the head of the Council That Was Seven. You have no rights but those I allow you to have. No one in their right mind would cross me,” he replied with the same unflappable calm. “You’re fortunate I want you here despite you having no unique talents and being a half-breed. The other half-breed in the family is in permanent exile.”
I don’t fit in anywhere. Stephanie wasn’t certain how his statement could hurt her as much as it did. He was her father and he didn’t think she was worthy of anything. How did this happen? More importantly, how had her mother ever fallen for an asshole like this?
Reeling from her latest introduction to the insane world, she couldn’t get one word out of her mouth.
“I always did want a daughter,” he added more softly. “Just not one that’s a half-breed. But, I suppose that’s my fault, not yours.”
“Is every Immortal a total dick?” she snapped.
He raised an eyebrow in polite offense. “You’ll need some polishing before I can introduce you to others outside the family. We’re the Windsor’s of the Immortals. You have a public responsibility to take on the roll I assign you. For your sake, you’ll adapt to the politics of the family.”
I’m not staying here, she swore silently.
“Your mother’s life depends on you adjusting,” he continued. “I’ll suppress her identity but you can’t be seen around your family. Kiki said you ran into demons already?”
She nodded.
“They aren’t the only ones who will be after those you love.”
She swallowed hard, an image of Olivia in her thoughts. “I’ll call the police.”
“And tell them what?” he challenged. “You’re being chased by demons? Immortals? What will you tell your sister, who knows less of this world than you now do?”
Stephanie said nothing. He was right. Anyone who heard her story would lock her up.
Wynn gazed at her intently. “Something is very different about you.”
Story of my life. “Aside from being told I’m a half breed Immortal princess?”
“Princess is fitting, albeit you’re an illegitimate one,” he said with a faint smile. “But there’s something else. I spent enough of my second time in the mortal realm posing as a human to know you’re not quite right.”
“I’ve never fit in anywhere,” she said with a sigh.
“It’s a good thing. To be comfortable with where you are is to become vulnerable.”
I really don’t want to find out I fit in here, either.
“Did your mother ever share any insight into why you’re special?”
“My mother wouldn’t know. This is your world, not hers,” Stephanie said, unable to understand his persistent questions about her perfectly normal mother.
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” He glanced at his watch. “Kiki is going to coordinate a small dinner party for later this week where I’ll announce you to the Immortals. I recommend you learn what you can about our society before then,” Wynn added. “You’re dismissed.”
Ten minutes later, standing in the cavernous bedroom assigned to her, she was still running the bizarre meeting with her father through her head. When she was younger, she’d fantasized about what her father was like. He was the top neurosurgeon in the world, which meant he was going to be brilliant, dedicated to his job, compassionate towards others, saving lives every day and probably by this point, wealthy. Unless his heart was so good, he gave it all away to charity, which she’d secretly thought he would.
The only thing I got right was his money. She wasn’t just disappointed by the revelation of what her father actually was – she was devastated. Her mother’s reluctance and iciness to discuss him made sense.
Exhausted to the point of delirious after her day, Stephanie crossed to the mammoth bed with its four posters and heavy curtains neatly captured at each post. The headboard and furniture of the chamber were antique wood, the colors neutrals. Her room included an ultra-modern bathroom with jetted tub, small living space, and balcony overlooking an endless sea of green trees and mountains.
It was very unlike the series of two-bedroom apartments she’d lived in with her mother and sister. Wynn didn’t appear to be the kind to move often, unlike her family did. A new town every year or two, a new school.
The décor of the bedchamber was elegant and simple but clearly expensive. Clothing with tags was in the wardrobe. She checked the sizes, a little closer to snapping when she saw they were hers. The clothing was conservative in shades of blue, gray and black, the dresses and skirts mid-calf in length and the slacks ironed within an inch of their lives. Even the designer, dark-washed jeans had been ironed.
“What kind of nut irons jeans?” Her hand fell from the clothing. She was trembling, and her insides were cold. A nightmare this real wasn’t possible yet neither was she able to process what she’d learned – that she was a half breed Immortal princess.
Then why wasn’t she panicking? Trying to get home?
Because this world feels real for the first time in my life. She wasn’t able to deny the existence of the creatures that killed Olivia any more than her trip through a tear in the fabric of the universe that left her across the world. Her own quasi-acceptance of both surprised her more than learning she was one of these strange people.
Stephanie locked herself in the bathroom and sank down with her back to the door, hugging her legs to her chest. She tried to meditate or at least, soothe her frayed nerves, using the relaxation techniques Olivia had showed her. Grounding herself with great effort, she rested her head against her knee and listened to the rhythm of her breathing.
She was smart and capable and had always been at the top of her class. If she could make it through the male-dominated engineering classes at school, she could handle this strange new reality. After all, she’d finally found her father after years of looking. He was a jerk, but he was still her father.
As for the talk about Immortals …
Her breathing grew uneven, and she refocused quickly on what positives she could pull from this experience. She had a nice bedchamber, and …
Olivia.
Stephanie squeezed her eyes closed, unable to dismiss the sight of her roommate being killed. Tears leaked and traveled down her face. She lifted her head and sucked in deep breaths. It was the worst moment for her to lose it. She needed to think.
She stripped out of her clothing and took a long, hot shower, unable to relax on her own. When she was finished, she snuggled into a plush robe and looked around for her clothes.
They were gone. She hadn’t heard or seen anyone enter to grab them and the door was still locked.
Stephanie drew a breath and let it out with a hiss. “Just … go with it,” she ordered herself. “It’s just Immortal weirdness.” But she felt like crying again.
She left the bathroom and lay down on the bed to gaze at the thirty-foot high ceiling. Struggling to find a way not to end up screaming, she decided to pretend sh
e was at an exclusive hotel, and soon, she’d be back home with her mom and sister with the craziest stories to tell them.
Of all the thoughts in her head, she returned to the claim by her father that she couldn’t go home because she’d be in danger. She began to think she’d be in as much danger from him pursuing her as anyone else. She’d have to convince her mother and sister to move, to go into hiding, all because some Immortal creatures were going to be after them.
There was no scenario she could create where the conversation played out how she wanted it to. How did she convince normal people about this strange sub-world hidden within their own? She’d barely tolerated Olivia’s nonsense about souls and destiny; she’d have laughed off the idea of demons and deities if she hadn’t met them.
Deities. How on earth was the guy she met a god? Why hadn’t he wanted to tell anyone who he was? And why did she keep thinking about him and his mesmerizing eyes?
He helped rescue her, but he hadn’t been able to help Olivia, and he’d been the first to speak utter nonsense to her. No matter how attractive he was, his appearance marked the point where her life plummeted into the gutter.
Restless, Stephanie dug out pajamas, not caring that it was mid-morning in the Alps. It was bedtime where she was from, and she was too fatigued to take another moment of this nonsense. Perhaps, when she awoke, she’d be back home, and Olivia would have a wild explanation for what happened.
Recalling someone had slipped into her room to grab her clothing, she returned to the bathroom to change. Stephanie dropped the robe and tugged on underwear and a soft t-shirt. She bent to swipe the robe off the floor and froze.
“What the hell?” She twisted to get a better look at her lower back. Skin peeked through the gap between her shirt and underwear. She bore a marking of some sort at the small of her back. Tugging up her shirt, she stared over her shoulder at the bizarre tattoo that hadn’t been there in the morning when she ventured to the book festival.
The letters S H A I were inked in blocky letters with a distinctly gothic feel and surrounded by geometric symbols. The tattoo was dark maroon.
