Page 33

Chapter Thirty-Three

Rogue

I ’m dead on my feet by the time we land in the sithen. Owen has to deal with Maxwell, and it feels like I should be with him in case something goes wrong.

Only, I’m a liability when subterfuge is in the mix. I wouldn’t even be able to back up his version of events, and since Cohen and Calyx are still technically wanted by the council, it wouldn’t have made sense for them to stay, either.

I’ve always avoided using the magic I inherited from my mother, but I don’t regret putting it to good use. I’m just completely wiped out.

Calyx chuckles as we head toward the house. I weave like I’m drunk, bumping into both him and Cohen as I work on keeping myself upright. “All right, it looks like you might face-plant at any moment.” He steps in front of me, patting his chest. “Climb me, princess.”

Interlocking my hands around the back of his neck, I jump, tucking my legs around his backside. “The new hair is going to take some getting used to,” I admit, burying my nose in his neck. “I’m honestly a little relieved that you didn’t go for pointed ears.”

“I can buy a box of hair dye if you’d like.” He chuckles. “Or we can get your sister to murder me all over again until I get all of my physical attributes right.”

I snort. “Don’t even joke about that.”

“Come on,” Cohen says around a yawn. “I could use a shower and a few solid hours of sleep.”

“Just make sure your phone ringer is turned up in case Owen calls.”

“It is,” he replies, tracking toward the house.

“And you”—I pat Calyx’s shoulder—“we’re going to need to get you a cell phone. I don’t like the idea of not being able to reach you.”

He laughs, and it’s almost a dangerous sound. “That assumes I ever intend to let you out of my sight. Where you are is where I plan to be from here on out.”

My stomach flutters. Being desired is clearly more addictive than any drug.

Owen crawls into bed a few hours later without calling for a portal, meaning the sithen must have handled transport for him. Or, I guess, Gemma could have. I’m not sure how long she intended to stay, but I know she planned to stick around…just in case she needed to siphon Owen out in a hurry.

I roll from spooning Cohen to snuggle up to my berserker. It’s a relief when he plants a hand on my backside and pulls me over onto his chest.

“All is good,” he murmurs, keeping his voice low. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Get some rest. We can go over all the details in the morning with the others.”

My face nuzzles around his warm skin, and I nod.

That sounds much better than getting into everything right this moment.

I wake up with my skin buzzing. It’s not a wave of my approaching quickening, but something is definitely up. My body aches with the need to move, and as soon as I shove myself out of bed, I have the strong urge to explore the property.

I make it into the hallway but stop when I hear commotion behind me.

Cohen stumbles out the door, righting his glasses. His pajama pants hang low on his lithe hips, and the urge to pounce is strong. He’s just so damn handsome all the time, but with his curls sticking up in a million directions, he’s even more adorable than normal.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, continuing toward me.

“I don’t know. I don’t think anything is wrong, but I feel strongly that I’m supposed to be doing something.”

“Do you think it’s possible the sithen has its first traveler waiting to be judged?” A shy smile tips at his lips, and his hands graze my hips, landing on my back. “If so, that’s exciting, but I’d probably recommend magicking up some pants before you leave the house.”

My gaze flies down, and I yelp.

Holy shit.

That would have been bad.

I turn over his words. Is it possible the sithen is letting me know it’s time to step into my role?

Either way, I can’t wait to find out.

My magic creates an outfit for each of us in no time flat. I wait for Cohen to call out the fact that I don’t bother with shoes, but he doesn’t say a word. I’m not sure why I feel so strongly about wanting to have an unobstructed connection to the earth, but I don’t question it, either.

We’re just heading out the front door when Calyx and Owen barrel down the stairs.

Those two are probably going to cramp my style. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t be terrified to come face-to-face with a lich and a berserker.

“Whoa,” Cohen whispers, coming to a stop at my side. “Those are kids.”

They sure are.

A woman, who I’m guessing must be their mother, sits on one of the benches surrounding the fountain while three children play in the grass. I’m terrible at guessing ages, but I’d say they have to be between four and ten—or the human equivalent of those ages.

They’re busy kicking a ball back and forth. They must have brought that with them.

Or maybe the sithen provided it to keep them busy?

The littlest of the three spots us. Her eyes widen, and she darts over to her mother.

The woman stands, hefting her daughter into her arms and wrapping her around her chest. I offer what I hope comes off as a friendly smile as the other two children run to stand by the woman.

Cohen and I continue closer but stop several feet away to give her plenty of space.

“You’re our first guests.” I clasp my hands in front of me as giddy excitement radiates in my chest.

The sithen is ecstatic, and it wants to show off everything it can do and all the amenities.

However, the poor woman looks exhausted. All four of them are covered in dirt, with small rips in their attire.

They’re coming from Faere, based solely on the light linen fabrics and lack of shoes. Well, at least the children are barefoot. Mom’s skirt is too long for me to see what’s on her feet.

Gods.

It couldn’t have been a pleasant experience tracking through the forest with nothing to protect their feet.

“We met an old woman with white eyes,” the oldest boy says, clearing his throat as he pulls back his shoulders. “She showed us the path that led us here. She said we would be safe…”

His words are true, causing a shiver to run down my spine. I have no idea who he could be referencing, but that woman didn’t lead them astray. They will be protected under my watch, and with my mates at my back, whatever hunts them will greatly regret following them here.

Cohen steps inside the cabin on the left, showing the children the newly expanded amenities.

After our walk to the cabins, I’ve learned the woman is human and her name is Serenity. Her children are halflings, something that the fae love to look down on. That alone would be a solid reason to flee Faere, but something in my gut tells me there’s more to it than that.

While Cohen keeps the little ones busy, I need to gain a better understanding of exactly what or who she’s running from. At least thus far, my magic is convinced she’s been truthful.

Unfortunately, there’s been a lull in the conversation, and I’m not sure how to start it again without it coming off as an interrogation.

My hands fidget, and I link them together in front of my waist, pulling my shoulders back like I’ve seen my mother do. It always makes her seem poised and regal.

Owen stayed behind near the fountain to keep watch for whoever might be following the small family, but Calyx approaches with his arms loaded down with reusable shopping bags.

The woman backs away as he comes up the few stairs.

“This is my mate, Calyx.” I smile, trying to find a way to put her at ease.

It doesn’t seem to help.

Dammit.

Maybe I’m not the right person for this job. I’ll never be warm and fuzzy. Even when I’m trying, I come off as cold and rigid.

“I popped into the house to retrieve a few things to make your stay more hospitable,” Calyx says, keeping several feet of distance between him and Serenity.

“If you have any needs, the sithen should address them. But I imagine you’re tired and hungry, so I asked for a few of the comfort foods I remember from Faere.

There are towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

For clothing, just verbalize your needs, and the sithen will provide you fresh options.

” He nods and heads inside the still-open door of the cabin.

“He stole my thunder,” I grumble, laughing and hoping it helps break the ice. “I take it you’re leaving Faere and attempting to get to the human realm. Is that right?”

She nods, swallowing thickly. “I’m not even sure if my family will let me come back home, but I have nowhere else to go.”

My chest gets tight.

That’s a terrifying prospect when she has three children.

“Don’t worry about that. You don’t need to rush to leave.

Certainly not before we know you have somewhere safe to land.

” I gesture toward the door. “This cabin is yours for now. You can take your time. Rest up. Give the children a chance to get a few nights’ sleep somewhere that’s completely safe.

” I point back to the hill that leads to the fountain.

“Do you expect someone might try to come after you?”

She grimaces, staggering back a step.

Dammit.

I’m going to have to get better at connecting with people.

And fast.

“You are safe here,” I blurt out. “We won’t let any harm come to you or the children.

I only ask because, if you think it’s a possibility, I will ask my mates to be hypervigilant.

Maybe I’ll have Calyx summon Dusk to roam the property.

” She blinks at me for so long, I go on.

“That part doesn’t matter. Keeping you safe is my responsibility.

The only thing you need to focus on is your children. ”

“Thank you,” she finally says.

I nod.

“Their father is dead,” Serenity says. “Taryn was a general in the Spring Court, but he was captured by the trolls and beheaded with an Iron Ice blade.”

Full-blooded fae are immortal. The undying kind that regenerates no matter how severe the injury. The one exception to that is if we’re harmed with Iron Ice.

Her chest shakes as she exhales, and her eyes glimmer with tears as she focuses back on me. “We weren’t fated. His family petitioned King Reighton for custody…” She sobs. “Of my children after I lost the only man I’ve ever loved.”

My jaw falls, and my eyes widen.

Oh, fuck me.

Reighton is my biological father’s brother.

Silence was set to be the king of Spring Court, but when my mother fled Faere, he passed the throne to his younger brother, Reighton.

“Did he decree that your children should be taken from you?” I ask as pure horror pulses in my gut.

Her head shakes. “The king ruled in my favor, but Taryn’s family has no intention of allowing me to keep them. If they kill me, the line of succession would immediately pass custody to Taryn’s mother.”

Damn.

Sometimes I forget Faere is a matriarchal society.

“Taryn’s mother sent her other son to kill me and take my children.”

“That’s not going to happen.” I step forward, pulling her into my arms before I can stop myself.

“Even once you leave here, I will make sure there is someone to watch over the four of you. Have you heard of sanctuary cities? They’re a concept here in the human realm.

Supernaturals live side by side with humans behind a sanctuary ward. ”

“No.” Serenity sniffles. “I grew up not knowing about the supernatural world. Not until I met Taryn.”

“Well, I grew up in one of those cities called Haven. It’s a very safe community, and it’s close by.

Once things settle down, you can make the choice if you’d like to try things out with your family or take a tour of Haven.

” I pat her shoulder a final time and step back.

“But all those details can wait. For now, I’m sure your adrenaline is about to crash. Eat something and get some rest.”

“Thank you.”

I swear I can feel her sincerity like a warmth in my chest.

I don’t have the first clue how the sithen or the universe chose me, but I intend to prove it chose well. I’ll guard the passages between realms, offering sanctuary to those who deserve it…

And anyone who threatens that?

Well, let’s just say, the magic I inherited from my mother is always ready and willing to come out to play.