by Susan Arden
“You’re so delectable. And seeing you as a wolf, if I told you how beautiful you are, would it go to your head?” In all the world, this Lycan meant the most to her. How could the Fates have been so cruel as to bring them to together, only to make him mortal because of protecting her?
With a fleeting look of worry, he shook his head. “Come with me, my love. We can meet the guys outside.”
The gates rolled open, and pulling into the drive were two sleek, hybrid motorcycles she didn’t recognize. The riders wore black leather from the shoulders down. On top, shiny black helmets with darkened visors.
When they dismounted and removed their helmets, the light blond shock of Tristen’s hair caught and reflected the sunlight. Fin’s hair was buzzed. Gone were his usual dreadlocks making him look more like the marine she’d heard countless stories about at the Den. Both of them were marines. Serious for the most part. They stalked forward up the path. Two beta shifters, their eyes glowed with a dangerous awareness, sliding glances from side to side.
“Not too shabby. Phantoms,” Quinn said, eyeing the cycles.
Tristen held out his large hand to Quinn. “We wanted to meld into the background. Wish we’d gotten here sooner with your problem on site.”
“You guys are here now.”
“Sherry,” Fin murmured, coming over to kiss her cheek. He sniffed her hair, the skin at her neck, and his reddish eyes flickered, grew sharper. His nostrils flared. His mouth, on the other hand, didn’t move.
Tristen’s eyes, ever alert, bounced between her and Fin, and then a smirk unfurled upon his lean face. “Well, Sherry, I’m glad to see you’re doing just fine.” He closed his warm palm over hers. “You’re in good hands.”
Not so with Sonya. Sherry blinked away the sudden sting in her eyes. “Any news of Sonya?”
“Yeah. What is the word?” Quinn moved next to her, swathing her body with the heat pouring off his torso. He placed his arm over her shoulder, squeezing her lightly. “Come inside. We can talk.”
They all moved up the path. Stopping outside the doorway Tristen was about to set his helmet down on the bench outside the doorway. She shook her head. “Don’t. Nothing that lies close to your skin should be left out in the open.”
“Got it.” Tristen nodded, the muscles along his jaw twitching. “We’re not without our own tricks.” He flashed her a devilish grin before clicking a key fob causing the motorcycle lights to flash.
Once inside, Quinn brought them into the living room. He stood by the arm of sofa, a few feet in front of the fire place. “So you found a note?”
“Yeah. It was left behind on the front desk. You saw the contents. Nothing except the statement that Sonya was taken. The lettering is odd.” Tristen reached inside his leather jacket. He removed a small square of paper and gave it to Quinn. “It’s clean. Nothing nefarious. And not by the usual idiots. At first we thought it was a disgruntled claimant from the Justice Council. Retribution on Shawn. But after talking with you, we gather it doesn’t seem likely.”
Quinn unfolded the paper, leading the shifters around the sofa. She walked up to him, peering down at the paper. The handwriting was odd, scratch marks rather than writing. Sherry held her breath. A few more steps, and Fin and Tristen would see the circle now further marked with elaborate scrolling designs and pentagram she’d carved.
“What do you think?” Her stomach churned.
Quinn replied, “Strange as hell writing. You guys want to sit down? Take a load off.”
“Sure. We should discuss a plan,” Fin said.
She didn’t know what to do or say when Fin stopped short and stared at the floor. Waiting for someone to say something, she fought the need to explain. She had kept her spellcaster abilities secret, avoiding undue attention, but these shifters mattered to her. Would they treat her as though she were a threat? The staff had been hurt, two guards shot. Regardless that guards were wolf shifters and they’d heal fast, all the violence was indicative of things getting worse.
“So… this explains a lot.” Tristen was the first to say anything. “I wanted to ask, but didn’t think it was my business. Cool.”
“You don’t care?” Sherry asked, her chest about to cave in.
“Sherry, you’re marvelous and we adore you. Why would what you do or are, be a problem for us or anyone?”
“I thought you might think I’m related to the events.” Cause I am. She wrapped her arms around her middle. “I feel guilty.”
“Don’t think that.” Quinn reached over. “This isn’t your fault. We know of the Fae, Sher. This bunch isn’t something you created. We all only want you to be safe.”
Safe? All the attacks. And now people were dead. Sonya was still missing. That mind bending Fae hybrid threatening torture. Others like him were possibly roaming the city. They had to do something before it was too late. This wasn’t about her.
“No. I’m not the one who needs protection. We’re going back. Not just because this place may be unsafe. We have to find Sonya. And fast,” she demanded.
“Sherry, a search is already underway. There are teams set up and looking for her. Nothing yet.” As usual, Tristen and Fin got right to the point. They were the Den’s right hand team and were responsible for security and overseeing Quinn’s businesses. Tristen turned to her. “You’re involved. They’re probably coming for you, aren’t they?”
“Possibly.”
Quinn growled a rebuff. “Affirmative. That’s a reality.”
She met her soon-to-be mate’s intense gaze. “So, there is no point to remaining here in hiding. I’d rather hide out in the open while searching for Sonya.”
“I want to hear what you have to say. Mind telling us why you think you caught their interest? Could help in us getting Sonya back and protecting you,” Tristen said.
She glanced over at Quinn.
He nodded. “Fine. You feel guilty and this might help make you realize you’re not to blame. You might as well fill them in. They need to know everything.”
Sherry’s hands became cold. “The Dark Fae are crossing from rips in the ley line. An energy fault line that runs through Denver. All over the world and beyond.” She waited to see how that information sank in with Tristen and Fin.
“Not surprising,” Fin said.
“My role as a spellcaster is to prevent Fae from crossing realms along the energy fault line—ley line. There was a glitch. I was suckered by skirmeter into spelling time. The ley ripple may have allowed more Fae to cross. This is the first time I’ve seen them.”
“Skirmeter?” Tristen asked. “What the hell is that?”
“Creatures that assist the Fae.”
Fin leaned forward. “They would need help. Fae mind bend but to kidnap, they couldn’t do that alone. Especially when they give directions and a cellphone number to call tonight.”
Quinn come up, right next to her, and drew her to him. “They’ve crossed over from their realm into our city. The pair I met yesterday is from a low house. The Fae from today is similar to the other ones. They only come when they’re looking for power. Like what you felt. They suck it out of beings.”
Her insides pinched. “Well, it all correlates. And a day ago, they found out there was a passage open on the ley line. More are on the way if the entrance isn’t properly sealed.”
“We’ve had dealings with all kinds. So not to worry.” Fin looked around the living room.
Tristen frowned. “What is it that they’re fucking looking for in Denver? Power for what? They’re greedy from the get-go. More than most. Shifters know that from birth. Either direct experience or it’s drilled into our head by parents.”
“I know firsthand. Had a friend they attacked.” Fin chimed in. “Hate those freaks. Fae don’t abide by rules. They make it up as they go. Well, I’m in just because they’re useless as hell.”
Sherry inhaled. A moment of truth. “It could be that they’re looking to harness enough power to bring do
wn the entire energy fault line. Then they’d be free to cross. They need four spellcasters. And then they’ll try to harness the ability to control the elements that make up all of creation. It’s not a new idea… and you’re right. They are hungry to rule or get something. I have no idea. But for them, it comes about rarely, and they’re always on guard for weak points in the Earth’s boundaries. There’s some condition, like a disease for Fae, when they bind with a human this time around. I had heard about it on the gossip lines between casters and after seeing that one today, it sure seems true. Weak or not, they have power to do harm.” She swallowed at the mention of weakness, her gaze faltering. She glanced down at the floor. “There’s a breach in the portal and it’s got to be fully repaired. Soon.”
“Sonya, does she know about this place?” Fin asked, ever perceptive.
“No. But she knows about the property manager and he already proved useless in keeping Fae away,” Quinn answered.
“Then bank on the fact that more will be on the way. Chances are once they figure out their inside man is down, those things will be here. Soon,” Tristen said, then pointed to Fin. “Got the pack?”
Fin removed the backpack he’d been wearing and tossed it over to Tristen. “We have some experience with beings from other realms. War is war.” Fin and Tristen along with Sherry’s cousin had served in Afghanistan. They were always serious—as in seriously prepared. They had to be as the enforcers.
“Can we spread out over a table? We have a few things that we’ll need to put together.” Tristen faced Quinn.
“Sure. Anything you need, just let us know.”
“What are we missing?” Tristen turned toward Fin.
Fin scratched the back of his neck, over a black tattoo, the muscles in his arm flexing. “Fuel… diesel. At least a gallon.”
“You got any fertilizer?” Tristen asked.
“And a couple of extra spark plugs,” Fin added.
She’d known Fin and Tristen as long as she’d known Quinn. Except Fin and Tristen generally flanked Shawn in his role as head of the Justice Council. A highly organized group that had the chore of settling disputes amongst shifters. And everyone knew shifters weren’t always the most logical of creatures when their welfare or that of their families was at stake.
“You have a laptop?” Tristen asked, looking between her and Quinn.
“Yes. It’s on the table inside the foyer.”
Quinn held up his hand. “I’ll go get it.”
“That’s okay.” She arched a brow at his steely Lycan tone. “I’ll just be a second and then it will be all yours, Tris.”
Tristen studied her for a beat. “We’ve dealt with these types of creatures from other realms. Not just Dark Fae, there are others. Required Delta forces. They aren’t progressive beings.”
“Progress?” she asked.
Quinn ran his hand down her arm to her hand, then thread his fingers between hers. “I’ve known of the Dark Fae for a long time. Every Lycan is aware of them on a first degree basis. There’s a link. Lycan’s are tied to the Fae in their bickering between the groups or courts.” Quinn smiled ruefully. “Because we were spelled by them, we always seem to get involved in their nonsense when they cross over. In one way or another. The Light Fae are more than willing to keep the Dark down. Not out of benevolence, but greed for power. I’m surprised the Light Fae have kept silent. Something must be brewing.”
“A band of savage hunters and fighters for the Sidhe,” she said. So much for urban myths.
“Some people say cursed. Seems like our clan Lycan has finally started to breathe. Truth, Quinn?” Fin jerked his head toward Quinn.
She stiffened. Was that what shifters thought of Lycans? Cursed to be connected to a spellcaster. “Lycan are from Fae and they mandated you protect casters? Seems backwards.”
“Not as in created from the universe. Wolves. We existed here on Earth and those things required help. The Light Fae were not always greedy. It was supposed to be a mutual exchange of power.” Quinn shrugged. “In the end, Lycans refused to do their exclusive bidding. And some were forced into a solitary life. Until the light of their life showed up.” Quinn took her hand, and kissed the back of it. “And my truth...yes. My lungs began working, my heart began pumping only yesterday.”
And because of her, he might be killed. She took hold of his hand, pressing the back to her cheek. Her stomach knotted from the hiked up tension in the room. They were shifters and the Fae were obviously hated creatures. She let her gaze drift over Quinn. He was some sort of wanderer. Is that why he never seemed settled at night and spoke about this dream he had in which he kept connecting to her? She swallowed, the despair swelling in her throat.
Tristen took out another spool of wire. “Enough said that they have some severe limitations.”
Quinn pulled her close to him. “Ones you can play with. They somehow got their molecular structure really screwed up. A type of allergy to minerals and a few choice elements. Probably why they’re so gung ho on acquiring unlimited access to the Earth. Now that humans perfected stem cell and mitochondria regeneration, they’re hungry to deal with their major Achilles’ heel and are buying time, knowing they can fix this disease. The king of the Dark Court has yet to appear. So far he only sends low level Fae.”
“Besides metals, what blows their top?” she asked, fingering a slender electronic looking box that resembled a cellphone. She’d never known much about the Fae other than they were to be kept out of Earth’s plane. The High Priestess was an odd bird in how she didn’t give much up on the Fae.
“Careful,” Fin said, gingerly grasping her wrist and then sliding the contraption from her fingers. “Wouldn’t want you to detonate anything just yet.”
“What are you guys making?” Sherry asked.
Tristen continued to remove items from the backpack and jerked his chin to Quinn. “His suggestions.”
“On the phone we discussed one of Fae’s flaws. Since they have no way to effectively metabolism metals, we’ve come up with some toys. They collect in them as alloy coatings on the atoms that compose their forms, resulting in an increase in body mass. Even at subatomic levels, it’s a problem. These guys can build some crazy explosives.”
Immediately, Sherry grasped the issue. “For beings that move between realms, that flaw makes it more than difficult. From where they evolve, there are limits to mass crossing over. Any mass.”
Quinn finished, “And metal adds mass. It’s why they avoid alloys. And for them, the smaller the more deadly.”
“Wait a second.” Sherry cocked her head. “Are you planning on coating them?”
“Priceless.” Tristen chuckled sardonically as he picked up a small vial containing blue powder. “This ain’t fairy dust.” He tossed it up into the air at Quinn.
“What is it?” Sherry asked when Quinn caught the airborne vial.
“A mixture of magnesium and cobalt.” Quinn held up the vial to the light. It sparkled bright blue.
“Highly flammable,” Fin muttered. “Don’t drop it.”
“Fae fear fire,” Sherry said without thinking.
“And they succumb to metal explosives. More so than any creature. It’s the raining iron ore laced debris that does them in.” Quinn set the vial down on the table.
Tristen dropped a bag of what appeared to be buckshot on the floor. “We’ll also need a container. Plastic. Cylindrical if possible.”
“Like one for soda?” she asked.
Fin nodded. “Rinse it out. No carbonation or it’s a totally different ball of wax.”
Both Tristen and Fin had medical training. Tristen in the realm of neuropsych and Fin as a field medic. What they did while in military service was sketchy. They never would come right out and say. Seated at that table, their expressions at times were masks while they worked. Their eyes dark and glittery. Killers.
Sherry excused herself and went into the kitchen. Three wolves, and they invited her
into their clan. If she weren’t here, Quinn would be lonely, but he’d be safe. Surely a Lycan could find another mate. Someone like Quinn. Gorgeous, smart, and wealthy. She sighed, unwilling to believe that he should endanger himself on her account. Maybe after realizing a mate was right under his nose, he might widen his circle of trust if she wasn’t around. Being a curse was not her idea of the perfect dream come true for him or her.
She brought out drinks and set them down. “I’ll go get the laptop,” she said, moving toward the front door.
“Hold on.” Quinn was quick. He walked alongside her, his body towering over her. “I wish there was better news. At least we’ve got these guys on our side.”
“Can we talk?” she asked. “I’m sorry to drag you all into this.” She stared into his golden eyes that had lightened into the color of honey. She reached for the laptop but Quinn stopped her.
“Wait. Take a walk with me.” He opened the door for her and let her go ahead. Outside he took hold of her, pulling her up snug to him. “Don’t ever apologize. Let’s just get beyond this.”
“I hope no one else gets hurt.” The words from that hybrid Fae echoed in her mind.
“We’ll find Sonya.” He backed her up to the outside wall of the house, his hard-on pressing into her belly. He spoke in a voice, gravelly and seductive against her lips. “God, I’ve wanted to taste you. Feels like hours… years. I know we don’t have much time, but I only need a few minutes to get us there. Let me.”
The hard hammer of her heart thudded faster under is stare. “No way to resist you.”
“Need to hear you calling out my name.” Quinn captured her face between his hands and held her while he lowered his mouth, and then drove his tongue in between her lips. There was no thought to guide her. She responded by instinct. Unguarded, powerful. This longing to submit to Quinn silenced her brain. There was a sea of warm passion surrounding her, growing stronger and stronger with each sweep of his tongue. “Love, I’m going to explode. Soon. Don’t deny me.”
