Fourth Rite: A Reverse Harem Tale (Lovin' the Coven Book 4)

by Jacquelyn Faye

She chuckled musically and strode forward, bending over and kissing my forehead on my once-again invisible mark. I just hope it didn't flare up again.

  "I see you are enjoying the power that should be rightfully yours."

  "What is up with that? My mother and grandmother never mentioned it."

  "Because they are not you. It is not theirs to touch."

  "I'm not an elf?"

  "No. Nor are you fae blooded. I wish I could explain to you, but all of us who know have been bound to silence."

  "Even you?"

  "Even me. We are simply powers in the grand scheme of things. There are those that even gods answer to."

  "So, there is nobody who can tell me what the hell is going on?"

  "I'm sure if you thought about it, you would find the answers you seek."

  "You can't just tell me who to look for?"

  "I may not. Think. Ask those of your coven to help you to find that which you lost before you even knew it. Use your magic to find it. You have all the pieces, save one. You just need to find it and put them all together."

  "That's why I am here."

  Candace's face smiled and nodded.

  "Can you at least tell me if it's in the castle?'

  "Sadly, it is. But, between you and your guardians, you should have more than enough power to stride in and take it. Once you have it, I shall deal with the obtuse Renlynn."

  "But not before?"

  "No. This is your journey, I may only aid you so much."

  "I understand. Thank you."

  "For what, Child?"

  "Guiding me as much as you have, aiding me as much as you could."

  She reached out and caressed my cheek. "You are dear to me for so many reasons. You will know the truth one day."

  I nodded and the light faded from Candace's eyes.

  "We strike at dawn," I said to my little raiding party.

  "How long has the sun been set?" Jaeren moved a little closer to me.

  "A couple of hours, why?"

  "I would suggest that we infiltrate the castle tonight, before the sun rises. There will be minimal guards."

  "That's not a half-bad idea. We attack at midnight!"

  He shook his head. "Too early. The court fools may still be in attendance, leeching from the wine cellars of the king."

  "We attack at three-ish!" I looked over at him.

  He nodded.

  Sadly, nobody applauded my decision. Decisions. Whatever. I was just glad Jaeren had been there to help me strategize. At least I had the military sense to wait until he woke up to start planning shit. Otherwise, we might already be dead or in elf cuffs, rotting in a dungeon.

  "So, we have to wait like seven hours, sitting in a clearing?"

  "Sorry, Yuki."

  "I'm going to check the perimeter and make faces at any elves on the other side of the shield."

  "That sounds like fun."

  "Better than staring at a fire."

  I glanced over at Shea, a way of passing time springing to mind. I doubted the others would appreciate it. A little conversation might not be a bad idea, though.

  "Sit," I told him, pointing to the slab of concrete next to me.

  He gave me a worried glance.

  "I'm not going to yell at you. Sheesh."

  "Sorry. I am a little on edge."

  "Why?"

  He sat and motioned to the clearing around us, pausing a moment and pointing at me.

  "I'm setting you on edge?"

  He nodded shyly.

  "Why on the goddess' green earth would I be setting you on edge? I'm supposed to take the edge off. Make you happy and stuff."

  "You do. But, I am also afraid you are going to think that what happened was a mistake. That you realized you acted impulsively in the heat of passion."

  I sighed in frustration, but let it go. He had waited so long to be with me, I shouldn't have been surprised he would worry I would take it away. "Let me clue you in on a little somethin'. I may act rashly. I may charge into things with both horns pointed at the red cape, but I never would when someone might get hurt from it. Do you understand?"

  He shrugged and nodded. A little. Almost unnoticeably.

  "That was kind of half-hearted."

  "Lady, I'm afraid. I lay no claim to you, and yet I am petrified that you will leave."

  I wrapped my arms around him. "What did you think, that I would fuck you and leave you?"

  He at least hesitated before he nodded, head against my chest.

  "You, silly bastard. You're mine. I'm keeping you."

  "Forever?" The whisper of hope in his voice nearly broke my heart.

  I nodded. "You're part of us now. I told you we had a big long discussion about it. Did you think I was kidding?

  He shook his head.

  "I'll reiterate once more. They all wanted you to be a part of us. Do you believe me now?"

  "What about you?"

  "I wouldn't have had it any other way," I said softly and leaned over, pressing my lips against his and making him forget about everything else.

  Chapter 16

  I pressed my hand against the pulsating energy of the shield I'd cast around the clearing. Normally, I would have pulled all that precious magic back into me, letting it fill my well. But here, in Faerie, things were different. I'd pulled the magic straight from the earth and that's where I sent it as I burst the shield in a silent shower of glimmering strands.

  "That was beautiful," Candace said with a hint of wonder in her voice.

  "Magic to burn gives me the opportunity to do things a little flashy."

  "Let us hope the guards did not notice," Jaeren added chidingly

  Oops.

  Instead of heading directly for the castle, Jaeren, my master strategist, decided on an alternate route that would take us through one of the outlying villages. The main road would be well watched, totally ruining our element of surprise. Hopefully, any elven watchers of the clearing would report that we had disappeared back through the gate to the human realm.

  "Let us go." He strode forward and slipped between the closest trees.

  You could smell their fragrant boughs in the clearing, but threading through their trunks and under their branches, the smell of cedar was almost overwhelming. I rubbed my nose and fought off the sneeze.

  Candace didn't have as much luck. "Choo!"

  I giggled and rubbed her head. She even sneezed cute.

  Jaeren was less than impressed and shot a reproachful look over his shoulder. "Lord Bless."

  Candace flashed him a small smile.

  The moon did little to illuminate the forested path. I could see perfectly, and Yuki, Shea, and Dar seemed to have little problem. Jaeren was definitely moving slower and Candace was practically stumbling beside me, tripping over roots and branches. I reached down and grasped her hand.

  She gasped.

  "What?" I whispered.

  "I can see!"

  I let go of her hand and she stared back up at me blankly. I touched her again and her eyes refocused. She grinned up at me, excitedly. "It's you."

  "When I touch you, you get my night vision?"

  She nodded.

  "That's cool as fuck."

  "Lady, please keep your voice down. Please." Jaeren was practically begging.

  I pulled Candace forward to catch up to him. "Can you see in the dark?"

  "Our eyes are different from humans and witches. We cannot see in the dark, per se, but we can see the flames of life dancing. Even in the darkest of nights. Far superior to–"

  I reached out and touched him to shut him up. "We call that thermal imaging, but this might be a little better."

  He stared at me in disbelief. "That is. I thank you. You may let go now."

  "Up to you, but you won't be able to see as well. Which do you prefer?"

  I could see him struggling to answer. "You have to touch me to impart this gift?"

  "Yep."

  "I shall make do on my own, for now. Easier to spot any s
entries. If I struggle, I will let you know. Is that acceptable?"

  "Of course." Didn't really want to hold your hand, anyway. Stupid elf.

  He gave me a quick nod, retaking his position in the lead.

  Dar ambled up to me and nudged my hand with his nose. I'm smelling wood smoke. Up ahead about half-a-mile.

  "We're getting close to the village," I hiss-whispered to Jaeren.

  He nodded, not even deigning to look back, let alone say thanks.

  He is proud.

  He is a dick. I absentmindedly scratched Dar between his ears.

  Not compared to most elves I have met. They are a haughty people and look at those of other races as lesser. Do not take it to heart.

  Yeah, well… He doesn't have to be so snobby with me. It's not like I want him around.

  Even here in Faerie?

  Okay, maybe here, but definitely not at home.

  If you acquire many more guardians, you shall need a larger dwelling.

  Preachin' to the choir, Darling. I should gift the house to Josie and Candace and build a hotel.

  You are under the assumption that they would leave your side. You are incorrect. They both adore you and would see your gift as abandonment.

  You're pretty smart for a dog.

  You're pretty smart for a witch.

  I chuckled as softly as I could.

  A few minutes later, Jaeren stepped from the trail and motioned for us to do the same. Candace and I wound around a tree and came up behind him as he stared in the direction of the village.

  "Is somebody coming?"

  He shook his head. "Just judging if it is safe to travel through. The way around would take us through a river and stealth with sodden boots and clothing is not advisable."

  Want me to scout?

  I nodded at Yuki, who had come up behind us without a sound. At least I didn't jump when I saw her. Please. Don't be seen and don't hurt anyone.

  She nodded and disappeared as silently as she had come.

  "I could shadow walk into the village…"

  I looked over at Shea. "I thought you said you weren't sure it would be safe to shadow walk in another realm?"

  "The shadows still seem to be mine to command, I do not think it will be an issue."

  "No. I don't want to take the chance. Try if it's absolutely necessary. Right now, it's not."

  "Yes, my Lady."

  "Hey, Shea?"

  "Yes?"

  "We're together. Call me, Dot."

  "Yes, my Queen," he said with a smile and backed into the shadows. Even my vampiric eyes couldn't see him, but it was just camouflage. I could still feel him. It was like he draped the shadows over him like another cloak.

  Show off.

  It is clear. Everyone seems to be asleep for the night. I wouldn't march through the center of town, but if you are quiet, you should go unnoticed.

  Thank you, Yuki.

  I passed the information along to the others, Jaeren leading the way as soon as the words left my mouth. I watched him as he walked, using the cover of darkness to check him out a little more. He was much taller than Shea, and his shoulders were far broader, but he still had the stereotypical elven thinness. His waist was just a little bigger than mine, but that was the only similarity between us. His ass was even nicer than mine, not exactly small, but extraordinarily well-muscled. Even his hair was television shampoo-model worthy. I hated him just a little bit more.

  Bet he looks amazing naked though…

  I wanted to dip my brain in a vat of frying oil. That would teach it a lesson it wouldn't forget.

  I nearly ran into him when he stopped suddenly and held up his hand over his shoulder. A goat stepped out from behind one of the closest buildings, took one look at us, and screamed. It didn't bleat, it screamed like a human.

  Fuck. A damn sentry goat?

  If I had blinked, I would have missed Yuki's goat-punch. She didn't kill it, but she did knock its ass out. I felt bad for the animal, but it was better than having its screams wake up the entire village. However, I did not envy it the headache it was going to wake up with.

  She looked up at me and I nodded my thanks. She shrugged her shoulders apologetically, and I shook my head. It wasn't her fault she missed a sentry she didn't know was a sentry. I probably would have tried to pet it if I saw it first. Wouldn't have been the first time something screamed at me for trying to pet it.

  A few lights in the surrounding houses flickered to life. I pulled Candace's hand, we needed to get out of there fast. Yuki picked up the goat and took off toward the opposite side of the village.

  "Keep to the shadows," Jaeren hissed, unnecessarily.

  One of the shadows of the buildings under the bright moonlight broke away and settled over us like a blanket. I smiled at Shea running beside me.

  We hit the edge of town and Yuki tucked the goat beneath a tree as we made it safely into the forest beyond. I chuckled trying to picture the villagers' faces when they discovered poor Billy passed out beneath the tree, trying to figure out what had happened.

  The trail headed deeper into the woods. A break in the tree line showed the castle on the hill ahead of us. The pink moon illuminated it and the elven city below. It looked straight out of a fairytale.

  "It's beautiful." Candace squeezed my hand.

  I nodded. "But not really someplace I want to be."

  "Me neither."

  "I'm sorry to drag you into this."

  "It is all right. I'm sure the goddess has her reasons."

  There was no way I was letting Candace know her role seemed to be that of celestial cell phone. "Here, keep this adorable fae blooded witch by your side in case I need to contact you…"

  Ouch.

  "I'm sure she does, but we may never know."

  She nodded, emphatically.

  We walked for thirty minutes before the town appeared at the edge of the trees. If I were the elves, I would have put the gate a hell of a lot closer. Or the castle to the gate. Either way, travelling for an hour to get to the closest mode of transportation seemed a little silly. But then I realized I lived over an hour to the airport by car. Doing seventy. Maybe the elves weren't so dumb after all.

  "How are we going to sneak through an entire city?"

  "I am more concerned about getting through the gates, undetected," Jaeren answered me.

  "Anybody know any good Jedi mind tricks?"

  "What is a Jedi mind trick?" Shea pulled his cloak a little closer. It was getting chillier in the wee hours of the morning and dew was starting to settle.

  "It was a joke."

  "Oh. Pity."

  I could leap over the wall in my hellhound form and cause a distraction. Close enough to the gate to ensure they would be the ones to take action.

  Can you guarantee your safety to me?

  No offense, Lady. But I can't even guarantee my safety to you right now. We take our risks and minimalize the danger. It is part of life.

  Quit being all logical. But you have a point and a good idea…just be careful.

  Always. Somebody needs to keep you alive.

  "Dar is going to be a distraction. Shea, can you cloak us through the gate?"

  "Yes."

  "Good plan?" I actually asked Jaeren for his opinion. Surely, Faerie was about to perish.

  "Nay, but I cannot think of a better one."

  At least he gave me an honest answer. Surely, Faerie was about to perish, twice.

  "All yours, Dar. Be careful."

  He huffed and shifted. I never got tired of watching it. In his hellhound form…he was pretty scary. I'd have given him a nine on the distraction scale. If I saw something like that leap over a wall next to me, I'd probably have shat myself.

  He took off, full bore, a black streak in the pinkish-hued night.

  "There's no way he's going to clear that wall. It's twenty-feet tall," Yuki said, doubtfully.

  We all tensed in anticipation. When he was about ten feet away, he launched himself into the ai
r.

  He cheated. I expected him to try and high-jump over it. He didn't. His claws hit the wall and he practically ran up the side of it, propelling himself over it when he ran out of wall.

  "He did it!"

  "Amazing," Jaeren acquiesced.

  The shouts and screams of the guards could be heard from where we stood.

  "Let's go," I said and ran along the open road, ditching the cover of trees behind us.

  The tree-shadows followed us and enveloped us. We were still visible, but much harder to see under the moonlight. It would be much more effective in the city, but I gave silent thanks to Shea for the effort.

  There were no visible guards at the gate. Unfortunately, an intricate metal grate in the shape of ivy vines blocked our way through. It was my turn to be useful. I reached out with the magic around me, grasping the vines, intent on creating an opening large enough for us to squeeze though.

  The portcullis had been spelled to resist magic. It was like using my hands to grab it and pull, only to find the bars had been oiled. I couldn't get a grip.

  We were close enough to need a plan B. I gave up on the gate, reached my hand to the stone wall beside it, and bored a hole through it with my magic, melting the stone into a puddle.

  "Go!"

  Candace, Shea, and Yuki slipped through.

  "Can you repair it?" Jaeren hissed his question as quietly as he could.

  "Why?"

  "Once they lose sight of your familiar, they shall take up their post again. If they see the hole, the alarm will be sounded."

  "But they didn't sound it for the hellhound jumping over the wall?"

  "A single animal intruder is much different from a breach in the city's defenses," he said impatiently.

  "Okay. I'll fix it."

  We went through the gate, and when I was on the other side, I repaired the wall, sparing a moment to pray we wouldn't need the hole to get out of the city.

  Jaeren nodded. "Good. It looks perfect."

  "Thanks."

  "You have a future in mason work, should you wish."

  I couldn't tell if he was joking or not. He spun and lead us toward the castle without so much as a smile, so I wasn't going to find out anytime soon.

  We'd actually made it halfway to the castle when they sprang their trap. There was a small bridge over a glowing blue stream we needed to cross. As soon as Jaeren's foot touched the silver brick paver, bursts of magic above us illuminated the square, turning night into day. The rooftops of the buildings around us became a bustle of activity as dozens of archers aimed their weapons at us as they lined the edge of the rooves.