He looked amused. "She will continue to call you lady from now on. They carry racial memories of centuries of fae history and so once something is implanted in their brain, it is there for all time. Sometimes they seem slightly scatterbrained, but don't be fooled."
"Is it true that their blood offers protection from magic?"
Kellaine answered. "Yes. At court, the queen has them kept in cages, so the royals can take their blood whenever they wish. The tiny fae fade quickly there. They only thrive when they're free to work in their gardens and socialize. They need to eat often because of their very fast metabolism, and they eat all manner of things, not just blood." She looked distressed. "In the cages they lose their appetite and waste away. It was one of the things that angered our Elders enough to move away from court and found our own sidhe."
Liam looked in the direction Sinlae had flown. "They are small, but they're still fae and deserve our respect and our protection. Here there are thousands of them living freely." He turned to me with an arched brow. "That one, however, has a troublesome attitude and is not well-liked. The pixies work hard tending Faerie's gardens. Different family groups are responsible for their own section. Sinlae does not enjoy working with the flowers, but her vegetable garden is remarkable. Our family looks to her for our produce. I fear that her siblings know this and are jealous. They force her to work the flower beds, beating her into submission because she won't cooperate any other way."
"They won't be beating her for awhile now. Not with Lord Liam's blood." I felt a certain amount of satisfaction.
Garrett was back, snaking his arm around my waist. "Who's not getting beaten? Have you sworn to stop kicking Aedus' ass, Liam?" We laughed, even Liam. Aedus was around 6'6" and Liam was my height, around 5'9". He was just as powerful magically, but sometimes when all else is equal, size does matter.
"I've taken him down on many occasions, but we don't spar against each other anymore. It's for the best."
I pulled on Garrett's sleeve. "We were speaking about little Sinlae. She gets beaten up by her family. It's upsetting.”
Garrett grinned and pulled me a little closer. "She'll be the next one you add to your collection, I suppose."
"I don't recommend it, Jacqueline. She's a vicious little devil." Kellaine was shaking her head.
I started to protest, but Garrett nudged me toward the central clearing so we could greet the couple who'd finally finished thanking most of the others who'd attended the ceremony. Philladre and Aedus both surprised me with affectionate hugs. The fae tended to be reserved, but I suppose they thought I'd appreciate the gesture—and I did. Maybe growing up without experiencing a lot of hugs, made me more touchy-feely.
"Congratulations to both of you." I took Philladre's hands and looked at her glowing expression. "You look so beautiful, like every little girl's dream of a magical fairy princess. How's the baby? Is she flutter kicking like Charlie is?"
"Yes, but it's wonderful."
"Yeah, I think so too." I looked up—and up, at Aedus. "You are a most fortunate male," I teased him. He laughed good-naturedly and took possession of Philladre's hand. "Take time off together before little Jackie shows up. Doctor's orders."
"I will always take orders of that nature to heart, especially coming from you, Doctor. " He was grinning widely as he nodded to me with his hand on his heart, a sign of great respect between fae. It was an honor not lost on the other fae at the gathering.
Garrett draped his arm over my shoulder before he spoke. "Would you two please visit us in our home sometime soon? You could relax there, away from all the pressure." We stole a glance toward the Elders, who were huddled together, probably already making plans for the new couple. Third in line for the throne of Faerie, Aedus had been told by the Elders to play the field, but the two of them had been in love and together on and off for centuries. Now they were an official Lord and Lady, a permanently bound pair, so their lives were not completely their own any longer.
Aedus kissed his mate's hand then pulled her closer against his side. "We would be honored, Garrett, Jackie. Thank you." Philladre leaned against her newly official mate and he smiled widely. When I'd first met Aedus, he'd rarely smiled. He was reserved like the majority of the fae, and although he was always polite, I would never have thought of him as friendly. However, after recovering from his injuries battling Lord Kennet, the most serious one being psychological, the difference in his personality was astounding. The newer Aedus actually cracked jokes, was openly affectionate with Philladre and smiled as much as any shifter.
"Liam can cook for you." I pointed out with a laugh. Of course, Liam showed up at that exact moment and pretended to scowl.
"I don't believe that my brother will appreciate my fine culinary faire."
"Well we can't serve the royal couple boxed mac and cheese." Liam laughed and Aedus looked confused.
"That does sound rather horrendous. What is it?" he asked.
"Fast food." I giggled.
"Perhaps I could order a pizza. I have always wanted to do that." Philladre's face brightened.
"Sure. You can also bring your tablet and mp3 player and we'll give you lessons. Maybe it's time for you to join the rest of us in the twenty-first century."
Aedus looked lovingly at Philladre's excited face and laughed. "I think you'll be seeing us soon." Aedus glanced up and his expression grew serious, so I turned to see who was behind me.
Lord Caelen was as handsome and as tall as his elder son, looking almost like an older brother, rather than a parent. His deep purple eyes glittered with warmth for his son and new daughter but his manner with me seemed cautious. The last time I'd seen him, he was in my kitchen asking me to give my baby to a fae couple to raise. I wondered how he felt about our decision to raise the child ourselves.
After the usual nods, I decided to break the ice. "Congratulations. You must be a very happy Father today."
"Thank you, Jacqueline. Lady Silvus and I are well pleased with our son's excellent choice. And how are you feeling?"
"Very well, actually. Has Liam told you?"
"Yes. You've decided to raise the fae child yourselves."
My eyebrows shot up. "He's also shifter, or perhaps sorcerer, and somewhere in there is some demon blood too, in case you've forgotten."
"I have not forgotten. He is a powerful mixture of magical races and, although I have no doubt that the two of you will be excellent parents and that Charles will not lack in love, you may still need guidance. I would be happy to act as the child's sponsor here in Faerie."
I was relieved when Liam answered for me. "That's not necessary, Father, because Jackie and Garrett have honored me with that position. I'll teach him everything he'll need to know regarding his fae heritage, including the language. It's best for him to be prepared for every eventuality."
Aedus, Philladre, Garrett and I remained quiet as a mind to mind conversation took place between father and son. Neither of them betrayed what was being said, other than an occasional twitch of an eyebrow or turning down of the mouth. The whole thing probably took about thirty seconds, but it seemed much longer to me as an observer. The tension between them was palpable.
Suddenly it was over and Lord Caelen turned back toward Garrett and me with a wan smile and a chill in his voice that hadn't been there before. "Forgive me, but I must return to Lady Silvus. Perhaps we could meet again soon to discuss your plans, such as they are." He nodded to us and then began to turn away.
Before I had time to think it through, I instinctively reached out and touched his arm. The conversations around us quieted instantly as Lord Caelen, the three thousand year old Fae Elder, turned toward me, his dark purple eyes intently curious and his power drawn around him like the core of a nuclear plant approaching a meltdown. He was angry with our decision and could have brought Garrett and me to our knees if he chose to disregard the alliance he'd initiated between us. But his sense of honor held him in check. This man had been more than a political ally to us and I wanted
him to know how I felt.
"Lord Caelen." I nodded deeply, showing him the respect he'd earned, then took Garrett's hand. "Thank you for all the help and guidance you've given Garrett and myself in the past. I'd like to think that if we needed your assistance we could still call on you, despite our differences. Liam and Aedus believe that you still consider us allies and I hope with all my heart that's true. I will always look to you for advice.
"Liam is your son. For that reason alone, he'll be a perfect sponsor for Charles. He also spends half of his day in our home, so our son will have his constant guidance." I looked around at the other faces, some smiling, some unsure. "You and your entire fae community have our team's support as always, and I am at Cascade's disposal as a healer whenever you need me, as I have been in the past."
His incredible power brushed across my aura, possibly as a warning that confronting him as I had, here in the middle of Faerie, was a dangerous and possibly foolish move. But as he looked into my heart, I knew that what he would find there was only the truth of my words. The surrounding groups of fae were standing as quietly as the woods after a heavy snow, their faces all turned toward our silent drama. Lord Caelen sighed and glanced in Aedus' direction, and that's when I allowed myself to relax and breathe normally again.
I was surprised and relieved to feel his hand gently resting over the one I'd placed on his arm. He knew that I'd played my trump card, reminding him on the day of his son's greatest joy, that using my healing abilities, I'd saved Aedus' life. But I also hoped he'd understood the depth of my gratitude and respect for the trust and friendship he'd shown to Garrett and myself in the past.
The corners of his mouth twitched but he held the smile in check. "You are both valued allies and friends. I am sorry if you felt there was any doubt. You are right to remind me, Jacqueline." The warmth had returned to his eyes as they looked from me to Garrett to both of his sons and his new daughter with her hand on her belly. "Today is a day to celebrate and to put aside other worries. Good journey to you both." He smiled, nodded once more and left.
Liam and Aedus were grinning like chimps. Aedus shook his head saying, " I know you weren't using healing energy, but you touched Father's heart. You have a magic of your own not connected to the lines."
"It's a cheetah thing." Garrett gave me a hug.
Liam said, looking contrite, "Brother, I'm sorry to say that I'm back on the black sheep list, so you can wear the tee shirt again."
"Tee shirt?"
"You know—the one in my closet that says 'Favorite Son'."
Aedus pretended to scowl. "That shirt has never left my closet except for the times when you snuck in to steal it." They both broke out in laughter as if all the tension of a moment ago had been only a dream. "You're only the black sheep because you choose to be. Father already misses you and you've only been gone a few days."
"I'll be back and forth. I can't stay away for long. My mother is here."
I spoke up with an idea. "Why don't you two come and help us move Liam into his new house next week? Kellaine is coming too."
"I would love that!" Philladre was beaming, her eyes glittering excitedly."It will be a celebration...a party." Aedus pulled her closer with an indulgent smile, but she pushed herself away. "As future Fae Elders we should not isolate ourselves from other supernatural groups."
Aedus tilted his head and kissed her cheek." The entire spectrum of supernaturals reside at Garrett's house. You'll get quite an education."
Garrett laughed and I giggled saying, "Philladre, let me tell you about our team."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Garrett and I stood on the cliff looking out over the Pacific, watching the pelicans dive dramatically for fish and mesmerized by the rainbow colors of the setting sun sparkling on the surface of the waves. It wasn't my cliff, my psychic sanctuary where I go to find my center. We were in Liam's new back yard and the whole crew, along with some unexpected guests, were there to warm his house, so to speak.
Ethan and Kyle were barbequing steaks while Peter, Sinc and her mom, Sharon, helped Liam in the kitchen with various side dishes.
As fae lights began to blink on around the property, I heard Ethan yell, "That's too much hot sauce, Kyle. Everyone will be running for the beer."
"And that's a problem—why? This is a party. A little extra beer is a given. I brought two cases myself. We'll make sure there's a designated driver. Or there's always the F.T.S."
"F.T.S.?"
"Fae Transport Service. The billboard could read: Travel with us for a Magical Encounter All Your Own. We could dress Brina and Kaera in smokin' hot outfits and they could look at the camera, all sultry-like."
"You think you could convince the warrior sisters to offer themselves up as flight attendants?"
"We'd make a fortune. Brina will definitely go for it. I'll talk to her. We could dress her as a pilot, in a short skirt and maybe a halter top with that pin that has the wings and..."
"I think you've been drinking too much of your own beer. I'll drive, Kyle. I'm not drinking." Ethan was staying sober and I was proud of him.
His date was hanging out nearby, a little too intimidated to mingle with the group, so I went over to introduce myself. "Hi, I'm Jackie and this is Garrett."
She smiled gratefully and then stuck out her hand. I'd been told by Kyle, that she was a cougar shifter Ethan had met at "The Wild", the bar-slash-dance club that was currently being run by Bridgett's old pack. "Oh, hi. Ethan told me about you both. I'm Lauren."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lauren." Garrett answered as he shook her hand.
"I don't think I've ever seen so many supes together at one time and not fighting. This is like some kind of miracle." She had wavy light brown hair, beautiful hazel eyes and a great smile.
I looked around and smiled too. Shooting hoops in the driveway was a fae prince, (Aedus) two shifters, (Rob and Flynn), two vamps, (Rick and Sash), and an alpha werewolf, (Aaron). In the family room a Lady fae, (Philladre), a vampire, (William), and a sorcerer, (Angel), battled it out on the Wii. Philladre was apparently enthralled with video games and was giggling like a schoolgirl when she beat the others, which surprisingly, she did often.
Garrett went to talk to Aaron who'd left the game to get a beer, so I played the hostess. "Can I get you anything? Would you like to play Mario Cart with Philladre?"
"I don't think I'd have much of a chance against her. Maybe the boys would let me join the game?" She looked toward the melee in the driveway.
"Are you kidding? Go for it. They'd love it." I called out. "Sash, another player coming your way. " He grinned at Lauren, who was about 5'10", lean and lovely, and tossed her the ball. She dribbled down the court, jumped and dunked the ball with a graceful spin of her body that had all six pairs of male eyes glittering, no matter what their color. I sent to Sash and Rick, "Behave yourselves, she's with Ethan."
Sasha answered, "We hear and obey, Mistress."
"Are you ever going to stop calling me Mistress?. It makes me feel old."
"Your warrior spirit is ancient." He flew through the air and dunked the ball faster than I could track without pulling up some magic. He grinned in my direction.
"Gee, that really helped." I stuck out my tongue.
Brina was suddenly at my side, she and Kaera having just arrived from Faerie. Her golden hair floated in the air around her as she spoke. "I've brought you two presents, Jacqueline. Whether you thank me or not will be determined later." She and Kaera nodded toward me and then went in search of Liam, whom I'd hardly seen at all.
Slender arms encircled me and I caught a whiff of cut grass before I was spun around and hugged tightly. "I've missed you soooo much."
I returned her hug enthusiastically. "I've missed you too, Bridgett. Lady D. gave you some time off?"
"Yeah, she felt bad that I couldn't go to the binding ceremony 'cause there was so much work, so she gave me today off to come to Liam's party and see you. Where's Will?"
She was already l
ooking around for him, so I nudged her in the direction of the family room. She grinned and started to leave, turning back at the last minute. "How are you feeling? You look—um, plumper."
"Your nephew is kicking so much I think he's either going to be a martial artist or an Irish step dancer."
"Let's hope it's the martial artist." There was a strangely muffled noise and Bridgett's eyes grew wider. "Oh my god, I almost forgot! Sorry, Sin." She unzipped the pocket of her jacket and out flew tiny Sinlae, angry as a hornet.
"Bree-Jet cheetahkin. You are a scatterbrain. You almost crushed me when you showed Lady Jah-Kee affection!"
"Why don't you ever call me Lady?"
"You are an untrained scatterbrain and need to learn much discipline. Your sister is mated to Garrett Vampirelord and she is much honored in Faerie."
"Lady D. thinks I'm doing fine."
"Call her that again and I will bite your nose and leave an ugly scar. Lady Dinestri is Fae Elder and friend to all Pixiekin."
"Why don't you go find Will, Bridg? I've got this."
"Good luck with that one," Bridgett grumbled."
Her anger having dissolved, the perfectly lovely, fragile little soul hovered near me looking frightened. "May Sinlae sit on Lady Jah-Kee's shoulder while I am in Lord Liam's other world ? I have not come before and am..."
"You're disoriented, which is perfectly normal, Sinlae. I felt the same way when I was in Faerie for the first time."
"You did?"
"Yes, of course. You're very brave to come here."
She lifted her chin. "I am the bravest of my family." She settled herself on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "Lady, is it true that you are having a seelie fae baby? Lord Snakekin's baby?"
I found myself smiling. "The baby will be mine and Garrett's to raise. His name is Charles, but I call him Charlie. Lord Snakekin will not ever be a part of his life. Garrett and I love him already."
I felt her tiny hands press against the pulse in my neck. "May I look, please?" I nodded, not really knowing what she meant, then gasped when a strange kind of magical energy began to flow through my body, pulsing like a quick heartbeat.
Blown Away (Rogues Shifter Series Book 4) Page 25
