Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) (19 page)

“Food.” Liam laughed, and with a wave of his hand invited me to follow him. “I figured you’d be starved. Let me show you where everything is. We don’t have anything too fancy—no five star cuisines—but it’s something and we always try for variety.

I hadn’t really thought too much about how people were eating, assuming something was being provided. I looked around as we went by other offices and realized there probably wasn’t a functioning kitchen about.

“Are we eating out of vending machines?” I asked. It was the most probable and the idea of eating a Snickers bar made my mouth water. Chocolate was definitely something I wouldn’t pass by.

“I guess you can if you want. Noah arranged for food to be brought in.” I didn’t get a chance to ask from where as he guided me into an opened space. Makeshift tables and chairs were arranged in groups. I scanned the room and was surprised to hear my name being called. Lacey stood toward the rear and waved her arm.

“I’ll go grab you a little of everything. What do you feel like drinking?” Liam asked when he saw my uncertainty. I was tempted to ask for shots of something strong.

“Just water, thanks.” I headed toward the young woman. Pulling out a chair, I plopped down and smiled. “I was wondering if I’d get to see you soon.”

Lacey looked at me quizzically and I laughed. “I know things are crazy at the moment, but it’s nice to talk with another girl, know what I mean?”

“I agree. As I’m able to, I’ll introduce you to the others as well. Between patrolling the streets and sleeping, it’s hard to get us all in one place.” Lacey leaned to the side, and gestured toward Liam with a grin. “You don’t seem to be lacking in company though. I’ve noticed he isn’t too far away when you’re around. We’ve been friends for a while and I can’t remember the last time he’s been this attentive. He definitely doesn’t get me lunch.”

I glanced in his direction, and frowned. “He’s just being helpful . . . new girl and all. I’m sure once I get settled in I’ll barely see him. Besides, I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

“Oh, I heard. Quinn, right? I can’t imagine what that would be like, seeing someone I love turn.” She reached to gently squeeze my fingers in support.

“Yeah, it hasn’t been fun. I could deal with learning there’s a whole new world out there and my family’s legacy, but I keep thinking if I’d known, maybe I could’ve protected him more. It just happened so suddenly.”

Lacey nodded solemnly, and the conversation lulled. It was a lot to process, my heart and mind still racing to catch up. I studied the different groups in the room and was surprised by how young everyone was.

“So are you here with your family?”

“No, they’re at home. I attend the local university and help the Order. In fact, most of us do the same. We study during the day and take shifts protecting the portal.”

“That explains why I don’t see many older adults.” I ignored the way my stomach released an almighty gurgle.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are some here. Most of them are out on patrol, others have left to check on other sites. Noah is the leader here, and if he needs additional back up, he’ll call for it.”

“Well, something tells me he better get on the phone and start asking,” I murmured.

“I agree.” A new voice interrupted, and I flushed with embarrassment at being caught by Noah. Standing beside him was Liam and he winked as he placed a sandwich, apple, and bottle of water in front of me.

“It’s not much, but it’s something,” Liam offered and turned the neighboring chair around so he could straddle it. “What are we talking about?”

I kept my eye on Noah as he joined us, a tired expression on his face. He had dark, heavy bags under his eye making him appear a lot older than he was. He raked his fingers through his sandy brown hair and looked at Lacey and me. “What's everyone is discussing—the Fae and what we need to do to stop them. Am I correct?”

We both nodded.

“Bri believes we’ll need to bring in reinforcements,” Lacey commented, taking a bite of her sandwich. “Do you think so?”

I peeled back the plastic wrapper for my meal and the smell turned my stomach. Whether it was nerves, exhaustion, or prepackaged food, I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. I played with the bottle in my hand, interested in the answer.

“I’m still trying to get a good grasp on the situation. As each patrol returns with new information, I’ll be able to make the needed decision. I don’t think we’ll be able to fully recover the headquarters just yet. They caught us by surprise, and it may take this conflict being resolved before we can return. For right now, I need to know how bad it is, and report it to Ruth.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but have you been out there? It’s bad, and it’s only going to get worse,” I interrupted. I picked up my apple and took a tentative bite. “I’m not sure where you all were when things turned all apocalyptic-like, but from where I was standing, it was pure mayhem and it’s only going to spread. I’m sure my grandmother would agree in sending help.”

“I have no doubt. The problem is this is becoming a worldwide issue. When I was on the phone with her moments ago, she was still getting news from headquarters around the world—some able to hold their ground against the threat and others captured. This is unlike anything we’ve seen—at least in my lifetime. No amount of training could prepare us, we need to stick with protocol,” Noah explained. “We patrol, do recon, and report what we learn.”

“Is she coming here?” The thought of seeing her sent a flare of hope through me.

“Eventually, but the concern is with her being the leader of the Order, she’s a target. She wants to be out there helping everyone, but the majority of us want her to remain in Scotland. At least until we know who we’re dealing with and where the attack is centralized.” I nodded at Noah’s words, seeing the sense in them. Many war strategies involved seizing control of the enemy’s strongest member. In this case, it was definitely my grandmother.

“Does anyone know that? Has there been any demands made? A request to meet?” I looked around the table. “Sorry, I don’t know how these things work. This is my first attempt at participating in world domination.” My humor was weak, but it caused everyone to chuckle.

“So far, no one has come forward and claimed responsibility for this. As a rule, Ruth keeps on speaking terms with the Queen and a treaty is upheld. But it doesn’t take into account any factions that may try to usurp authority on that side. As of this morning, no message had crossed the portal.” Noah drummed his fingers on the table and reclined in his chair.

“We can’t wait that long. People are being killed,” I added.

“That’s why we’re gathering information and fighting the best we can. We just need to know exactly what we’re dealing with.” Noah let out a breath of frustration.

I closed my eyes, my head beginning to pound—so much happening all at once, too much to process. Images flashed behind my lids as I recounted the recent events and I dropped my apple when one came into focus.

“You’ve seen this General in person. What can you tell us about him?” Liam inquired. I tried ridding my mind of the evil I’d seen in the older Fae’s eyes so I could speak—a chill replacing the shudder that settled deep into my bones.

“Quinn and I were at the theatre when all hell broke loose. We managed to get outside and I noticed two strangers watching the streets. Quinn wasn’t affected then so we pretended to be swept up in the heat of the moment, eavesdropping. One of the men called the other General.” I went to take another mouthful of apple, but couldn’t bring myself to do it. The idea of eating was completely repulsive, the sweet taste already bitter on my tongue.

“Do you think you could give a description of what he looked like? I can have my people scour the streets for him and I’m sure Ruth will recognize it as well. Do you remember what he said?”

I took a deep breath and relayed it all, not pausing, even when Lacey let out a gasp of horror.

“He might be basing his operations here.” Noah commented.

“Damn,” Liam muttered.

“We’ll need to call those reinforcements now. We’re not equipped for a full army force attack.” Lacey’s tone was dripping with fear.

Noah reached for his phone, but before he could dial, it started to ring. He stood from the table, moving to where he could have more privacy, and left us in complete silence—stunned.

“I knew it was bad, but this is . . .” Liam couldn’t continue.

“Serious. Very serious,” I finished.

My own phone vibrated and I ignored it. I wasn’t in the mood for any of Quinn’s taunts. I’d had about all I could take. I kept my attention on Noah.

He had his back to the group, but judging from his body language, he was deep in conversation. With his right hand up by his ear, his left was punctuating his words. His posture was tense, shoulders hunched, and when he ended the call, he didn’t move. His ringtone rang again, and my heart hurt for him. I couldn’t imagine the pressure he was under.

Something must have changed because Noah suddenly turned on his heel and returned to the table with a smile.

“The recon group I posted at the grove witnessed someone matching the General’s description arriving and it looks like a meeting is being assembled. They called in for back up,” Noah informed. “Liam and Lacey, go grab Marshall and James and head over there. Watch for anything that may be helpful and if you can get close enough to listen without compromising yourselves, do it.”

“Can I go?” I asked. “I want to help and sitting here staring at four walls will only drive me crazy. I’ve seen the General—I can help spot him quicker.”

Liam started to speak, but was quickly quieted by Noah’s raised hands. “Okay. Stick close to the others and no wandering off.”

“She’s the granddaughter of the High Priestess, Noah. She needs to be protected, and she has no training.” Liam blurted out. His eyes were wide with surprise over his leader’s decision.

“True, but from your accounts, she knows how to hold her own. Plus she’s the only one who can give a positive ID. I trust you’ll keep her safe, Liam. Any sign of danger, leave. This is for observation only.”

Lacey tugged on my arm. “We’ll need to give you some weapons in case there’s trouble.” I looked at her curiously and she tapped the side of her leg. Strapped there in a holster was a small device I hadn’t seen before. “It’s a Taser,” she whispered, and I nodded.

Another hand touched me, and I turned to Noah squeezing my shoulder. “Any other time and I wouldn’t let you go out there. Just please be careful and if you’re told to run, you run.”

We received a few more instructions before leaving the makeshift kitchen. Walking behind Lacey and Liam, the air was filled with tension—the lightness of the earlier mood evaporated.

I stood still as Liam strapped a Taser at my hip. I tried telling him I’d never used it before, but one look at the concentrated focus in his eyes and I shut my mouth. Lacey gave me a quick demonstration with her own device while Liam checked his own personal arsenal.

We moved with stealth down the stairs, joined by James and Marshall who appeared from nowhere. We had purpose—a team—and for the first time since this started, I felt I was part of something—the solution.

“Damn,” Marshall uttered. I turned and saw a struggle underway. Two guys were desperately trying to control the angry outbursts of another, fists and feet flying as the man being contained tried to break free. Marshall left, racing toward them and in a quick move, cocked back his hand and punched the aggressor. There was a loud grunt as the body rose in the air before crumpling to the ground, knocked out.

“What just happened? Why was that person here?” I asked, shock causing adrenaline to pump through my system.

“Poor Marshall,” Lacey murmured.

“Why? Does he know him?” I looked about, needing answers.

“That was Marshall’s brother, Thomas,” James sighed. “Let me see if he needs help. Liam, go ahead without us and we’ll catch up with you, okay?” He didn’t wait for a response, quickly jogging over to his friend who knelt beside the still body. His head was in his hands, and the others were patting his back in sympathy.

“Should we go over?” I didn’t know what to do.

“No, we’re needed elsewhere. Thomas will be okay. They’ll keep him restrained until he’s back to normal.” Lacey started following after Liam. “Something must’ve happened to his Fae protection. They’ll get it sorted out.”

“So you’re able to hold people here?” A flicker of hope emerged.

“If needed. There are also extra rooms for interrogation. Noah made sure we set everything up similar to our headquarters.”

I didn’t ask anything else, racing to catch up with Liam. Whether she knew what she’d done, this little tidbit had sparked an idea—a possibility if things grew too dire with Quinn. I wasn’t keen on the option, but if it kept him from being a danger to himself, me, and others, I’d be the one that tightened the straps.

“Ready?” Liam’s question broke into my thoughts.

“Ready,” Lacey and I replied in unison.

Chapter Twenty

The grove’s location surprised me. The Penshurst Botanical Gardens were a popular recreational place for families and the perfect relaxation destination for those wanting a break from the world. There had been countless times Quinn and I packed up a picnic basket and spent a lazy Sunday afternoon reclined on a blanket, reading and talking. I’d never have guessed it was also a crossover site for supernatural beings.

We approached the entrance with caution, careful to keep out of sight. Apart from the few squirmishes we’d encountered on the way over, the streets had been relevantly quiet. It gave off an eerie feel, a sensation that didn’t sit well with any of us.

“Where is everyone?” Lacey whispered. “I don’t like this. I expected to see more people—more fighting and disturbances.”

I nodded, looking back down the street from where we’d just come. “Me too. It was complete chaos earlier, and now it’s almost like a ghost town.” I rubbed the sides of my arms, a sudden chill pulsing.

“I think they’re starting to spread out into the neighboring suburbs. Noah mentioned he was getting reports of riots in Clarefield and Huntersville. It makes sense. My question is where are the bodies?”