by Amy Sumida
The Extinguishers closed in smoothly behind us as we went, ushering us into the back of a large black SUV(we Extinguishers like SUVs), and then we were driven directly to those conjoined Victorians. Another Extinguisher tunnel was formed and we raced through it again, right up the steps into the council house. I barely had time to appreciate the filigree architecture or the lush blooms of the fenced-in garden in front of the house. Our escort didn't even pause when we made it through the front door but led us straight back through a narrow hallway. I had glimpses of elegant old world decor through open doors before we were herded into a very modern looking elevator.
A button was pushed for the lowest floor and the one above that. There were three levels beneath the house and the whirring elevator carried us smoothly down to the second level. That was where two of our Extinguisher guards got out with our luggage and weapons.
“We'll leave these in your suite,” one of them said over his shoulder as he left.
“There goes changing into my dress,” I murmured to Aideen and then did a double take.
She was cringing beside me like a woman heading for the gallows. I placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her. Her eyes flicked over to mine and then settled. She took a deep breath and gave me a grateful smile. I had no idea what she was going through but being enclosed in a little metal box with a bunch of Extinguishers couldn't have been comfortable for her.
We went down one more level and then stepped out of the elevator to follow our last remaining escort down a long, white, empty hallway. There were closed doors to either side of us with brass name plates on them. The offices of the council men and women. We went past all of them, straight to the door at the very end, directly opposite the elevator. Our escort opened the door and stepped aside, revealing a large room with soft green walls adorned by several expensive paintings. I could tell they were expensive because they had ornate, gilded frames and little spotlights over them. People didn't put spotlights over cheap prints.
The carpet was meadow green and very plush, complimenting the assortment of potted plants around the space. A series of teardrop shaped lights hung down the center of the rectangular room, illuminating an oval, mahogany table. There was a carving of a candle snuffer in the center of the table, with Celtic knotwork surrounding it, and the words Riamh Eagla an Dorchadas beneath it. The symbol and motto of the Extinguishers.
“Never fear the darkness,” I whispered as I translated the Gaelic to myself. The last words of the female hunter came back to me then, her cackling voice advising me to do exactly the opposite. What the hell had she meant by that?
“Good advice,” Aideen whispered back to me with a smile as she absently reached out to stroke the leaf of a potted plant. For a second, I thought she was referring to the unseelie fey's words but then I realized she'd meant the motto.
“Ms. Evergreen?” A man with graying brown hair but a very fit body straining his tailored suit, walked over to Aideen with his hand extended. “I'm Alan Murdock, Head of the San Francisco Council House. I know you must be frightened so let me take this opportunity to thank you for your help and assure you that we will do everything within our power to keep you safe.”
“Thank you, Mr. Murdock,” she shook his hand. “I admit, after the unseelie attack, I was pretty shaken.”
“Yes, we've heard about that,” he gestured to the table and we all settled into seats around it.
Councilman Murdock took the seat at the head of the table and placed Aideen beside him on his right. Aideen grabbed my hand and pulled me into a seat beside hers, leaving my Dad to follow us and take one on my right. I settled into the soft green leather cushion and leaned back with a sigh of relief. We'd made it, Aideen was safe. That's when I looked around the table and saw him.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted and everyone went quiet.
Tiernan Shadowcall, Lord of the Wild Hunt, lost his cool, blank expression for just a moment as his lips twitched. Then he lifted his chin along with one perfect, blonde eyebrow. It appeared to be all the answer I was getting from him.
“Count Tiernan has asked to join our investigation,” Murdock answered for the fairy. “And we're very happy to have him,” the last was said with a bit of force and the Head Councilman's gaze fell hard on me and my father.
All I got from it was that Blondie was a Count. Seriously? A Count? That was a fairly impressive title, somewhere between a Baron and a Marquess. Not at all what I'd been expecting when Aideen said he was a royal. A Count definitely didn't belong on the Wild Hunt. He should be parading about some fairy estate in fairy finery, petting his fairy dogs and painting sparkles in the air or whatever silliness the fey royalty did. My thoughts must have shown on my face because the Count gave a slow blink as his lips twitched once more.
“I've investigated Aideen's claims and I, as well as the West European Fairy Council, have found them to be worth further inquiry,” Tiernan said... directly to me. “The Council has ordered me to protect Ms. Evergreen and see this through. We do not want a war with you humans.”
“Could you say you humans with just a little more scorn please?” I smirked at him. “It wasn't quite obvious enough.”
“Extinguisher Seren!” Murdock snapped.
“What?” I asked excessive bafflement.
“My apologies for any misinterpreted sleights,” Tiernan offered with snobbish gallantry.
“That didn't really sound like an apology,” I muttered.
“You're very welcome here, Count,” Murdock spoke over me.
“Dracula,” I mumbled under my breath.
“What was that, Extinguisher Seren?” Murdock pinned me with his gaze.
“Nothing,” I said innocently. “I was clearing my throat.” I said it again, “Dra-” cough, “cula.”
“I've never in my entire existence drunk blood,” Tiernan protested with a little smile.
“Your skin's pretty white though and I bet you've impaled a few people,” I lifted my brows at him.
“I suppose you could call it impalement. Would you care for a demonstration?” His look turned lascivious and my cheeks heated.
“What did you just say to my daughter?” My father's voice went low and dangerous. Tiernan only grinned wider, keeping his startling gaze fixed on me and my red cheeks.
“That will be quite enough of that!” Murdock's glare went back and forth between me and Dad. “Not that it matters. Both of you will be heading back to Hawaii shortly.”
“Now wait one minute,” my father growled.
“I'm sorry, Ewan, you're both still too unpredictable for this mission,” Murdock said with a fair amount of sympathy. “This is too important to compromise with your bias.”
“We were the ones who found Aideen and brought her to you in the first place,” I protested. “If we were biased, she'd be dead.”
“Councilman Murdock,” Aideen interrupted and we all looked at her in surprise. “I must insist on Seren as my personal guard. Frankly, I trust her and I won't be comfortable with anyone else.”
“Well,” Murdock blinked at her and then at me. “Looks like you've snagged a spot on the mission, Extinguisher Seren.”
“Then I stay as well,” Dad growled.
“You can stay of course,” Murdock waved a hand. “But I'm afraid my decision stands, you won't be helping us any further.”
“This is bullshit,” Dad growled.
“Extinguisher Ewan, we appreciate your bringing this problem to our attention,” Murdock started to dismiss my father.
“Fuck no, Alan,” Dad stood and slammed his fist onto the table. “I deserve this chance to get back into the game. I can handle myself.”
The room went silent for the space of three breaths and then Murdock finally spoke. “Sit down then, Ewan and begin by showing me a better temperament.”
“I can stay?” Dad cocked his head at Murdock.
“I already said you could stay, now sit your stubborn ass down!” Murdock shouted and Dad sat. “You will
not be on the mission, Extinguisher Ewan. You can help in an advisory capacity but that is all.”
“Murdock,” my dad growled.
“Councilman Murdock,” Murdock corrected Dad with a dangerous tone.
“Councilman Murdock,” Dad sighed. “I have served this council for most of my life. You owe me the chance to redeem myself.”
“Do you know how many fairies you and your daughter have killed in the last two years, Extinguisher Ewan?” Murdock asked calmly.
“No,” Dad admitted, adjusting his shoulders like he did whenever he got nervous.
“Thirty-six,” the councilman said and I watched Tiernan's eyes widen just slightly.
“All had warrants,” my father's jaw was clenching. “All of them were legal.”
“Yes but they weren't all your warrants,” Murdock sighed. “You used your rank to commandeer executions from lower level Extinguishers so you could take out your rage on those fairies.”
“They were criminals,” Dad frowned. “All were slated for execution, there's nothing wrong with what we did.”
“That you can't even see the problem, is a problem,” Murdock shook his head. “We don't enjoy killing. We extinguish convicted fairies humanely.”
“When someone behaves like a beast, he says After all, one is only human,” my father quoted. “But when he is treated like a beast he says; After all, one is human.”
“Using wit to twist my words won't help your cause,” Murdock narrowed his eyes on my father.
“I'm not,” Dad sighed. “I'm telling you that I made a mistake, that's it's an easy line for us to cross; to go from killing humanely to simply killing. I'm angry and yes, I'm out for fey blood, but I'm also in control of my actions again.”
“I will allow you to advise on this mission, no field work,” Murdock said again. My dad started to protest but Murdock held up his hand. “If you display this reclaimed self-control and reason, I will have you reinstated into a proper position and move you back to San Francisco.”
“That's fair,” Dad nodded. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome,” Murdock said stiffly, then turned to Aideen. “Now please, Ms. Evergreen, tell us exactly what you know.”
Aideen seemed to know quite a bit about the biological weapon as well as the plan to deploy it and it took over three hours to get it all out of her. Then another two to work out a plan on what to do about it. Finally, we decided to infiltrate the lab Aideen worked at... with her help. She said she knew where they kept a sample of the poison and she was willing to personally lead us into the lion's den if we could get her past all the guards. I was surprised by that. After seeing her friend murdered as she tried to escape, the thought of going back into the lab must have been terrifying. Yet she was willing to return to make sure his death wasn't for nothing. I have to say, I was growing more and more impressed with her. She was one brave dryad.
Chapter Nine
“Brendan is here,” Councilman Murdock said to me on our way out of the council chambers.
“Oh?” I lifted a brow politely.
Murdock's son and I had been friends when we were kids but I hadn't seen him in years. All Extinguisher children had to go to normal, human school as well as take Extinguisher classes. Physical training was done by the parents but the educational classes on fairies and their culture were taught by the Councils. I'd attended the same Council school as Brendan had, the San Francisco school. That was back when my father and I had lived in SF and Mom was still alive. The thing was, Council classes ended at age fourteen and Brendan and I hadn't exactly kept in touch since then. I wasn't sure why his father was bringing him up to me now.
“I thought this might be a good opportunity for you two to catch up?” Murdock offered as he stepped aside, opening the door to his private office and going in so the rest of the council could get past us.
I followed him inside since we seemed to be having a conversation, though I really didn't know what to say next. A glance around the room showed a classy, polished, oak desk placed directly in the center of a Persian carpet. There were tall bookshelves lining the walls behind and to either side of the desk, leaving only the wall with the door open to display photographs of the councilman shaking hands with various political figures, including several presidents.
“Are you and Brendan old friends?” Aideen asked sweetly. She had followed me in.
“We were friends when we were young,” I frowned first at her and then at the councilman.
“Uh, I haven't mentioned it to her yet,” my father came into the room and closed the door behind him, giving me a nervous glance.
“Oh!” Murdock chuckled. “Sorry about that. I guess I let the cat out of the bag.”
“I don't like that expression much,” I said as I turned to glare at my father.
I had a feeling I knew what this was about. Extinguishers had been marrying other Extinguishers for generations now, resulting in extremely powerful children. I had personally benefited from this, being one of those powerful children... but that didn't mean I liked the idea of being forced to choose a husband from a select group of men. I wasn't ready for marriage. I was only twenty-six. Didn't women get married a lot older these days? We lived longer now, that meant we had more time to decide on a husband. Plus, the idea of having children simply scared the bejesus out of me. I had a fish once and it hadn't lasted a month. A fish. How was I going to take care of a baby?
“Brendan's a good man,” my Dad started and I rolled my eyes. “Just give him a chance, that's all we ask.”
“Why would you want your son married to me?” I looked back at Murdock, hoping for some help. “You yourself called us unstable. Why would you want me in your family?”
“You'll recover,” Murdock said with a gentle tone. “What you two went through was a nightmare. It's totally understandable to lose your calm but I happen to have known your father for quite a long time so I can say with the utmost certainty, the both of you will be just fine. You're stronger than this pain.”
“Stronger,” I narrowed my eyes on him. “This is about my test scores, isn't it?”
“You're the most talented female Extinguisher there has ever been,” Murdock nodded, completely shameless about it. “Telekinesis, pyrokinesis, levitation, and clairvoyance. Very impressive and then you tested high in all fields of combat.”
“And a touch of precognition,” I added with a grimace. “Though I'm not very good at that one.”
“Yes, you have a bit of the oracle inside you too,” Murdock smiled. “Having you for a daughter-in-law would be an honor.”
“And the fact that your son is one step above me with his combat scores doesn't hurt either, huh?” I looked back and forth between the two smiling fathers. “Look at you guys, I can practically see your dreams of ultimate warrior babies flashing in your eyeballs,” I huffed and walked out of the room, Aideen in tow.
“Seren,” my Dad called after me.
“Let her go,” I heard Murdock tell him. “She'll cool down and realize we're right.”
“No, I won't,” I growled as I barreled down the hallway and straight into the elevator with Aideen.
I jabbed the button for the second level, the residential floor, knowing I'd have to check in with the housekeeper to find our room. I was still irritated when the elevator doors dinged open and I stormed through them without looking... smack dab into a solid chest. I backed up, even more annoyed, to glare up into a handsome face.
“Brendan,” I spat in accusation.
“What did I do?” He pulled back with wide, blinking eyes.
“Your father and Seren's just informed her of your possible nuptials,” Aideen explained merrily.
“They what?” Brendan's ultramarine eyes widened and the muscles in his broad shoulders flexed as his head pulled back even further.
It was hard to ignore the significant physical changes he'd gone through since last we met. No more lanky limbs and hollow chest, now he had sleek muscles and a confident be
aring. His face had formed new angles, interesting lines at jaw and nose which made up for the almost non-existent thinness of his lips. There were thick lashes around those blue eyes and thick, auburn hair around that new face. Too bad our fathers' interference soured all that. Yeah, I was that person, push me one way and I'll head in the opposite direction.
“Yep,” was all I said to him. “And it's not happening.”
“No problem,” he huffed and angled out of my way.
“What?” I narrowed my stare, unsure whether I should be insulted or grateful.
“Well what did you expect me to say?” His lips pulled back in distaste. “Yeah, I've always liked you and I may have mentioned that to my father. I may have also seen a recent picture of you and suggested to my dad that he talk to yours about a possible... whatever,” he shrugged. “But if you're not into me, that's fine. I'm not going to chase you around, begging you to like me. I'll look elsewhere,” he turned to leave.
“Hold on,” I sighed and Aideen grinned at me. I knew he was using basic reverse psychology on me but it still worked. Like I said, push me one way and I'll go the other. I really needed to work on that.
“Yes?” He turned around, sporting the wry smile I remembered from my childhood.
“I didn't mean to insult you, I was just pissed at being blindsided,” I grimaced. “It's good to see you again, Brendan.”
“It's good to see you too,” he gave me a charming, lopsided grin. “And I understand about the whole matchmaking thing, that might have pissed me off too but it's kind of our culture. I mean, weren't you raised to expect something like this? At least now we have a choice, it used to be arranged marriages. You were set up by your parents and that was that.”
“True,” I bobbed my head. “But I don't know if I'm ready for marriage yet.”
“We're both older than our parents were when they got married,” he gave a slight head toss/shrug.
“We haven't seen each other in twelve years and yet you already want to get married?” I gaped at him.
“Hey now,” he held his hands up. “I said I was interested in getting to know you better, not that I wanted to put a ring on your finger.”
