Blood Chained (Dark Siren Book 3) (5 page)

Chapter 7

Even in ownership of concrete knowledge of what Wesley truly was, he didn’t seem any different than the guy Kali had known her entire life. But Wes wasn’t the man she thought he was. He wasn’t even human. It wasn’t love that motivated him to watch out for her all these years. His concern hadn’t stemmed from some loyalty to her late father. Their “friendship” was a ruse. Another piece of the twisted puzzle Builders had crafted to accomplish their endgame. He and others like him had stolen Kali’s life and ruined the lives of countless other families in their quest to reincarnate the siren time and time again. As Wes spoke, Kali wondered if she would ever again trust another word from his mouth.

“All of it wasn’t a lie, Kali. You have to understand what was…what is at stake. We created you with a hope to save all. We made mistakes…and I regret many of them. But most of all, I regret ever hurting you.”

Kali wanted to believe him. She really did. She didn’t want to mistrust Wes. She didn’t want to hate him. She wanted to forget he was a part of this whole mess and let things go back to the way they were. But every so often Wesley’s gaze shifted to the corner of the room where Bailen and Dmiri waited. Something in the way he stared at the canine—a mixture of hope and apprehension—only reaffirmed her mistrust.

“Kali, don’t just look at me. Say something.”

As they’d approached the offices of Mack Ventures, Inc. Kali predicted two possible directions the conversation with Wes could take. Exposed for the calculating liar he was, his caring blue eyes would lose their light and adopt the callous glare a creature like him should possess. Or he would simply deny it all. Maintain the lie, hoping to deceive her into trusting him again. But Wes had taken an unexpected route.

It was after normal business hours, so Kali made sure to call the office as they departed her parents’ subdivision to be sure Wes would there. Fighting to keep her voice as normal as possible, she told Wes she’d left something behind during her last shift and asked him to wait up. Kali, Dmiri, and even Bailen had agreed that Rion should stay in the car while they went inside to deal with the Builder. Rion was pretty unhappy about the decision, but was placated with the task to field any calls from York. She and York had decided to come up with a plan
together
to get Rhane back. But Kali was taking partial cues from Bailen. For some reason, the canine hadn’t wanted York along on this undertaking. She didn’t understand why. But the intelligence in Bailen’s eyes was inescapable. Kali was willing to trust there was a reason he’d chosen Dmiri.

“Kalista?” Wes said, making her name a question.

“What do you want me to say?”

He swallowed, beseeching her with wide eyes. “I—I don’t know.” He dropped his head. “I didn’t think losing you would be this hard.”

A mirthless, choppy laugh twisted from her mouth. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Kali laughed again, overcome with a multitude of emotions. She fought hard, but they were breaking free of the dam walling them back.

Fortunately, Dmiri stepped in. “Builder, we did not come here to harvest understanding for your actions. You had a mission. But somewhere along the way, you fell in love in with the creature you were sworn to safeguard throughout the centuries. You are a good soldier. Despite your words, you will not let emotion foil your ultimate ambition. I see it in the way you stare at the little one beside me.” Dmiri came forward from the shadows. His reddish-brown eyes were observant, missing no detail. “He is truly the one you seek. But why?”

As Wesley’s focus shifted to the kindred, his entire demeanor cooled. Kali could almost see the chill in the air. Very slowly, Wes rounded the desk, putting himself closer to this dark-skinned challenger. His head wavered slightly as his neck craned from side to side like a threatened serpent. “What are you?”

“Certainly you must recognize a child of your own making. I am Kindred. One of the fodder races created to appease the appetite of your mistake.”

“You are more than that.”

Dmiri smiled. The expression was as cold and unwelcoming as the air surrounding Wes. “I am what I am.” He looked at Bailen again and then back to Wes. “Why do you want him?”

“I never claimed to want him. This is about Kalista and the wrongs that have been done to her. Wrongs I regret but cannot change.”

“As you say.”

“As I say?”

“Yes.” Dmiri dipped his head in the slightest inclination. “For now.”

Wes seemed almost bewildered by the strange visitor. Kali studied both men, trying to understand their roles in bringing Rhane home to her. She decided to test the waters. “Do you know where Rhane is?”

The question got everyone’s full attention. Wes looked to each of them, hesitating before letting his gaze settle on Kali. “I know many things. Most are not meant to be shared.”

“But you know where he is.”

“I do. I suspect you know as well. And so you already realize how impossible it would be to retrieve him from their grasp.”

“Impossible for us, but not for you.”

“Such an action would be outside my bounds.”

“You’ve helped before.”

“I shared information with Rhane at great cost to myself and at great risk to him. The danger is more immense now than it has ever been.”

He was genuinely afraid. Kali could see that. But she didn’t know if his fear was for her safety or if it was an off-shoot from a root of self-preservation. “Why?”

“We are being closely watched. By allowing other pursuits to distract him, Rhane neglected to fulfill his role as our champion and tipped things precariously to the Faction’s favor.”

“He was trying to save a friend.”

Wes nodded. “I understand. But it doesn’t change the facts. He failed to acquire The Siren’s Heart. He failed to secure the other artifacts. Now the rogues have them and are putting them into play. I predict they are only weeks away from finding the ark.”

Rhane had explained enough about his commission as champion for Kali to read between the lines of Wesley’s words. Builders were powerful, capable of many things. But some mysterious set of universal rules lorded over their actions, restricting them to inaction. No doubt, Wes knew where Rhane was being held and it was within his power to free him. But something of equal value needed to be given in exchange. She had to figure out what that was.

“What if I bring you the Heart? That is what this is all about, isn’t it? The Siren’s Heart has been the key from the beginning.”

“It’s too dangerous, Kalista. You are not ready.”

“Help me, Wes.” Angst swirled through Kali’s innards, brewing thick as it flooded to the surface. Kali allowed it. “If you ever cared about me…help me get Rhane back. I love him.”

Wes sank against the desk and closed his eyes, shaking his head weakly. “We may both die in this.”

“He’s worth it. You would not have risked so much already if he wasn’t.”

He met her gaze with anguished eyes. “Those risks were for you.”

“You care about me.” Kali stood up, went to his side. “And despite everything, I still care greatly for you.” She touched his cheek. Her eyes roamed every inch of his face. They were searching for the creature called a Builder, but only saw the blond-haired, blue-eyed man who always smiled when he saw her. “Wesley, you’re my oldest friend.”

His mouth tightened, turning white at the corners. Both hands gripped the edge of the desk, shaking with strain.

“Help me,” Kali whispered.

Chapter 8

York slammed his fist against the countertop. “You did what?” He was beyond mad. He was livid. “We had a deal, Kali.”

The two of them were alone in the kitchen. The others had retreated to the living room and now feigned interest in various pursuits, but Kali knew they were actually listening quite closely to the tongue-lashing she was receiving. She wasn’t so sure about Bailen. Napping on an oriental rug, the canine not so much as twitched an ear when York started shouting. Thinking it best to postpone introductions until after tempers had cooled, Dmiri had gone to wait somewhere within the manor’s borders.

“I know. I’m sorry,” Kali said, though she had already apologized at least half a dozen times. “That was before I knew Wesley was a part of this.”

“Then you’re not sorry.”

A seriously large vein throbbed at the side of York’s forehead. Kali hadn’t noticed it before. Then again, she was pretty sure she’d never seen him this angry. She exhaled slowly. “No. I guess not.”

“Un-freaking-believable.”

“Is it really?” Kali stood up from the table. She was tired of getting yelled at, but for the past five minutes, it was the only thing York had done. “After eighteen years of being in the dark about one of the closest people in my life, I finally find out the truth. He also happens to be the only chance we have at getting Rhane back. But you’re surprised that I went to see him?”

“No. I’m surprised you went to see him without me.”

It was her turn to get mad. “Why would I come to you, York? You’ve known all this time what Wesley truly was and you never told me.”

“That’s not the same. I was under orders.”

“Exactly. You
were
under orders. But Rhane’s not here. So whose orders are you following now?”

A small fissure spread through the granite surface where York’s grip tightened onto the counter ledge. Kali raised an eyebrow. “You might want to let go of that.”

York glanced down. Still frowning, he lifted his hands away and spread them wide in the air. With a disgusted grimace, he shook his head. “Look. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. But there were reasons. Good ones.”

“Like what?” Kali folded her arms and relaxed against the fridge. Her ire had faded as quickly as it’d come. “Were you afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it? That I would freak out, go psycho siren, shoot flames and cry uncontrollably?”

He shrugged almost sheepishly. “Well…yeah. I guess so.” He scratched his head. “We thought you couldn’t handle it.”

“York.” She pronounced his name gently, stepping close enough to rest her hands on his thickly muscled forearms. “I get it. I really do. A year ago, I probably couldn’t have handled it. But I’m different now. I felt a lot of things when I found out—hurt, confusion, shock, disappointment. And of course I was angry. But only for a little while. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t tell me. It doesn’t matter that Rhane didn’t tell me. What matters is we have someone in our corner now who can help us.”

“Do you really think we can trust him?”

She shook her head sadly. “No. But we have to start somewhere.”

“Okay. Can we start with you keeping me in the loop from here on out?”

At the question, Kali subconsciously gnawed her lip. When she noticed the way York narrowed his eyes, she stopped. Too late.

“What is it?” he said. “Tell me.”

Making a mental note to apologize later for heaving Bailen under a moving bus, Kali took a breath and sold the canine out. “Somehow Bailen knew what was happening. He brought someone—one of the Kindred—with us to meet Wesley.”

“Matthias is supposed to stick with you. It’s kinda his job. That’s one reason he’s not in here getting yelled at with you.”

“Uh…I wasn’t talking about Matthias.”

York rubbed his eyes and then pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

Patting his shoulder affectionately, she pulled on her most charming smile. “You’re a likeable guy. He’s a likeable guy. I don’t see why you two wouldn’t hit it off.”

York glared at her darkly.

“Okay.” Kali winced. “Did I mention it was Bailen’s idea to bring him in on this?”

His frown became a bit less severe. “Remind me to never get sent to the principal’s office with you,” he said and playfully thumped one of her curls. “You haven’t told me what the Builder has to offer.”

“I know. I thought it best to cross that bridge after you’d met Dmiri.”

“That bad, huh?”

“You might need a little convincing.”

“I’m really not going to like this.”

“Nope. Not a chance.”

#

Once upon a time, a pastoral life dominated Warekin civilization. Common people inhabited the plains, while those of royal blood dwelled in surrounding mountains. But Warekin were ever forward thinkers. As the world advanced, so had they. Outposts were built. Desert cities were designed to absorb growing populations, pursue trade with other nations, and house scientists and architects who strove to advance their culture beyond the warrior and farming lifestyle. The Great War, Gabriel’s war, had weakened Warekin society. But the massacre had been the final blow. With no army to protect them, cities had died off, overrun by barbarian hordes of supernatural origins. Remaining survivors assimilated into surrounding cultures.

There were parts of Warekin civilization that remained almost untouched within in Golden Mountain. Royal blood lines steadfastly upheld the old ways, but at the same time, kept moving forward. The Halls of Old Mother were the epitome of the harsh juxtaposition of cultures Rhane’s people had adopted.

Throughout the mountain chain, nature had formed caverns of various sizes, ranging from the square footage of a small bedroom, to vast spaces large enough to house three city blocks. The Halls housed some of the largest areas. Ceilings were rounded and polished smooth. Artificial lighting had been added, glowing orbs encased by a framework of gold, bronze, and silver metals. Patterned glass and steel plates tiled the floors. White-washed rock formed walls. Vertical columns, sculpted from natural rock, united floor and ceiling near doorways and along most walls, drawing the eye with their intricately detailed carvings.

Fresh off the grueling purification ceremony orchestrated by his father and Gareth, Rhane felt and smelled like a stranger in his own skin. Only a centimeter of hair saved his scalp from complete baldness. The rest of him was shorn hairless. He’d been scrubbed to the verge of losing flesh. His nails were clipped to the quick. Next came the distilling bath of incense, followed with another of valerian root to restore internal harmonies perceived as corrupted by imbalances of the outside world. Clothed in only a cloak of thin linen, Rhane kneeled against the cool marbled floor and waited for the Mothers to appear.

It wasn’t long before three women floated onto the stage like spirits. Their poise was regal. Their faces were beautiful but possessed an austere lack of emotion. Identical ice blue eyes and white-blonde hair were features shared between them.

Seppina. Jethra. Coren. The Mothers. The power behind the ruling triumvirate. If Rhane could prove his father’s theories correct, then just maybe the nightmare would end. Warren would be safe. And he could go home to Kalista. His heart thudded harder with the thought.

Don’t get ahead of yourself.

He focused on exuding the proper amount of reverence, making slight adjustments in body language to show submission to their will and presence. It wasn’t easy. Rhane hadn’t kneeled before anyone in centuries. But it helped to have his father beside him.

Led by Seppina, the Mothers affirmed his right to be within their chambers in cascading notes. “Rhane of Whytetree.”

“Son of Jehsi, Prime of Warekin.”

Coren finished. “Vessel of Banewolf.”

Rhane dipped his head lower, keeping his gaze averted to the floor. “Old Mother of Silas, Prime of Greinwysh, Mother of Jehsi, Prime of Whytetree, and Mother of Cale, Prime of Greinwysh, you honor me with your graces.”

“Thank you, child.” Robes of silk rustled lightly as the women took position on three metallic thrones, laced with bronze, silver, and golden framework. Seppina’s seat was the most prominent, and she continued to speak as the others fell silent. “Why have you come to us? You have been tried and found guilty of war crimes, treason, and murder. Our kin still wear the scars you left behind.”

“I serve a heavy sentence, Old Mother. I hope through it some of those scars may be healed.”

Coren’s voice lashed out like a whip. “Your suffering will never be enough to heal us.”

Dropping his head a fraction lower, Rhane fell silent. The Old Mother spoke again. “Surrendering to the will of the Primes and beginning penance for your sins gives us great faith. I ask again. Why have you come before us?”

“I want to save what’s left of our people. A great darkness has taken hold of this mountain.”

“What sort of darkness?”

“My father has spoken his suspicions regarding Silas and Cale. I can assure you those uncertainties are well-founded. Four centuries ago, Silas and Ptolen conspired to murder Jehsi. They aligned themselves with rogues, letting those creatures massacre our people and burn our villages. Their actions began a ripple of events that ended with the death of my son, Rhaven. My mate was saddled with blame for their crimes.” Rhane steadied himself with a slow breath. “The Primes were working with rogues then. And they continue to do so now. We have no army, so they use the rogue horde as soldiers, the legs and feet of a scheme to overtake the human world. The Primes seek to resurrect an era ruled by royal blood, to take this earth away from humans. To do so, they need several key artifacts. But their actions will ultimately unleash a monster like this world has never seen. The casualties will be devastating, and the losses to this world unacceptable. There will be nothing left for Primes to rule.”

“Those are serious charges to level against your Primes.”

“They are the truth.”

“What proof does he have?” Coren’s tone was a razor-edged challenge. “These are but words.”

She had not addressed him directly, so Rhane did not speak. To do so would be considered an act of defiance. Seppina’s voice resolved the dilemma. “Do you have proof?”

“I have. The siren was found hiding in the southern states. She has told me everything—the plot against my father, how Silas and Ptolen planned to have her execute him, who was really responsible for massacre and why she had to run. She admitted to killing Ptolen. He was about to murder three Warekin children, the only eyewitnesses to his crimes.”

Coren scoffed. “The word of a siren is your proof? That creature is an abomination.”

“I have the children. They have nearly reached maturity. Warren is only one of them.”

“He claims no memory of events from the massacre. Do the others?”

“He doesn’t. And no.” His shoulders and neck were beginning to tremble with the effort of staying bowed. It wasn’t that his muscles were tiring. Submission to their dated system and tainted government went against every fiber of his nature. “Will you hear the reason?”