Toil and Trouble (15 page)

“I don’t want your explanations, dammit,” he said and his face contorted with ire. “It’s bad enough I had to witness you kissing Sinjin.”

Kissing Sinjin? Then I remembered…the kiss that Sinjin had stolen from me. “Clearly you didn’t stay to see the denouement,” I said, annoyed but relieved at the same time.

He snapped, “And tell me why, in my right mind, should I have wanted to see more?”

“Because you would’ve seen me push him away and leave.”

He shook his head and walked back to his desk, feigning interest in his papers again. “Your relationship with Sinjin is between you two but I would have appreciated it if you could have been a bit more delicate where I was concerned.”

“You can really be a dumbass sometimes, Rand.”

His jaw clenched and his hands fisted. “You can show yourself out.”

“Sinjin kissed me, I didn’t kiss him. And if you’d spied a bit longer, you would’ve realized that.”

“Whatever happens between you two is none of my concern.”

“Don’t give me that crap,” I snapped and obstructed his view of his precious papers by landing my palms on the top of his desk.

Rand’s eyes narrowed. “What were you doing in the rose garden with him in the first place?”

Hmm, so he hadn’t seen us training? This was the best news yet—an inconsequential kiss I could explain but battle training was beyond explanation. And as to what we were doing in the rose garden—I’d have to lie. It was my only resort now that he’d backed me into a corner.

“I wanted some alone time and he followed me.” I riveted my eyes to his and tried to play poker face. Hopefully it worked. Rand didn’t respond and his silence irritated me more than his false accusations had.

“What does it matter to you anyway? You clearly aren’t interested in me. You said so yourself.” It hurt to say it out loud.

“Don’t put words in my mouth.”

“You fought the bond,” I insisted, playing a card I really shouldn’t have. I mean, I knew we weren’t ready to bond and I’d been relieved just as much as he had that we hadn’t gone through with it. But, it was the only card I had, so I played it.

“I wasn’t prepared to bond with you now, before this war. As to the future, I said I was undecided.”

Okay, he had me there. Though, “undecided” usually meant “uninterested” in my experience. “So, you saw me with Sinjin and decided to spy on us? How noble,” I started. “What were you doing spying on me anyway?”

“I wasn’t spying,” he said, angrily. “I just wanted to know where the hell you were when I couldn’t find you in the house.”

“So, all this time you’ve been avoiding me was completely unnecessary because you could have just asked.”

He stood up. “What would I have asked, Jolie?”

I shook my head. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe: hey, are you and Sinjin dating? Or if that’s too big a mouthful, how about—what’s up with you and Sinjin?” I sighed. I was so tired of arguing with him. Maybe it was just time to give up?

“I didn’t think it my place to interfere.”

“So, instead, you ignore me and act like a total asshole.” I shook my head. “Sometimes you infuriate me.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I could say the same of you.”

“Well, good thing we aren’t dating.”

“Jolie,” he started.

“I’m sorry you saw Sinjin kiss me but it wasn’t what you thought.”

He exhaled and dropped his gaze to his hands. “I understand.” He paused and glanced up at me again. “And I apologize for jumping to conclusions.”

I had to stifle my surprise. I was prepared for a stronger defense so I was slightly taken aback by his apology. Some of the fury began to dissipate and I exhaled the rest. “Truce?” I offered and extended my hand, with the hint of a smile.

He studied my hand for a second or two and then shook it, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “Truce.”

“Next time you catch someone kissing me, why don’t you ask me about it before avoiding me like the plague?”

He nodded. “I hope there won’t be a next time.”

I cocked my head. “Probably not considering I’ve sworn off men.”

“Sworn off men?” he repeated. “And why is that?”

“Because I’m tired of being disappointed when they don’t live up to my expectations.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry to hear that, Jolie and where I’m concerned, I hope you will change your mind.”

I didn’t know what to make of that so didn’t make anything of it at all. Instead, I stood up and yawned. This conversation had taken everything out of me.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” I said and started for the door.

“I mean it, Jolie, I hope you change your mind about giving up on men…on me.”

“Until I’m given a reason, I don’t see why I should change my mind,” I said and rested my hand on the doorknob.

“Duly noted,” he offered with a self-assured smile.

I just shook my head and left.

* * *

“Jolie!” It was Christa, screaming my name.

I tore out of my bedroom with my heart pounding. Screaming is never a good thing. She panted at the bottom of the stairs, holding the banister to steady herself.

“Chris, are you okay?” I demanded.

She nodded. “You’ve gotta come now. Rand and Sinjin are fighting.”

“What?!” I yelled, nearly tripping down the stairs in my haste. “Where are they?”

“Outside,” she croaked hoarsely, as we raced across the grass and headed for the sparring fields.

“What happened?” I yelled to her.

She shook her head, out of breath but resolving to keep up with me, impelled herself forward. “They were practicing…like normal.” Huff. Huff. “Then, Rand just came out of the blue and sucker-punched Sinjin, Jules. It was like Rand went crazy—like he went psycho or something!”

“What the hell is wrong with him?” I asked, dawning realization suddenly making my heart plummet. This had to be about the kiss between Sinjin and me.

Christa started panting again and grabbed my arm. “How the hell are you running so fast?”

Damn, Sinjin’s vampire strength had almost betrayed me again. I’d have to be more careful. I slowed down to a jog and glanced back at her.

“Just drank a Red Bull.” Did they even sell Red Bull in the U.K.? Hopefully Christa wouldn’t know.

We made it to the crest of the hill. Just below us, I could see our entire legion forming an audience around Rand and Sinjin, who were raining blows on one another.

“Oh my God, they are such assholes,” I said as I caught Rand throwing a punch which Sinjin dodged by dematerializing. Not wanting to observe any more of this lunacy, I pushed through the throng of spectators until Rand and Sinjin were directly in front of me.

“What the hell is wrong with you both?” I screamed, but neither paid me the slightest attention. Instead, Sinjin thrust Rand’s chest violently which sent him flying until Rand magically stopped himself in midair. He simply landed on his feet and ferociously charged Sinjin. Rand’s strength could easily be compared to Sinjin’s, so this was a fight that would last all night... Something I had no interest in waiting around for.

“I hope you have something better than that, you boffin,” Sinjin taunted.

The only other time I’d ever seen Sinjin this angry was when Ryder had nearly raped me. Sinjin had a vehemence that was terrifying and now that vehemence was aimed at Rand. Rand feigned as if he would charge Sinjin, but at the last minute, jumped to the side of him and hammered a blow right into Sinjin’s temple. It sent the vampire toppling to the ground.

“Rand! Stop!” I screamed.

He ignored me and leapt onto Sinjin. He pummeled another blow to Sinjin’s head, while Sinjin used both hands to pry him off and sent Rand helplessly into the onlookers, who weren’t making any motion to disrupt the fight. Men…

“There goes your bet on Rand.” It was Trent and he nudged the were standing next to him, who just snickered.

“You’re sick,” I said, shaking my head. What had I ever seen in him? God, he was such a dick.

Rand climbed back up but didn’t make any motion to attack Sinjin. Sinjin stood up, ready for more action, although his footing was slightly unbalanced. He brushed himself off, his smile revealing fangs on his handsome face. Debris littered his clothing and his hair was disheveled but other than that, he was just as sexy as ever.

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, Randall.”

Rand took two steps nearer Sinjin and I could see his chest rising and falling. He was exhausted. “I warned you to keep away from Jolie, you bastard,” Rand said.

Great, the fight was about me. Sensing my opportunity to intervene, I grabbed Rand’s arm, pulling him backwards. My strength was such that he couldn’t help but take notice. I really wasn’t able to disguise it very well.

“Have you lost your freaking mind?” I screamed and stepped in front of Rand and positioned myself between the two opponents, hoping they wouldn’t attack one another with me in the middle. I grabbed Rand’s upper arm.

“My mind?” Rand repeated and glared at Sinjin. “I’m not the one who took advantage of you!”

So, it was about the kiss. Great. “Why couldn’t you just leave it alone, Rand?” I demanded. “I can take care of myself.”

Sinjin’s expression was hard to read—maybe it was one of betrayal. He didn’t make any motion to attack Rand, though, so at least that was over or so I hoped.

“Poppet, you told him of our kiss?”

I suddenly felt sick, especially because my private life was being broadcasted in front of everyone. I really didn’t want to be in the middle of this. “He saw it,” I corrected.

“If you thought I had acted inappropriately, you should have said so yourself. Not sent this todger to tell me.”

Rand resisted my hold as if to punch Sinjin and I pushed against his chest, forcing him to stop. “I was handling it myself,” I yelled, glaring at Rand. “It was none of your business!”

He frowned and pulled away from me, all his fury now aimed at me. “Then why did you tell me?”

“Because you were acting like a jealous idiot, that’s why!”

Sinjin chuckled and Rand pushed me to the side, lunging for him. Sinjin punched him in the stomach and Rand doubled over, collapsing painfully on the ground. I kneeled down and placed my hands over Rand’s stomach, imagining his pain draining away into the damp ground. Once Rand could breathe a little easier, I glanced up at Sinjin.

“And you’re no better!”

“He attacked me, Poppet, I had nothing to do with this.”

I stood up and pushed Sinjin away, not wanting him anywhere near Rand. Sinjin grabbed my upper arms and pulled me into his broad chest as I struggled to release myself. But, Sinjin was like trying to release yourself from manacles.

“Randall, you aren’t man enough for her,” Sinjin snickered.

“Let go of me!” I seethed, glaring up at him.

He ignored me, his ire aimed at Rand.

“If you don’t let go of her, you’ll regret it,” Rand said in a low voice, approaching us cautiously.

Sinjin just laughed. “When I am given the chance to warm her bed, I will not fail her as you did.”

I forced myself from Sinjin’s grip, anger welling up inside me until I wanted to burst. Of all the rotten, horrible things with which to belittle Rand, he’d chosen the one subject that would cut any man down. The subject of failing a woman in bed.

“You asshole!” I spat and backhanded Sinjin across the face. He stumbled back, his hand on his cheek.

But, I didn’t care about Sinjin at that moment. Frantic, I faced Rand. He was pale, his breathing harsh—he looked shell shocked. He paused a moment or two before turning around and walking back up the hill, his pride shattered, lying in fragments at my feet.

Eleven

“Rand!” I yelled after his retreating figure.

The sound of a door slamming echoed through the house. I ran the distance separating me from Rand’s closed door but before I could reach it, I bounced off an invisible barrier he’d magicked outside. I pushed against the rubbery blockade but it just undulated like jelly. There was no way I was getting through it. Thinking I could break it with my own magic, I sent a bolt of electricity through my fingers but the energy just sizzled futilely against the invisible barrier, emitting plumes of white smoke that danced like ghosts. Dammit!

“Rand, just let me explain!” I yelled, my voice desperate.

No response. He was pissed, that was for sure. I could practically feel his anger through the door. And I couldn’t blame him. It had definitely looked like I’d blabbed about our bedroom issues to the one person he most disliked and distrusted. But in all fairness, I hadn’t been in my right mind at the time, hallucinating on Sinjin’s blood. I wasn’t going to let myself off easy though. This was my fault.

Rand, please just talk to me
, I thought, hoping he might be willing to communicate telepathically.

Nothing.

Please don’t ignore me!

After another few minutes, it was pretty clear I was on his shit list. With a defeated sigh, I turned around and took the five steps to my bedroom, feeling like my chest was caving in on itself. Closing the door behind me, I collapsed on my bed.

I couldn’t keep the tears at bay as I realized the weight of the situation. I’d royally screwed up. It seemed like no matter what, nothing was ever easy between Rand and me. There was always some force working to keep us apart—most recently there was the bonding situation as well as the war. And, as if those weren’t enough, I had to go and spill my guts to Sinjin.

God, I’d had enough. Even though this most recent event was my fault, it pushed me past my ability to cope. My resolution to leave this lifestyle behind me was now stronger than it ever had been. I just couldn’t take it anymore. Every time I started to think I could make things work with Rand, something else happened that pushed me farther and farther down the line of wanting to retreat and lick my wounds.

I laid back on my bed and curled into a ball. But, if I were to take off, what would I do and where would I go? Although I wasn’t sure, at this point, I didn’t really care. All I knew was the need to escape was stifling. If we defeated Bella and the U.S. was deemed safe, I’d probably just move back there and hopefully leave this whole mess behind me.

And to all those people who say you can’t run away from your problems? I’d say to them: just watch me.

A knock sounded on the door and I stumbled from the bed, relief tickling my stomach where previously nausea had been tenant. God, I hoped Rand had decided to give me another chance... Granted, he was stubborn but hopefully he’d realized that in a matter of days, we’d say farewell and who knew what would happen?

I pulled the door open, mentally rehearsing what I’d say to him but the sight of Sinjin dissolved the words right off my tongue. “You’re the last person I want to see right now,” I snapped, attempting to shut the door in his face.

“Jolie,” he started, wedging his hand between the door and the wall.

I turned around and glared at him. “What do you want?”

“I came to apologize.”

“It’s a little late for that.”

“May I come in?” It wasn’t like as a vampire he had to ask in order to gain entrance, he was just being polite. Or as polite as the jerkwad could be.

I felt like telling him to get lost when it occurred to me that he was asking of me the same thing I’d been asking of Rand—to be heard. Damn my conscience! I moved away from the door and sank onto my bed, nodding my okay to enter. He smiled appreciatively and closed the door behind him, approaching the foot of my bed. Since the fight with Rand, he’d changed his clothing and now looked as dapper as usual in black pants and a dark grey button-down shirt.

For one long moment he merely stared at me while the emotions within me fought for control—anger, hurt, compassion, forgiveness. This was Sinjin, a man who constantly charmed me with his smile and witty repartee and now? Now I felt as if he’d betrayed me. “You really can be an asshole sometimes, Sinjin,” I began. “Just when I thought you weren’t so bad and you might actually be a good guy, you had to go and mouth off.”

He nodded. “I should not have disrespected your trust in me and for that, I apologize.”

“So, why’d you do it then?”

He cocked his head. “The words came out of their own accord.”

“What a load of crap,” I said and folded my arms against my chest, trying to quell the ire that suddenly raged in me. “Do you really expect me to believe that? You knew exactly what you were doing and you did it to humiliate Rand.”

Sinjin gazed out my window as if outside it were raining O Positive. “Yes, that is so,” he offered and sighed with frustration, something I’d never observed in him before.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. “Wow, well now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, what a great apology, Sinjin.”

“I could not help it, Pet,” he said, his eyes finding mine again. “I wanted to hurt him.” His jaw was tight and his normally ice blue eyes radiated with a whitish glow. I had to talk myself out of being intimidated.

“Why? What has he ever done to you?”

He arched a brow. “He possesses your heart.”

“Oh my God,” I said and started to laugh at the idiocy of the whole situation. “This is all because you were jealous?” Hmm, why did a feel a moment of joy at his admittance?

“Am jealous, Love.”

“Well, that doesn’t make it okay,” I snapped. I’d never imagined two men fighting over me—that was something reserved for romance novels that make you envious of relationships that don’t exist. Well, now that I had two males fighting for my affections it wasn’t sexy nor exciting. Instead, it basically sucked.

He nodded. “I am aware of that, Pet.”

“And now he won’t talk to me.”

“He will come around.”

I shook my head. “I doubt it.” If Rand was anything, it was stubborn.

Sinjin smiled in that way of his, like he was aware of something I wasn’t and reached into his pants pocket. He produced a sealed envelope and tapped it against his fingers twice before handing it to me.

“I brought you a peace offering.”

“What is it?” I asked, making no motion to accept it.

“Flight details,” he answered simply.

“Flight details?”

“Yes, for Culloden.”

I quickly glanced at the door, hoping we didn’t have any visitors. Worried that someone might overhear us, I stood up and closed my eyes, imagining a sound-proof barricade surrounding the room. I tested my work by humming “do rey me” and blew the notes into the boundary. The notes could be heard on the air until they hit the barricade and immediately fizzled into nothing.

Sinjin cocked his head and smiled. “Impressive.”

“Tell me about the flight details,” I ordered.

“I imagined you had not already booked your flight since Randall announced only last eve what our itineraries would be.”

No, I hadn’t made any arrangements for myself and was trying to figure out a way to do so without piquing Rand’s interest. Now that problem was solved, or so it seemed. I reached for the envelope and opened it, reading the printed flight confirmation. Sinjin had routed me from Newcastle airport, which was a mere thirty minutes from Pelham Manor, to Aberdeen, Scotland.

“Is Aberdeen near the Clava Cairns?” I asked.

Sinjin shook his head. “Aberdeen is perhaps two hours from Inverness.”

“And Culloden is in Inverness?” I asked, thinking it sounded familiar.

“Yes,” Sinjin answered, his eyes roving over me like he was hungry.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“I apologize, Pet.”

I frowned and returned my attention to the printout. “So, I guess I’ll have to rent a car in Aberdeen,” I said, albeit none too happily.

“I thought we might ride together but before we broach that topic, have you considered what Randall will do should he encounter you at the airport or on the flight?”

“Of course,” I snapped. I hadn’t exactly planned my mode of transport to the battle but that didn’t mean I was totally unprepared. I could feel irritation bleeding into my eyes. “I’m magicking myself a new appearance so he won’t recognize me.”

“Very good,” Sinjin said and nodded. “I have been contemplating your situation as well, Love. I believe it best if you pose as my human.”

By his human he meant his blood bank. “Why?” I asked, scrutinizing him.

“If you appear as a stranger, Randall will not recognize you which offers the potential for problems.”

“There’s no way Rand could know all of our soldiers,” I argued, shrugging off his concern with a flick of my wrist.

Sinjin nodded and returned his attention to the window. I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell was out there that was so interesting. As far as I could see, there was nothing beyond the velvet black of night. He must have been avoiding eye contact with me.

“That is true but he also posesses a master list of identities. I learned that we are due to be charmed tomorrow eve in order to gain access to the fairy village in the Cairngorms.”

“What fairy village?” I asked, this information unbeknownst to me.

“We are to take refuge in a fae village, Pet, prior to the battle.”

“And how will Rand charm the vampires? I thought our magic didn’t work on you.”

Sinjin smiled. “It does not, Poppet. The undead will be supplied with keys.”

Fae keys are nothing like regular keys. I only had one experience with them and the key basically acted like a dog of the pointer persuasion. It led Rand, Christa and me to a tree, where it then lodged itself, granting us entrance into the fairy village where I’d first encountered Odran.

And without a fae key or Rand’s magical charm, I wouldn’t be getting anywhere near a fairy village anytime soon. Good thing I had Sinjin on my side, even though he was still in my bad books.

I nodded, thinking the pieces were beginning to fit. If I were Sinjin’s human, it would make total sense that Rand wouldn’t know me because he couldn’t be bothered with the vampires’ human luggage.

“That could work, then,” I said, chewing on my lip as I digested the information.

“In order to be successful, Love, you will have to act the part of my human,” Sinjin said, looking me up and down again. He must not have fed because he was entirely too interested in my body. I scowled at him, not wanting to give him any ideas. Just because I’d agreed to his plan didn’t change the fact that I was still pissed.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked.

“It means you must dismiss this anger towards me. My humans desire and fear me, Pet, they do not harbor anger against me.”

I refolded my arms across my chest, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny. And as to his humans desiring and fearing him—I wasn’t a normal human; I was a witch. “Well, I’m still mad at you, Sinjin,” I started. “And I’m not afraid of you.”

He chuckled. “You are aware I could kill you quite easily?”

I shrugged. “Actually, no I’m not. Ever since our sparring, I can hold my own.” He smiled lasciviously so I quickly changed the subject, lest he call me on my bluff. “I’m just agreeing to be your human because it makes the situation significantly easier on me. As far as I’m concerned, you’re still a jerk.”

He nodded and didn’t seem the least bit offended. “Then you will have to act well, Poppet, if you do not wish to draw attention to yourself.”

“I guess so.”

The blackness of night was now evaporating into a dark grey as night prepared to hand over its throne to day. “I must return shortly, Love, dawn is coming.”

“In two days, Christa and I are supposed to be boarding a plane for Australia. Our flight departs an hour before your flight to Aberdeen.”

The fading moonlight broke through the clouds, bathing Sinjin in milky white. I swallowed hard, not wanting to admit, even to myself, the fact that Sinjin was pretty damned hot.

“I will meet you at your departure gate,” he said. “Have you informed Christa of your intentions?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“And…”

“That’s for me to figure out and doesn’t involve you,” I interrupted. I’d have to charm Christa into boarding the Australia flight on her own, that’s all there was to it. And it wasn’t a reality that pleased me—influencing one’s best friend via the powers of witchcraft definitely wouldn’t win me any friendship awards.

“Very well,” Sinjin said quietly and started for the door before apparently remembering something and turning back around. “What of our sparring?”

I shrugged. “We have two days left before we leave for battle. I don’t think I need any more practice.”

He nodded. “You will drink from me prior to the battle. And you will need to double your dose.”

I nodded, thinking he made a good point. “We can plan for that at a later time.”