The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (52 page)

“Is that all?” he asked. “Now I know that the vision is false.”

“I just told you about the most horrible vision that I have ever had, and you dismiss it because you know for a fact you can take out more vampires than what was shown to me?”

I could see him smiling over the phone. I knew what he was trying to do, but I still couldn’t shake how scared I was still.

“My parents and grandmother think we should run.” I said after a moment’s silence

“I agree,” he said. “We’ll go as soon as I get back tomorrow night.”

“Mathias they’ll still carry out their plan.” I said aggravated. “They’ll use the clan as bait and lure me back home.”

“Possibly,” he said. “But they might also believe you are running to save your own skin and focus the attention on finding you.  If they do that it will effectively make the clan safer.”

“Create our own battlefield?” I asked

“There will be no battlefield Willa. We will not be found if we run. I’ll make sure of that.”

I sat down on my bed and thought about Mathias’s reasoning. I wished that would be the outcome, but I had a feeling that running would only make things worse. We needed to face this situation head on. No running or hiding. Just balls to the wall, in your face, bring it on bitch, gunslinger kind of attitude.

When I explained to him that my mind was set, I heard him sigh on the other line. “So you want to go all Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday on their ass?”

“It’s how the west was won and don’t forget I am from Arizona.” I reminded him

I saw him in my mind. I knew he had a scowl on his face, and he was probably pacing back and forth furiously.

“Where are you?” I asked

“We are in Salisbury,” he answered. “We rented a room for the night. I don’t know if it’s luck or yet another coincidence, but the current Viscount, and his family are going on holiday tomorrow morning to the Canary Islands. As soon as the servants clear out we will enter the house and retrieve the paintings.”

“How’s Julia?” I asked

“Jesus Christmas,” he replied. His annoyance came over the phone crystal clear. “I thought you could talk someone’s ear off but she has nothing on you. She could run or talk rings around you. Do you know what the hell her problem is with Riah? All day long they have been going at it like an old married couple.”

I chuckled trying to picture Mathias dealing with Julia and Riah. “Do they remind you of anyone?”

Mathias swore. “Don’t tell me,” he groaned

“Yup, although I don’t think it has happened or been fully realized by Julia or Riah but Julia has had visions of her and Riah in her dreams.” I answered

“Shouldn’t they be happy then or at least her?”

“Yeah, because you and I have been acting like we are holding hands and walking in a field of daisies since we met.” I replied

“I’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll discuss things further,” he stated

“Mathias?” I asked quietly

“Yes, what is it Willa?”

“The night you came back you wanted to talk in the hospital parking lot.” I said. “What did you want to say to me?”

“Do we have to do this now?” he said impatiently

“I want to know.” I replied. “I need to know.”

I was greeted with silence. I almost gave up on him answering but like always he surprised me.

“I figured my shit out.”

I grinned. Before Mathias had left I yelled at him to get his shit
together. I had no idea what that may have entailed, but last night and this morning actions made me confident that maybe he accepted what was meant to be. Of course I could be wrong though, my smile faded, maybe he was really going to tell me goodbye

“I’m glad you’re as loquacious as ever.” I said.

“I thought I made it pretty clear this morning what I want,” he almost growled

We stayed on the line a few minutes just listening to each other breathing. When my heart stopped racing furiously, he spoke. “Get some sleep.”

“I’ll do my best.” I answered. “Have fun with Julia and Riah.”

Mathias grunted, and I hung up smiling. I felt a lot better after talking to him. I slowly made my way back upstairs where everyone was still arguing. That all stopped the second, I came into the room. I gave them an update on what had transpired so far with Mathias, Julia and Riah. I was trying to get their minds off of my vision but with no such luck.

“What did Mathias say about you leaving?” my father asked

“He agreed with you at first until I explained to him my plan.” I answered

“Which was?” Robert asked

“Showdown at the OK corral.”

My parents both groaned. Robert and Winifred looked perplexed, but Polly smiled wide. “Bring it on douchebags.” she said. “So that’s the plan?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” I said, sitting back down at the table and picking up an egg roll.

“We’ll discuss this further tomorrow night.” Winifred said. “I’m planning an early dinner for the family and our respective Guardians. I also thought this would be a nice welcome home for Archie.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

“Willa,” my father frowned. “This discussion isn’t over.”

“For me it is.” I said. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. Right now I just want to finish eating and curl up in bed with my BFF. What are watching tonight Pol?”

“I think there’s an ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ marathon on BBC,” she replied brightly

“I heart Ab Fab.” I said thoughtfully. “It always makes me want to smoke a cigarette though.”

“I could run out?” Polly asked brightly. “Pick up some smokes and a couple bottles of vodka? We could be our TV show by the end of the night.”

Robert groaned. I had almost forgotten about our night Guardian. “Don’t worry Robert, we’ll behave.”

“No drinking or smoking,” my mother said sternly. “You need to get your rest.”

My grandmother walked over to me and grabbed my shoulders. “Oh, I think a little bit of fun is fine. After all this maybe the last chance you get for a while.”

“Did you just approve of me getting wasted?” I asked in disbelief

“I most certainly suggested no such thing,” she sniffed as she walked away. “Dinner is at five o’clock tomorrow evening. Don’t be late.”

“I’ll be there with bells on.” I answered. I walked over to my parents and gave them both quick hugs. “Thank you both but I’m better now. You should go home and relax.”

“Are you sure?” Cecily asked looking concerned. “I could stay?”

“I’m good.” I reassured her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“If you need us just call. I can be here in a heartbeat,” my dad said

After a few more minutes, they finally left. I looked at Robert and Polly. “All right, let’s get this threesome started.”

Polly laughed, and Robert looked faintly alarmed. I chuckled as I grabbed his arm. “You could call Katya and we could make it a foursome?”

Robert brightened. “Good idea. Will there be a pillow fight?”

“Yes, we girls always have pillow fights wearing short, frilly nightgowns.” I answered with wide eye innocence

Later that night as I sat on my bed, giggling with Polly and Katya, I realized that this is why I had to stay and not run. This is what was worth fighting for, being able to laugh, love and live without a care in the world.

That is more precious than anything.

Chapter Eleven

I woke up the next morning with my ass hanging off the bed and fur in my mouth. I sat up slowly and took a look around the bedroom. Cupcake was pressed right against me. Polly was squished next to him with Katya sleeping soundly on her other side. Robert was sitting quietly in a chair reading a book.

“Good morning,” he said quietly

“Ugh.” I yawned. “I think my right side is numb from the waist down.”

“I tried to keep Cupcake off the bed but he wouldn’t listen to me,” he smiled

“Not a big surprise. He doesn’t listen to me very often either.” I answered

“Where’s Oscar?” I asked as I looked around the floor and noticed him missing

“He’s right here.” Robert said. Oscar poked his head up and I saw he was indeed sitting by Robert’s side contently

Polly groaned and tried to roll over on Cupcake, which he deemed as an invitation for attention. Chaos ensued as Cupcake jumped in between Polly and Katya. Polly started cursing up a storm while Katya and Robert laughed hysterically.

“Welcome to my life.” I said as I got up and went into the bathroom

The rest of the day was blessedly quiet for a change. Polly and I took a long walk on the beach with the dogs. We laughed while we reminisced about our life in Yuma and brainstormed about ideas for the menu at the bakery. Robert and Katya were wrapped in each other’s arms on a blanket near the house talking quietly and laughing. I was grateful that he didn’t hover over me, especially today, which was my last day of freedom before the Fae arrived.

I tried to ignore the time that was ticking away. I wanted to enjoy these last few precious moments before everything would change. Even if we somehow survived this war I couldn’t help, but wonder what would become of me. I didn’t know what my future held. I had no idea what would happen with Mathias and if we even had a shot at a normal life together.

When the sun started setting low in the clear blue sky we all changed for the family dinner and took off towards the castle. As we approached my nerves went into overdrive. All day I had been trying not to think of Mathias, Julia and Riah but being here made me face the reality that I had been putting off in my mind.

We entered the dining room, and I pasted a smile on my face. I wanted to rush downstairs and ask Milton what was going on, but I couldn’t. My fake smile quickly turned into a real one as my grandfather approached me.

“Willa,” he said. “I’m so glad you came. Everyone else has been treating me with kid gloves. It’s driving me batty. Please use that razor sharp tongue on me that I have been hearing so much about.”

“Sorry Pops.” I said regretfully. “We just met and besides we’re related. It’s a little gross.”

Archie let out a great laugh and hugged me. We went around the room together and greeted everyone arm in arm. For some reason, his presence calmed me. When we finally sat down to eat I was in a much better mood. We all looked up when Jeremiah came rushing in with Veronica closely behind him.

“They’re on their way,” he said without preamble. “They should be here soon.”

“Did they get the paintings?” Winifred and I asked at the same time

Jeremiah nodded and sat down across from me. “They retrieved the paintings but that’s all I know.”

“Well, this is the cause for celebration.” Oliver said

“We have no idea what those paintings depict Oliver.” Cormac said. “So let’s be cautiously optimistic.”

“Stop being such a stick in the mud.” Cuddy said. “This is great news.”

“Cormac is right.” Gussie put her hand on her husband’s arm. “We do not know what’s in those paintings.”

“Even though I know we should be cautious I’m still excited.” Rhoswen said her eyes alight. “Growing up, I heard many stories about the Fae Sanctities. They have always seemed more like a mythical legend. To think that they might be real is incredible.”

“A mythical legend, huh?” I asked. “Kind of like fairies and vampires?

“Touché,” Rhoswen said as she lifted her wine glass towards me in mock salute

“I just pray we finally get some answers.” Cecily said

The rest of the meal was fairly quiet.  It didn’t seem like any of us were in the mood for small talk or conversation. I finally gave up on my beef tenderloin about halfway through. My stomach was way too unsettled to continue eating.

When the door to the dining room burst open we all looked up in anticipation. I focused right on Mathias, who gave me a quick nod before speaking.

“We got them but there is a slight complication.” he announced

“What?” I asked rising up from my chair. “What is it?”

“It’s bound by magic.” Julia replied wearily. I finally took a good look at her and noticed her normally perfectly coiffed hair was in tangles and her face looked exhausted. Riah didn’t look much better. Only Mathias appeared perfectly put together as usual.

“Winifred.” Riah said. “You, Cecily and Willa need to look at the paintings. Julia couldn’t make heads or tails of them.”

“I tried!” Julia yelled, surprising all of us. Julia never yelled. She may shriek with excitement when her latest issue of Vogue came in the mail, but that was about it.

“I tried,” she repeated again calmly. “It’s not like anything I have ever felt before.”

“Is it black magic?” Winifred asked suddenly

“No.” Julia answered. “It’s just feels complex. I don’t know how to describe it.”

“Do you have them with you Mathias?” my mother asked

“Yes, of course.” he answered. Mathias pulled out of his jacket four yellowed pieces of paper that were tied up like scrolls. “I think it may be wise to view these in a more secure area.”