rogue shifter 05 - caught between (12 page)

Isaiah did his little finger wiggle. "Uh uh. I cannot lie to those of you who were present at the villa. That part of the agreement did not specifically include your team or your friends. He grinned at Sasha. "I don't have to speak the truth to
you
, golden boy."

"Where is the demon staying?" Sash asked, never taking his eyes off of Isaiah.

"I'm your first house guest."

Sasha allowed a little fang to peek out. "We have cells in the basement appropriate for a demon."

Isaiah started to respond, but Garrett interrupted. "Rick, would you and Will take Isaiah on a tour? I need to talk to Flynn and Sash for a minute."

"Sure, boss." They ambled off, Heinrich pointing toward the garage where he'd parked the two Harleys. Isaiah seemed to be nodding enthusiastically so they headed in that direction.

I figured that Garrett had sent them off because he'd noticed how uncomfortable Flynn was with the housing arrangement.

"What's up?" Garrett asked Flynn.

"Nothing. I'm cool."

"Flynn..." Garrett was losing his patience.

"Okay. Well...it's just that your nest is gonna be resting, but Isaiah and I will be up and I'll be there alone..."

Sasha, who'd taken on the job of training Flynn, shook his head, "If you let him see you're scared, Simba, he'll use it to freak you out."

Flynn looked down at the ground, obviously embarrassed. "I'm not scared, but he's a
demon
. Up until a month ago, I thought there were only humans."

"Yeah, well you know better now, so you can't use that as an excuse." Flynn didn't respond. "Look at me." Our enormous lion shifter raised his head, looking dejected. "I'm disappointed."

I grabbed Sasha's arm to get his attention. "Give him a break. He's trying to learn how to cope. He's new at this." I wanted to kick myself for not thinking about Flynn's situation beforehand.

"He's just turned seventeen. He's an adult."

"
Just
turned."

"Flynn says he wants to join the team. He can't wimp out when he meets another supe, no matter how dangerous." He turned back to Flynn. "Garrett explained that Isaiah has to honor the rules, so I don't see the problem."

Because I wasn't getting anywhere convincing Sash to go easy on Flynn, I released his arm and turned to Garrett. "Isaiah can sleep in our basement. All the furniture is still there. And Liam is here during the day, or Farrell. Maybe it's safer."

Garrett and Sash exchanged glances, then turned back to Flynn, their expressions stern. The young lion straightened and then nodded. I got the feeling that this was about something more than just sleeping arrangements, maybe an important step or a turning point of some kind for Flynn, so I kept my mouth shut and waited too.

Flynn looked toward the new house, then back at Garrett, twisting his mouth into a half frown. "I guess this is the week I learn all about
demons
."

Garrett smiled. "He won't hurt you, but be on your guard around him. It was my mistake not to specify that he has to be truthful with all of you, so you can expect him to lie."

"He loves to eat. And he likes TV shows. Maybe he'd like the cooking channel," I suggested.

Garrett continued. "I'll make sure that Liam makes enough food for both of you. Why don't you eat brunch with Jackie everyday?"

He looked relieved. "Okay, thanks." He gazed in the direction the others had walked. "It's just that I never met one, and the word 'demon' has some pretty scary connotations. I keep thinking "The Exorcist."

I laughed. "He'd probably love that movie."

Sasha put his hand on Flynn's shoulder, which was a few inches above Sasha's. "C'mon, Simba, we'll go see if they have it on Netflix." He gave him a gentle shove toward the house.

"I didn't eat pea soup for three years after I saw that movie." They walked off together, laughing.

I grabbed Garrett's hand and turned us back toward our own house, Samson running along beside us. "Next time you do the 'testing' thing, just give me a heads up, okay?"

"Sorry, but Sash was right. It's a tough truth, but he has to grow up fast. I have to be able to trust him in situations where our lives are on the line. We can't baby him."

I placed my hand on Samson's head and took all of us through the lines and into our kitchen. Without missing a beat, I continued where I'd left off. "He's been through so much. I bet he misses his family."

Garrett filled up Samson's food and water bowls, while my sweet doggy waited as he was trained to do. "It'll take a couple more months before we can allow him to visit. His training comes first. It could save his life, or yours. The crazy way our lives have been progressing, he needs to be prepared for anything and everything."

"I'm ready for a bath and bed." I hadn't said it in a provocative way, but Garrett gave me that smile that sent a sweet shiver down my body and a vision of us together in the tub. "You know, pretty soon, my belly is going to get in the way..."

"Really, mon ange, have you forgotten that you're mated to a Frenchman with a fabulous imagination." I giggled as he leaned in, threading his fingers in my hair and then nibbling and licking my earlobe.  I melted against him, my giggle dissolving into a soft sigh.

He whispered, his warm breath cool against my wet skin. "I'll be here to fulfill your every desire no matter how large our Charlie grows."

"I didn't necessarily mean sex. I meant more ordinary activities like driving, " He arched an eyebrow and waited. "and maybe hugging and kissing." I poked him in the stomach teasingly. "And you were born in Quebec, not France."

"I spent many years in France with Eleanor and Francois so I have a French and an American passport. Je suis français et américain." His mischievous grin made him look like a college freshman, barely old enough to vote, although he was over 230 years old.

"Vampires need passports?"I moved closer, wrapping my arms around his waist despite the baby bump. I cherished these playful moments so much, especially since many of our days together had been difficult.

"It may surprise you to know that I pay taxes, too."

"Such a responsible citizen. In a few more weeks you'll be a French/American dad."

He kissed the top of my head then placed a gentle finger under my chin so he could tilt my head toward his. His gaze was loving and my heart warmed in response. "Although I'm looking forward to meeting my son, you grow more beautiful every day that you carry him inside of you."

I rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek. "You're a very smart vampire."

He kissed me then, his lips soft and warm, taking his time to
seduce me properly,
as he liked to say. I responded, pressing my body against his as closely as my belly would allow and opening my mouth so our tongues could join our lips. He tasted delicious, and it didn't take long for my heart to start beating out a quick rhythm against his chest. When I pulled away, trying to catch my breath, I whispered against his neck, "We're all alone in the house."

"I see that you've discovered my evil plan. This is the premier reason that I agreed to build the other house." He wiggled his eyebrows.

I giggled. "How devious. Unfortunately, our private paradise won't last for long." I rubbed my belly with both hands, but Garrett snatched them away, slowly kissing each palm. I loved it when he did that. "Sometimes you're pretty hot, Monsieur Cuvier."

Encouraged by my words, he leaned closer and licked then nibbled over the pulse on my neck. "Mmm. So delicious, Madame." I shivered. He pulled me hard against his body. "I believe it is my duty to warm you up."

"How warm are we talking?" I smiled into his chest.

"We have all night to find out, yes?"

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The next morning, I knocked on the door to the nursery, hesitant to barge in.

Ashlyn's voice was a musical delicacy. "I am finished. Close your eyes and walk four steps straight ahead."

When I opened them, it took me half a minute before I realized that I wasn't breathing.

She hadn't painted a mural of Faerie. I was actually
in
Faerie, experiencing its colors and scents and sounds in 3D. The leaves on the trees moved as if a gentle breeze were tickling them, a waterfall cascaded from the window, ending in a refreshing pool that looked appealing enough to dive into, and a group of pixies, led by Sinlae, flew past, giggling as their tiny wings fluttered as fast as a hummingbird's.

The mural covered all four walls and even the ceiling. "How did you...?"

She smiled and shook her head as if scolding me. "I cannot betray my artistic secrets."

"It's beyond my ability to describe how lovely this is. Thank you, Ashlyn." I placed my hand on my heart and nodded in a gesture of deep respect.

She seemed very pleased. "Because Charlie will grow up in your world, I thought that he would like to know what ours is like. Then when he visits, he will not be overwhelmed. However, I understand that this is all too much stimulus for a tiny babe, so I've designed it to shrink to whatever size is desired. But first there is something else that I must show you."

She took me to the closet and pointed to a section that she'd painted just inside the door. It was a cave, covered in flowering vines. "This is a direct portal into Faerie. Charlie will not be able to travel the lines on his own until he's at least ten or eleven. It works only in one direction. Nothing can come through from the other side. From this end, besides Charlie, only you, Garrett, Bridgett, Samson or a fae may use it, although none of you will have to."

"Samson?" I smiled, a little surprised.

"He is your Cu Sith, your fae dog, and should be with you always."

"You sound like Liam."

"A wise and intelligent Prince."

I laughed. "Don't say that so loud, he's in the kitchen."

"Too late."
Liam sent.

"
You might as well join us, nosy pants."
I turned back toward Ashlyn. "I hear you're a princess."

"Nosy Pants?"
Even though he was speaking to me mind to mind, he was laughing. "
I believe I shall remain here to avoid any other verbal abuse."

Ash continued, not aware of our silly banter. "I am in truth farthest down the line of succession. After the Queen's daughter is Aedus and then little Jacqueline. So you see, your namesake is more a princess than I am."

"Isn't it usually the female who takes the crown?"

"Usually, but not always. Lord Caelen is the older twin, but he gave up the crown so that he and the other Elders, their families and many other fae could settle away from court. Aedus could rule with Philladre if the queen's daughter does not choose to rule."

I looked once more at the hidden cave. "What's going to stop Charlie from running to Faerie any time I decide he needs a time out?"

"Time out?"

"Punishment for misbehavior. He has to sit quietly for a few minutes."

"Put a child-proof lock on the closet door for now. Then, when he is old enough, around four perhaps, show Charlie that this is here, but also teach him that he is never to go through the portal unless he is in danger. Tell him that Ashlyn will be unhappy with him if he abuses the privilege, but also tell him that if he is frightened and unable to reach you, then he should not hesitate. It takes him directly to my home where he will be safe. Liam has approved it and he will inform our people. You should show this to Garrett and no one else."

I turned around slowly once more, taking in the incredible splendor of Faerie. I saw Aedus ride by on a white stallion looking every bit the fae prince and then spied a tiny gremlin poking his head from behind a sword fern, reaching out quickly with his thick hand to pluck a strawberry from a fragrant patch and put it in his mouth with a satisfied smile. Several pixies flew over to scold him, but he simply laughed and disappeared behind the fern once more.

"Those who are not fae or who have not been given permission to view my world, will not be able to see any of this. Instead. they will see this mural of Charlie."

She waved her hand and suddenly Faerie was gone, replaced by a sweet mural covering only one wall. It showed a young man, obviously Fae, on a strong chestnut-shaded horse riding on a trail cut through the forest. He must have been traveling at a good pace, because his longish blonde hair flew out behind him, as did his long leather jacket. There was also a heavy sword strapped to his saddle which brought to mind the prophesy that Sinlae had delivered over a month ago. He seemed to be heading toward the snow-capped mountains in the distance and the full moon was giving him plenty of light to help him find his way.

There were creatures in the forest that watched his journey, perhaps protecting him in their own unique ways. Two pairs of eyes, one set emerald green, one sapphire blue, peeked from between the trunks of two fir trees at just around cheetah height. There were owls, a deer, a large hare and a tiny teal-winged pixie who sat on the edge of a thin branch, her delicate legs dangling below it. There were fae eyes too, a set that looked like Liam's and another farther up with Lord Caelen's darker purple shade.

"Will he look like this?" The young man was smiling broadly, enjoying the speed and the feel of the horse beneath him. He looked like a fae warrior. I shivered slightly and hoped that Ashlyn hadn't noticed.

"Sinlae did her best to describe how he'd looked in her vision, so I've tried to give you an impression of what he might grow up to be. Do you like it?'

"Everything is perfect. Thank you."

She switched back to the active mural and then showed me how to shrink it or freeze it in a particular scene. We didn't want the little guy being overwhelmed with sensory overload or having crazy nightmares either.

A few minutes later, Ashlyn left and Isaiah and Flynn showed up at my patio doors.

I ushered them in. "How are you boys doing?"

Flynn was frowning, not a good sign. "He woke me up at 7:00 A.M. singing at the top of his lungs."

"Mea culpa. I do not require sleep to function here, so I rose early."