Steam Union

by Patti Larsen

  “What could be of more concern to me than the murder of my wife?” His voice started out soft, but grew in volume until it vibrated around the room.

  I had two choices. Be nice, gentle, kind. Or smack him in the head.

  Guess which one I chose?

  “Pull yourself together,” I snapped. His eyes widened, temper crackling, but I cut him off with a surge of power. “Your grief is understandable,” I went on. “But you are a king, Danilo. You accepted the monarch’s seat of the werenation. They are looking to you for guidance right now.” I jabbed a finger toward the door where his people waited for him. His eyes flickered that way then back to me, the barest hint of acceptance rising. “I know it sucks,” I said. “I know.” I hit my chest with one fist in a deep thudding sound. “When my first husband was murdered right in front of me, I wanted nothing more than to kill the one who took him from me. To tear the whole world apart and not think of who I was hurting or what Fate needed me to do. I didn’t care if everything fell to ashes. I just wanted revenge.”

  Danilo sat intensely still, the burning in his eyes fading to a faint, waiting boil. I was getting through to him after all. Time to do my best to finish this. If I could.

  “But, like it or not, Danilo, I didn’t have a choice.” I leaned away, lower lip quivering as I relived in my mind the day Liam died. My hate for Max for holding me back, the loss of time as I floundered to accept what happened. The worst day of my life. “I was responsible for everyone’s safety. Carrying my dead husband's child. And I had a job to do.” Did I get to kill Ameline in the end? You betcha. But I put my duty first. Mind you, I was forced to by fate. But it amounted to the same thing.

  Danilo’s hand loosened on the arm of the chair. “I had no idea,” he said, voice thick. “I’m sorry for your loss, Sydlynn.”

  Right. He’d been a wolf when it all happened.

  “And I yours,” I said, leaning toward him, reaching out to squeeze his knee. “This duty of ours, it’s a heavy weight, my friend. It binds us to the good of others first. Forces us to bury our hurts and losses until we’ve done the right thing. Only then do we have the freedom to grieve, often alone.” He nodded heavily, sighing as he sank back into his chair, fresh tears trickling down his face. But his eyes were clear again, shoulders relaxed, his wolf retreating.

  Holy. I’d really done it.

  “You speak wisely,” he said. “And, as always, I respect your opinion, Sydlynn. But this blatant attack on my people cannot go unpunished.”

  “We agree on that, big fella,” I said, flat and with a crackle in my voice. “The woman who killed Liam isn’t around to talk about it.” Eagerness flooded his face. “But.” I paused a long moment while he drew a slow, shaking breath and exhaled. “The choice was calculated and not fed by emotion. But by decision.” Well, not entirely true, but it seemed to impact him in the way I wanted. Considering I’d been fighting for my life and Gabriel’s about a second before I had the chance to stop Ameline’s heart…

  “But,” Danilo said.

  “As king, you must uncover the true motivations of the attackers.” I didn’t want to say vampires. No way I was lumping the whole race into this mess when it was Piotr and, to my renewed anger, Eva Southway who seemed to be responsible. The Empress I’d deal with later. “I believe this horrible crime was perpetrated by none other than Liander Belaisle and the Brotherhood.”

  Danilo grunted. “To what end?” His mind was still spinning clearly, making it hard for him to grasp.

  “The World Paranormal Council is our first attempt to work together,” I said. “That has to scare the bejeebuz out of him. If we all figure out how to be a team, he’s no longer dealing with a fractured, untrusting collection of races. He’s up against a powerhouse and he knows it.”

  “You believe my wife’s murder was an attempt to begin a war.” Danilo looked away from me. “To weaken our alliance.”

  “I truly do.” I wished I had something comforting to say to him. But there was little comfort in any of this. “If you want to strike a real blow against those who killed Yana, you will target Belaisle, Danilo. Not the vampire race.”

  Danilo’s head whipped back, mouth a grim slash under his beard. “And the Wilhelm clan,” he said.

  Did he know Piotr had been arrested? Likely. But I knew now the king’s hate wouldn’t die so easily, and could I blame him? I was fooling myself thinking I could get through to Danilo, with his life steeped in the werewolf drive for vengeance. I sighed and shrugged.

  “Do what you want,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. “But please, be a ruler. And weigh everything you consider with the rest of us in mind.”

  He looked away, refusing to meet my eyes. With time maybe he would accept. But I was fairly certain the powerful drive of honor and duty, their unreasonable caн, would supersede everything I just said.

  I left the three weres to their grief, though Oleksander followed me to the door and engulfed me one more time.

  Thank you, he sent. For trying. I understand his pain, but perhaps I am older and more accustomed to the ache of loss. I see more clearly than he and will advise him with your request in mind.

  Relief was a rush. I hugged him tight. Take care of him, Oleksander.

  The old werewolf bowed to me and showed me out.

  I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Femke and the others again, so as soon as I rejoined Lula and Phon I opened the veil and took them home. The rules against using power like that in the werewolf palace would just have to kiss my ass.

  I dropped the twins off at their home with thanks before padding my way back to my own driveway. It gave me time to think, and, finally, to decide to leave a packed bag everywhere I went so I didn’t have to spend stressful days like this one in my pajamas.

  The soft, steady presence of spirit magic in the kitchen alerted me I had a visitor, and I wasn’t surprised to find Sunny sitting there, waiting for me. She rose, came to me immediately, hugging me tight. Her skin was warm, which meant she’d fed, at least. I loved her, but the chill of her skin pre-blood meal always gave me the shivers.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, pulling away, crystal tears on her flawless face. “You saved me, saved Frank. I was just so angry, Syd.” Her hands shook as she dropped them from wiping at her wet cheeks. “I thought I could handle things, that when I had the opportunity to speak directly to the other queens they would see his accusations were false. Too naïve, even now.” She shook out her long, blonde hair, shimmering in the light. “By the time I realized they were already set against me it was far too late and I was on the defensive.” She touched my hand, apology on her face, in her gaze and power. “With everyone.” I squeezed her hand as she went on. “None of that matters now,” she said. “Except my regret I allowed myself to be such a fool. But you must understand there is far more to this than you might realize. I don’t know what the Empress is up to, but she’s playing more than one side.”

  “Tell me about it.” I paused, shuffled my feet. “I’m sorry, too,” I said. “I shouldn’t have interfered. I get so frustrated and just want to fix everything.”

  Sunny’s soft chuckle made me smile a little. “When you have as much power and passion and heart as someone like you,” she said, “it can’t be easy to let the rest of us stumble around and make a mess of our lives.” I shook my head but she shrugged, elegant as ever. “I needed your help,” she said, “and, like a fool, resented the fact you saved my behind.” Her fingertips brushed a piece of loose hair back over my ear. “But I love you for caring enough to put yourself in danger for all of us, Syd.”

  I sank into a chair, Sunny retaking hers. The house was quiet, and I found I missed my kids suddenly with a rush like pain. Probably triggered by Danilo’s loss, talking about Liam. As soon as I was done with Sunny, I’d be taking a trip to Harvard to hug and kiss my children until they begged for mercy.

  “I’m not just here to apologize,” Sunny said with a rueful smile that faded immediately. “I’m worrie
d, Syd. I’ve been trying to contact some of my friends among the other blood clans, and can’t seem to reach them.”

  “You’re trying to muster support to regain your throne.” Of course she was. That’s my Sunny.

  She leaned back in her chair, arms over her chest, foot bobbing on her crossed knee. “This was a setup,” she said. “I should have won. Whatever the Empress’s reasons for wanting me off the throne, I’m sure she was behind it.” The conversation I’d had with the ancient vampire ran through my head. That wasn’t the impression she gave me, but then again, after that many years, she’d probably learned to become an excellent liar. And, after this debacle, who knew what side she was on but her own?

  I told Sunny everything I knew about the Empress and the spirit energy issues happening in our Universe. She shuddered, hands running up and down her arms, eyes wide.

  “So Sebastian is gone forever?” Tears tinted her tone.

  “I have no idea,” I said. “But I really hope not. It’s possible he and his blood clan are either on the other side, in the Dark Universe, or are trapped in some kind of limbo.” Of course, I had no idea if this was true or not, so I could have been lying to her without knowing it. But it seemed to ease her tension and she sat back again.

  We were interrupted by the push of sorcery and both sat up straighter as the back door slammed and Piers entered the kitchen, panting slightly from his hurry.

  “You’re not going to like this,” he said as I groaned and slouched at his worried expression.

  “Now what?”

  Piers sighed while he caught his breath, real regret in his voice. “King Danilo of the werenation just declared war on the Wilhelm blood clan.”

  ***

  Chapter Twenty Five

  “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised,” Sunny said.

  I was disappointed, to say the least. “I thought I talked him down far enough.” Damn it, Oleksander, what happened?

  “I think it would have been okay,” Pier said, sinking down next to Sunny, “but two werewolves were dumped on the front lawn with their throats cut and their bodies drained of blood just after you two left.” He shook his head, disgust on his face. “Danilo lost his mind and everything went to hell.”

  “Belaisle is determined to see this devolve into chaos,” I said. “Did you tell Femke?”

  “She was there,” Piers said. “Tried to diffuse it, but Danilo kicked her out, me too. Locked down the palace. Charlotte’s still there, as far as I know, but she’s wired up too, Syd.”

  Freaking werewolves and their stupid caн.

  Sunny rose from her seat, face grim. “I feared this would happen,” she said. “And though they are no longer my responsibility, I must attempt to save my family from this if I can.”

  “Where are you going?” I reached for her hand but she shook her head and backed away.

  “The Empress will tell me everything she knows,” Sunny said in a voice so cold mist drifted from between her lips. “Or her long existence will come to an abrupt end.” She shuddered into shadow and vanished.

  “Bloodthirsty,” Piers said, tone light and amused.

  “She’s a vampire, after all.” I sighed and sank lower in my chair. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll let Danilo calm down a bit then go shake some sense into his fool head.”

  “Syd.” Piers stiffened slightly, words careful as he spoke, index finger tracing a complex pattern on the tabletop. “The werenation is under the protection of the Steam Union.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I kicked him under the table and he winced as my sneaker caught his shin. “Don’t tell me you’re going to go to war with them out of some stupid pride thing, because I’ll do more than kick you, Piers.”

  “I just mean,” he said with a deep frown, “I won’t abandon them.” His gray eyes darkened slightly as he looked away, watching his finger making circles and swirls on the wooden surface. “I’m seeing things differently now, like clouds have cleared, wiped away all the rubbish.” His hand stopped moving. “I’ve made this new gateway to the future by taking over Mum’s position. Putting all the pieces back together is going to take time, but I feel like I’m finally seeing things the way they are supposed to be.”

  Sparks fired, gears turned and I gasped as an epiphany so powerful it took my breath away roared through me. I lunged and grabbed Piers, kissing him soundly on the mouth.

  “You,” I laughed, giddy with sudden understanding, “are a genius.”

  Wide gray eyes full of startled good humor stared back at me. “Took you that long to see it, Hayle?”

  I know I shouldn’t have been in the mood to laugh, but Piers’s little speech fit together the puzzle of a bigger problem on my plate. Gateway. Pieces. Seeing things clearly.

  What had Trinol said about us having access to a tool the others didn’t? I knew what the tool was. Only it wasn’t a thing.

  It was my son. Our advantage was the Gateway.

  “I’m so proud of you,” I said, sweeping to my feet. Piers joined me, frowning around his tiny smile. “If you need anything, you let me know.”

  “You’re not going to ride off into the sunset and save the day?” He was talking about the war between the vampires and werewolves, but I had a bigger battle to fight.

  “You can handle it,” I said. “Lean on Femke. Besides, if what I’m thinking is right, I might be able to get your real enemy off your back finally.” Belaisle would lose his crap if he found out I knew more than he did about how to find the pieces of Creator.

  Piers hugged me, the warmth of his skin on my cheek through the thin fabric of his button up shirt. We kissed again, but platonic, familiar. I knew he loved Zoe, and he knew I loved Quaid. But we’d been friends a long time and it felt wrong to just peck him on the cheek.

  He released me, grinning. “Whatever you’re up to,” he said, “have fun. I’ll try to keep everything else from falling apart while you’re handling the big stuff.” With a jaunty salute that was the most like him I’d seen since his mother took him captive, Piers stepped through a dark tunnel of magic and disappeared.

  I almost jumped, letting out a little squeak, at the sight of Quaid standing right behind where Piers had just been. And he didn’t look happy.

  “What was he doing here?” Um, hello yourself, grumpy ass.

  “Sorting out the werewolf mess,” I said. “Why? What’s it to you?” Oh, Syd. That was uncalled for.

  Quaid’s forehead creased in an angry frown, arms crossing over his chest. He stared at me under lowered brows like he always did when he was pissed at me. The whole physical attitude triggered my own temper.

  “I didn’t expect to come home after a long day and find my wife kissing another guy.” He totally didn’t just pull the jealousy card, did he?

  “Get over yourself,” I snapped. “You know Piers and I are just friends. Stop being a jerk. You want to fight? Fine. But don’t drag him into it. Just admit you’re in a bad mood and feeling guilty for treating me like an ass and we’ll get started with the screaming and yelling already. But be honest, Quaid.”

  I’d never seen his jaw jump quite so vigorously. “Go to hell, Syd.”

  “Best you can do?” I called after him as he spun on his heel and stomped upstairs. “You really have to work on your snarking skills. You’re slipping.”

  He muttered something incredibly rude about my mother and heritage before slamming our bedroom door. I stood there, breathing slowly to keep myself from going after him and forced myself to let it go. This fight would have to wait. And it would. We’d figure it out, forgive each other, and move on. Once he felt comfortable in what he’d done. And, I guess, I’d let him have that without a battle. Because like I told Femke, I agreed with her he really was the perfect Enforcer for the job.

  As I reached for the veil to return to Harvard I had a thought. What if he was worried about not being able to fill the role? Quaid always came across as so self-assured, in control. But it was an act, as muc
h as anyone’s outward persona. I knew the man I loved had his share of weaknesses and worries, self-doubt among them. He was human, after all. And the husband of the savior of the Universe. Did he worry he had shoes too big to fill?

  I almost went upstairs to talk to him, heart aching suddenly. But, I left it alone. He needed to cool off, wouldn’t hear a word I said if I jumped the gun and tried too soon. So, I sighed and went to see the rest of my family, leaving him home to work out his own crap.

  Sad, really, I was more comfortable dealing with giant disasters than having a heart-to-heart with my husband when we were fighting.

  Still in the veil, I called out for Max. He answered immediately.

  Meet me at Harvard, I sent, exiting in the familiar space of the sitting room. But this time it wasn’t empty, a pair of excited kids squealing at the sight of me, bounding up from where they’d been lying on their bellies on the floor with crayons and paper. Galleytrot’s big, furry head lifted, faint glow of red in his black eyes observing while Ethie reached me first, as always, wrapping her little arms around my neck and kissing me with gusto. I swung her around, tucking her tight against me while her legs wound around my waist, nose pressed to my ear.

  “Missed you, Mom,” she whispered so loud I’m sure they heard her across campus.

  “Ethie, pumpkin pie,” I said, kissing her forehead, “I missed you so much I can’t stand it.”

  She grinned, round cheeks flushing, brilliance in her blue eyes. “Are you staying?”

  “For a bit.” I set her down and pulled Gabriel into my arms, snuggling him close. He clung to me, the scent of the earth and fabric softener for the first time making me smile instead of teary. Yes, he looked like Liam, felt like Liam in a lot of ways. But he was Gabriel, with my strength and curiosity. As he looked up at last into my eyes, green sparks firing in his gaze, I grinned at him.

  Couldn’t help it.