Arryn: Mystic Protectors Series (13 page)

“Hang on.” Renie turned to look at Gavin when he cut her off. “You don’t have to do this. No one is going to care if I have a haircut and if I have boots that fit. I’m not sure why you think…it’s not nice of you to tease me with this stuff then take it away from me. My mom did that to me all the time. I won’t take it so you can take it back.”

“But I care that you have shoes and a coat. I think a haircut would go a long way to making you feel better, and I’m not going to take things back from you like she did. Not ever.” She got into her new car and hoped that he’d join her. When he got in the front seat she felt like a major victory had been won. “I need some paper and stuff. I have your list too. You can get all that while I haggle a good price on five printers. You get it all too, and whatever else you need for your room. If you don’t, then I’ll get it in pink or with some daisies.”

“You’re going to do this no matter what, huh?” She told him she was. “Why? I’m pretty sure that you don’t care what other people think, not about yourself anyway. I mean…you’re pretty tough and you have a…I was gonna say mean streak…about you, but that’s not right either. It’s more of a fuck you kind of thing.”

“It is. Don’t use that language again, but I’d very much like for you to adopt the same kind of attitude too. It’s going to get you far in life.” As she started the car up she thought of all the things she wanted to do for these guys and was excited about it. But Boss had told her that it was important to talk to him about why he was with her and Arryn. “Gavin, I’m really sorry about your life. Did you know that the same thing happened to me? My mother sold me so that she could live forever too.”

“She said that I was worthless.” She heard the pain in his voice and the anger. “I’m not worthless. I can do some stuff.”

“You can do a lot of things if you want. But I want you to trust me when I tell you that Arryn and I are thrilled to death to have you and Kelly here with us. I never…I thought by this time I’d be in hell. Not just there, but a playmate to some evil demon that made the same deal with my mom that he did with yours.”

“You mean sex.” She nodded. “I won’t have sex with a man. No matter what he does to me. I will never ever do that.”

She knew that he’d been sexually abused. The doctors had told them that while he had, Kelly had not. Renie also knew that he was going to need help with this sooner rather than later, more help than she could give him. As they drove to the first stop, she talked about the things that she needed and asked him what he might need.

“This list has a lot of stuff on it. I mean a lot. What if we just got some of it now and then later, if I really need it, we get it then?” She told him that he needed it all and that she could afford it. “It might cost like fifty bucks. That’s a lot of money.”

“It is. But I work for the government now and they’re paying me really well.” As they got out of the car, something occurred to her. “You want a job? It won’t be much, but I’ll pay you every week so long as you do it.”

Gavin backed away from her and asked her what it was. Renie wanted to reach out and grab him and hold him, but she knew that it would be the wrong thing to do. He did not like to be hugged.

“Well, first you can load the dishwasher after dinner. Kelly can unload it later. But what I really need is someone to help me in my new office. It’s not far from the school, and you can come by afterwards and work. I need someone to take out the trash after you shred it, and then run the sweeper once a week. I’ll pay you thirty bucks a week.” He didn’t look like he believed her. “In cash of course. And so long as you save some of it, you can do whatever you want with the rest.”

“How much do I have to save?” She asked him what a good figure was. “Will I need to pay you rent? Or for my food?”

“Good heavens no. That’s part of being our family. If you want something extra in the house, let Ms. Cara know. She said you don’t care for broccoli. Well, we’re alike in that, neither do I.”

“I can save half. Can I put it in a bank? One that you can’t get to?” She told him she didn’t know if he was old enough to have his own account, but she’d never touch his money. “She said that too. I want to buy me a car someday.”

“Good. You can put as much or as little as you want each week in the bank, and I’ll never touch it. If you trust someone more than me, you can ask them to co-sign with you.” He told her she’d be all right. “Thank you.”

As she put in her order for the new office, she told Arryn what she’d said to Gavin and what he’d said to her. He said it was probably the best thing to do, let him make some of his own decisions. Arryn told her, too, that he’d love to meet them for dinner. But he wanted a real dinner, not burgers.

I think they should decide. I’m not sure how many pizza’s they’ve had in their life, but I have a feeling it was a lot. Did you see the way that they ate that meatloaf last night? Like it was the biggest steak they’d ever had.
He said that it was pretty good.
Ms. Cara said she was going to lay in more supplies today. I guess it’s a good thing we both have good jobs. We’re going to need it to feed them.

It took them nearly two hours to get everything they needed. Gavin got everything on his list, and even let her buy him a desk. The one in his room was small, too small for a computer, and instead of the laptop, she got him a computer. Kelly could use the laptop for his homework. By the time they were at the school to get Kelly, both of them were starved, but the teacher needed to see her about something.

“We’ve had a talk with Kelly today on his lying to everyone. I understand that he’s not your son.” Renie took an immediate dislike to Mrs. Summer, the principal. “He’s telling everyone that will listen that his mother sold him to the devil and you saved him. We can’t have that kind of disruption in the class room, Mrs. Advocate. Even if he’s not your son, you should teach him manners.”

“Disruptions? And if you say that he’s not my son again I will have you brought up on charges. I’m not sure what, but I’m sure that I can dig something up.” The woman huffed at her and said something low under her breath. “What did you just say to me?”

“I said that no wonder he’s such a problem child. And it’s only his first week, too. That one, I’m sure that once we get him, he’s going to be just as bad. I’ve read his file.” Renie saw red and her heart was pounding when she asked Gavin to step into the hall. When he said that he wanted to stay, Renie turned to the woman again.

“You ever talk about my sons like that again in front of them and I will hurt you in ways that will haunt you for the rest of your life. So help me I will. As for my sons being a problem, well, you don’t have to worry about that either. I’m going to have you dismissed as soon as I leave here. To think…I cannot believe that Judith thought that this was going to be a good fit for my children.”

“Judith Guardian?” The change in the woman was astonishing. “Oh well, you should have said you were friends with her. I’ll have to check it out, of course, but we could not run this place without her donations. She and her money have made a big difference in the amount of money we have to spend yearly on simple supplies that the downtrodden can’t seem to afford because of the money they spend on cigarettes and alcohol.”

Renie reached for Judith, and in seconds she was coming into the office with her. Mrs. Summer stood up and gushed over Judith as if she were the best thing in the world. As she made over her friend, Renie told her what she’d said. As they were being seated, Gavin too, drinks were offered.

“You have a problem with my godsons? I assure you that they are the best of boys.” Mrs. Summer started in on how it was all a misunderstanding and that she had spoken out of turn. “You have. And I won’t have it. As of this moment, I’m finished with you and this school. And if your superiors would like for me to explain why I’m no longer funding this institution, then by all means, have them call me.” Judith stood up and so did Renie. “And if you ever say a bad thing about my godsons again, or their mother and father, I will have you put into a world of hurt. Do you understand me?”

Nodding, Mrs. Summer tried again to say it was simply a misunderstanding. The three of them left the office and gathered up Kelly and his things. The little guy was so upset that he was sobbing when they got to the car. Gavin held him while they just sat in the car; Renie was too upset to drive safely. Judith asked if she was all right.

“No, I’m not all right. That woman called my sons a disruption. She called them downtrodden and liars. Then when I mentioned you, it was as if a cloud was lifted from her meanness and she was suddenly all goody two shoes.” Gavin laughed in the back seat. “You think she was funny?”

“No. You are. And I gotta tell you, I will never think again that you don’t want us. You sure did put a crimp in her day.” He laughed again and shook his head. “I have never seen a woman so fired up for me before. It was amazing. I’m never going to mess with you.”

“See that you don’t.” He laughed again and so did Kelly this time. “Thank you. I feel better now. Are you guys ready to go school shopping? And we’ll have to find us a new school too. I think private this time. I don’t know if they would be any less bigoted, but we’ll make sure they know what is what before you can go.”

By the time the three of them were at the mall, Judith having gone back to her own shop, they were all feeling pretty good. Even Gavin was in a much better mood when she told him that he was going to get a wash and a cut, not just a cut. Things were looking up, she thought.

Chapter 13

Valyn moved out of the house and into the yard. It wasn’t that he didn’t love the house he had purchased, but it felt…crowded. He knew that the only other person in the place was his new cook, Janie Preston, but he didn’t like people. Why he had hired her was beyond him. As he made his way to the deck furniture that Riss and Kala had gotten him as a housewarming present, he wasn’t really surprised to see Michael there.

“I should like to have a conference with you, please?” Valyn nodded and sat down on the bench that came with the set. Michael was pacing, and for the moment, Valyn let him. He was outside and he felt calmer for the moment. “When should you be back on rotation?”

“Not for another two weeks. I’m exhausted, so please don’t ask me to go so soon. I know that you’re short, but I’m really tired.” Michael nodded and continued to move back and forth.

“I know nothing about houses.” It was a strange statement, even for Michael. “They are…how does one go about getting one? Where would one begin to look? Where would one begin to look into a lister to help with this? And my funds have been turned over to hard cash, she called it, but how do I know if I have enough?”

“Listing. I’m sure you have plenty of cash, Michael, we all do. Have you talked to Renie about helping you? She helped me. I nearly purchased the wrong kind of house.” They both turned and looked at his home.

If asked, he would have said that this house was wrong for him as well. There were nine bedrooms on the upper floor, with three bathrooms and a master suite on the second floor, along with an office with an attached library. The ground level had a sprawling living room, huge dining room, and a kitchen that he’d been told could accommodate a hundred guests. There was also a family room as well as a rec room, but he had no idea what that was used for. The entire thing was surrounded by a covered deck that had a hot tub he’d yet to fill, as well as a pool that looked big enough for the Olympics to be held in. For a single man that didn’t care for company, the house was not suitable. He’d asked for a large house to roam in, but he’d not thought of how big this one was until he’d already purchased it.

“I need to invest, I was told. Renie has…did you know that she is holding classes at the compound? She was called away today when the Federacies needed her, but she said she would return tomorrow.” Valyn corrected him again. “Feds. They are most scary, are they not?”

“Not if you’re being a good boy, they’re not.” Valyn looked out over the expansive yard and wondered again what he was doing there. “Am I next on the list?”

“List? There is another list that I have no idea of?” Valyn clarified for him. “Wedded list? I’m not sure that there is one. I know that Boss has His secrets, but as far as a wedded list, I don’t think I’ve heard of it.”

Michael was a terrible liar. He flushed when he did it and he wouldn’t look at you in the face, just as he was doing right now. Valyn stood up and started toward the smaller man. Michael backed away from him.

“There is no reason for you to get huffy with me. I know not what He does until He tells me.
In good time
. You know that He says that to me more than He does anyone? And
you shall see
. I see nothing. It is as if He likes having me fumbling in the dark.” Valyn stopped moving toward him. “I cannot reason with Him either. He will do as He pleases, to whomever He pleases, no matter what I say to Him.”

“I don’t want to be wedded. I cannot stand to be with people, and I’m pretty sure that if He were to find me a bride, she’d expect me to be close to her.” Michael nodded and smiled at him. “Would you please tell Him that it would be wrong of Him to hurt a female like this? I’m not worthy of His time.”

“Not worthy? I don’t understand that statement. Not worthy how?” Valyn said nothing as he took his seat again. “You must explain to me what that means. Because I’m thinking I have the definition of it wrong. To be not worthy is something that means to me that you are beneath consideration. And that cannot be how you feel about yourself.”

Valyn wanted to change the subject, but felt if he could make Michael understand him, then Boss would as well. It was a long shot, he knew, but he had to try to make them both back off from this.

“I’ve been around for a long time. Seen things, heard things that most people…humans…would not think twice about. But it’s day after day for me. Not just from the people that I am to watch over, but the people—humans again—that interact with them. Hate and despair. There is so much of it around that it saddens my heart.” Michael said that not all people were like that. “No. I’ve seen Riss and Kala together with their children. I’ve observed the way that Galin and Dusty have come together in such happiness as well. Agon is as happy as I’ve ever seen him with his new family. And though they are only starting out, Renie and Arryn seem to be the happiest of all of them.”

“You don’t wish to have such happiness, Valyn?” Valyn shook his head. “Because you believe yourself to be unworthy, is that why?”

“It is. I’m not…I’m not happy.” Michael’s sharp intake of breath made Valyn know that he’d shocked the man. “I’ve not been happy for a very long time. Even since before Riss was thinking of ending his life. I considered it long before that. I think I would feel better to be cut off from all mankind, even the protectors.”

“You have not told Boss yet, have you?” Valyn told him that he’d been working up to it. “I would not wait much longer. Should you…should you be this unhappy, there might be something that he can do to help you.”

“Not a bride.” Michael said nothing. “A woman in my life will be as unhappy with me as I would be with her. She would be left alone for great lengths of time. I cannot be a mate to anyone when I do not even care for myself.”

“I am sorry, Valyn. If he has chosen you a bride, she will…I feel you are doing yourself and her a disjustice in thinking that you’d have nothing to offer her. Or her to offer you in return. I do know that he has a woman in mind for Tholan, but that is not even in the realm of things to happen right now.” Valyn corrected him without thinking. “Injustice. It would most assuredly be just that if you were to say no to this.”

Long after Michael left, Valyn sat on his deck. When the moon was full in the sky, he made his way to his new bedroom and laid out on the bed. He was sure that his life was about to change, and not in a way that he wanted. Rolling to his side, he pulled out the small charm that he’d had since he’d first become a protector. It was given to him so long ago that the face of the child that had handed it to him was a faded memory. But the day wasn’t.

His charge was at the beach. It was a sunny bright day, and there were many people on the sand. Few of them would venture into the water, and those that did ran out quickly, for it was still early April. The child that he was watching was one such child.

“I can see you.” Valyn had looked around, trying to see who he was speaking to. “I’ve seen you ever since I was first born. And I know you have wings, too.”

Valyn looked at the boy then as he continued to build a castle in the cold wet sand. When he glanced up at him then went back to his work, Valyn knew a kind of fear that he’d never experienced before or since.

“Why do you think it is you can see me? When no one else can?” The stone in his hand now was handed to him by the child. “Thank you. But I cannot take this.”

“I can see you because I’m going to die. Soon.” Valyn said nothing. He knew it too. It was why they were here on this day instead of when it was warmer. “They wanted me to have a good day before I went back to the hospital.”

“They did.” Valyn had seen no reason to lie to him. “You are ready to go, I know this. But your parents are not. They are hurting badly.”

“I know.” The castle was taking shape now; the boy was working hard to make sure that his mom and dad thought he was really enjoying himself. “I hurt too. And I’m really tired. I just want to go to sleep and let you take me away.”

Valyn nodded and watched him closely. He could see it now, how much it was costing him to play as he was. All these years later they would have been able to cure him. A procedure to make his lungs work better would have saved his life, but then it was not available yet.

“I think they need this time.” The boy nodded. “You know that they love you, don’t you? That they’d do anything to make you better if they could.”

“I know.” He sat back on his heels and stared at him. “But I’m ready now. I think…can you take me now? Not later, when you’re supposed to, but right here on this pretty place? I want to go.”

Boss appeared before them, His wings spread out behind Him in a way that sheltered them from the sun. The boy, of course, couldn’t see Him, not yet at any rate, but Valyn did. And he knew why He was there.

“Is this something that you wish as well, Valyn? He is to die regardless of the date on the calendar. Today or the day after, it matters little in his time.” Valyn had looked at his young charge as he struggled to breathe under the pain. When he nodded, Boss nodded as well. “Take him now, while his parents are looking on. It will be better for them, I think. To know that his last day was a happy one.” Boss disappeared as quickly as He had come to them. Valyn looked at the child, so riddled with pain and sadness, and put out his hand.

“Would you like to have them closer to you? To say goodbye?”

The boy glanced at his parents, who waved at him, and his mother blew him a kiss.

“No. Now. While they look. I think…they’ll be sad for a time, but they’ll be happy I’m no longer hurting.” When he put out his hand, Valyn put his in the smaller one. His smile made Valyn think of angels and snowy wings. “Oh yes. Oh yes. This feels so much better.”

It was the last time that Valyn had ever let someone come close to him. No one touched his heart again after that, not even the people that he worked with daily. At least until recently. When the man that he’d been sent to watch over had murdered so many and he’d not been able to stop him.

~~~

“Hot ham on rye, hold the mayo and tomatoes. Fries and burger, American with toasted bun. Hold onions.” Jenny put the slip up on the order ring as it was being read back to her by the grill cook. She was headed to the milk shake machine when the door behind her opened and closed. The cool breeze was like a small slice of heaven in the hot assed diner. As the words that seemed as natural to her as breathing started to spill from her lips…
Have a seat, I’ll be right with you…
the man pulled out a gun and aimed it at her. The gun firing had her dropping to the floor as it sprayed above her.

The screams made her cover her ears, and a woman begging for her life had her reaching for her cell. It was gone, of course; when you didn’t pay the bill, they sort of shut the sucker off. And why carry it around if it wasn’t good for anything? And the only other phone was the one in the kitchen, which was currently being shouted into by Jimmy, the cook. He was screaming that they were being robbed, that the man had a gun. Jenny didn’t know why, but she doubted that robbery was on this man’s mind.

The swinging door to the kitchen opened then swung back and forth as shots were fired in that area. Jimmy’s voice, loud and panicky, was cut off when three shots were fired. Jenny tried her best to crawl into the tightest ball she could manage so no one would notice her. It really was a hopeful thought.

“Get up.” Jenny looked up at the man who had brought all the terror he could into her tiny piece of the world. “I said to get the fuck up.”

“Please don’t shoot me.” He fired the gun then and shot her in the leg. Jenny screamed at the pain. When he jerked her up off the floor, Jenny stumbled into him and felt the gun in the back of his pants. She grabbed it before she could think how stupid she was. Without any knowledge as to what the fuck she was doing, Jenny pointed the gun at the man who was in front of her.

“Gimme that.” She backed from him as she tried to figure out how to get it in her hands correctly. “You’re going to die anyways, bitch; you got no reason to make it hard on me.”

“You killed them.” He looked around, then back at her as if she was pointing out something that he knew. “Why?”

“Don’t know. Just got up this morning and decided that I’d kill me a few people, then myself. You give me that gun and I’ll make your dying as quick as mine.” Shaking her head no, the gun went off. The bullet hit him in the chest and he leaned backwards but did not fall over. He was raising his gun again when she realized that she’d have to pull the trigger again or die now. But she had no idea how she’d done it in the first place.

The scream of sirens made him turn to the front of the diner. Jenny didn’t look. She was not just afraid that he’d lunge at her, but she was really trying hard not to look around. There had been blood dripping down off the counter onto her, and she thought that was more than enough for her to see. When she took her eyes off the man long enough to see where her fingers were, he grabbed her and the thing in her hands jumped again. This time the man dropped to the ground.

The police entered then. They were screaming at her to do something, but for the life of her all she could see was that half his face was missing from the chin up, and that his eyes were still opened. As the blood pooled under him, Jenny looked at the man standing to her left. He was wearing wings, her baffled mind told her, but she knew that wasn’t right.

“Put the gun on the counter. They won’t hurt you if you do.” Nodding, she tried to do just what he said but her fingers wouldn’t cooperate. “Tell them that you’re afraid. Tell them that you’re trying to do what they want, but you’re terrified he’ll get up again.”