Fire In The Darkness (Darkness Series #2) Page 5

  “So, if Aneira knows Kennedy’s a Druid, she will torture and kill her and she can't help you.”

  “Yes.”

  Bile coiled in my stomach, climbing up my throat. This was not much different from what the Queen wanted to do with me, but it felt so different hearing she would do this to Kennedy—sweet, compassionate, loving Kennedy. All I wanted to do was run to her and shield her from anything bad. She couldn’t handle this world and the darkness in it like I could. Kennedy had been adopted by a loving couple who shielded their daughters from the bad in the world. She had grown less naïve around Ryan and me, but she had such a pure heart. I couldn’t let anything happen to her.

  “What do we do then?” Panic curled around my vocal chords.

  “Until we are ready to bring her in she has to stay ignorant to everything. Your friends are being watched waiting for you to contact them. If anything changes, even in the slightest, they will notice. We can’t draw any attention to her.”

  “Why hasn’t Aneira felt her or heard about Kennedy before?” My hands were damp with sweat as they twisted around each other.

  “Kennedy has been well protected and her ignorance to what she is helps. You only sense magic if you are really looking for it and near someone who has it. Magic doesn't have a GPS on it. Plus, her magic is so dormant no one from afar would notice. I only noticed because I smelled something different about her. Fay have no real sense of smell; Dark Dwellers do. Also, I sensed something the first time I saw her in the car, when your friends came to pick you up at Silverwood.”

  I remembered the evening as well. Kennedy had gone into a trance-like state when she had first laid eyes on Eli. I had ignored it thinking it was because of how hot he was. Eli had sensed something about with her, but she had also sensed he was different.

  “The moment she is aware of what she is and starts using her magic, she will be recognized as a Druid by the Queen,” Cole added.

  My head and stomach ached; all I wanted to do was curl into a ball. When would these horrors stop coming? “So what is stopping you from getting her? You have another way out of here now. Since you think Earth is such a hell hole, I’m surprised you’re not jumping on that.”

  Eli’s eyes narrowed. “You’re friend’s life, as she knows it, would be over. She’d have to cut off all ties to her family and friends and leave everything and everyone she’s ever known. She'd have to go into hiding here. Is that what you want?”

  Indignation flew out of me, furling me with rage. “Of course not. I am just surprised you don't. Did you suddenly grow a soul or conscience?” Eli was in my face before I could even blink. A deep growl vibrated off him. Standing my ground I held his penetrating scowl.

  “Eli.” Cole stood, ready to step between us. “Back down.”

  It took Eli another minute before he actually took a step away from me. He still twitched with aggravation and looked like he really wanted to take me down. And I wasn’t sure if that was in the good or bad way.

  “Ember, we’ll talk more about this later. I think it's best if you leave. We all could use a break.” Cole’s hand herded me towards the door.

  Obliging his request, I stomped out of the room. My hot headedness dissolved with every step I took towards the infirmary cabin now serving as my bedroom. Kennedy. My stomach squeezed into a sick knot. Kennedy’s safety was all I could think of. The desire to call or go to her was difficult to ignore. I couldn’t, but the notion was still overbearing. Kennedy was a Druid. Holy shit. From my limited reading on Celtic mythology I recalled they were human. But each could live hundreds of years and cross over into the Otherworld as easily as Fae could. Originally Fae and Druids worked together in harmony. Obviously, the Queen had changed that relationship. Was Kennedy the last surviving Druid? Thoughts tossed around in my head like clothes in a dryer. Growing weary in both mind and body, I curled up on my bed. Some days you were the bitch and some days you were shit that came out of the bitch’s toy poodle. Today was one of those days I was the latter.

  My lids started to droop when I felt a hand slide softly through my hair. I sensed Eli behind me, but I wasn’t ready for him to know I was awake. He stood there a couple of more moments, his fingers twining themselves gently through my hair. Then he bent down, his lips next to my ear, “If you ever eavesdrop on us or challenge me again, I will personally chain you to this bed.”

  When I flipped over he was gone. It took me hours to finally fall back asleep.

  The cool mist of the descending water circled the air, forming clouds clinging desperately to the trees and rocks. The noise from the cascading waterfall was muted and not as forceful as I knew it was in person, but it could almost pass for reality. Almost. The place was so familiar, but it was not the place where Torin usually met me. This was not the enchanted Otherworld forest but the waterfall where Eli and I had spent time together. Where I told him about my mother. Where he had brought me after getting me out of jail. Where we had “almost” kissed. Why would Torin bring me here?

  “Ember?” A voice came from behind me. I whipped around. Torin stood before me.

  He stepped closer to me, his eyes moving over my body. “I’ve been so worried. I'm so relieved you got away from the dark Fae. I was too afraid to dreamscape in case you were running from them. I had hoped you would eventually contact me. Are you all right?”

  “I'm okay.” I nodded, not wanting to tell him who had saved me. I knew Torin’s animosity towards the Dark Dwellers, specifically Eli, was strong. “How is my dad? Is he okay?”

  “He is fine. The Queen will not hurt him until it suits her.”

  “That's not reassuring. I need to get him out.”

  “Em, you do not have the ability or the skill to take on the Queen yet. Lars can train you.” He reached for my hand, stopping at the trinket wrapped around my wrist. “What is this?”

  “My doggie leash.”

  Torin’s head jerked up, looking around. “Where are you right now? Who has you?”

  Biting my lip, I looked down. He was going to freak. “Eli found me. They actually saved me from those dark Fae. I’m back at their compound.”

  Anger burned up his neck into his face. “Leave. Leave right now.”

  “I can’t.” I pulled my arm away from him.

  “Ember, it is not a safe place for you. You don’t know how dangerous those guys are.”

  “Where should I go then? I have such great options,” I exclaimed. I was sick of everyone having an opinion on who I should associate with. Everyone had an agenda when it came to me.

  “They are killers, Ember, and will only use you for their own benefit.”

  I crossed my arms, stepping back. “True, but that's no secret. What is your deal, Torin? What do you want with me?”

  He stilled. “I do not care what you are or what you can do. I only desire you.” He retook the space I had set between us, his hands cupping my face. The sincerity of his tone was hard to deny. “Only you–like it was supposed to be.” Torin leaned in.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting some romantic moment here?” Eli’s voice came out of the dark. I jolted back in shock. “And all these years, T, I figured you for the Shefro type.” Eli walked out from the trees, his face and body rigid with anger. As much as he was trying to appear nonplussed, I could feel confusion rolling off him.

  “Shefros are small, male Fairies,” Torin retorted.

  “Exactly.”

  “Whoa—wait, you guys know each other?” Aware they knew of each other, I hadn’t realized they were actually acquainted. I looked between the two men. They both took my breath away but were so different. Torin was beautiful, almost unreal looking. He was neat, nearly to a fault, dressed in crisp, leather pants and a tight, black shirt. This seemed to be his consistent, off-duty uniform. He was clean shaven and his dark hair was pulled back with a band. I couldn’t deny he was sexy as hell. Eli was physically opposite. His hair was loose, falling to his shoulders in a way that made him look fierce and wild. A permanent
five o’clock shadow only emphasized his sharp jaw line. He oozed sexual energy. He was rugged, raw, primal, and pure, uninhibited sex.

  Both of them were trouble.

  “Yeah, we go way back. Don’t we, T?” Eli said but his voice was tight and threatening.

  “How are you even here?” Torin demanded. “This should not be possible.”

  “How am I in the dreamscape with you?” A slow smile spread over his face. “Maybe you should ask her?”

  Torin’s eyes flicked over to me, and I immediately held up my hands. “I’m not doing anything. I have no idea how he’s here.”

  “Hmmm . . .” Eli shrugged. “I must have taken a wrong turn then. I thought this was the way to the fairies-gone-wild dream. You know how crazy those water fairies can get.” He sighed happily. “Good times.” Then with a shake of his head he turned to us. “From now on, I have a feeling you two little love birds will probably have a chaperone. She needs someone to make sure her suitors have the best of intentions. You understand? Wouldn’t want to sully Ember’s reputation.”

  “I have no business with you, Elighan.” Torin’s face was strained, and I could see it took everything he had to stay calm. “I’m here for Ember. To keep her safe.”

  “Oh, that is rich coming from you.” Under the surface, I could see Eli was fuming. “Why don’t you tell Ember what your full title is? How much the Queen controls your harness inside and outside of the bedroom? Think she will be dying to know that little tidbit.”

  Torin’s body stiffened next to mine.

  “What?” A memory of the Queen touching Torin in a way that felt possessive and intimate flashed through my head.

  “Ember, it is not what you think.” Torin faced me. "This doesn’t change my feelings for you.” His words barely computed in my brain.

  “What is he talking about, Torin? What are you to her?”

  “I am the First Knight of the Queen.”

  “Oh come on, T. She knows that much. I think you can do better.” Eli raised his eyebrow. “Like, for instance, you are the Queen’s consort.” Eli’s attention turned to me. “He attends to the Queen’s needs . . . and, yes, I mean in every way.”

  I took a few more steps back, looking at Torin. He was the Queen’s lover? This man who had held me, kissed me, made me feel protected? “But, you helped me escape. Why?”

  “Ember, please, let me explain. You were taken from me, but you and I are destined to be together. There was nothing I wouldn’t do to find you, even if it meant becoming the First Knight. But, it’s not like that with her. I do not love her.”

  “Not like what, Torin? Do you sleep with her?”

  Torin's jaw clenched.

  “That’s what I thought. It is exactly like that,” I spit out. “You had the audacity to stand there, while under her command, in her bed, telling me who was dangerous and who not to trust?” I yelled. Anger and hurt filled my words. “When it was you all along I needed to protect myself from.”

  “Ember, please that’s not—” He reached out for me, but I jerked backwards out of his reach.

  “No. I don’t want to hear it. I am sick of listening to everyone else telling me who not to trust, where to go, what to do. I’ve had enough.” I shook my head. “Did you and Eli invest in the same hand book—the one telling you how to seduce and twist a girl’s mind so much she'd do whatever you wanted?”

  “There’s a handbook? Damn. Now that would have been helpful,” Eli quipped.

  Torin’s chest heaved, puffing with offense. “My feelings for you are real; they are nothing like Elighan’s.”

  “You know nothing of me. You never have,” Eli uttered through gritted teeth as he lunged forward.

  Leaping in front of Eli, I tried to block his attack on Torin. “Stop!”

  Eli’s pupils shifted vertically, his anger consuming him. Instinctively I grabbed his hand. The skin was rough and I could feel the knife-like claws starting to burrow into my skin. I moved it over my heart. Both my blood and his pumped through it. Taking a couple deep breaths, I felt his body react to mine, his heartbeat slowing.

  “Breathe, Eli.”

  It only took a few seconds before he was back to himself. Dropping his hand I turned to face Torin, who was watching us intensely with a bewildered, hurt expression.

  “Torin, I think you should go now.” My voice was raw after his duplicity.

  “Em . . .”

  “Do I believe you are going to turn me over to her? No. But how do I know she won’t command you to?” I demanded. “You are sleeping with the Queen. You no longer have a right to judge who I associate with. Eli might not be the best choice, but I’d rather stick with the enemy I know.”

  “Ember, I . . .”

  I turned, rapidly walking away, willing myself to wake up.

  “EMBER!” Torin’s voice tore through me.

  WAKE UP, WAKE UP, NOW, I screamed into my head.

  My eyes popped open. Only a minute later the door banged open and Eli stormed inside. In three giant steps he had crossed the room, looming down on me.

  I sat up, leaning back against the wall. “Seems a little early for breakfast in bed, but since you’re offering, I’ll take my eggs scrambled.”

  “How about I scramble you,” he huffed. “Talk.”

  I was about to say something smart-ass, but the way red flickered through his eyes, I decided against it. I did have some sense of self-preservation.

  “Are you talking about Torin? Were you there, too?” As I said, I only have some self-preservation.

  “How long has this thing between you and Torin been going on?” Fury dripped over each word as he continued on. “You and him, huh? Never saw that one coming I’ll admit. I think it’s funny you were getting all bent out of shape over me being a womanizer, when you were tramping around with both of us at once. Quite an act you got going on there. You probably could give me pointers.”

  “Fuck you!” I jumped out of bed and got into his face. “How dare you. You know nothing about me or what was going on between Torin and me. You have no right to be pissed. What do you care anyway? Your feelings for me aren't real.”

  Something dark swept over his face. He stepped back from me. “You’re right. I don’t care.” The pain came fast and swift, reflecting on my face before I could contain my pained reaction. “So, how long has Torin been coming into your dreams like that? How did he find you?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know how he found me. I never asked because until recently I thought he was another hallucination of mine. He first fully appeared to me right before I came to Silverwood.”

  “I don’t know what his game plan is, but you have to block him from your mind. He is the Queen’s Knight.”

  “Block him? I am not going to block him,” I declared. “Plus, I don’t have the skill to do that.”

  “These are your dreams. You have the ability to regulate them.”

  “Then can I block you out? How did you get in anyway?”

  His eyes flickered away for a brief second, and then he shrugged. “Maybe your subconscious was thinking about me.”

  “Then it would have had me kicking the crap out of you.”

  Eli laughed. The laugh was full and deep. “You couldn’t kick my ass even if you didn’t have the iron around your wrist.”

  “I can fight.”

  His eyes grazed over my body, and I suddenly was too aware of my skimpy tank top and underwear. He moved closer to me. “Don’t think your little struggle with Sam back at Silverwood was fighting. She wasn’t even trying; she knew humans were watching her. You could never have defended yourself if she had truly wanted to kill you.”

  I felt my hackles go up. “I threw her into your windshield.”

  “Like you, she wasn’t expecting your skills. She will never misjudge you again. So don’t underestimate her or the rest of us. You are powerful, but we are deadly.”

  I shivered at his words. Had I only won the fight with Sam a few weeks earlier because
I had the element of surprise? The Demon in me was happy to fight, but what if it couldn’t defend me from what was out there, or worse, it decided to take the day off? “Okay, then teach me how to fight.”

  Eli scoffed. “Seriously? You want me to teach you techniques you will use against me?”

  “Already scared the student will out-fight and out-wit the master?”

  “Oh, good one, little girl. Think baiting me will work?”

  I stepped up to him, my hands on my hips. “Yes.”

  Eli nodded and turned. “Find some pants and meet me in the garage.”

  The garage had been turned into a gym with punching bags, a boxing ring, and weights.

  “Okay, you want to learn how to fight.” Eli walked up to a heavy bag in the workout room. “So let’s teach you.” I stood there for a moment, looking from him to the bag. “Come on, Brycin, let’s see what you got.”

  Shaking my head, I moved in closer. I didn’t get Eli. Sometimes he treated me like an object to be tossed away after use. Then other times, like this, he helped me protect myself—from the exact thing I needed to defend myself from—him.

  “I don’t know how to help you with your powers. But kicking someone’s ass the old fashion way . . . now that is something I can do. It comes in handy most of the time.” He smiled the arrogant, bad-boy smile, which made me melt inside. “Punch it.”

  I swung my arm back and gave the bag a fisted hit. The bag barely moved.

  “Pathetic,” he sneered and grabbed my hand in his. “Lesson one: you need to keep your thumb on the outside of your fist.” He curled my fingers, wrapping my thumb over them. “Lesson two: most movies do it wrong and show people punching with their arm straight. This will only be more painful to your hand than the target; you aim to punch with the first two knuckles.” Eli tilted my wrist down showing how to put my knuckles in front of my hand and punched it lightly against his hand. “Keep your arm angled, but your wrists straight as you punch. Try it again.” This time when I swung, the bag flew out of Eli’s grip. “Good.” He looked slightly impressed. “Again.” I punched at the bag several more times.