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CHAPTER TWO

I watched my best friend’s expression fill with fear and hurried to hug her.

“Hey, none of that,” I said. “It’s understandable that Miles needs answers, isn’t it?”

“It is, but the book won’t give him those. All that book brings is death. Look what happened to my grandparents after they started researching.”

I patted her back, hating that she suspected a connection between her grandparents’ disappearance and that book; the last thing they were researching before they disappeared. But I couldn’t deny that since finding the thing, she and I had run into trouble again and again.

“You don’t know the book’s to blame for that, Vena,” I said diplomatically.

She pulled out of my arms and met my gaze.

“You’re right. But even if it isn’t, what good will it do for Miles? We read it, Ev. There’s nothing in it but weird old stories and vague warnings about otherworlder creatures that we already know about.”

“The book is much more than weird stories,” Cross said. “It’s the first written history of otherworlder encounters back before they were as known as they are today. In terms of rare books, it’s among the most rare and precious books in existence.”

“Why are the first encounters so important?” she asked.

“I believe Miles will want to be a part of this conversation as well,” Cross said. “Let’s go upstairs and call him.”

Vena didn’t look happy about it but didn’t argue as the four of us headed to the second floor.

Cross led us to a large study tucked away on the other side of the bookshelves that lined the living room wall. A desk sat in the middle of the space, with a sofa and two chairs positioned in front of it. Nothing had plastic on it anymore.

“Have a seat,” Cross said, closing the door behind us. “Any conversations we have in here will be private.”

“Soundproofed?” Anchor asked.

Cross nodded.

“Why is soundproofing needed for this conversation?” Vena asked as she sat with Anchor on the couch.

“Otherworlder origins aren’t as peaceful as current human history says they were.”

I went to sit in a chair, but Cross caught me around the waist, stole my seat, and settled me onto his lap. When I gave him a look, he returned a subtle, sexy smile. I rolled my eyes and snuggled in as Vena dialed Miles’ number and placed the call on speaker.

“If you’re going to tell me not to look into it, I don’t want to hear it, Vena,” Miles said instead of a greeting.

He didn’t sound like himself. He sounded tired and sad—on the verge of tears.

Vena and I shared a look. No matter how she felt about the book, her brother needed some closure for his own sanity.

“Miles, it’s Cross,” Cross said. “You’re on speaker. Vena mentioned your interest in the book, and I thought you might like to understand more about its purpose before reviewing its contents.”

“I’m listening.”

“The book documents some of the earliest encounters humans had with otherworlders. Its significance is not in the stories but in the locations where those stories take place.”

“What do you mean?” Vena asked.

“The fae have been visiting humans for a very long time, even before humans thought of writing about them. In ancient times, the fae were often revered for their abilities. However, as humans evolved and understood more, they saw the threat in the fae. They also realized the fae weren’t of their world.”

What Cross was saying struck a chord in me. We called the fae, dwarves, vampires, werewolves, and every other creature an otherworlder. Why? People whispered that they were not of our world, but they’d dwelled among us for centuries, hidden in the shadows, too afraid to step forward because they were different.

“So, where are they from?” I asked.

“A world connected to this one. A world where humans lose all sense of time and self in pursuit of simple pleasures.”

“And the book?” Miles said.

“The book and corresponding map are clues where to find the portals to that world.”

I barely heard Miles swear under his breath.

“A page at the end of the book depicts four gems,” Cross continued. “Gems found by the dwarves and enhanced by the fae. They hold the power to reopen the portals that were closed by a mutually agreed upon treaty to prevent humans from being taken to the fae realm.

“Each race had its reasons to agree. The vampires needed the humans for the food. The werewolves needed them for mates.

“Orphia, the woman I ran from centuries ago, wants the rings to reopen the portals to the fae realm. The reason for preventing access to the fae world hasn’t changed. Opening the portals would cause chaos and fear during a time when relations between the races and the humans is growing into something truly harmonious.”

“Except for with the vampires,” I said.

“Precisely,” Cross said. “I believe she wants to turn everything back to the chaotic times when all the races were equally shunned and the humans lived in fear of everything. A time when vampires could feed and kill without fear of consequence.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound good,” Vena said.

“Not good at all,” Cross agreed.

“Thank you for telling me,” Miles said.

“If that’s what the book is about, then how is it connected to our grandparents’ disappearance?” Vena asked. “They wouldn’t have been part of anything that would throw the world into chaos.”

“I’m going to talk to Mom and Dad,” Miles said. “If our grandparents were out in the field because of that book, it means they had help from our parents. You know Mom and Dad did all the research for Grandma and Grandpa.”

I wondered how much their parents already knew and weren’t saying.

“I’ll need the book and map,” Miles said.

“Why?” Vena asked. “Cross just told you more than what was in the book. What are you going to do with those stories? Are you going to search for the portals? We lost our grandparents because of this, Miles. I can’t lose you or our parents, too.”

“Vena, I owe the dwarves answers. I can’t give them back their prince, but I can give them the truth about why he died and our family’s involvement in everything. And that starts with figuring out what our grandparents were doing.

“I’m not going to follow in their footsteps. We already have access to more information than they had. Which is even more reason we’re responsible for figuring out what happened.”

Vena and I exchanged a weighted glance. I could see her worry mirrored my own. However, Miles was right. Not just about the dwarves deserving an explanation, though.

Now that we understood what was at stake, we owed it to everyone to stop Orphia since we knew what she wanted. We couldn’t hide from the problem. Despite the blow Shepard and his people delivered to her army of vampires, I knew Orphia wouldn’t give up. Since the book was obviously tied to the portals she wanted to open, investigating it and why Vena’s grandparents were looking into it was a good starting place.

Vena must have had the same thought because she huffed an annoyed sigh. “Do you promise not to act on anything you find?”

“I promise not to go anywhere. You know me. I’m a researcher, not a hunter.”

“You’ll find the book and map in your grandfather’s desk,” Cross said.

“I already searched it,” Miles said.

“Not the secret compartment. It’s a clever design,” Cross said. “I will text you how to open it.”

Miles disconnected after a final promise not to act on anything he might uncover.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard him like that,” Vena said. “It makes me worried.”

Anchor hugged her close to his side. “He’s processing his guilt and grief. Let him work through it. He gave his word, and we’ll look out for him.”

Vena frowned but didn’t say anything.

Cross’ phone pinged with a message. Since I was sitting on him, I read it with him.

Shepard: Everly’s phone tracker says she’s at the new place, but no one’s here. Where is she?

Cross kissed my cheek and sent a reply.

Cross: Open the door off the living room.

The door opened a second later, and Shepard, the Alpha of all werewolves, walked in, closing the door behind him.

His dark blonde hair brushed the collar of the t-shirt that fit snuggly on his shoulders and chest, revealing his drool-worthy physique. While Cross was athletically muscled like a swimmer, Shepard was a solid powerhouse.

But it wasn’t his muscles that I noticed just then. It was the exhaustion that gave his beautiful light grey eyes an almost haunted look.

He plucked me off Cross’ lap and sat down with me in the other chair, snuggling me close.

Cross raised a brow. “Sharing is caring, I suppose.”

Shepard softly growled in response. Cross chuckled.

“I suspect you’re here for more than Everly, though. How are things going with Hugh and the human authorities?”

“They’re relieved we killed as many vampires as we did, but they’re presently informing the families of the deceased that their loved ones had been turned into vampires and are now dead. It’s a mess, and people are angry."

I tipped my head to look up at Shepard.

“At you?”

“No. They’re just angry they lost people they loved.”

He shifted me in his lap to wrap both arms around my waist and pulled me as close as physically possible.

“I needed this,” he murmured against my cheek.

I ran my fingers through his hair at the back of his neck. He sighed and dipped his head to kiss my neck.

“Has Hugh asked Effora about Vivian’s charm?” I asked.

“What charm?” Vena asked as Shepard said, “He’s been busy with cleanup.”

“My necklace didn’t stop Vivian from pulling me from the car,” I said to Vena. “I think he had something to counter it because there was a red glow under his veil the whole time he was touching me.”

“He has his own necklace?”

“Maybe,” I said.

“I thought you bought Everly the top of the line,” she said, looking at Cross.

“I did. If Vivian had anything that could negate the spell in Everly’s necklace, it would have to be very powerful,” Cross said.

“Which is why Hugh needs to talk to Effora,” Vena said in understanding. “How long will it take Hugh to finish the cleanup?”

“A while,” Shepard said. “I have my pack searching for more nests. We need to find Orphia. Until we do, Blur will be closed indefinitely.”

“Will it be okay that it’s closed so long?” I asked.

“I don’t have a choice. It would be irresponsible of me to open again when we’ve been attacked twice. I won’t put you or anyone else in danger. And I need to use my pack to find Orphia.

“But don’t worry about your paychecks. I’ll make sure the staff is taken care of.”

“We’re not worried,” I said.

“Speak for yourself,” Vena mumbled before saying, “What about the nest I found to the north? Isn’t Orphia there?”

Shepard sighed and nuzzled me for a second before answering her.

“The local pack’s alpha sent men to watch over the nest, but they haven’t reported in. He sent more to look for them, but the place is empty now.”

“Can they track the scents?” Cross asked.

“Maybe if the vampires had left on foot, but they didn’t. They had cars. And one car’s exhaust pretty much smells like another. The alpha’s scouts lost the trail as soon as they got on the highway. The vampires from that nest could be anywhere now.”

Cross leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping his knee as he thought. “Orphia was trying to increase her numbers before, so she’ll do the same again.”

“Since the vampires are only active at night, excluding yourself, of course,” Vena said, “I’ll scry first thing every morning and update Shepard with any new nest locations.

“Any chance we can get Effora to increase the juice on this?” She held up the crystal she wore around her neck. “It was great finding those large nests, but I think they’ll be onto our game and keep the sizes smaller.”

“Agreed,” Cross said, looking at Shepard.

Shepard growled and slouched back in the chair, pulling me with him so he wore me like a weighted blanket.

“You call Effora,” he said to Cross. “I’m tired of her evasive answers and heavy innuendos.”

“Innuendos?” I tipped my head to look up at Shepard in disbelief. “There was nothing hidden about her meaning, Shepard. That woman would give her left toe to sleep with you.”

His gaze met mine. There was a slight twinkle in his eyes. “Are you jealous?”

I knew what answer he wanted, but he’d know if I lied.

“It’s impossible for me to be jealous when I’m one hundred percent certain about your feelings for me. However, if she tries to paw you again, I’ll probably lose my temper.”

He grinned at me.

“But how I feel about her doesn’t change anything. We still need her help. All these magical charms are becoming a pain in our backside. Vivian’s was too powerful. Mine wasn’t powerful enough. And neither is Vena’s crystal. I’m starting to wonder who the fae really support.”

“Themselves,” Cross said. “Always themselves. Their truce with the vampires was only to secure the humans they needed. Both now and back when the portals were first closed.”

“Portals?” Shepard said. “Why are you talking about those?”

Cross brought him up to speed, and Shepard looked at Vena.

“I have people watching your family,” he said to her. “I promise Miles won’t be able to make a move without me knowing.”

“Thank you,” she said. “But I think Everly is right. Even though the fae are only interested in themselves, they seem to be giving all the good charms to the vampires. We need to push for upgrades, Shepard.”

“What are you suggesting?” I asked.

“Whatever it takes for the end game.”

I laughed. “If you think Shepard is going to whore himself out for her help, you need to talk to Anchor some more about what having a mate means. It physically won’t work.”

Shepard caught my chin and turned his head toward me. He was frowning. “How do you know that?”

“ The Other House ,” Vena and I said simultaneously.

“And I know it won’t work,” Vena continued. “I just meant to play her game. Act like you’re interested until she gives you what you want.”

Shepard released me and shot Vena a look.

“I will not encourage Effora’s interest.”

“It’s not a bad idea to play nice,” Cross said, earning himself a dirty look from Shepard, too.

“Everly isn’t the jealous type,” Cross continued. “She knows where your heart lies and understands what’s at stake. Orphia will do whatever it takes to get what she wants, and Effora isn’t afraid to use people, either. Can we afford to be the only ones to hold a higher ground?”

Shepard scowled at Cross but then let out a sigh. “I’ll think about it.”

“Make it happen,” Vena said. “I need to scry. In fact, I should start now, just in case I can find anything. Maybe I should use a different type of map. Like a topographical. Do you think that would change my results?”

I shook my head at her. “No matter the map, it still represents the same area. You know that.”

“Worth a shot.” She turned to Anchor. “What about a magical map? Think the Shadow Trade market will have anything?”

Before he could answer, she had already popped off the couch. “Let’s head out.”

Anchor dutifully followed, and I was thankful that it wasn’t me she was dragging to the market. It would be a blessing if I never saw the inside of that place again.

I slipped free of Shepard’s hold because he was like a furnace. Great to snuggle with, but I was already warm.

After I kissed his cheek, I opened my phone and looked at Cross. “I’ll place the grocery order. Is there anything specific we need?”

“Order whatever you would like.” Cross pulled out a credit card. “Use this to pay for it.”

“It’s my food. I can pay.”

“After the bakery is running and you don’t have school bills, you can argue with me. Until then, let me at least do this.”

I had been independent for so long that letting others take care of me was hard, but I supposed I needed to let that go. Shepard and Cross could take care of me while I found ways to take care of them. That was what being in a relationship was…caring for one another.

Accepting the card, I added it to the payment method then returned it to him.

I’d barely finished placing a small order when Vena raced back inside with a pamphlet in her hands and Anchor only a few steps behind.

“Someone just gave me this. He’s handing them out to everyone. It’s not just pro-vamp propaganda this time. It’s anti-werewolf. They’re trying to label you as killers and ‘the real threat to humanity.’”

Cross stood and took the pamphlet.

“There’s a link to a video,” he said.

My stomach sank as he looked at Shepard with concern in his gaze.