Tempting the Dragon (14 page)

She was right.

“Where to?” he asked.

“The woods. We need to find the portal, the same one we used before.”

He nodded and then started his engine. “Before we go, is this dangerous? If Fae children are killing the women who carry them, wouldn’t Prince Cai know?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. It could be. Of course, someone as arrogant as he might simply scoff at us. My intent is to ask him if he will help.”

Rance nodded, but still made no move to back out of the parking space. “What if he won’t? What do you intend to do then?”

“I don’t know.” Libby made a tsking sound inside her head, momentarily distracting her. “I guess we’ll have to take it one step at a time.”

Rance waited another second, as if he thought she might have more to say. Then, when she didn’t, he backed the car out and began to drive.

When they reached the place they’d parked last time, they got out of the car and headed into the forest.

“If I remember right, it’s a bit of a hike,” he said.

“It is,” she agreed. “And please, if it looks like Prince Cai is trying to work a spell on me, grab my hand.”

She felt a thrill of pleasure when he immediately captured her fingers with his. “How about we hold on to each other until we get back home? It’ll be safer that way.”

Hiking together through the forest hand in hand brought its own set of challenges, but she found she relished them. Together, they kept to the path until they couldn’t, and then Rance went slightly ahead, pushing through and holding the underbrush back for her.

The sense of rightness that had settled inside her might have been foolish, but for now she wanted to nourish it. Somehow, she thought this feeling of unity with him gave her strength.

Finally, they arrived at the clearing where, earlier, they’d stashed their belongings. Since she’d merely left her purse in the trunk of his rental car, she watched as he reverently placed his camera bag on the ground using only one hand, since he continued to hold on to hers with the other. “Are you ever without that thing?” she asked, only half teasing.

“Not if I can help it.” Expression serious, he took great care to ensure the bag was nestled snugly in the hollow tree truck. Once he’d done this, he removed his cell phone and some change as well as a small knife from his pockets, and placed them next to his camera bag. “Quite honestly, I haven’t touched it since I was told Eve had died. Now that I know she’s alive, I’m trying to get back to normal, though it’s been a while since I’ve taken any shots. I really wish I could bring it with me to the land of the Fae. That place and those people are seriously photogenic. Are you absolutely certain I can’t?”

“Yes.” She smiled to take the sting from her words. “Others have tried. Sometimes they never saw again whatever metal item they’d tried to bring. I don’t know where it goes, but it doesn’t travel to Fae. Believe me, you’re safer leaving it here.”

* * *

Though Jade had spoken Libby’s name while at the pub, thus allowing her to enter Jade’s head and see the world through Jade’s eyes, Libby wasn’t certain if traveling through the portal would change that. She hoped not. She’d never ventured to the land of the Fae, though she admitted to being intensely curious to see it.

Truth be told, she’d never seen much beyond her childhood home and Forestwood.

They passed what looked like an ancient burial mound.

“There.” Jade pointed. “See the two slender birch trees?”

“How can you be sure they’re the right two?” Rance asked.

Jade grinned. “Can’t you feel the energy?” At her words, Libby realized little pricks of energy danced along Jade’s nerve endings, electrifying her skin.

“No,” Rance groused. “I didn’t last time, either.”

Experiencing the world through Jade’s eyes, along with her wild rush of emotions, could easily become addictive. Libby had lived so long in isolation that the sense of completion Rance’s and Jade’s linked hands brought made her feel happier than she had in decades. Seeing the way Jade watched Rance and experiencing the thrill that skittered up the younger woman’s spine each time their gazes met reminded Libby of everything she’d missed out on in her long life.

Jade loved him. Stunned, Libby was still trying to process this far too intimate knowledge when Jade and Rance stepped through the portal with their fingers still entwined.

Together.

The icy shock of the void made Libby queasy. Even worse, it seemed they were free-falling, spinning through what could only be described as the complete absence of light. Jade’s brief jag of terror brought a rush of adrenaline. The only thing solid was Rance and Jade held on to him for dear life. Libby couldn’t blame her.

And then it all stopped.

Still clutching Rance’s hand, Jade opened her eyes, affording Libby a scene of such stunning clarity of color it took her breath away.

“We’re here,” Jade announced. Libby noted neither she nor Rance seemed in any hurry to unlink their hands.

And then, through Jade’s eyes, Libby looked around. A meadow of lush emerald grass lined with a rainbow of vibrant flowers stretched before them.

“And I assume we just start walking toward the palace?” Rance asked.

Before he’d even finished speaking, they heard hoofbeats in the distance, heading toward them.

“I guess the prince is coming to meet us earlier this time,” Jade mused. “Let’s just wait right here for him.”

Libby couldn’t wait to see this prince. Or any Fae, to be specific. As a child, she’d often heard stories of their exceptional beauty and blatant trickery.

“I don’t think that’s the prince.” A note of warning sounded in Rance’s voice and five black-clad riders thundered toward them.

“They see us and it’s too late to take cover,” Rance continued. “Get behind me. If it comes down to a fight, at least I can cover you.”

“We have no weapon.” Already Jade had searched the earth around them, looking for a stick or a rock or anything they could use. She knew, Libby realized, that something about the riders approaching them wasn’t good.

“This is bad.” Rance’s words echoed Jade’s thoughts. “All we can do is stand our ground. Get. Behind. Me. Now.”

Jade ignored the order, moving up to stand at his side and squeezing his hand. “We face this together.”

Libby marveled at their combined strength and show of support as they stood tall and faced the riders drawing near.

Mere yards from them, the group reined to a halt, their steeds kicking up grass and dirt and flowers. For the first time, Libby realized they wore hoods and some sort of veils over most of their faces. Only their eyes were visible.

“Are you human?” the leader asked.

Jade exhaled, noting from the timber of the voice that the leader was a female. While Libby pondered this, Jade stepped forward. “No, but we come from the human land. We’re shape-shifters and we need to have a word with Prince Cai.”

“Not until you speak with us.” Holding out her hand, the woman in front helped Jade up on her horse behind her. A second later, another one of her group did the same with Rance.

While Libby wasn’t too sure about the wisdom of this, she trusted Jade’s instincts.

And they were off.

As they rode, Jade and Rance shared a look. This was not the way toward the palace.

“Where are you taking us?” Jade leaned forward, her mouth close to the leader’s ear.

“To our lair.”

The word did little to inspire confidence.

“Are we your prisoners?” Jade persisted.

The leader laughed. “No. Not at all. Everything will be explained once we are safe.”

Safe from whom?

As the trees thickened, the riders slowed their pace. The quiet felt absolute, broken only by the horses’ feet striking the damp earth and their labored breathing.

No one spoke, though Libby could tell Jade didn’t feel any sort of tension between the members of the group. Rance, too, appeared relaxed, though his posture revealed he wasn’t about to let his guard down.

The more time she spent with him, even if only through Jade’s eyes, the more she liked him. Plus, the sense of familiarity grew stronger.

Ahead, a small earth mound rose between the trees. As they approached, Libby saw a large gate had been cut in the middle of the hill. Hidden from above by a canopy of leaves, no one would even know the entrance existed unless they knew to look for it.

The gate swung open. They rode through without stopping. Stunned, Jade and Rance exchanged glances. What had appeared to be only a mound from the outside was the entrance to an underground labyrinth, complete with lighted streets and small houses. Libby couldn’t help but notice the close resemblance to what she imagined a medieval town would look like.

“Are you still with me?” Jade asked, whispering, which caused the rider to turn and peer quizzically at her.

Yes
, Libby answered, though no one but Jade could hear her.
You don’t need to speak out loud. If you want to talk to me, just think it and I can respond.

The riders reined to a halt. Several people, small of stature with swarthy complexions, rushed to take the horses.

Dwarfs?
Jade wondered silently.

Possibly
, Libby agreed.

Rance frowned, glaring at the still-masked rider who’d captured Jade. “Reveal yourself,” he ordered. “Show us what kind of beings you are.”

“With pleasure.” Again the mellifluous voice. She signaled the others, before removing her head covering. Her white blond hair gleamed even in the dim light, and her delicate features had a patrician cast to them.

Jade had been right. Female. And clearly Fae.

Now the others followed suit. Slipping their black hoods from their heads, they turned to face their leader. Each one of them had similar, clear-cut features and exotic eyes.

“Are you part of the royal family?” Jade asked. Though she didn’t say it out loud, each of them clearly bore a striking resemblance to Prince Cai.

Instead of answering, the leader gave a signal for someone to help Jade down from the horse. Seeing this, Rance dismounted instantly, without waiting for assistance. He crossed to stand next to Jade, his legs planted in a classic warrior stance. Jade glanced at him. Even now, she couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles rippled as he crossed his arms.

“Please.” The leader flashed a dazzling smile. “I am Breena, Prince Cai’s sister. We mean no harm to either of you. But we must talk.”

Jade nodded. Though Rance gave no outward sign of relaxing, he inclined his head to signal his agreement.

The grooms led the horses away. Once they’d gone, Breena waved a graceful hand. “Follow me.”

She started off. Exchanging another quick glance, Jade and Rance hurried after her. Her people—soldiers or family—fell in behind them.

I’m curious.
Libby spoke in Jade’s head.
I don’t know if this is just court intrigue or something more.

Jade shrugged. This time, instead of answering out loud, she kept the conversation internal.
I’m thinking we’re about to find out.

Chapter 14

J
ade didn’t know what to think when Breena turned and entered one of the smallish houses. Not sure what else to do, Jade followed. Once they’d all filed in after her, she indicated an array of brightly colored throw pillows placed on the blue tile floor.

Rance took Jade’s hand, sending a jolt of warmth through her. He pushed two pillows next to each other and they lowered themselves to the floor side by side.

Once they were seated, Breena and the others took their own seats.

“We brought you here because we need your help in stopping the prince,” Breena began. “I know you’ve visited him before, but you’re quite possibly the first female from the other realm that he has allowed to leave unharmed in some way.”

Not true. He’d allowed Di and her two friends to return home. Of course, he’d gotten them pregnant, which might qualify as harming them.
Still Jade held her tongue. Libby admired the younger woman’s wisdom. Best to wait and see what the situation might be before offering any comment.

“Cai is my brother,” Breena continued. “Though I am the rightful heir to the throne, his numerous—and clearly unsuccessful—attempts to kill me have caused me and my supporters to go into hiding.”

Clearly interested, Rance leaned forward. He opened his mouth as if about to speak, but a quick squeeze from Jade’s hand warned him not to.

“Cai’s ego is enormous.” Expression grim, Breena met Jade’s gaze. “Lately, he’s been luring human women here and, once they’ve been charmed, impregnating them.”

Not just humans, Jade thought. Shifters, too.

“Several human females have died trying to carry his children. I fear there will be more, if he isn’t stopped.”

“But why?” Jade finally asked. “What does he hope to gain by doing this?”

“With each woman he ensnares, he gains power. Especially once they forfeit their lives because of his spark of life growing inside of them.”

Now Rance spoke. “You are making him sound like some sort of faerie vampire.”

A ghost of a smile flitted across Breena’s beautiful face, quickly gone. “That may be more accurate than you realize. While he doesn’t bite them and drink their blood, he does steal their life force.”

“Like a demon,” Jade put in.

“Yes. Maybe that’s what my brother has become. A Fae demon.”

“Why do you think we can help?” Rance again, his tone guarded.

“Because I saw you when you came for the last human female he got with child. He allowed her to leave with you.”

Diamond. Except Breena apparently wasn’t aware Di was not human. Nor were her two friends. Which could be a good thing.

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” Jade challenged. “For all we know, this might all be political intrigue, pitting one sibling against the other.”

Breena cocked her head, her expression unruffled. “Have you checked on the females who carry his seed? By now, most of them should be dead.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Rance interjected, before Jade could respond. “There are stories all through history of human women birthing Fae babies.”

“Are there?” Breena’s smile was without malice. “If that’s the case, they are not factual. Sometimes the Fae will switch their infants with a particularly beautiful human baby if they’re in the mood to make mischief, but humans cannot survive carrying a Fae baby to term.”

“I don’t understand how such a thing as Prince Cai getting women pregnant could enable him to steal their life force.” Rance spoke matter-of-factly. “Because the last time I heard, demons and Fae never comingle.”

“Black magic,” Breena supplied. “Somehow, this Fae prince allied himself with the darkness.”

“I doubt that.”

Breena gave him an arch look. “What would you know about such things?” she asked. “You are but a mere human.”

“Am I?” he countered, surprised she didn’t realize he was Drakkor. “Can the magical Fae not see such simple things as auras? Do you truly not realize what we are?”

At his words, Breena frowned. Looking from one to the other and back again, her frown deepened as she concentrated. Libby could tell the Fae princess was scrambling to make sense of Rance’s words.

“Look.” Finally Jade took pity of the other woman. “We came here because my cousin Di and her friends are deathly ill. They’re all pregnant. And yes, we do believe Cai is the father.”

“See?” Breena didn’t exactly crow, but she came close. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”

“Yes. Maybe you’re right. And maybe not.” Jade took a deep breath before continuing. “Because this group of women are not human. They’re shifters.”

Breena gasped. “That might be different, then. Though I don’t know if better or worse.” She looked at Rance. “Is that why you asked if we could see your auras?”

His quick nod made her eyes widen. “Are you two also shape-shifters?”

“Yes.” The terseness of his reply told Libby he planned to volunteer as little as possible.

“Then there truly is a possibility you could help us take our kingdom back from the darkness.” Breena actually clapped. Blue eyes gleaming, she turned to her entourage. “For the first time in ages, we have hope!”

Libby waited for Jade or Rance to caution her, but both stayed silent. Jade because she would do anything to help her cousin. As far as Rance, he had his own reasons.

The small group broke out into cheers. Libby began to actually worry. She’d hate it if Jade and Rance were bringing the princess and her supporters false optimism.

“First, before we talk anymore, is there anything you can do to help my cousin and her friends?” Jade asked.

To her credit, Breena didn’t immediately answer. She dipped her chin and mulled over her answer. “Maybe,” she said, her tone cautious. “Do you have time to stay?”

Again Jade and Rance exchanged a long look. Libby marveled at the emotions coursing through her Guardian as she met his gray eyes.

“Time passes differently here,” Rance finally answered. “We don’t have time to waste.”

Jade and Libby knew he was thinking of his stepdaughter as well as the pregnant women.

“You have one hour, no more,” Jade answered, surprising herself. “Plus, I’m wondering if we should go talk to the prince. He’s the father. Surely he could help us.”

At that, Breena narrowed her eyes. “Have you not heard anything I’ve been telling you? If you were to appear in his court now, he would never let you leave.”

“Says you,” Jade retorted. “I’m not entirely sure I can trust you.”

Libby braced herself for the other woman’s anger. Instead, Breena appeared to be considering Jade’s words. Finally, she nodded. “I believe you might be right. I must prove myself to you.”

Both Rance and Jade waited, curious to see exactly how she’d do that.

With her head bent, the Fae princess appeared lost in thought. When she finally looked up and faced them, the eagerness behind her smile made her blue eyes glow. “Ask your Seer,” she told Jade. “She knows exactly what we need. We are old allies with her kind. It’s all her history, if she will but remember.”

“Seer?” Then as Libby gasped inside her head, she realized what Breena meant. “Just a minute, and I’ll ask her,” Jade said, bowing her own head so the others wouldn’t see her internal dialogue mirrored on her face.

Well? What does she mean?
Jade asked silently, her impatience clear.

Still shocked at the revelation, it took a second for Libby to formulate an answer.
I always thought it was a myth, but she must be speaking of the first magical wars, when the Drakkor and the Fae teamed up to vanquish the demons.

The...what? How long ago was this?

Libby sighed.
A long time. Christianity was still new and hadn’t yet made it to North America.

While that’s all very interesting, and definitely something I want to look into later, what does that have to do with us in the here and now?

Ask her if she is asking for my help specifically, or if she needs something else.

Jade did.

Breena smiled, her perfect face still alight with a serene joy. “Not of her precisely, but of her kind. As it was long ago, so it shall be again. Good will vanquish evil.”

Sadness knifed through Libby so sharp and painful that Jade nearly doubled over with it. What Breena wanted wouldn’t be possible. For all intents and purposes, Libby considered herself alone. No longer were there armies of her people available to assist the beautiful Fae battle the darkness.

Recovering, Libby told Jade to be noncommittal.
There’s no sense in letting her know up front that we have nothing to bargain with.

Jade nodded. “We will consider your words. Now tell us how to help my cousin and her friends.”

“I can do that, but first I must personally visit them.”

Rance shifted his weight from one foot to the other, making Jade take a quick glance at his beat-up sneakers. He practically vibrated with impatience. She understood the sense of urgency he tried to squash. As far as he knew, the more time that passed without him finding Eve, the more in danger she might be.

“I’ll take you now,” Jade offered. “But we must go quickly. They are very ill.” She reached for Rance, taking his hand and squeezing to let him know she understood.

“This is your chance to prove yourself,” Jade added. “Heal them, and I’ll speak with Libby about helping you.”

Breena dipped her chin in a nod. She clapped her hands, and suddenly they were back in the forest, a few feet away from the twin birch trees that marked the portal.

“Take me to them,” Breena demanded.

Jade eyed her. With her black pants and shirt, Breena could pass for human. An exceptionally beautiful one. Even the hooded cloak would seem like an offbeat sense of fashion. And it might help with not drawing attention to her perfect features.

“Okay. Let’s go. We’ll have to hike back to the car, and then drive there.”

“Can’t they go alone?” Rance stepped in front of Jade. “I know I agreed to help Di first and then search for Eve, but I can’t shake the overwhelming sense of urgency. I need to locate Eve.”

Unsure, Jade looked at Breena. Feeling Jade’s torn emotions, Libby voiced her opinion.
Tell Rance it won’t take too long to bring them to the hospital. After, you can come straight to my house and I’ll do my best to locate his little girl.

Can’t you do it now?
Jade’s heartbroken plea hurt Libby’s heart.
Leave my head and do what you have to do to find her.

The fact that they both knew how dangerous it could be to attempt a trance alone wasn’t lost on Libby.

I can try
, Libby couldn’t keep the hesitation from her voice, even if it was only inside Jade’s head.
But my ability is strengthened by your presence. You know this.

I do. But I’m so worried for Rance.

I’m leaving now. I’ll see you later
, Libby said.

With that, she exited Jade’s head, disoriented to find herself back in her living room.

* * *

Meanwhile, Jade felt a twinge as Libby left, then a devastating sense of emptiness.

“Jade?” Rance squeezed her shoulder, making her realize she’d been standing frozen while having her internal dialogue with Libby. “Are you all right?”

As her gaze met his, she swallowed. The tense line of his strong jaw attested to the iron grip he kept on his emotions. She could only imagine how he felt—if she felt torn, everything that kept him from finding Eve must be ripping him apart.

All her life, Jade had become skilled at putting others first. She’d developed a knack for assessing the priority of a situation, but this time, uncertainty made her feel ill.

“We’ll take them to the hospital, introduce them to my mother and my aunt and then we’ll go to Libby’s,” she said, praying she was making the right choice.

His jaw tightened but he nodded. “Let’s go.” He strode off without waiting to see if they followed.

Though Rance drove way too fast, Jade didn’t say a word. She kept sneaking glances at Breena, who had gone pale and appeared about to be sick.

“You’ve never ridden in a car before,” Jade guessed.

Hearing, Rance eased off the gas pedal a little. “Sorry,” he muttered.

They pulled into the hospital parking lot and found a spot right near the front door. As soon as Rance cut the engine, he jumped out of the car and headed around to Jade’s side, opening her door for her. “I’m Southern,” he said, correctly interpreting her look. “My mama taught me never to forget my manners.”

Amused despite herself, she smiled at him. “To be honest, despite your Texas accent, your manners are rarely on display.”

His eyes widened. “Then I have been remiss. In the future, I’ll try to remedy that.”

Charmed, she nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from him.

“Come on.” He gave her a tug. “Let’s go.”

“And there go the manners,” Jade quipped.

Breena cleared her throat, making Jade realize she’d managed to forget about the other woman somehow.

“Put your hood up,” Jade urged, watching as Breena covered her shining blond hair. Now, with her face in shadow, maybe she wouldn’t cause too much disruption.

“Right,” Breena drawled. “Because no one ever notices
you
.”

Startled, Jade drew back. “Did you just read my mind?”

“No. I didn’t have to. Your thoughts are plain on your face.”

Rance took Jade’s arm. “We can talk later.”

They rode the elevator up in silence. Jade nervously wondered how her mother and aunt would react to the beautiful stranger. Ah, well, they’d asked Jade for help, and that was exactly what she was doing.

She only hoped Breena really could so something for Di, her friends and their unborn children. What a miracle if Fae magic could make them well.

Amber looked up as Jade entered the room. “You’re back. It certainly took you long enough.” Worry colored her voice. “What did you find out?” she asked, falling silent as she caught sight of a hooded and cloaked stranger. “Who’s this?”

“A friend.” Jade stepped aside so Breena could see her unconscious and intubated cousin. Pushing aside her twinge of nervousness and hoping Breena hadn’t misled them, she kept silent while the Fae princess laid her long-fingered hand on the side of Di’s face.