The Brotherhood

  Brotherhood

  Book Three of the Hayle Coven Destinies

  Patti Larsen

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright 2014 by Patti Larsen

  Find out more about Patti Larsen at

  http://www.pattilarsen.com/

  Sign up for new releases

  http://smarturl.it/PattiLarsenEmail

  Purely Paranormal Press

  ***

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

  ***

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

  ***

  Cover art (copyright) by Valerie Bellamy. All rights reserved.

  www.dog-earbookdesign.com

  ***

  Edited by Annetta Ribken, freelance Goddess. You can find her at http://www.wordwebbing.com/

  ***

  Copy edits by Jessica Bufkin.

  ***

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ***

  Chapter One

  Normally the cushion of my favorite chair in my sunny living room felt soft, inviting me to curl up in it, flop to one side with my legs hooked over the arm while one or both of my children piled into my lap with a fluffy silver Persian perched on top for good measure.

  As I sipped my coffee that tasted vaguely of ashes thanks to the burning in my veins, for the first time ever the seat felt more like a plank of concrete. Probably because my muscles were so tensed they vibrated.

  The reason for my tension—both of them—sat delicately on the edge of the sofa across from me. Sonja O’Dane’s smile screamed falsehood, as fake as the dyed-blonde of her hair and puff of her overly-plumped lips. My darling Liam’s mother disappeared from my life shortly after Gabriel was born. And honestly, I hadn’t thought anything of her since. She’d done enough to betray her son and husband in my books, pairing with the exiled Sidhe Lord Venner to use the Gate Liam guarded to gain access to the Sidhe realm. Almost dooming me and all of Wilding Springs in the process. I would never forgive her for the bullet that laid Liam’s grandfather, Fergus, low, forcing him to retreat to the realm to save his life. Or for thrusting Liam into the position of Gatekeeper way before his time. I still wondered if perhaps things would have been different if Liam hadn’t died at Ameline’s hand.

  I simply couldn’t allow myself to think that way.

  Considering the fact my son’s first reaction to his grandmother had been uncharacteristic unhappiness, I had been more than willing to watch her walk away and never come back. So much for that dose of wishful thinking.

  “Warm September we’ve been having.” Sonja’s voice shook ever so slightly as she glanced with wide eyes sideways toward her companion. I ignored the statement, not interested in small talk. At least the woman next to Sonja had the good grace not to try to pretend she was happy to see me. Hortense Spaft hadn’t changed a bit since I first met her all those years ago. I had no idea my former vice-principal was part Sidhe and an Unseelie servant, or that she had it in for me, not until the night Fergus almost died and Liam was forced to take over as Gatekeeper. Since then, she’d been an occasional pain in my backside, though not much since Venner got what he wanted and was allowed to return to the realm.

  “The boy is well, I take it?” Spaft’s black eyes held mine behind her horn rim glasses, beady and vaguely rodent-like.

  The boy.

  I wondered how much effort it would take to throttle her. Normally, Sashenka Hensley, my second, would be here to relieve the pressure, to give me the space I needed to rein in my temper. I’d gotten good at it over the years, but mostly, I was now realizing, thanks to her steady presence. But Shenka had left me, gone back to her sister, Tallah, only a few days ago, leaving me alone and unsure what to do.

  Well, not entirely. Before I could decide on rude or ruder for my return comment, a busty redhead hurried into the room. Her entire being glowed with charisma, shining curls bouncing around her shoulders. Green eyes sparkling, Tippy Meeks flounced to the coffee table with a beaming smile and an almost physical wave of enthusiasm and set a plate of warm cookies on the surface.

  “I hope you’re hungry, ladies.” She smiled all around, though when her gaze settled on mine, I caught the spark of emotion in her that had nothing to do with good nature. She perched next to me on the arm rest of my seat and I instantly relaxed.

  Was I really that incapable of handling people on a normal level? Clearly. As Sonja helped herself to the chocolate chip wonders, I breathed an inward sigh of relief. About two days after Shenka left me in a panic over what to do, my old college buddies showed up at my door and hugged me into submission. All former Hensley witches, Tippy, Nicci Mortimer, Josie Ambrose and Donalda Pierce all expressed their distinct unhappiness with Shenka’s decision to abandon me and bailed en masse from the vastly shrunken numbers of the Hensley coven.

  To come help me.

  So many tears that day. More than I was willing to admit to. Shenka’s loss hit me hard, though I understood—or told myself I did—why she left. Since the Brotherhood attacks decimated over one third of the North American witch compliment, many covens were struggling. Tallah’s had been hit especially hard. I thought I was doing the right thing, sending Shenka home to help her sister temporarily. I didn’t intend for her to poach my second and best friend in the process.

  But family was family, right? Except Shenka was supposed to be my family now.

  I cleared my throat, surreptitiously squeezing Tippy’s hand in thanks. She and the girls saved me from the daily tedium of the coven and I would be forever grateful to them. And guilty I had failed to check and see originally if they survived the attacks.

  Bad friend, Syd.

  Sonja helped herself to her third cookie until Spaft stared at her like doing so meant a death sentence. Not that I wasn’t aware of the power dynamic, but it appeared the chilly stick woman hadn’t lost her commanding presence.

  “You didn’t answer my question.” Her thin lips pinched into a line, lipstick oozing into the cracks around her mouth. Her prim, black wool suit made me itch just looking at it, tight bun pulling her pale skin taut, collar tied tight around her neck in a precise bow of fabric that bobbed when she swallowed. As usual, she reminded me of a spider, all spindly and spooky, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

  My temper rose at her tone, but I held it in, even managed a smile that might have passed for polite. Maybe. “Gabriel is doing very well,” I said. No need to tell either of them about his power as a Gateway. I had no idea how much they knew about his early childhood, his capture by Ameline Benoit, his forced aging, the fact he almost destroyed our Universe by allowing through Creator’s Dark Brother. Or his ties to the pieces of Creator herself. All because there had to be a reason for their appearance. No way Sonja showed up out of the blue after eight years looking to reconnect with her grandson.

  I was just too cynical to believe it.

  Say the word, boss lady, Tippy sent while continuing to r
adiate cheer and good nature. And these two are out on their asses.

  As much as I would have enjoyed their exodus, my demon growling her agreement with Tippy’s suggestion, my curiosity won out. Neither woman was a threat to me, and both had kept themselves out of trouble and under the radar for a long time now. At least, I hadn’t heard of them stirring up anything. I’d be checking as soon as they left, mind you. But, for now, I was more interested in finding out what they really wanted.

  Especially if Gabriel’s safety and wellbeing were involved.

  “Good to hear it.” Spaft turned her head slowly toward Sonja. I could almost hear the creak of rusting metal as she did, picturing a hideous robot frame beneath the icy shell of her exterior. “Isn’t it, Sonja.” Not a question.

  Sonja nodded quickly, nervously, swallowing her last bite of cookie. “That is, of course, why we’re here, Sydlynn.”

  Of course. “You remember the last time you saw Gabriel,” I said as coldly as I could. Maybe it was wrong of me to jab her as hard as I did with the memory, but my son’s protection was all that mattered. No way I was letting her anywhere near him if she had an agenda.

  Sonja actually flinched, triggering my empathy at last. Maybe she hadn’t earned it with her past actions, but she was his grandmother. And family meant everything to me. It was possible she really was here just to see him.

  Scratch that. She’d have come alone if she just wanted to see him. Spaft’s presence changed everything.

  The flush on Sonja’s cheeks spread to a large blotch on her neck as she cleared her throat.

  “I realize we didn’t part under the best of circumstances,” she said, fluttering her hands in her lap, white napkin rustling in her grip. “That cruel things were said on both sides.” Um, yeah, whatever, lady. She smiled briefly before barging on. “I know I’m not welcome here. But Gabriel is Liam’s son. And I deserve the right to get to know him.”

  Spaft didn’t move or speak, simply watching me. I hated her silence and stillness. It made her hard to read, as did the shell she held over herself, the thick layer of Sidhe shielding. I could penetrate it and find her secrets no problem, but without provocation? Not a great idea.

  Speak for yourself, my demon snarled.

  I’m happy to do it for you, Shaylee sent, my Sidhe princess ego sniffing in royal arrogance in Spaft’s direction.

  Now, now, ladies, my vampire sent. If Syd can keep her temper, you two should have no problem.

  Thanks for that. I shut them all down. Maybe there was a time we could have bent the rules. But with the creation of the new World Paranormal Council, I had to tread lightly. The last thing I wanted was to add to the pressure on Femke Svennson’s shoulders. Bad enough she and I had almost lost our friendship over my suggestion she take the job as leader. She had a whole pile of stress to deal with thanks to the vampires and werewolves. Me purposely incurring Sidhe issues wasn’t something I wanted to lay at her feet just now.

  Though hasty, your alter egos have a point. A soft but heavy bundle landed in my lap, silver fur ruffling as Sassafras, my demon cat, finally made an appearance. He smelled of fresh air and grass, so I could only assume he’d been outside doing the elements knew what cat things he did to keep himself occupied. Relief he was here with me took me by surprise, though it shouldn’t have. He’d been my rock my entire life, even when I didn’t want to admit it. I take it you’re allowing these two to remain out of a need to understand their ultimate motives?

  Smartass. I almost hugged him.

  “Perhaps,” Sassafras said out loud, amber eyes narrowed as he curled his thick, fluffy tail around his paws, “it would be best to allow Gabriel to decide if he would like to see you, Sonja.”

  I hadn’t thought of that. He’ll say yes, I sent, knowing my son. His heart was Liam’s heart, huge and kind.

  He may, Sass sent. But it will give us time to prepare him, rather than thrusting him into a meeting he might not be emotionally ready for.

  Sonja’s lower lip trembled. “How do I know you’ll ask him?” She seemed truly distraught. Compassion bloomed beside empathy, held hands and sang kumbaya. A large tear trickled from the corner of her eye and down her heavily made up cheek. She dabbed at it with her wrinkled napkin, a second drop landing on the curve of her chest, spreading a dark spot of moisture on the pocket of her green silk blouse.

  Tricksy, Sass sent. Spaft is probably thralling her.

  Maybe. She’d done so before, controlling those around her to do her bidding with the glamor of Sidhe magic. But Sonja’s pain felt genuine to me. “I promise,” I said, standing with Sass in my arms, ending the visit with that simple act. The pair on the sofa reluctantly stood to join me. “I’ll ask him tonight and let you know what he says.”

  Spaft nodded stiffly to me, while Sonja came toward me, grasping my wrist, kissing my cheek. She smelled of perfume and desperation, her high heels digging holes in the thick carpet.

  “Thank you,” she whispered against my skin before leaning back and stepping away.

  Okay then.

  “We’re staying at the Hilltop Hotel.” Spaft handed me a card, which Tippy swiftly intercepted.

  “Wonderful!” She gestured toward the hall and the formal front door, still beaming. “We’ll be in touch.”

  She guided our two guests out, leaving me to flop into my chair again, Sass hissing at me as he landed hard on my stomach.

  “Am I really going to let him near her?” I shook my head at my oldest friend.

  “Not without supervision,” Sass said. “Or his permission. With both?” He sighed, leaned in and licked the tip of my nose. “We’ll see.”

  The front door slammed firmly about a heartbeat before Tippy stormed into the room. Her happy-go-lucky charisma bubbled with irritation.

  “Tell me,” she said, “the next time that woman,” I knew she was talking about Spaft, “shows up at this door,” Tippy jabbed at the exit so hard her generous breasts bounced up and down like enthusiastic melons in a sack, “I get to tell her where she can take her freaking attitude.”

  I grinned at her. “You can,” I said. “The minute one of you agrees to be my second.”

  Tippy grinned back, though with sadness. She sat down beside me one more time, touching my hair.

  “Syd,” she said. “The girls and I are here for you. But none of us are taking the damned job permanently.” She snorted as she transferred her attention to Sassafras who rewarded her enthusiastic scratches with his deep, rumbling purr. “We love you, but none of us are that stupid.”

  I rolled my eyes at her, but smiled back. “I’m that hard to get along with, am I?”

  Tippy kissed the top of Sass’s head. “Should I be straight with her, my handsome prince?” He loved it when she called him that. His purr grew in volume. “Or kind?”

  “Hit her with it.” His amber eyes sparked before he settled into the scratching once again. Long, red nails dug into his mane as Tippy laughed.

  “We love you,” she said, going serious at last. “And the four of us are happy to take turns keeping you going. But Syd, Shenka is your second. And she’ll come to her senses. I know it. You just have to have a little patience.”

  They’d all come from the very coven Shenka left me for and all of them said the same thing. I allowed hope to win.

  “Thank you,” I said. “For taking care of me.”

  Tippy winked, leaning forward so far I feared her ample bosom would burst out of the top of her low-cut t-shirt. “Someone has to,” she said.

  I didn’t get a chance to comment. A surge of familiar magic pushed me to my feet, Sass dumped into Tippy’s arms as I hurried to the kitchen to find out what kind of mood my husband was in now that he was finally home.

  ***

  Chapter Two

  There was a time the feeling of Quaid’s power made me shiver and run to him, pulling me toward him like iron to a magnet. When I would throw every thought out of my head for the chance to see him during one of our late night meeti
ngs in the backyard.

  And while my heart still loved him as much as ever, it was with trepidation and worry I entered the kitchen, feeling around for the mood in the room before I said a word. Things had been touchy between us since he accepted the position of Enforcer Leader for the new World Paranormal Council. Who was I kidding? They’d been rather awful since the Brotherhood attacked. He’d made it clear he didn’t appreciate being left behind while I did all the work. Personally, I would have loved to let someone else shoulder some of the burden that seemed to land on me on a regular basis. But the family had to come first for him when I wasn’t in a position to think in those terms. He said he understood. I thought we’d patched up that particular rift. Only to have him turn around and make an arbitrary decision without consulting his wife. A giant decision that could impact our future and definitely left the family in a lurch.

  I didn’t begrudge him his new role. In fact, I was proud of him for everything he did. Had pushed Mom to rewrite the old law forbidding Enforcers to wed coven leaders so we could not only be together—something I thought he wanted as much as I did—but to reclaim the position I knew he loved and gave up to be with me. A huge sacrifice that never sat right with me. He was on the fast track to replace Varity Rhodes as the new North American Enforcer Leader until Femke swooped in and scooped him up. Mom wasn’t impressed. I don’t think she’d said two words to him since the day she found out. I didn’t blame him at all for making the choice he did. I just wished he’d taken the time and trusted me enough to talk to me about it before he accepted.

  I’d always thought marriage was about partnership. Was I fooling myself? I knew I could be a bit bossy. I think I’d earned some slack after everything I’d gone through. And his respect, thank you very much. I wanted nothing more than for Quaid to be happy, I really did. And this job gave him the status he had to be craving. I wasn’t the easiest wife in the world, after all. Being married to the most powerful person on the plane had to be a bit of a pressure cooker, if I thought about it in male ego terms. Having his own responsibilities and sense of purpose was a good thing, as far as I was concerned. But Quaid’s decision to cut me out of the conversation put things over the edge between us.