“Ready,” Lacey and I replied in unison.
Chapter Twenty
The grove’s location surprised me. The Penshurst Botanical Gardens were a popular recreational place for families and the perfect relaxation destination for those wanting a break from the world. There had been countless times Quinn and I packed up a picnic basket and spent a lazy Sunday afternoon reclined on a blanket, reading and talking. I’d never have guessed it was also a crossover site for supernatural beings.
We approached the entrance with caution, careful to keep out of sight. Apart from the few squirmishes we’d encountered on the way over, the streets had been relevantly quiet. It gave off an eerie feel, a sensation that didn’t sit well with any of us.
“Where is everyone?” Lacey whispered. “I don’t like this. I expected to see more people—more fighting and disturbances.”
I nodded, looking back down the street from where we’d just come. “Me too. It was complete chaos earlier, and now it’s almost like a ghost town.” I rubbed the sides of my arms, a sudden chill pulsing.
“I think they’re starting to spread out into the neighboring suburbs. Noah mentioned he was getting reports of riots in Clarefield and Huntersville. It makes sense. My question is where are the bodies?”
“Bodies?” I gulped, momentarily closing my eyes.
“Yeah, you saw the violence. People weren’t just beaten and attacked. There would have to be . . . casualties.”
I wanted to put my hands over my ears and block out his comment, but it was too late. Image after image spiraled in my head—lifeless bodies carelessly discarded and lining the streets—men, women, and children. It was the visions of small, helpless children that made bile rise in my throat, threatening to erupt. This was a nightmare with devastating consequences.
Footsteps disturbed our conversation and glancing over my shoulder, I spotted James and Marshall hurrying toward us. Liam also noticed and we waited for them to catch up.
“Everything okay?” he asked, and Marshall answered with a quick nod.
“We were talking on the way over that it might be best if we split up into two groups. You, Lacey, and Bri take one side of the grove and we’ll take the other,” James was all business, and after agreeing where to meet afterward, we split up again.
Entering the gardens, there was an ominous energy that pulsated. Everywhere I turned as we moved caused a festering sensation to stir in the pit of my stomach.
“Where are the birds?” I whispered. “It’s too still.” No-one responded, the grim look on their faces answering for them.
I had no idea where we were going, forced to keep up as Liam and Lacey travelled. They shot furtive glances back and forth, scanning the area for any surprises. It sickened me to see one of my favorite retreats empty and void of life—I could almost imagine the trees and flowers crying from the upheaval.
The deeper we delved, the more I became aware of a strange presence. It started as a slight niggle, a brief flare, but it steadily began to increase until I felt as though it was thrumming beneath my skin. With each new step, it heightened and I gasped from the pressure.
I stopped in my tracks, doubling over, confused. “What is that?” My head spun from the unfamiliar feeling.
Lacey reached me first and cautiously placed her hand on my back. “Breathe through it. I forgot you were a newbie to all this. What you’re sensing is the portal. Just focus and your body will adjust. Trust me.”
I did as she said, concentrating on pushing air in and out of my lungs. It wasn’t painful, more surprising than anything, and slowly I felt the sensation shift to a soft awareness.
“You okay?” Liam asked, crouching beside me. “It’s always the hardest the first time. It won’t be like that from now on.” He stood back as I brought myself to a stand, concern in his eyes. “Sorry, Bri. I assumed because you lived here, you’d have experienced the pull of the portal and its magic before. I would’ve warned you . . . at least prepared you better.”
“I’ve never been to this part of the gardens before.” I replied, finally able to breathe steadily. “I’ve always felt a connection here, a vibe, but never something so intense.” Placing my hands on my hips, I nodded and smiled. “I’m okay. Man, what a rush.”
“I guess that’s your official welcome to the club,” Liam grinned and squeezed my arm. “I’ll make sure you get the secret decoder ring.”
“I don’t mean to push, but we need to keep going,” Lacey spoke urgently.
Nodding, Liam offered me one last smile and began walking again. “We’re almost there. It’s just around that bend so we’ll need to find a good place to hide.”
“I’m surprised no one has spotted us,” I commented. I studied the mass of trunks and twisting branches we were passing by, the secluded nooks and crannies.
“We’re going the long way around, it’ll bring us to the side but we’ll still have a good vantage point. Just try and keep to the shadows. It won’t do us any good if someone discovers us.”
We climbed a small slant in the landscape, moving closer to the tree line and abandoned the path all together. I couldn’t believe the gardens were so extensive and made a mental note to explore them once everything was over.
If it’s ever over, I chided. I instantly crushed the negative thought.
Glimpses through the breaking foliage showed me a large, expansive space, and I matched my companions pace. We were close, and as I stopped beside them, I rested against the barky surface of the closest tree.
Liam’s attention was focused on the grassy area and I joined his inspection. It was very similar to those at the entrance of the gardens—green lawns, flowerbeds, benches, and trails that led off into different directions. Unlike those I’d enjoyed, however, this also sported a ranger’s station. It stood in the farthest corner and appeared like it housed two or three guards.
Lacey noticed my interest. “That belongs to the Order. For all intents and purposes, the public thinks it belongs to park workers, but it’s where we schedule round the clock security.” Pointing to the empty plot of land beside it, she whispered low. “That’s where the portal is.”
I stared hard, but wasn’t able to see anything. No glimmer, shimmer, or indication that anything was special. A group of people milled about—some talking with one another, others standing off by themselves. Everyone held an intimidating appearance.
A disturbance, followed by a short burst of energy, caught my eye and I saw someone appear from nowhere. It wasn’t hard to see it was a Fae, his faintly glowing skin visible from where I was sitting. I tracked his movements and tried not to recoil when he approached someone else.
“There,” I exclaimed, pointing toward the orchestrator of this nightmare. “That’s the General. He’s the one I saw outside the theatre.”
“Are you sure?” Liam leaned closer to study him.
“He’s impossible to forget. I still cringe over what I heard him say.” I dragged my focus away from the Fae leader, the first experience I’d ever had with pure evil. “He wants to exterminate humans, and he’s using us to do it. He’s repulsive.”
“Well, let’s see what we can find out,” Lacey answered. “Look, he’s calling everyone’s attention. I hope we can hear what he’s saying.”
I didn’t. As much as I knew it was important to know his plans, I never wanted to hear the General’s cold, calculating voice again. Once in a lifetime was more than enough.
He stood on the elevated ground, giving him the chance to look over the small crowd that had gathered. There was a thinly veiled sneer of contempt on his face, and he gestured for the newly arrived Fae to approach him. Words were exchanged, and whatever was said caused a chilling look of satisfaction to spread across his features. He was pleased and I knew it didn’t bode well.
Recognition sizzled through me. Walking amongst the assembled crowd, Quinn strode up before the two Fae and bowed his head in deference. My hand snapped out to grip onto Lacey’s, and for a second, my vis
ion seemed to spin.
“Quinn. He’s here. He’s part of this.”
“Where?” she replied, her tone curious.
I pointed—his tall, muscular frame difficult to miss. “I don’t think I can watch this.” I murmured, wrapping my arm around my waist. It was one thing to see him act like a jerk with me, another if he was teaming up with the General—my stomach churned thinking what I might witness now.
“You’ll be fine,” Liam encouraged. “We don’t know what the meeting is about. Once we’ve learned all we can, we’ll leave.”
I steeled myself, strengthening my resolve. I could do this—even when everything screamed to put as much distance as possible between me and the scene in front of us.
I returned my focus to the crowd now assembled before the Fae. I was surprised to see them standing so calmly, expecting fights to break out at any moment. They were clearly waiting for something when cries suddenly broke out, disturbing the peace.
Three men were roughly pushed forward and I could tell they’d been beaten. They jostled against their captors, struggling to break free, and I flinched when one man was punched in the head. He stumbled, momentarily stunned, and it silenced his protests. They were brought before the General and forced to kneel, their hands tied behind their backs. A hush came over everyone—anticipation as the Fae started speaking.
A sense of immense gratification emanated from him. He was pleased with how the invasion was progressing and anticipated a complete victory. After a few seconds, my attention returned to Quinn.
It was hard to judge what was going through his mind. He’d always held himself with confidence and now was no different. His arms were crossed over his chest, his weight resting slightly on his right leg. He looked interested, but at the same time bored. His facial expression gave nothing away.
Observing the crowd, I saw a different story. Where Quinn was more self-contained, the people showed various emotions—reverence and fevered focus. All attention was on the General, everyone hanging on his words and actions. It was still a shock to see women dispersed through the meeting.
“Damn,” Liam cursed. A cheer erupted violently, surprising me. I dragged my gaze back to the front and saw a body lying on the ground, lifeless.
“What did I miss?” I whispered. The atmosphere had instantly changed and I didn’t know why. The air held a frenzied ambience—like feeding time at the zoo.
“He just snapped the neck of a captive. One moment the General was talking and next he strode forward and . . .” Lacey mimicked the motion with her hands, and I recoiled.
We looked again, seeing him gesture for someone in the crowd to approach. A middle aged man in a business suit answered the summons quickly, and with a cruel smile on his face, placed his hands on the side of the next bound man’s head. Waiting for the signal and receiving it, he twisted sharply before releasing. He stood back as the broken body crumpled forward, and stared at the General obediently. The Fae leader spoke, and I could only imagine the vile things he was saying.
“We need to do something!” I implored, fearful for the remaining man. “We can’t just sit here and watch this.”
“What can we do? Rush out there and stop them? We’re outnumbered. We didn’t expect this,” Liam answered. He raked his hand through his hair in frustration.
“We didn’t? Everything about the Fae and their arrival has been violent!” I fired back.
“I don’t know what to tell you. It sickens me too, but even if I could call Noah for back up or contact the other group that’s here, it won’t save him.” Liam’s voice was pleading—needing me to understand. He reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone. “I’ll try though.”
“No need. It’s over,” Lacey interrupted, placing her hand on his arm.
I whipped around and wanted to scream. Time stood still—my lungs suddenly void of air. I tried shaking my head, refusing to believe what I was seeing. There was no denying the General was pointing at Quinn.
“Liam!” I begged, unable to take my eyes from Quinn as he positioned himself in front of the last kneeling man. “Do something or I will!”
I knew I shouldn’t give away our location. I knew we were there strictly to watch, but I also knew there was no coming back for Quinn if he killed. I hadn’t given up trying to save him and when I did, he would be devastated—utterly destroyed.
Liam looked torn. Lacey’s face had gone a pale white—compassion blazing in her eyes.
“Please!” I pleaded. I watched in horror as Quinn placed his hands on either side of the man’s head, waiting for the signal to strike. I stood, not caring who saw me, ready to race down there and stop him.
I shrugged out of Liam’s attempt to restrain me. My heart pounded—the deafening sound all I could hear over my anxious breath. I would never make it in time no matter how fast I ran. I was frantic as fear consumed me—Quinn would be lost forever.
Left with only one option, my lips parted to scream. I barely took a breath before Liam’s large hand clamped hard over my mouth—silencing me. I fought him like I was wild, anger giving me the energy to buck against him. I broke his grasp, managing a strangled yell.
“Quinn!”
“Stop, Bri. Look.” Liam positioned me so I could see what was happening, his body taut behind me. I crumpled against him in relief. Something had disrupted the display, and the gathered crowd had erupted into boisterous cries.
Quinn was standing off to the side observing while others pushed toward the new threat. Suddenly he paused and circled about, staring into the surrounding area. He’d heard my voice.
I spotted Marshall and James—joining in on the attack against the General and his followers. They worked together with three other people in a synchronized assault that was designed to cause a disturbance. Accomplishing their mission, they ran into the nearby tree line and disappeared, pursued by a handful of supporters.
I caught a glimpse of the General, the look on his face scathing as he retreated from the mob, ready to leave.
“They created a diversion,” Liam whispered into my ear, his breath heated. “Your Quinn is safe.”
I stared back at the man I loved and found him staring in our direction—his concentration steady. Goosebumps broke out across my skin as a small smile curled his lips. I didn’t know how, but he could see me—sense me. We were locked in and I was unable to look away from him. Even with all that had happened, and the short distance between us, we were aware of each other.
“Let’s go. We need to return to headquarters and fill Noah in on everything.” Lacey’s comment tugged at me, threatening to dissolve whatever connection I had with Quinn. She pulled on my arm again, causing me to stumble slightly.
“Okay,” I said reluctantly.
I gave Quinn one last glance. He raised his hand to his mouth, kissing his fingers before offering me a mocking salute. He’d definitely known I was there.
Stunned, I turned from him, quickly following my friends away.
Chapter Twenty One
I was sitting in my room when my phone rang. Staring at the lighted screen, I was surprised to see Liam’s number.
“Hi Liam, what’s up?”
“I’m patrolling by Greer Mall with James and we think we might have spotted that second Fae you mentioned. I need you so we can ID him. As far as I know, you’re the only one who’s seen him,” he asked.
“Sure, give me about five minutes and I’ll be there.” I checked my watch, estimating the time it would take for me to cross the short distance to the shopping center.
“Stop by my room on the way out and grab the Taser on my bed,” he instructed. “And get one of the others to come with you as well. Be careful, Bri.”
Hanging up, I left my room, hurrying down the hallway to find Lacey. Last time I’d checked in, James and her were heading toward the kitchen for something to eat. A brief scan of the dining area showed no signs of them—my time ticking away.
My next stop was Liam’s bedroom, the defen
se device exactly where he said it would be. I’d never used one before but there was always a first time for everything. Standing in his entryway, I knew I needed to make a decision—I couldn’t go alone.
“Hey, girl.” Lacey’s greeting was a relief.
“Liam wants me to meet him by Greer Mall so I need you to come with me.” I tugged on her hand in the direction of the exit, eager to be on our way. “He thinks he’s seen another Fae.”
“Then let’s get going.”
We passed by random people coming in from the streets, some smiling and offering a short greeting, a few yawning and looking like they were in dire need of sleep. Jogging down the stairs to the street, we kept to the back ways—always mindful of our surroundings.
“Wait up, my phone is ringing,” Lacey called, stopping to answer it. I took a moment to rest, my heart beating from the quick pace we were keeping. She nodded and then sighed, ending the call before heading over to me.
“That was Noah. He needs me back at the building but I told him I was with you.”
I looked around and shook my head. “No, go back. The mall is only around the corner so I won’t be alone for too long. Liam’s waiting so we’re all good. Trust me . . . I’ll be fine.”
Indecision warred across her features. “I don’t know.”
“I also have a Taser. Plus, I’ll be really careful. Go . . . it’ll be okay.” I shooed her with my hand and smiled.
She nodded and saying goodbye, turned around and headed back to headquarters.
I continued jogging and noticed two strangers across the street coming out from a store. They’re attention was focused on each other, but just in case, I ducked into the alleyway opening until they left.
With my back up against the wall, I took a deep breath and waited.
“Well, isn’t this perfect. I was just thinking about you and here you are.” I hadn’t seen Quinn until he stepped out from the shadows.
He gave my body an appreciative perusal. His arms were folded across his chest as he leaned on the wall, a cocky grin on his face. “I’m glad I didn’t have to retrieve you.”
Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) Page 16
