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“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
–Benjamin Franklin–
Elisandra
It’s been a torturous few days of hell. Each day is harder to get out of bed, but Tytus makes me whether I want to, or not.
Each day he pushes my buttons, trying to get her to come to the surface. He’s got this cute idea that he can make her leave forever.
That’s not what she’s telling me though. Even as I’m going through my shower routine, she’s there like a nasty headache.
You need to find a way to escape.
I wouldn’t have to if you’d show yourself and talk to him.
No. He wants to shut me out forever and I’m not going to let that happen. It wouldn’t be safe for you.
Brushing my teeth, I roll my eyes at my reflection. “He’s only trying to help, you know. Stop seeing him as the enemy.”
Help, huh? Is that why he’s keeping Finn away from you?
I have no answer to that. Each night I dream of him as if I could touch him, and it’s the main reason I have such a hard time waking up. Better to dream than live a reality without him.
Turning away from the mirror, I brush my hair and pull it into a ponytail. Tytus made arrangements to have clothes of mine here, and he’s made sure I’m way beyond comfortable, even letting me use his phone to call my nana.
Since me and Finn never quite made the delivery – and the baked goods spoiled at the back of my van, probably still in the forest I left it in. Grandmama’s been going crazy with worry. I’m half afraid she’s going to come here to check on me, and I figure it’s as good a time as any to talk to Tytus about it.
You’re avoiding thinking of him.
Yeah, I am.
‘Cause each time Finn crosses my mind it feels like something is scorching me. Hearing his voice a few days ago didn’t help much either. There’s something unfinished between us, something we didn’t even get a chance to see grow, and it’s eating me from the inside out.
We need to get out of here, she says again. Then you can see him.
I stare at my reflection. “There’s a reason Tytus doesn’t want me out there, and it’s because I’m dangerous. With you in my head, and what we can do, I won’t risk anyone getting injured.”
Pulling on some sweatpants and a long–sleeved shirt, I head downstairs. Tytus is waiting with breakfast cooked, and my mouth waters at the smell of bacon. I half-wonder if he cooked it with his zmeu fire, or the regular way, but don’t say anything aloud.
As I munch through the food, he watches me with a speculative look on his face. “How did you sleep?”
I shrug. “Fine, I guess.”
He leans on the counter as is his habit, tilting his head to the side. “Fine? In that cause, I take it not seeing Finn does not affect you?”
“You know full well it does. Why torture me with this?”
“Because you’re not being honest with me.”
My fork clatters on the plate as I glare at him. “You want honest? It felt like I was being ripped apart when you shut the door in his face. It only got worse overnight, and since then. But I’ve got my grandmama to stress about, too. If she comes back because she’s worried, she’ll be in danger. And don’t give me fairy tales about how you can protect her.”
Tytus straightens up and says, “I won’t. And the last thing I want is for you to suffer. Distance from Finn is inevitable, at least for the time being. But as for your grandmother, will a visit offer her some comfort?”
“Yeah...” I stare back at my plate. “I think it will.”
He nods and moves back. “We can leave after you finish eating.”
∞ ♦ ∞
Half an hour later, we’re on the road in his Hummer. “If you don’t work, how do you afford all this? Finn and the others, they work.”
Tytus snorts. “Call it inheritance. Millennia–old inheritance.”
I stare out the window, mulling his words. What does it feel like, I wonder, to have lived so long and seen so many kingdoms come and go...
“It’s wearying, for one.”
My head snaps up and I notice his wry smile. “Did I say that out loud?”
“You sure did.”
“Sorry.”
His eyes shift back on the road, hiding his emotions. “Don’t be.”
A moment of uncomfortable silence lengthens. Since I’ve already put my foot in my mouth, I see no point in being quiet. “It must have been lonely, being the last of your race.”
“It was.”
His crisp answer is not enough to deter me from prying. “I mean, can you.... I dunno, do you have to be with...”
“A female zmeu? No, I do not. I also have not lived as a monk, if that is the purpose of your question. To be perfectly honest, I can take my pleasure anywhere. But true fulfillment from having a mate, I will never know that.”
“You can’t find a human mate, like Dom?”
Tytus snorts. “That fool does not even realize how lucky he is. To find a human able to accept all parts of you, the good and the beast, and be willing to be thrown into an insane universe, as dangerous as ours? No, I will not subject any human to that. Plus, it wouldn’t work.”
“Why not?”
“Because while I can sleep around with humans, our mating process requires them to be supernatural in order to survive it.”
I gulp. “Why?”
“Because, my dear, when you really mate with someone, you burn them. If they survive, they are your true mate. If they do not, well....”
He reads my silence as horrific – which it is – and turns to me briefly. “You won’t have to, with Finn. You are not a full zmeu, and there are...other things already taking place which are testing you.”
“Such as?”
He turns to the radio and the sounds of some country song echoes in the car. I guess we’re done talking.
And just when it was getting interesting, she says.
∞ ♦ ∞
Grandmama’s friend, Violet, owns an old antique store. She has a place right above it, and it’s where my grandmama’s been staying at.
As soon as Tytus parks, I run inside. She’s talking to a customer but the next moment I’m there, engulfing her in a hug.
“Elisandra! What.... What are you doing here, child?”
I can’t help it. The tears come unbidden. Used to my craziness, Grandmama just holds me and pats my back. Inch by inch, she moves us away from the bustle of the daily operations, and outside at a nice picnic table set in the backyard.
Her knowing brown eyes settle on me, then Tytus who had followed us. “What’s going on, darling? Why didn’t you tell me something was wrong?”
Tears threaten again and I try to stop them. “It’s been....hard. I... Grandmama, I need you to promise you’ll stay here, no matter what.”
Worry flashes across her face and she takes my hand in hers. “Why?”
Because some badass wolves want my hide somehow doesn’t seem like the right answer. Instead, I breathe in and say, “There's some trouble in Rockland Creek. You remember those guys that used to run with Jared?”
Her wrinkled face scrunches up. “Leather and lots of skin?” When I nod, she says, “Yeah, those boys needed a solid beating as kids, mark my words. Why do you bring them up?”
“They torched the bakery, that’s why I couldn’t make the delivery. Tytus,” I pointed to him, “and the guys at Claws Auto Shop helped me clean it up and I’ve put in an insurance claim but.... It’s bad, nana. It’ll be a while before we can get it fixed.”
Her eyes fill with tears, but she bravely wipes them away. “That place is just four walls and some oven, darling. I’m just glad you’re okay, that’s what really matters.” Her gaze shifts to Tytus. “Thank you for taking care of her.”
He bows his head, but remains oddly quiet.
“I won’t come home, if it’ll make things easier,” she promises. “But what about you? Where are you staying?”
I flush, thinking of Finn. “Right now, Tytus is renting me a room.”
Her gaze goes shrewd. “A room?”
“Yeah,” I flush. “In his house. He has a big house. But umm, Finn and I...”
Her face clears at that. “Did you finally ask that boy out?”
I feel the red blush creeping on me as clear as the sun. “Grandmama!”
“Oh, but he is fine. Mind, you’re fine too, Tytus, but not exactly what my granddaughter needs, you know?”
He laughs. “Oh, I do.”
We say our goodbyes and then we’re back on the road. As I reach for the radio, Tytus stops me. “I’ll bring you back to him, I promise.”
His tone leaves no doubt as to his honesty. Before I can ask what changed his mind, he goes rigid. The car swerves to the side – luckily the road is deserted.
I manage to grab the wheel, at the same time trying to see what the hell got into him.
But Tytus isn’t really responsive. His eyes have gone glassy, almost white, and his fists and jaw are clenched to the point of breaking.
Heaving with effort, I manage to pull on the steering wheel and nudge the car into a ditch.
What’s gotten into him?
“I don’t have time for you right now,” I mutter and take my seat belt off.
Exiting the car, I circle it and open Tytus’s door. He’s shaking now, and I’m half afraid he’s having some kind of seizure, but it’s not like any I’ve seen before.
I check around him and pull a cell phone to call for help – it’s dead.
Then his fingers start drawing in the air – runes that take a life of their own. It must last for at least ten minutes, while I stand there not sure what to do, too entranced by the runes. After a few moments, they shine brightly, then drop onto his forearms like rain droplets.
Finally, Tytus inhales sharply, blinks and jerks himself upright. His stormy gaze is dark, taking in our surroundings and the car’s precarious position.
“Thank you,” he says. It’s the last thing I expect to hear, but he still seems shaken.
I kneel next to him, grasping one clammy hand in mine. “Tytus... What was that? Are you alright?”
There’s a new kind of sadness in his expression when his eyes land on me. “Nu, micuţã. I’m nowhere alright, and will not be for a while. What you saw, it was a vision. Zmei don’t get them often – but when we do, it’s never a good thing.”
I gulp. “What did you see?”
Tytus is silent for so long that I fear he won’t answer. When he finally speaks, it’s only two words. “My brother.”
Grunting, he then pushes himself out of the driver’s seat and into the passenger. With one hand, he draws a rune that pushes the car back onto the road. “Drive, little one. I haven’t been able to break through to your alter, but perhaps someone else can. I do believe it is high time we get you back to Finn.”
Finn
I’ve been back at the house every day since Tytus shut it in my face – to no avail. Today, there’s a different feel around it. Empty.
Panicking by the second, I try to find a way to get in.
“Don’t ruin his fancy mansion,” a voice says and I whirl to face them.
Dani’s there, tilting her head to the side. “They’re gone, but they’ll come back.”
“How do you know?”
She pulls up a note. “Because Tytus left this taped to the door.”
I snatch it out of her hand and read it. Don’t panic, wolf. I’ll bring her back. We have to see the grandmother before she worries and becomes Cade’s chow food.
I look back up at Dani. “So what were you doing here?”
“Time for my weekly magical workouts with Tytus.”
“Oh.”
I taste her pity in the air – something in my expression must’ve sparked it – and crumple the piece of paper in my hand. “Don’t.”
Walking past her, I become aware of something else in the air. Someone else. But it’s not the Reapers. It’s....
“Fecking púca!”
Without waiting for Dani, I take off after it. Still in human form, it means I quickly lose its scent and come to a full stop.
A moment later, Dani draws near, watching me with a frown.
“What’s gotten into you, meu amigo?”
Aside from Elle, I haven’t told anyone about what’s going on, least of all my alpha.
Dani must read some of that in me, as she squeezes my shoulder. “I won’t tell Lucas, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I run a hand over my face, but before I can answer, something shifts in the shadows. I hold out my hand to stop Dani. “Don’t. Move.”
Right. Left. It’s running everywhere, a crazy neighing filling the air. Then the púca is there, its red eyes glowing.
“What is that?” Dani asks out of the corner of her mouth.
“My feckin’ nightmare,” I whisper back.
The mustang stops a few feet feet away from us, its red, glowing eyes shining with malice. “Having trouble finding your mate, wolf?”
I frown. “What's it to you? She’s got nothing to do with this.”
The horse throws its head back. “As if I would believe that.” It’s malicious eyes take in Dani. “Interesting mix, wolf–witch.”
She hates being called that. In retaliation, she draws a rune in the air and holds off on it. “Just try me.”
The púca meets my eyes again. “I don’t suppose you’ve managed to find trace of your precious Reapers either, hmm?”
I blanch at that. “How do you know so much?”
This shouldn’t be possible. It shouldn’t be.... And then it dawns on me. Our inability to pinpoint the Reapers’ locations. The conflicting scents. My own comment that bad luck seems to be following us...
“It was you!”
The púca throws back its head again, shaking its midnight mane. “My, you really have grown soft.” It turns to leave.
“Wait! Why? Why are you doing all this?”
“If you don’t know, I won’t make it easier for you to find out.”
One glance at Dani’s magic threatening it, and the púca disappears back through the trees. My friend drops her hand, the rune disintegrating. “Finn... Are you saying that’s the reason we can’t locate the Reapers?”
My shocked gaze meets hers. “Aye. You sure you’re not going to tell Lucas now?”
∞ ♦ ∞
After Dani assures me she won’t tell Lucas anything, we head back to town. As we walk into the shop, the receptionist desk is empty. It’s only once we walk to the back that we find Dom in the kitchen.
He throws us a look, and I taste curiosity in the air – he’s thinking we came back from patrol. “Anything?”
“Nada,” Dani mutters. “Where’s Lucas?”
Dom throws me a side glance, and this time I can’t read his emotion, like he’s not sure himself of what he feels. “Off on other business with Tristan.”
“And Lucrezia?” I ask, jabbing a finger over my shoulder. “I thought you weren’t letting her out of your sight.”
Before he can answer, a bell rings, signaling the front door is open. I would ignore it, but a scent fills the air – one I haven’t felt in too damn long. The vanilla hints have me whirling around and sprinting towards the entrance, where I almost smack into Lucrezia.
“Just in time,” she grins.
It’s hard to find words, when the reality of that scent envelops me full on. Luz is at the head of the little trio, but she steps to the side, revealing the girl behind.
Elle.
And right next to her, Tytus. My fists clench but Luz is already shaking her head, walking towards me. “He’s standing down, Finn. Just let him talk.”
I meet Tytus’ stormy gaze with one of my own. “So?”
“So.” He shifts his stance, nodding to Dani and Dom behind me. “Where’s your alpha?”
“On an errand,” Dom says. “What’s it to you?”
“Need to tell you all something...about the magic here.” His gaze drops on Dani again.
“What’s going on?” I taste her confusion, as much as everyone else’s, in the air.
“Little wolf, I’m sorry,” Tytus whispers, low enough that I’m sure only I caught it. Louder, he says, “I lied when I met you. I’m not the only one of my kind left. There is another...only I thought he was dead. His name is Declan, and he’s my brother.”
Silence descends on everyone, a mix of confusion and anger. Dom steps by my side. “Explain yourself.”
Tytus widens his stance, as if prepared to fight off blows. “I apologize in advance, because I should have told you everything. I simply did not think it relevant any longer.”
With an introduction like that, I know we’re in for a treat – the kind that’ll lead to a hell of a reaction. I want to take Elle aside, but Tytus starts talking and his story freezes me.
“Long ago, before this world was fully formed, two races of sky creatures fought for dominance. Dragons... and zmei. As land was split and borders drawn, a Council was established, formed of ten of each of our members. I was on that council. The main rule was not to let humans know of us. We were already hunted by then. Declan, my brother, went against this rule, time and time again.”
His tone changes, filling with emotion, and I taste the trace of the past in the air. “We had to move from kingdom to kingdom more than once, until one particular order of knights decided to eradicate us. Their hate was not random, rather it was spurred on by Declan’s constant attacks on humans. And while the Council saw what was happening, it was I who called the vote to banish my brother, thinking he would find a quick end. Only instead of destroying him, we imprisoned him. Not knowing that over time, he’d find weaknesses in the protection holding him hostage...”
“I don’t follow,” Dom interrupts. “Why not kill him outright?”
“There were so few of us left, the Council didn’t want to take one more life. It was stupid, and arrogant, to believe Declan could be redeemed at some point. We thought our magic would keep him. Never foresaw that he would be stronger... Nor that he could still reach out and influence a witch...who would then influence an entire wolf pack.”
Dani’s gasp is the only sound in the room. “You mean, my magic...”
“Yeah.” His contrition fills the air. “Fiona is harnessing Declan, and that is where your pack received its powers from. It was all engineered by Declan. He was the cause of all your troubles.”
While the new information is overwhelming, and a much-needed piece to know, my mind isn’t in it. My wolf is struggling against my hold, wanting only one thing, and I can’t hold him back anymore. “Elle.”
Her gaze meets mine, and I try to keep my tone neutral. “We need to talk.”
She nods, and heads towards me. Tytus watches her go, but says nothing. I leave the rest of my pack behind, uncaring as their voices rise up, asking Tytus question upon question. All I’m focusing on is Elle’s hand in mine.
We head to Lucas’ office. I step away from her once we’re there, my body shaking with need.
“Elle, I —”
She rushes into my arms, as if unable to stand the distance any more. “It was hell being away from you.”
A relieved breath escapes me, and I wrap her tightly in my embrace, inhaling the scent of her. “Same, love.”
She pulls away slightly. “I know according to Tytus it was needed so I could figure this out, but the truth of the matter is I’m nowhere further along than before. She’s still in me, and...” Elle trails off, shaking her head. “I’m sorry for leaving you like I did. I just... I couldn’t resist it. What Cade did was horrible!”
“I know, Elle. But if you had waited, I would’ve come with you.” She feels so good in my arms, I don’t want to rock the boat. But I know I have to. “Was it her, that led those impulses?”
Elle nods in my chest. “Yes.”
I nuzzle her hair, enjoying her sweet vanilla scent. “I know she’s part of you, Elle. And I’m more than willing to accept that. But please don’t let her get between us.”
“I promise I won’t.”
I push back slightly so I can meet her eyes. There’s only one burning question I need an answer to. “Do you want to be with me? Because, love, that’s all that matters to me. Girlfriend, mate... I’ll be whatever you want, because you’re all I need, regardless of what’s happening out there.”
She smiles tentatively and intertwines our fingers. “Yes. All that, and more... I’m yours, Finn. All yours.”
Her submission is the sweetest sound, answering to a part of me I have long thought forgotten. For the first time in ages, my wolf, in all his dominant capacity, pokes his head and takes over.
Ours.
I drop my mouth to hers then, taking all she’s willing to offer in the short time we have.