rogue shifter 06 - torn apart (23 page)

His gaze commanded my attention. "It was a mistake to give her the crown. Fae have suffered and many innocents have died because I was too softhearted, or perhaps too selfish to kill my sister and her followers. At the time I was not prepared to lead my people into war against their own kind, nor was I willing to risk the lives of my family. Charlie is in danger now because of what happened long ago."

"You had to protect Liam and Aedus. Plus, she's your twin sister. Believe me I understand sibling conflict."

He smiled at me for the first time since we'd entered the kitchen. "I suppose you do."

"And Charlie wouldn't exist."

"The rape..."

I shrugged and smiled. "Kennet has no power to hurt me anymore." But as I said it, I realized it wasn't true. The rape would always be the elephant in the room when I was with my son. And soon I'd be forced to see Kennet twice a year, the mere thought twisting my gut.

Caelen chose to say nothing so I blundered ahead. "Look, I understand the negotiating thing with Isaiah, but I need to be in the loop. I must have final say in what happens to my son. I've earned it." I lifted my chin and met his gaze full-on.

A slow smile crept across his face. "Until I met Lady Erin, I had no appreciation or understanding of other species, thinking that seelie fae were the strongest, smartest and bravest creatures ever created. My lovely human consort reins in my natural arrogance and grounds me with her love and her strength. It has been her greatest gift to me. That and Liam, of course." He broke into a grin. "Cheetah shapeshifters are no less courageous. I will endeavor to—keep you in the loop."

I laughed at his teasing tone. "And Isaiah?"

"Will train my nephew according to our agreement, which we will need to renegotiate at regular intervals. You will be present at all such discussions. That is the most I can concede at present."

It was more than I'd hoped for. "Thank you, Lord Caelen, for protecting Charlie and for answering my impertinent questions with a lovely tale of adventure and romance."

He laughed loudly, then met my eyes with a touch of curiosity. "You are so unexpected, Jacqueline."

I chuckled at his choice of words. "Isaiah says the same thing."

CHAPTER TWENTY

A week later, I was whisked back to the Demon Realm, much better prepared for the journey. In fact, during my daily summoning hour, I'd taken to dragging around a shoulder bag stuffed with necessary items not found in the DR. These included my fully charged mp3 player, ear buds, two books, (I was leaving one there), tea bags, a big jar of peanut butter, dark chocolate squares and those all important items, extra bras and panties. Although I didn't mind wearing the odd tunics and dresses, the undergarments in the DR left a lot to be desired. They were more like guy attire: gym shorts and sleeveless tees, and not made from comfortable fabrics either. Ugh. A good lingerie store would make a mint in the DR.

There was also a sealed letter from Kennet in my bag that had come that morning. I'd wanted to open it with Garrett, but I'd been flashed into the DR before he'd risen.

Isaiah squinted at me as I stood in the circle, looking at the large bag warily. I spoke first. "You get three wishes, but no wishing for more wishes."

" Hmmm. I could use a djinn right about now."

"Bad day?"

"Bad year, except for your sublime visits."

" I like that word. You may use it often."

"Bad? I thought I used that one a lot around you."

"Ha, ha." I scowled. "At least I don't start wars while I'm a guest in someone's home."

For three beats of my heart we stared at each other, neither one of us backing down."Do you ever want to leave that circle, because I could make myself comfortable in this chair right here." The usual throne appeared behind him. "Then I could have Stan bring my lunch and he and I could relax and listen to your ridiculous remarks for three or four hours without any problem."

I frowned. "Bully." He sat down. "Okay, you win. I'll behave."

"Oh, false one, you lie." He made spooky gestures with his hands.

I laughed. "I'll
try
to behave."

"Good, because I have work for you to do." He dragged his foot thru the salt, freeing me, then motioned for me to sit in a chair at the table that had just appeared in the corner of the room. He took the seat across from mine.

"You've brought supplies. Anything I like?" I pulled out the peanut butter and slid it across the table. "Crunchy peanut butter. For me?" I nodded. "This might take a few points off your penalty."

"My penalty?"

"Your punishment because of the oath-breaking summoning. I told you I wouldn't forget." He stuck his finger in the jar and then licked it clean. "Yum. You've lessened your punishment by 5%."

"C'mon. It's
crunchy
peanut butter."

"10 %."

"It's a name brand."

"5%" I shut up and waited. He smiled a satisfied smile. "10%. You're learning. What else?"

"Nothing else for you." I pulled the bag into my lap.

"Something in the bag is upsetting you. What did you bring? A picture of Charles or Garrett to moon over?" I shook my head but stayed quiet. "Slide it over here."

"It has nothing to do with you. It's personal."

"You won't be in top form if you're thinking about it, so show me and we'll deal with it now, whatever it is."

I shrugged and did what he asked. He took one look at the envelope and spit on the floor. Ew. I looked around for Stan, but he wasn't there to clean it up. I'd have to remember not to walk on that tile. "What does this asshole want?"

"It's probably about when he wants to meet with Charlie."

"You haven't opened it?"

"No. It came right before you summoned me."

"May I?" I nodded. He opened the envelope without tearing it, then read it aloud.

Jacqueline,

My queen will allow me to spend time with our son on the fifteenth of November, ten days after Samhain. Please meet me at dawn in the clearing where I battled and defeated Aedus. Bring Charles and any paraphernalia you deem necessary along with the dog and the pixie as per our discussion.

Do not bring weapons or any additional companions. That would null our agreement and I would be forced to take Charles to court immediately.

You will allow me to touch and speak to my son without constant interruption. I will not ask to be alone with him. I will not attempt to take him away from you, unless you break the rules we've agreed on. I will not hurt Charles or you or your companions physically or mentally during this visit or any subsequent visit of this type.

Our blood agreement is binding on both sides. I will allow all four of you to leave at sunset.

I wish for this first encounter to be peaceful, as I do all the ones to follow. When Charles reaches the age of majority, he will make his own decision regarding future visits.

Until November fifteenth,

Kennet, Seelie Lord of the Court of Queen Fionna.

My entire body had tensed to the cramping-up point. I took a breath, but still couldn't speak, afraid that I might start to rant angrily or worse, sob uncontrollably. Isaiah put the paper back in the envelope and scowled at me. "When he came you should have summoned me. I could have handled the arrogant asshole and you wouldn't have found yourself in this situation."

"I did summon you, and you almost took my head off. You still say you want to punish me for it."

"You only mentioned a dream, not Kennet." He shook his head in exasperation then began to pace. "He tells you not to bring weapons. You
are
a weapon. Our advantage is his ignorance of what a formidable weapon you've become."

"Our advantage? You won't be there. I can't attack him. If I try, he'll take Charlie to court." I leaned forehead against my fisted hands. "Shit. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone but Garrett, so I'm already in trouble."

"I forced you to give me the letter. I threatened torture. He'll understand." Isaiah read the letter once more. "It appears that your agreement is solid, meaning that all four of you are safe from his attack. However, I'm not a trusting soul. I'll teach you a few things that will come in handy, just in case he reneges."

I sighed, gazing out the enormous window behind Isaiah, lost in painful memories. The first time I'd spoken to Kennet was right before my duel with Antoine. He'd frightened me, because he'd torn through my shields so easily. Yet, I'd had no idea at the time how dangerous he really was. Now I knew, having experienced his power on a very personal level, yet I still had to serve my son up on a platter twice a year. Elbows on the table, I fisted my hands then leaned my forehead against them.

"Jacqueline," he snapped, bringing my attention back to the present. I should remember that Isaiah was a creature every bit as dangerous as Kennet. "Focus. This evening you'll work for me. Tomorrow, I'll help you with Kennet. Agreed?"

"Yes." I twisted my neck and rolled my shoulders, trying to loosen muscles tensed with worry. "Thank you."

"Did you have lunch?" I shook my head, expecting him to get angry. "Kitchen. Now." He disappeared and I followed through the lines.

Even though the letter had upset me, I still managed to eat half a plateful of some kind of pasta. I asked, "Where're your buddies? Still mad?" I leaned my elbow on the table and rested my chin against my knuckles.

"No, they've been called back to their king on a special assignment."

I played with the pasta, moving it around with my fork to form odd shapes. "So who cooked?" I looked up and he gave me a smirk. "Not you."

"The Food Channel shows I watch when I visit you come in handy."

"It's pretty good. But when did you cook it?"

"Just now." I looked at him like he was nuts. "It's called magic. You should try it sometime."

"Ha, ha, cheater. And I was gonna get you an apron like I got for Liam."

"If you ever give me such a gift I will add days to your penalty." I frowned and went back to my pasta, not wanting to think about what kind of punishment he'd dream up for me. Isaiah shook his head then conjured up a loaf of bread, cut a slice, and spread peanut butter across it. Swallowing down an enormous bite, he grinned and closed his eyes in culinary ecstasy.

When he noticed my sour expression, he said. "He won't hurt you again." I continued to fiddle with my food, not really eating. "I've decided. You'll bring me a treat from your world every month."

"What?"

"That's your punishment. It should be something I can't get here."

"Yeah, but you can conjure up anything with your magic."

"Not everything. Not something I don't know about."

"Food?"

"Sometimes but not always. If it pleases me, I'll reduce the penalty."

Suddenly the food tasted good again, so I swallowed down another yummy forkful, smiling for the first time since Isaiah read Kennet's letter. "So what's the job?"

"Are your cheetah and demon still in agreement?"

"They both want to help Charlie and they despise Kennet."

"Will they work with me?"

"I think so."

"Then tonight you'll attend a party. I'll be your escort."

I leaned forward, excited by the idea. "Who'll be there?" This was much more interesting than copying over notes.

"Political allies and enemies, including your sister."

"What? Bridgett?"

He dismissed my worried expression with a huff and a wave of his hand. "They'll never know it's you."

"Won't some of them be able to see past the glamour? You'll have to disguise my scent."

"I'm giving you the full treatment tonight. You'll look like Salina even to yourself, plus you'll smell like a werewolf. They'll never know, I promise. I want you to do a little circulating on your own, while you're there. I want accurate intelligence regarding the war or the army or anything else you feel is pertinent."

"But I can't understand your language."

"Plenty of guests will be speaking Fae or English. They like to show off. Just gravitate toward them."

"I'd rather stay away from Bridgett."

"That shouldn't be a problem. There will be many people there trying to get her attention."

My plate disappeared as I was about to take another bite. "Hey."

"We'll eat at the celebration."

"What's the occasion?"

"Bridgett has been made commander of Mother's forces."

TWENTY-ONE

Three hours later, I was not myself. Well, I
was
but the woman staring back at me in the mirror might have rivaled Miss USA in a beauty contest. He'd actually changed me physically this time, saying that it would be too much trouble to hold onto the illusionary glamour during the party. However, because of what Farrell had told me about needing to constantly fuel whatever magic had been conjured, I knew the truth. Holding onto this form would probably require even more magic.

My tumbling red waves, curvaceous figure, full lips and large golden-brown eyes, made my inner feminist growl in irritation. I figured he'd dress me in a low cut slinky dress, but the outfit he'd chosen had surprised me. I was attired in a tight black tunic with black leggings and high soft leather boots. There was also the usual dagger in a sheath at my waist attached to a red leather belt.

"Turn around." Isaiah was enjoying his creation from all angles. He swept his hand over my head and crystals decorated my hair, sparkling like Christmas glitter. My lips were a luscious shade of red and my eyes were adorned with long lashes, matched with smoky shades of shadow and liner. As disguises went, it was a good one, because the mirror on the wall reflected a female who was pretty much my opposite.

I faced him with my hands on my generous hips. "I guess I'm glad I don't have to wear a short dress in a body like this, but can you be any more obvious with all these curves? I might as well have 'trophy wife' plastered to my forehead."