Arranged (Arranged Trilogy Book 1) (9 page)

BOOK: Arranged (Arranged Trilogy Book 1)
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Chapter Sixteen

M
y mother held
her hand up for us to stop as we approached the compound. I’d wished she’d stayed back because I had no intentions of making a stealthy entrance. I wanted them to know we were there and why they were going to die. The only question was would they die quickly or slowly?

“Tulupea, let me handle this. I need to address them as a queen and we’ll go from there.”

Blake said nothing.

I drew in my lower lip between my teeth in frustration. Sometimes having a queen as a mother sucked.

A warm breeze blew my hair in my face, and I pushed it back, annoyed. What difference did it make? The end result would be the same. I gave her a slight nod.

She and Blake continued on.

Before I moved forward, I took a deep breath, and concentrated on finding the calm center of my being in the midst of the storm that was brewing inside of me. My energy crackled, and a slow smile spread across my face. I would enjoy this. I would unleash my power and let it guide me. Normally I worked very hard at restraining the darkness within, but not today. Today I’d lose myself in the fury of my magick.

A bolt of lightning tore from my hand, splintering the large stone doorway into a million pieces. It crumbled to the ground, leaving a gaping hole.

My mother gave me a look as if to say, ‘well that was subtle’. However, I didn’t care.

Dozens of startled eyes stared back at us. Men were reaching for their weapons. If I hadn’t been so enraged, I would have laughed.
Good luck with that
, I thought with a smirk.

My mother strode before us, every inch a queen, with her head held high. Her hands shot off sparks of magick, creating a barrier around us that only I could see.

Someone threw a dagger and it bounced off the invisible field and clattered to the ground. In fear, they all started throwing objects in vain—each and every one ended up with a clatter on the floor of the cave. Too bad, so sad. They feared magick? I’d give them something to fear. How dare they leave one of their own to die.

“You’re wasting your energy.” My mother’s crisp voice rang through the air. “I see there are women and children amongst you. I will give you one chance and only one. Women and children can leave now, but know that if you stay here you will die.”

Frantic looks were exchanged. A couple of the women grabbed a hold of the younger children and scurried out. But the majority of them chose to stay. I met the big blue-eyes of a young boy. His face was dirty and his skin gaunt. He glared at me with hatred in his eyes. I should feel guilty, but I felt nothing. These people were standing in the way of there ever being peace on Earth. They’d beaten Michael, their own flesh and blood, within an inch of his life. They did not deserve mercy.

Michael’s father stepped forward. “My bastard of a son brought this on us. He was always too weak.”

My hand flew out and a ball of fire flew through the air, instantly searing him to ash. Gasps and cries filled the cavern. Their leader was gone in the blink of an eye. Yes, that is how quick life can end for humans. They seemed to need a reminder.

I could sense my mother’s disapproval but I ignored it.

Without missing a beat she continued on. “You have a choice to make. You can continue with your rebellion against magick or you can agree to live in harmony amongst us. There is no other option. Magick is here to stay.” My mother’s eyes darted to the charred ground. “Choose wisely.”

There was mumbling amongst the tribe. They were afraid, but they were also brainwashed. Next thing I knew all hell broke loose. Some ran but most stayed to fight. A part of me admired them for that. They stood up for what they believed in. Unfortunately what they believed in was ignorance and hatred.

My mother dropped our shield. Blake shifted back into a dragon. I honed my magick into the palm of my hands. With each flick of my wrist another was annihilated. I didn’t bother to keep count.

From the corner of my eye I watched as Michael’s brother crept forward, a scowl across his face.

I sent a ball of magick at one of the men who’d just raised an ax at me—he didn’t have a chance to swing—and then I spun in the direction of his brother. Complete chaos was going on all around me, yet all I could see was him. Everything else was a blur. I knew my mother would never allow me to be harmed, so I didn’t even care that my back was now toward the enemy.

“How could you turn traitor against your own brother?” I spat out. The air sizzled with my anger.

He took a step forward. “He was a disgrace. Always questioning our father and his actions.” The brother was brave, I had to give him that because he kept coming closer, even knowing each step would lead to his destruction. Perhaps he wanted death. Oh how I would enjoy granting that wish.

“Was?” I laughed bitterly. “You think you’ve killed him? Not even close. I’ve saved him and we are going to bring life into this dark world of yours. Together he and I will form a new race. One that will bring peace and harmony.”

His brother’s suspicious eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“We’ve mated,” I said simply.

“That’s a lie!” he shouted, his face twisted in rage. “Even that good for nothing wouldn’t stoop low enough to bed your kind.”

I propelled myself forward, my elbow landing in the crook of his neck, slamming him against the stone with a loud thud. He grunted in surprise and pain. He struggled to be released from my grasp but his attempt was useless. I had to admit I enjoyed having the slithering little jerk under my control. Blood trickled from the side of his head down to the front of his shirt.

I leaned forward and spoke through my own rage. “Ha! Your father wanted to bed me along with every other perverse male in this clan. You talk foolish.”

His voice lowered to a growl. “My father didn’t know who or what you were, or he would have killed you on the spot.”

I rolled my eyes. The idea struck me as laughable. “Right. Like he killed my mother? Your father was weak. Vile. He was terrified of magick. And you’re wrong. When he had my mother captive he tried to have her. But he was not man enough!”

I shook my head, my annoyance returned, and I studied his insolent face. I didn’t know why I was dragging this out, I should just kill him. But I wanted him to pay for what he’d done. All the death his actions and those of the tribe had caused.

The muscles in his jaw flexed as he gritted his teeth. “Don’t you dare talk about my father—”

Just then the large dragon swooped down in a dive, my clothes flapping from the sudden gust of wind. Blake grabbed the brother in his talons. In a roar he spread his wings and flew off into the distance. The screams of his brother echoed throughout the cave. His feet kicked at the empty air. An eerie silence replaced the screams and rage.

Damn that dragon
. If he didn’t kill him I would find the brother and do it myself.

I glanced around at the charred bodies scattered about. There were a handful of men left, a couple of women, and the boy with blue eyes. His eyes were no longer filled with hatred; they were replaced with fear. Tears rolled down his dirty face. His once hard face was now the face of a scared child, and as I looked at him I found my power subduing itself. A part of me felt ashamed looking into the little boy’s eyes. But they’d been given a chance.

One of the men knelt down on one leg, and with shaky hands he placed his weapon before him. My mother gave a curt nod. Soon the others followed. How quickly they changed with the father and son out of the picture.

“Rise, my children. There is a new dawn, a new world. I know it will take you time to accept the new ways, but I promise you, if you stand beside us you will prosper beyond your wildest dreams. We will rebuild Earth to her former glory.”

My mother was nicer than me. Despite my feelings for the tribe, I also knew she was doing the right thing.

Suddenly a thought struck me, but now was not the time to discuss such things. I’d have a talk with my mother later when we could be alone. In that instant I realized what the core problem was with Earth. And it could easily be redeemed. Almost too easily, really. I couldn’t believe no one had seen this.

But for now I just wanted to get back to the sanctuary and make sure Michael was okay. A quick glance told me his mother was dead. She’d stayed, fought, and died with her husband.

I wondered how Michael would handle the news. Would he hate me once he learned what I’d done to his tribe? His mother and father?

“If you’ve been injured come forward and we will heal you. Do not be afraid.”

They exchanged glances, and fear radiated off them in waves.

Finally the little boy stepped forward and held out his arm.

Reaching out, I lightly grasped it. I turned it slightly and noticed there was a large gash on his forearm; the muscles were exposed. Looking into his eyes I placed my hand slightly over the wound, felt my magick release, and instantly healed his arm. The others whispered in shock. The boy’s eyes widened and then he threw his arms around me, stunning me.

I pulled him into the hug, sending a wave of love and forgiveness into his soul. I felt the shift in his energy. Tears rolled down his face when he finally pulled away.

After that they all came forward. We healed them—body, mind, and spirit.

If only they had allowed this from the beginning,
I thought, feeling suddenly drained and sad for all the loss of lives. Except for the father. That I would never have remorse over.

Even if it meant losing Michael’s friendship.

Chapter Seventeen

M
y mother
and I went to work bringing the vegetation around the compound back to life. Within a couple of hours a garden was in bloom. There were murmurs of surprise, and surprisingly, gratitude. A few of the tribe admitted they’d been living in fear under Michael’s parents’ reign. Slowly the women and children that had chosen to leave earlier returned. We healed them as well. Even though they didn’t have any physical injuries, their spirits were in turmoil.

Blake still hadn’t returned. I had no idea what he’d done with the brother and couldn’t really care less. Although, a part of me was glad that the brother had caused the uprising. Even though there was a lot of death, it had cleared a path for us to move forward.

As we made our way back toward the sanctuary, I wondered if the tribe had really seen the light or if they’d just been placating us out of fear. Probably a bit of both.

I laced my arm through my mother’s. “I realized why this planet cannot pull itself back together.”

Her head tilted. “Oh? What are your thoughts?”

I took a breath. “They need a leader. It’s no wonder there is no stability in the lands. They need a king and queen to look up to. If not, this land has no hope to ever be whole again.”

My mother sighed. “I agree with you, but who? I’ve been searching for a human who has the backbone for the job, someone that will be able to help integrate the new world, but so far I’ve come up empty. Everyone is too spread out and so disillusioned by years of war and heartache.”

“Why not you?”

My mother’s laugh was so abrupt it startled me.

“Daughter, you must be kidding. They would never approve of a magical creature at the helm. That would only cause more unrest. And I already have a kingdom to run.”

My shoulders sagged in frustration. As usual she was right. But there had to be an answer. They needed a leader, one that would bridge both worlds together. There had to be someone. “Do the people have gatherings? Is there ever a celebration when everyone is together?” In our world we’d often come together to celebrate.

She shook her head. “What is there to celebrate? They are trying to survive, so there isn’t much energy for anything else.”

My mother’s word struck me to the core. I felt my face darken. “What is there to celebrate? What about life? Perhaps if they put their focus on gratitude instead of hatred they wouldn’t be in this position.”

“It’s not that easy. You are naïve if you believe in such a way. We’re both at fault. Until both sides concede their wrongdoings there is very little hope for survival.”

“There is always hope,” I said fiercely. I would not have agreed to bring my children into this world if I hadn’t truly believed that. “We’ll figure something out. We have to. In the meantime, we need to really put our focus on Mother Earth. Once she is healed the planet can heal. After we check on Michael I’d like us to join forces and send a wave of energy to her.”

My mother patted my hand, and a smile touched her lips. “You will make an excellent queen someday.”

Being queen was the last thing on my mind. That was a job I was in no rush to take.

A soft breeze caressed my skin, warm sun beat down on me, and mentally I gave thanks to the great mother. I knew she was giving her thanks to me in return.

I could see our building off in the distance.

My heart rate accelerated slightly at the thought of seeing Michael again. I didn’t care for the feelings that had already set in toward him, but it was too late to worry about that now. I would let it run its course and see where it went. Nothing long term, that much I knew. Right now I could use a friend and an ally, and if nothing more came out of it, that was fine with me.

Once we got into the house I cast my senses out for Michael and realized he was in the basement. I’d expected the guards to put him up in a room, not bring him down to the cold, sterile facility. I hurried down the stairs and burst through the doorway.

Of course, Henrek didn’t look up at my entrance. My mother was trailing behind me.

“Where is he?” I demanded.

“In here.” Michael’s voice sounded rougher than normally.

I hadn’t even noticed the side room the few times I’d been down there before. I’d been too distracted by Henrek.

I pushed through the doorway. Michael was laid out on a large bed. As soon as he saw me he tried to sit up, winced in pain, and dropped back down.

With a smile I strode across the room and sat down on the bed next to him. Placing my hands on his chest, I tuned into his energy. His heart beat loudly. What a wonderful sound. I sent him a small burst of energy, relieving his lingering pain instantly.

Michael’s weary gaze locked on mine. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“You might not feel that way in a minute.”

He pushed himself up to sitting with an ease that surprised him. “I don’t remember what happened.”

Reaching out, I touched his temples and closed my own eyes so I too could see exactly what happened. I saw an image of Michael sitting uncomfortably on a chair, his eyes continually darting around. I knew he was wondering where the invisible guards were. If it’s awkward for me, I couldn’t imagine what it must be like for him. After a few moments he stood up, said he was leaving, and walked out the front door. None of the guards tried to stop him, which surprised me. But then again my mother hadn’t given them an order to do so.

At first it looked like he was going to make it back to his place without issue, but at the last minute his brother stepped out of the shadows. “You’re with the enemy?”

Michael spun around to face his brother. “Cole. What the hell, man, you’re following me?”

Cole looked in both directions before taking a step forward. “I knew something was up and wanted to make sure you were all right. And when I saw that chick change her form … I was curious.”

“Are you going to tell Dad?”

Cole shrugged. “Depends. What’s in it for me?”

Disgusted, Michael shook his head. “Not a goddamn thing.”

“Are you banging her?” he smirked.

“What?”

“The faery chick. What’s she like in bed?”

I sucked in a breath, and even now Michael’s breathing increased. He tried to pull away but I kept my hands firmly in place.

Michael lunged forward, unleashing his coiled fury, but his brother was faster. He stepped aside and Michael almost lost his footing. He staggered forward. With a growl Michael slammed into his brother. They grappled on the ground, each getting in several solid punches. Michael gripped Cole’s shirt in his fist. “Don’t you ever speak about her in such a way again or I will kill you myself.”

His brother laughed and held up his hands. “You’ve never known how to take a joke. Lighten up, brother.”

Michael pushed him back on the ground and stood up, staring down at his brother. “Why didn’t you tell the others?”

Cole sprang to his feet, a sly grin curving his lips. “Like I said, I was curious. And I’m sick of Dad’s bullshit. If you know a way out of this mess we’re in, you can count me in.”

I almost dropped my hands in surprise. Thank goodness I hadn’t killed his brother. Michael would have never forgiven me.

Michael held out his hand and pulled his brother to standing.

“I’m not going to involve you in what’s going on, but I promise you as soon as I can pull you out of the tribe I will do so. It’s just too dangerous right now.”

The brother looked like he wanted to press the issue but shrugged and grinned. “Whatever it takes, man. I just want out.”

Michael nodded and they continued on their way back to the commune. Mentally I fast forwarded the scene. I wanted to know how it went from this to Michael being beat nearly to death.

Just as they walked into the opening of the cave Cole turned toward Michael. Reaching out he grasped ahold of Michael’s wrist, and in a flash he flicked out a knife and drove it into Michael’s side. Michael’s eyes widened in disbelief just as Cole pushed him back. “Father, we’ve got a traitor on our hands. He’s working with the enemy. I saw him with my own two eyes. The girl from earlier? She’s a creature with powers. A faery.”

Michael glared at him. I could feel his rage mingled with disappointment in his brother.

His brother didn’t shrink away from the glare—if anything he stood taller.

I could barely stand to watch what happened next. In a flurry Michael was surrounded. Within moments he was on the ground curled up in a ball, trying to protect his head as they kicked and hit him with objects. Blood splattered with each kick, and after what seemed like forever Michael’s hands dropped to his side, his body limp. His father looked down at him in disgust. “Dispose of the body.”

Having seen enough I dropped my hands. How could a father do that to his own child?

We embraced without words.

BOOK: Arranged (Arranged Trilogy Book 1)
10.96Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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