The Outcast Page 4

  Right. And though I had no right to feel jealous, he and I were kind of an item once upon a time. Silly Syd. But thinking about Piers and the girl who could see the future reminded me about the past. And a pair of sorcerers I wished would just curl up and die already.

  Supposedly, my old friend Rupe wasn’t the bad guy he used to be. There was a time he and I were really close, when he called himself Blood and dressed like a Goth, boyfriend of poor, lost Mia. We reconnected briefly at Harvard my first year, but circumstances led him to uncover his sorcery and turn against me.

  And into the arms of my enemy, Liander Belaisle. Just picturing his goateed face and pale yellow eyes gave me the shivers. While I’d beaten him long ago, stripped him of his magic and sent him scrambling—with help, mind you, and Fate on my side—I’d failed to kill his ass.

  I really needed to get around to correcting that one of these days.

  “You two been to the coast lately?” Both Charlotte and Sage shook their heads. “I’m wondering if it might be time to do another search.” They both knew for who, as though they’d followed my train of thought with mental wolf noses. Though, I supposed, it went without saying.

  “Considering the fact Piers has been seeking Belaisle,” Charlotte said in her calm and infuriatingly blasé manner, “I would think our bumbling around in his way would do little to assist. But I’m willing, if Sage is.”

  Her husband nodded quickly, but it was Shenka’s turn to interrupt.

  “Don’t forget Tallah is out there,” she said of her sister. The Hensley coven leader and I had our issues in the past, mostly over my supposed poaching of Shenka for my second. “There’s no way Belaisle will be able to poke his nose out and not get noticed.”

  I disagreed, but didn’t argue the point. Belaisle was notorious for his sneaky, subtle maneuvers. I wouldn’t put it past him to be working on something right now that could blow up in our faces.

  Syd. Mom’s voice broke through my dark thoughts. You’re worrying again.

  We’d had this talk years ago, shortly after my wedding to Quaid. About me trusting the people around me, about not taking everything on myself. And I’d done well, if only because of Max and the distractions he offered.

  I shrugged off her soft criticism and let it go. Time to stop letting the memory of Belaisle ruin my perfect morning.

  I left the family chatting over more coffee and retreated upstairs. The loss of sleep last night was hitting me at last, no matter how much caffeine I put in my body. Quaid let me go with a gentle mental hug and I was soon curled up under the covers—fresh sheets magically applied—and closed my eyes.

  I expected to sleep for a few hours, but when I finally roused the room was darkening and the clock read after seven. As I tried to turn over, I realized I was pinned by a pair of little bodies, Ethie tucked up against my front and Gabriel snoring softly behind me. Sassafras perched on my hip, eyes closed, tail tucked over his nose and a peek over the edge of the bed revealed Galleytrot stretched out next to us.

  I held still, the sweet scent of my little girl in my nostrils as I tipped my face down and kissed the top of her head. Ethie murmured something in her sleep, little hands clenching a moment before she spun slightly sideways, one foot kicking me.

  My jaw ached as I yawned and let out a deep exhale. I’d been burning the candle at both ends, as the saying went. Trying to help Max and be here for my family at the same time. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised I slept the day away. As much as I admitted to myself I really did love working with the drach, using my power to its capacity, moments like this were just as precious. Just lying there, listening to the sound of my kids breathing, the soft pops and crackles of the house settling, made me wonder which I preferred.

  Gabriel stirred behind me and I turned half way over, careful not to wake his sister or drop the sighing cat on his head. My son blinked sleepily at me, chin on my shoulder, his fair hair mussed around his sweet face.

  “Mom,” he said. “I know who my father was, now. I’ve met his father, haven’t I?”

  I wanted to choke on the answer, but nodded. “Not quite,” I said. “You’re talking about Fergus, aren’t you?”

  Gabriel’s eyes sparked with green. “He’s so nice,” he said. “He’s always happy to see me.”

  “Fergus was Liam’s grandfather.” I sighed softly, with regret. “He has to stay in the Sidhe realm, now, and can’t come here.” Or risk dying. Only shifting into the Sidhe realm saved him from perishing from a bullet wound. That was so long ago, and yet I remembered it like it just happened. “Your father was amazing, you know that?” I was suddenly crying, but I didn’t care. He needed to know. “He was sweet and kind, like you. Had a huge heart, Gabriel. He would have loved you so much.”

  He nodded against my shoulder and I felt Ethie shifting next to me, her breathing leveling off, a sign she was awake.

  “Mom,” she whispered. “Why did you marry him and not Dad?”

  Oh dear. Such a long and sad story, full of pain and death and longing. I looked up at the ceiling, knowing Sass was also listening, Galleytrot, too.

  “Sometimes,” I said at last, when I was able to speak again past my tight throat, “we are forced to make choices that we wish we could change. But, Liam wasn’t one of them.” He truly wasn’t. When I was forced to choose, to marry according to coven law, though I loved Quaid and knew we were meant for each other, he wasn’t willing or able. And though it hurt me to make Liam second choice, he never cared. He loved me anyway and I loved him.

  “If he hadn’t died,” Ethie whispered, “you wouldn’t have had me.”

  I hugged her gently. “I know,” I said. “And this conversation, I think, should wait for another day.”

  Ethie sighed. “Until we’re older.”

  She made me laugh. “Yes, silly,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “Until we’re all older.”

  I scooted the kids out, sending Sassafras and Galleytrot with them. But as the door closed behind them, I had a thought. And acted on impulse.

  The veil parted before me, the shining green and blue of the Sidhe realm appearing on the other side of the rift. I realized then my ability to travel from plane to plane was the partial source of my son’s ability, tied to Liam’s Sidhe-souled control of the Gate he’d guarded. But where I was able to pass between planes using tears in the membrane and take people with me, my son’s power created gateways, passages anyone could use.

  The idea was mind-boggling, made me shudder. Most planes were protected from the incursion of other races thanks to the veil. Only those such as the drach and the maji had the ability to pass over, or those, like Charlotte, who have blood ties to other races. Her ability to travel to Demonicon in another form told me long ago the werewolves had demon heritage. But planes like Demonicon were protected from human interference—and vice versa—because of the veil’s restrictive magic. Safeguards, I realized when my son’s power came into being, that fell away when he built gates. That terrible night when he breached the way between Universes, when Ameline almost allowed Creator’s Dark Brother to pass through, it took me a while to work the truth out in my mind. I’d been a little busy at the time. But when I discovered my son in his crib, happily pitching toys through portals he’d made, I understood at last the true implications of what he was able to do. Felt the shift in the magic of the veil and realized then and there if I didn’t do something to shield his power, whole armies of who-knew-what could come waltzing through his bedroom door and invade Wilding Springs.

  Though the last thing I wanted for Gabriel was to make him fear his power, we would have to work carefully to ensure he understood just how dangerous his ability really was. Still on that train of thought, I reached out for the familiar power of the one I sought. And the moment I called for him, the view shifted away and to the one I knew so well.

  Everything I’d been thinking fell away the instant our eyes met.

  “Syd,” Fergus said in Liam’s voice, with Liam’
s face and Liam’s hand raised in hello.

  My own hand rose even as I burst into tears.

  ***

  Chapter Seven

  Fergus didn’t comment, his gentle smile watching me silently as I wept myself out of tears to shed. I sank to the edge of the bed, sniffling into my hands, before finally looking up and into his lovely face.

  “Sorry,” I whispered. Croaked, actually. I really had to do something about my overly emotional reactions to him. He must have been growing tired of me crying every time I saw him. But today was especially hard, considering the conversations I just had with my kids.

  “Don’t ever apologize to me, Syd,” Fergus said, wiping at his own cheeks. “I of all people understand the necessity of fate—and the depth of your loss.”

  I shuddered in a breath and found I could smile at him. “Just checking in,” I said. “To see how things are.” A lie, but he let me succeed in my deception, shrugging Liam’s—his—shoulders, running one hand through Liam’s—his, Syd, his—fair hair.

  “All’s well,” Fergus said, sinking down to the grass with his legs crossed, toying with some blades as he talked. “It’s been quiet for a long time, now. Even Queen Aoilainn has adjusted finally to sharing her realm and power with the Unseelie monarchs.” One of the many barriers I destroyed over the years, bringing the Seelie and Unseelie courts together, no more segregation. “King Odhran and Queen Niamh have been more than gracious about the whole thing.”

  Good to hear. “So, nothing feels odd?” I was fishing, naturally. Any second now he’d tell me no, things were great and I should mind my own business.

  But Fergus’s brow furrowed, his frown Liam’s frown, the same one my first husband would get when he studied a particularly difficult problem. “Not really,” he said. “Anything specific I should watch for?”

  I shook my head and forced a laugh. “Nothing,” I said. “Just an overactive imagination.” And a demon cat. And a former Enforcer husband…

  I said goodbye to Fergus and closed the rift, biting at my thumbnail, knowing Quaid would hate it if he saw me. And rose from the bed, going to the bathroom to splash water on my face so no one would know I was crying. Yeah, good luck there, Hayle. I’d always been an ugly crier, my neck and face blotchy red in patches, eyes bloodshot.

  Classy.

  There was nothing I could do about it, not even magic helping reduce the redness. I shrugged and turned off the light, heading downstairs, hungry again. Something smelled delicious in the kitchen, but from the sounds of laughter in the back yard, dinner was happening outside tonight.

  I wasn’t quite ready to join them and snuck down to the basement. Now that I’d talked to Fergus, I felt a little better about Sass’s worries, but there were a few more people I could check in with to reassure myself.

  The moment I touched down in the cool quiet of the basement, I reached for Europe and the queen of the Wilhelm vampires. Sunny’s mind connected with mine instantly and her power, cool and white, embraced me as always.

  Syd. She sounded happy to hear from me, if a little distracted. It’s been weeks.

  I know, I’m sorry. I sat on the bottom step and stared out into the empty air over the pentagram etched in the concrete floor.

  Not an admonishment, my darling, she sent. I felt her focus shift from whatever she was doing all the way to me. I caught a moment of her speaking with someone, a vampire who looked worried, before the image cut off. It’s as much my fault as yours it’s been so long.

  Trouble? I sat up straighter, hands clenching in my lap.

  She sighed in my head and another image formed, of her striding through the hall of Wilhelm castle, heading for the throne room. You could stay that, she sent. Nothing to worry yourself with. Besides, I’m happy to talk to you and forget the weight of the crown for now.

  Tell me about it. I hugged her with power. Just wanted to ask you a question.

  Anything, darling. I saw her motion, the tall, handsome man in her view smiling and coming to her side. I knew him as well as I knew myself, or at least, I used to. My Uncle Frank, once powerless and now a vampire, Prince Consort and co-ruler with Sunny, joined the conversation.

  Syd. Uncle Frank’s magic embraced me. What’s up, kiddo?

  I hesitated. They both felt tense, like they were dealing with something and didn’t need more pressure on their shoulders. But I really needed to ask. Sass has a worry, I sent. And I’m just checking around.

  If Sassafras is concerned, Sunny sent, then we are concerned.

  Exactly, right? “Have either of you noticed anything odd? About how you’re feeling?” I didn’t want to lead them, but it was hard to phrase the question without coming right out and saying it.

  Aside from frustration… Sunny trailed off. And paused. As a matter of fact, she sent, I’ve been feeling rather lethargic, lately.

  Me, too, Uncle Frank sent. I caught a glimpse of him putting his arms around her before the scene went dark. Almost dull.

  Craptastic. And not the response I was hoping for. Make that me three, I sent.

  How odd. Sunny’s mental voice climbed a few notes. I could feel her power sweeping outward, but knew she’d find nothing.

  No idea what’s causing it, I sent. So far you two feel it, but the Sidhe realm doesn’t.

  You think it’s something affecting our plane? Uncle Frank’s power thrummed with worry.

  I have no idea. I threw up my hands in the dark quiet of the basement as though they could see me. I’ve dug around and found nothing. So has Sass and Shenka.

  Curious. Sunny’s power stilled. We will, of course, keep a close eye on this odd feeling. But you will alert us if anything changes?

  You guys as well, please. I hugged them both magically, loving the vampire sandwich of their power embracing me. Miss you. See you soon?

  They let me go with murmured promises and I didn’t push them. Whatever was up, Sunny would let me know the moment I needed to. If I needed to. Sometimes it was hard to remember others had their own crap to deal with that had nothing to do with me.

  My next contact vibrated with power my demon recognized and answered. I received a clear vision of King Danilo Moreau of the werenation as he sat on his throne, hearing complaints during court. I almost retreated, but Danilo caught my mind and pulled me back.

  Please, he sent. Save me from tedium. His mind laughed. How are you, Syd? Taking care of my kid sister?

  I ask him the same question I asked of Sunny, and Danilo seemed puzzled.

  Hell, yes, he sent. I’ve been bored out of my mind, but can’t seem to get out of my own way. That what you mean?

  I loved the blunt openness of the new wereking. Exactly, I sent.

  After a quick promise to each other to keep posted, I let Danilo go.

  How very odd, my vampire sent. Perhaps we should talk to Meira and see if she is affected.

  Excellent idea, my demon sent.

  I was getting to that. It was hard not to grumble at them. But Femke first.

  The leader of the European Witches Council grasped my mind with hers, hugging me close.

  Syd, she sent, her particular power crisp and light, thrumming with strength. I loved Femke and was always grateful for her support and kindness when I needed someone of authority. And to be my friend.

  Another repeated conversation, and a hushed sigh from Femke.

  I thought it was just me. The image of her sitting back at her desk at Oxford came through sharp and clear. Anything we should worry about, you think?

  I have no idea. I laughed. Considering I’ve been known to chase shadows…

  Shadows that have turned into monsters, she sent. I felt her sit forward, more alert. I’ll poke around and see what’s what. She paused. You know, could it just be too many years of soft living? She drummed the top of her desk with her fingertips. Mountains of paperwork and minor complaints are eating me alive. At times I envy you your battles with Max and the drach. She laughed in my head. Am I losing my edge, do you think? T
here was amusement in her voice.

  Could be, I sent. And if that’s all it is… Femke, I’ll take it.

  Hallelujah to that, sister. Her power hugged me and she was gone.

  Now can we contact Meira? My demon sounded miffed.

  Fine. I grinned into the gloom, loving to tease her. And reached out to the veil, in preparation to talk to my sister.

  Only to have a very different mind contact me first.

  ***

  Chapter Eight

  Sebastian. I welcomed his mind’s touch with a little smile.

  Sydlynn. How I loved the velvety way the vampire king’s power felt against mine even as I blushed and reminded myself as I always had to when I was around him that I was happily married to the man of my dreams. And yet, there was something alluring and delicious about the DeWinter blood clan leader that heated my insides with carnal thoughts.

  Didn’t help we’d shared a kiss or two once upon a time. Or that I’d once considered him a candidate for my husband.

  I shook off the old lust as I realized he felt far closer than he would if he were in Europe. Where are you?

  Doing a little digging. He showed me the view from his eyes, a circular stone chamber covered in carvings. I knew the place, had almost lost my life—and my son—there. The maji chamber under the vampire mansion on the outskirts of Wilding Springs.

  His power hummed affirmative. Alison and I are testing a theory, he sent with his usual air of mystery. I was happy to know he and my old best friend were still hanging out together, though I’d never had the courage to ask them what their arrangement entailed. The fact Alison was now a ghost with the power of a vampire, thanks to a car accident and some magical intervention, couldn’t make their relationship any easier. But she’d been altered by my power as much as Sebastian had. Not only could he now walk in sunlight without being burned and had a heartbeat, she could take and maintain tangible form. And the clearing of the near-insanity which controlled her echo—the part of her that stayed behind after her soul fled at her death—made her almost seem like the old Alison again, only better.