Brannick felt a strong pull within his chest as he watched the wolf, a sensation similar to the way the dreamgliding memories arrived. Only this wasn’t a dream, but it definitely felt very fae.
As he stared at the shifter, he realized he was once again experiencing an instinct more in keeping with the alter fae community than with his vampire self. He turned back to Juliet. “Fergus should come with us.”
A frown deepened between her arched brows. “The wolf?”
“You sound surprised.”
“It’s just that he can’t create an invisibility shield like you can. He’s not a vampire.”
Brannick glanced at Fergus again, but he felt the same pull as before.
Fergus was a powerful man and ally. His mane of hair went all the way to the middle of his back. The wolves, especially the alphas, grew their hair out long and wore braids to hold it away from the face. Although, he’d seen some with leather straps across their foreheads.
His alter instincts continued to warm up but with a fae tone rather than the cold, direct manner of his vampire nature. “Juliet, I can’t explain why, but Fergus needs to be with us as we hunt for Mary.”
Juliet caught his arm with her hand. “I’m feeling it too, though I’m pretty sure the weight of my conviction is coming from you. You seem to be reacting more like a fae than a vampire.”
He held her gaze tight to his. Something similar had happened between Vaughn and Emma, this odd transference of powers. He’d watched Emma levitate when she’d never done so before, and she’d had Vaughn’s complete skillset while doing it.
Now here he was with Juliet. She’d used a vampire shield while on the bridge and had later taken on some of his physical strength to bring him to the second bedroom.
“You know what amazed me? I can recall how you carried me to the other room. I still find it hard to believe, even though I told you to do it.”
He watched her lips curve. “Would you like me to show you how strong I am?”
“I would.”
She moved over to stand next to him. “Drape your arm over my shoulder.”
When he did, she caught his forearm from behind and locked it in place. “Now, slowly ease your weight onto me.”
He didn’t want to hurt her. The muscles he carried could do damage to such a willowy female. But as he began to relax and transfer his weight to her, damn if she didn’t hold steady.
Even she seemed surprised. “I can do this better than before. I mean, I doubt I’d ever be able to pick you up and carry you around, but can you feel the strength I can take on?”
“I can.”
He removed his arm from around her shoulders and stared at her for a long, difficult moment. He felt uneasy suddenly. He knew what had happened to Vaughn and Emma. The couple was engaged, for Christ’s sake. A witch and a vampire.
He didn’t approve of the species mixing like this. Life was hard enough in Five Bridges without becoming the brunt of anti-species hate.
He also thought the level of intimacy that kept expanding between them was a big mistake. “This isn’t right.”
Juliet searched his eyes. “I get it, Brannick.”
“You do?” He wasn’t sure he believed her.
She turned her gaze away from him as though remembering. “This feels like a kind of forced connection, something neither of us wants. Though it is reminding me of decisions I made when I set up house in Lotus Tree. I haven’t dated once during the four years I’ve lived in Five Bridges. I haven’t wanted to. Life here, in the world of the flame drugs, requires a different focus. Staying alive, for one thing. And helping others as needed, like Mary right now. Anything else is exactly as you’ve said. It isn’t right. Maybe that’s why dreamgliding worked for both of us. It wasn’t real. Not like this.”
He was grateful she understood and that they seemed to be on the same page. But it didn’t help much; her sincerity made her even more appealing. “I’m with you.”
She settled her hands on her hips. “All right then. So, you and I aren’t going to take this seriously, whatever this is.” She waved her hand back-and-forth between them. “Agreed?”
“Yes.”
She nodded briskly. “Good.” She glanced at Fergus and saw one of the warlocks land on the patio. “What are your new fae instincts telling you about the rest of our security detail? Should they come with us?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so. You mentioned earlier that I could use my vampire cloak and disguise us while we moved, but an entire group could become problematic. Three of us, if needed, yes. Besides, I think they should stay here and continue to guard your home. I don’t want Roche anywhere near this property, whether you’re present or not.”
“I like the sound of that, especially since Roche is cozy with the dark covens in Elegance Territory. If he ever got his hands on any of my personal property, he might be able to have a witch conjure a dangerous spell against me.”
Brannick cringed at the thought. “I hadn’t even considered the possibility of a spellcaster being involved. Then we’re agreed, the rest of the security detail will remain in place.”
“Yes.”
“All right. Now, how about we have a chat with Fergus, then get over to the Fae Cathedral?”
***
Juliet inclined her head in agreement and gestured for Fergus to come in from the patio.
As Fergus drew close, he moved to stand on the other side of Brannick. She felt a strong wave of heat emanate from Fergus, very sexual in nature. She hadn’t been around a lot of shifters, but she’d heard about the alpha cycle that tended to force the men into a heavy mate-hunting period. Even she felt drawn to him, as though whatever natural musk he exuded called to all women.
Brannick turned toward her, scowling. What the hell is going on?
She felt her eyes go wide. Busted. Sorry. It’s something about Fergus. He’s very wolf right now.
Well, dial it down because your sudden interest in him is like a fire creeping over my skin.
She stared at Brannick, aware of just how little it would take for him to start brawling with the wolf.
She drew close and took Brannick’s hand. Some things, especially with a hot wolf hanging around, needed to be said aloud. “You’re my man, Brannick. For as long as this mission holds. I’m with you.” She avoided eye-contact with Fergus.
Brannick’s nostrils flared. She saw more than one emotion pass quickly over his face: Lust, pride, and of course fear of what they were sharing together. “You’re with me.”
He glanced at Fergus, who slowly dipped his chin in acknowledgment.
Brannick then explained to Fergus their current plan, but he didn’t let go of Juliet’s hand.
She knew it was important to sustain the connection for a few more minutes, to cement their relationship in front of the wolf, but the intimate connection with Brannick started having a powerful effect. Her knees suddenly weakened and desire tore through her. Had her statement of belonging to Brann somehow triggered something inside her? Whatever it was, it felt very alter in nature, not something a normal human would experience.
The fae weren’t big on traditional marriage, but those couples who grew committed to a relationship shared a powerful connection that enhanced an aura around each of them, especially when they were close. Her fae sage advisor, Agnes, had that kind of relationship with the man in her life. It had been unsettling at first to witness the faint silvery light that pulsed when they were near each other.
Agnes had also told her that the stronger the fae connection, the more powerful the sexual urge became, even at times overwhelming.
Right now, as she held Brannick’s hand, her need to be with him physically had her chest in a stranglehold. She could hardly breathe, and she ached all over again between her legs.
Fergus folded his arms across his chest and took a step back. Then another.
Juliet stared at the floor. Her skin was so hot, she felt as though she was on fire.
�
��I’ll give you two a minute.” Fergus whirled around and headed back out onto the patio.
Brannick turned to her, and his eyes widened. “Juliet, what the fuck is going on? You’re all silvery. Wait a minute. I know what this is. Juliet?”
She lifted her gaze to him and at the same time, tugged her hand from what had become a tight grasp. He stared at his own hand. “Shit. I’m glowing as well. This is so fucked up. We’re not connected you and me. We can’t be.”
She held her hands to her face. She was trembling with pure sexual need. All Brannick had to do was push her up against the wall, press his hips to hers and she’d come apart.
She knew Brannick was upset, but she was having the worst time calming herself down. She finally forced herself to move into the kitchen. She opened the freezer and pulled out a handful of ice cubes. Taking them back to the sink, she held them up to her neck and closed her eyes. She focused on the birds in her patio earlier and the yellow cat that kept disturbing their feeding.
Thinking about birds helped. A lot.
Brannick’s resonant voice, edged with anger, poured into the kitchen space. “Is this how it’s going to be? Are you going to keep trying to seduce me?”
“I promise that’s not what’s going on here. Just give me a minute.”
She took deep breaths and moved the ice cubes over her throat and up and down her arms.
“The glow is receding.” Brannick sounded calmer as well.
When the intensity of the experience passed, she stood upright. “Brannick, I don’t want this kind of connection any more than you do. Let’s just go get Mary, then you can go home. We’ll never have to see each other after this.”
The furrow between Brannick’s brows grew more pronounced.
She dropped the half-melted cubes into the sink, then walked back into the living area. “I’m going to change into some pants, then we can go.”
She passed by Brannick and headed to the master bedroom. She had no intention of levitating while wearing a dress.
She put on a dark blue top and a pair of matching slacks. Adding a pair of brown leather flats she made her way back to the patio. Brannick was already there talking with Fergus.
When she arrived, Fergus inclined his head to her, but quickly looked away.
Brannick asked Fergus if he’d talked to the rest of the security detail. He nodded, then tossed his chin toward the south.
Juliet followed the line of his gaze. One of the warlocks assigned to the alley levitated in their direction.
“He’ll be taking over for me,” Fergus muttered.
As soon as he arrived, Brannick offered Juliet his booted foot, but she shook her head. She wanted to say something more to him, even to apologize for how much her faeness had encroached on his life.
Instead, she slowly rose into the air. “I meant to tell you sooner. In the same way Emma took on Vaughn’s ability to fly, seems like I’ve got yours.”
“So I see.” Brannick’s voice sounded subdued. She wasn’t surprised. This thing between them kept taking hard, uncomfortable turns.
Though Juliet was worried about what was going on, she set aside her concerns and focused on Mary.
She rose into the air, slowly at first, getting used to her new vampire-based levitating skill. Some of the more powerful fae could levitate on their own, but she’d never been able to, though she’d tried countless times. Of all the magical alter abilities to possess, this one felt like freedom to her, like maybe she could truly find a new life in Five Bridges, even if she and Brannick parted ways. She could sense the ability belonged to her now, no matter what happened in her relationship with Brannick.
She entered Brann’s mind. Follow me. I’ll take us to the front entrance of the Fae Cathedral. Also, I can shield myself now.
With that, she covered herself in Brannick’s vampire disguise and began moving swiftly toward the southeast. She heard Fergus call out, “Where’d she go?”
She also heard Brannick’s explanation and that he’d shield Fergus.
It was better this way. Brannick and Fergus could work together, and she could go solo.
She didn’t glance back at the men. Instead, she plowed forward. If her heart was weighed down with a desperate feeling of disappointment, she ignored it. She’d finally allowed herself to put a name to her relationship with Brann, but even thinking the word, brought tears to her eyes.
Oh, God, she couldn’t be falling in love with him.
Dammit, why hadn’t she seen this as a possibility when she’d first seduced Brannick into a dreamglide with her?
Or maybe she’d known from the moment she sat across from him at the White Flame that here was a man she could love.
***
Brannick’s gaze was stuck to Juliet’s ass. Was it the way she was levitating that had him fixated on the subtle sway of her hips or was it the searing attraction that kept hitting him like a punch to the gut?
For a hot moment he was right back in her small study, the round swells of each cheek waving in front of him, begging for his cock to pierce her from behind. And what kind of bizarre fae thing had created a silvery glow around each of them?
When she’d gone into the kitchen and covered her neck with as much ice as she could hold in both hands, it had taken every ounce of strength he possessed not to follow her. He’d wanted to strip her naked and release more of his seed deep between his legs, to mark her as only a man could show his claim on a woman.
Now he was flying behind her and feeling his leathers shrink.
But he knew the Fae Cathedral wasn’t far and that he’d need to start thinking about something else or he’d embarrass himself once he landed.
The early night air was balmy as Juliet began her descent and he and Fergus followed. Fifty yards out, he saw the absurd stone spire at the center of a massive, round building. Additional rectangular buildings stretched toward the north and south, anchoring the otherwise dome-like shape. When he saw cars going in and coming out, he knew he was looking at the Village parking garages.
Whatever religious connotations the name and structure possessed were belied by the dozens of chasing gold lights on the front of the building that showcased the name, ‘Fae Cathedral’.
Juliet landed thirty feet to the north on the sidewalk, away from the dozen or so males milling around the front. Cars drove up and down the street. The Fae Cathedral was definitely a Five Bridges hot spot.
Brannick dropped down beside her. Fergus landed on Brannick’s far side.
No one looked in their direction, which told Brannick what he already knew; his vampire cloak was working.
Juliet turned toward him, but didn’t make eye-contact. Not a bad thing. Focus right now was critical.
Telepathy? she asked.
Good idea. He glanced at Fergus. The shifter had lifted his nose to the street. He was about to contact Fergus telepathically when more of his encroaching fae instincts told him he had the ability to shape a group conversation.
He let Juliet know what he was doing, then opened up their shared telepathy to Fergus. Hey. We’re talking as three going in. You good with that?
Fergus’s nostrils flared as he glanced first at Brannick and then at Juliet. His lips turned down. Guess I’ll have to be.
Juliet didn’t seem bothered at all by Fergus’s reluctance to engage with her. But then she would have sensed what Brannick knew to be true; Fergus was working hard to avoid any kind of contact with her.
We’ll go in single file. Fergus, take up the rear.
He started marching before either could argue. But he felt their compliance.
Some of the group out front, all fae males, mostly addicts, called out to each other in loud voices. Each occasionally sniffed like they’d been snorting cocaine and made no effort to hide the tattoo-like flames that rose up their necks and onto their faces. The colors of the flames varied, which meant a number of drugs, including dark flame, were in play. He saw red for blood flame and a violet color for the ameth
yst flame drug. It gave each a severe look and since most of the addicts were emaciated, he had an impression of skeletons and Halloween.
He threaded his way, hearing both Juliet and Fergus side-step the erratic movements of the loiterers.
The entrance had a large bank of automatic double doors.
Once inside, he had the impression of an old movie theater. The walls were wood paneled, and the floor was covered with a thick black and maroon carpeting.
A long reception desk, also paneled but with ornately carved wood, served the clientele with a large display of pamphlets. Two young woman, wearing heavy make-up and low cut halters, sat behind the desk on swivel stools. Each smiled at the guests as they came and went and answered questions for any who approached.
To the left was the broad descending pathway, curving in the corkscrew pattern Juliet had mentioned earlier. Two cement posts broke up the entrance to keep vehicles from attempting to go into the subterranean region. Three burly fae warrior-types blocked the entrance, and anyone wanting to use the path had to present some kind of identification before they were allowed to pass.
Off to the right, guests moved in and out of three very different doors. When they went in or came out, depending on the venue, sometimes he heard music, other times laughter.
Fergus moved up next to him. How far away from you can I move and still remain cloaked?
In the same space, thirty feet.
He was on the move as he said, I’ll check for Roche in the far room.
As Juliet headed to the middle one, Brannick took the remaining door. When a patron opened it wide, he glanced in. He didn’t dare go inside, because of the shared disguise with Fergus. He needed physical proximity in order to sustain the cloak.
A band was playing alternative rock. Customers sat around a large number of small tables. It all looked harmless enough. Roche wasn’t inside.
Both Juliet and Fergus returned to him. He shared what he’d seen.
Juliet shrugged. Just as I remembered. A lot of drunks in there, and a gifted fae doing kinetic tricks. But no Roche.
He glanced at Fergus who grimaced. It’s a goddamn restaurant and no, that bastard is not inside. So, where do we go from here?