Soul Mates: Scent (The Soul Mates Series) (26 page)

“Oui, mon amour? I am here.” Anna said smiling as she emerged from the ramp with Daire, Auberon and Tatiana.

“Shit Tony, don’t do that to me!” I shouted at Tony as punched his shoulder.

“Sorry dude, didn’t mean to. I didn’t see her and got worried.”

I grabbed Anna and pulled her into a hug, sinking my face into her hair. Those few seconds of thinking Freddy had somehow gotten to her had ripped me up more than Freddy’s claws had. “
Je
vous
aime
plus
que
la
vie
qu'il
est
moi
,” I whispered into her hair.

“I love you too, mon amour. You must be upset, you are speaking in French again,” Anna smiled softly.

I smiled, “No, I’m not upset. However I am determined to keep you safe and in that vein, Auberon, my King, I would like a word if you have a moment,” I asked with an obsequious tilt of my head.

Auberon looked at me curiously and smiled. “Of course Max, my time is yours, now if you like. Cole, Daire, escort Consort Anna to Max’s vehicle and await him there. Do not leave Consort Anna unattended.”

I kissed Anna softly and allowed her to be escorted off by the two Fae warriors. Most of the crowd had left the stadium, my parents and grandparents were heading down to the field to see what was going on, why I was standing on the side of the field with Auberon of all people I was sure was on their list of questions I did not want to answer.

“Well Max?”

I turned back to Auberon as my father approached. I knew he was not going to like or approve of what I was about to ask, but I didn’t care. “Auberon, would a room be available for Anna and I to stay in indefinitely until things with Frederick are taken care of? The Faerie Mound is the safest place I can think of to protect her.”

“Max, you are my great grandson, you are always welcome in Faerie. Your room will always be your room. Yours and your Consort’s for whenever you wish to use it, which I hope will be often and not just when you are in trouble,” Auberon said laying his hand on my shoulder. “That was a brilliant work of glamour you managed to pull off, are you sure you will not take the Fae throne?”

I smiled. “Thank you, and yes, I’m positive.”

“Max, what the heck was going on down there tonight? It was like your mother and I were watching two different games! And why are Auberon and Tatiana here?”

“Dad, well…”

“And what was that business with you stabbing that boy? You could have killed him Max! What were you thinking? Why didn’t that Ref send the medic out? You boys were playing very rough tonight! Half of the team didn’t even look like themselves!”

“Dad!” I shouted at him to get him to stop talking. “Those were shifters out there, not kids. I had to glamour the crowd to make it look like a normal football game, so the Ref’s were glamoured too. The shifter you saw me stab was Frederick, the lion that is trying to kill me and take Anna.”

“And Auberon?”

“Auberon is here because I asked him to be here. For two reasons really. One, I really like him and we have become friends. Two because I asked him to watch over Anna while I couldn’t.”

“And what was that about you staying at the Faerie Mound? You have a perfectly fine room Max.”

“Dad, I hate to break it to you, but my room is not charmed to keep out lions that want in. Anna and I will be staying at the Faerie Mound until I figure out if Frederick has gone home or if he is still going to come after me.”

“Surely not after you nearly ripped his guts out!”

“I don’t know dad, I don’t think he gives up that easily.”

“And should you really be talking about all of this in front of Tony?”

“Give me a break dad. Tony is my best friend, he knows everything, besides, and he can see the Fae.”

Tony nodded. “Hey Mr. Fergus.”

“You are welcome to come to the Faerie Mound too Alan, anytime. You and your Consort Olivia, and Princess Abbey. I would very much enjoy getting to know all of you.”

Dad eyed Auberon suspiciously and I didn’t blame him. I knew Auberon had an ulterior motive. He wanted Abbey to take on the throne when she got older. If she could be trained and had the powers to hold it. If she was anything like me, she was destined to be the Faerie Queen. I didn’t think Dad should make that choice for Abbey, just as I didn’t think Auberon should make it for her. It should be Abbey’s choice, so I hoped dad would take Auberon up on his offer of a visit.

“I’ll think about it.”

Auberon nodded. “Max, I shall see you and your Consort at the Mound. I will leave Daire and Cole with you just in case you have need of them.”

“That could be a problem with the Vette, it’s a two seater.”

“Take my car, Max, I’ll follow you in the Vette.” Tony tossed me his keys.

“Okay, sounds good.”

“Max, be careful,” my dad called.

“I will dad.”

Tony and I walked to the cars, I could see Anna waiting with Cole and Daire and I felt calm. I really wanted to put her in the Vette and just take off, go cruising at high speeds feeling the rush of wind as Muse blasted on the stereo and we laughed and played together. But I knew it wasn’t practical, or smart.

Mon
amour,
I
too
look
forward
to
the
day
we
can
be
free
and
relax
together,
but
you
are
right,
tonight
is
not
the
time.
Anna smiled her sweet sexy little smile that made my heart flip.

One
day
soon,
sweetheart,
it
will
be
just
you
and
me
and
I
am
very
much
looking
forward
to
it.
I swallowed hard, tamping down the desire I felt for her. I smiled ruefully at her, knowing she knew exactly how I felt.

“Are you sure you don’t want to take Anna and head over to the Sonic with the rest of the team? You know they will be wondering where you are,” Tony said startling me.

I shook my head as his words registered in my brain. “Tones, did you just play in the same football game I did? Cause you know that was just an appetizer right? Frederick isn’t giving up. I may have warned him, threatened him even, but he’s not going to give up. He’ll come back harder and stronger. And probably sooner than I think. I just want to get Anna to a safe place, get some rest, relax for a bit before I have to go back out and fight to the death.”

“Sorry, dude. You’re right, I was having a high school moment.” Tony grinned.

I barked a laugh. “Tones, thanks man.”

“No problem, I live to serve as your entertainment,” Tony laughed with me.

“Guys we’re taking Tony’s car. He’s gonna drive the Vette for me.” I took Anna’s hand and relished the feel of her skin close to mine. She seemed to send a charge through me, and electric current that heated me up and made me burn for her. I gazed into her eyes and I could see the passion rising in her as well. Seeing it sent a secret little thrill through me.

I
cannot
wait
to
get
you
alone
and
just
show
you
how
much
I
love
you.
I told her.

Anna grinned and moved closer to me, slipping her arm around my waist.
I
look
forward
to
it,
mon
amour.

As I opened the door to Tony’s car for Anna and helped her slide in, I over heard Daire and Cole arguing about the Vette. It took me only a moment to pick up the thread of their conversation.

“See, I told you there was no way he would magically change the Vette so we could ride in it!” Cole smirked.

“I’m shocked and appalled that the thought even entered your mind Daire!” I laughed.

We all climbed into Tony’s car and headed toward the park with Tony following in the Vette.

As we drove I began to feel uneasy, I couldn’t put my finger on what was wrong, but there was something I was missing. I glanced over at Anna and she smiled at me. I didn’t want her to know how worried I was, but it was difficult hiding my thoughts from her. I pressed a little harder on the gas.

Soon we pulled into the parking lot at the park. I grabbed Anna’s hand, pulled her across the seat and ran with her to the door of the Faerie Mound. Feeling all the while as if someone were right on our heels, something more sinister than Frederick, something Unseelie that turned my stomach.

“Max, what’s wrong?”

“Go Anna, get inside, quickly, there is little time, I’ll explain later. Tell Auberon to send warriors out here now!” I said to the Fae at the door.

I waited long enough for him to get the door open and I pushed Anna in. “I love you!” I shouted and pulled the door closed before running back to the parking lot where Daire and Cole were starring up at the sky watchful. I put my hands on my swords and waited.

Tony pulled up in the Vette and jumped out. “Dude did you see it?”

“What did you see?”

“It was a big winged thing, massive, dude!”

“Was it headed here?”

“Dude, can’t you see it?” Tony stared at us. “It’s perched in that tree about five yards away!” Tony pointed into a grove of trees and we turned to stare up into them, swords drawn.

“Tony, stay here.”

I followed Daire and Cole into the grove toward the Unseelie creature. As we came closer it lowered itself to the ground, but did not attack.

“What do you want here?” Daire asked.

The Unseelie stared at us for a moment more then smiled. It’s sharp crooked teeth looked threatening and sinister. “Ah, I see the King has found an heir,” it said nodding in my direction.

“What makes you say that?”

“You carry Veritas and I believe you must have Aequitas on you as well, though it speaks well that you pull truth first and wait for justice until it is needed.”

“You seem to know quite a bit about me, who are you?”

“A messenger, of sorts.”

“Care to elaborate?” I asked holding Veritas out in front of me.

Mon amour, is everything alright? You seem nervous…

I am fine for now, sweetheart. I’ll be in shortly.

“If I must,” the creature grinned. “I come with a message from the Queen of Air and Darkness for the new heir.”

“Well, let’s hear it,” I answered.

“My Prince it is not wise to accept messages…” Cole said softly.

“I understand Cole. This creature wishes to give the heir of Veritas and Aequitas a message from the Queen of Air and Darkness, isn’t that correct?” I said looking at the creature.

“It is as he says, the heir.”

“And did I or did I not inherit Veritas and Aequitas from my great grandfather Auberon King of Light and Illusion?”

“You did, my Prince,” Cole replied with a humble nod. “Forgive me for thinking I knew better than you my Prince.”

“Your message?”

The creature grinned sinisterly. “The Queen of Air and Darkness sends her regards as well as this message. Stay out of her way, and if anymore half breeds are born, raise them yourselves. The maiden will no longer be picking up Seelie bastards in Never Never.”

“I see. Well, in that case give the Queen and Póg Tocsaineach our regards as well. And as far as her demands, we shall have to see, I make no promises.”

The creature snarled and spread it’s wings. “I will relay your regards and message,” it said before springing into the air and disappearing.

“Do you think that was wise my Prince?” Daire asked as I slide Veritas back into place.

“What, making an enemy of the Queen? Daire, she was never going to be my friend. We slaughtered the maiden’s guards together. Is there a chance in hell that she is going to forgive that? No, I don’t think so. And the longer she believes I am the heir, the longer she will leave my sister alone. Understand?”

“But your sister hasn’t officially become the heir either…”

“Give it time, Auberon will have his way. I just want him to allow Abbey to chose. If I wasn’t already destined to lead the Felidae, you know I would take Auberon up on his offer.”

“How do you know you are making the right choice?”

I paused for a moment to reflect on his question. “Because it feels right. It is what I need to do. It is who I am.”

I strode through the Faerie Mound door with Daire and Cole close on my heels, warriors were gathered all around us, wondering where the attack was coming from.

“False alarm,” Daire said as we made our way down the hall to meet with Auberon. “Go back to your posts.”

Tony had left a few moments before, knowing I couldn’t let him into the Mound without Auberon’s permission and I was not about to ask after all he had done for me today. He was going to go by the Sonic and make sure everyone was okay and telling the same game stories. Not that I was worried, my glamour was pretty strong and I had a feeling they would be talking about this game for a while.

I’d made Steve the hero of the game. I don’t know why. Okay maybe I did. He’d been my friend for years. He was always second fiddle to me because of my Fae blood, even if I hadn’t known it at the time, I knew it now. Now, after a month in Faerie and nearly getting killed, well I just wanted him to be happy. And maybe he and Jenny would hook up for real, who knew? We would never truly be friends again and I regretted that, but at the same time I knew I had out grown him. I’d out grown most of my friends. All of them except perhaps Tony.