Deceiver's Bond: Book Two of A Clairvoyant's Complicated Life (20 page)

Before I could spiral into a pit of self-recrimination, I took a deep breath. And then I let it out. Rinse and repeat.

When I had restored my control, I opened my eyes.

Kieran eyed me warily, his hands pressed against his thighs as though he expected to jump up at any second to evade another attack. The bag of ice rested on the cushion to his right.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I tipped my chin toward him. “How do you feel?”

See? Calm and cool, practically civil.

“I am fine. Your pathetic ministrations were unnecessary.”

I barked out a laugh. “You’re a piece of work. Are you deliberately trying to provoke me? Or does your ungrateful, superior attitude come naturally?”

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t reply.

Yeah. Calm and cool. He’ll be putty in your hands in no time.

Disregarding my inner voice, I marched to the ottoman, shooting him with my own scathing expression. “So sorry things didn’t go according to your
precious
plan. But what the hell did you expect? Did you seriously think we’d be just fine with you pulling the mind mojo on us? But, what the hell, right? We’re just worthless humans. Who gives a shit what we think?”

I stalked away but turned back after a few steps. “And what was your master plan, anyway? I know that bi—” I reigned myself in. “I know Maeve gave you an order. What was it?”

I searched his face, wanting to scream at him, beat him, claw his face, anything to make him answer my questions.

He folded his arms, leaning back against the cushion, his expression just as closed as his body language.

Pacing in front of the ottoman, I tried to puzzle him out. “Whatever she told you to do, it wasn’t good, it wasn’t something we’d like. Otherwise, why put the mental whammy on us? And I could tell by the look on your face, you weren’t happy.”

She had given him an order, one he hadn’t been thrilled about. She started singing and …

And then I couldn’t keep my eyes off him.

My head whipped up. I halted, mid-stride, and stared at him. “No. Oh, no, no, no. She didn’t tell you to—” I shook my head. “God, no. That means …”

Maybe Paimon hadn’t been lying. And if Vince had been thinking along the same lines I had …

For a fleeting second, I thought I might vomit, my stomach clenched so violently. I pressed the back of my hand against my mouth hard enough to taste copper. The immediate pain brought me back from the brink. Sucking my wounded lower lip, I sat down on the ottoman before my knees gave way.

Michael had left the kitchen to crouch down in front of me. “Lire, what’s wrong?” He glared at Kieran. “What did you say to her?”

“I said nothing. She seems to be rather excitable.”

God help me, I wanted to squeeze Kieran’s head until it popped.

The obscene urge tipped me over. My emotions, which I had struggled to hold in check, boiled over, all pushing for release at once, like bubbles in a punctured soda can. I closed my throat, but they strained upward, a wild, tickling sensation I couldn’t control.

I burst out laughing, a frenzy of cackles that nearly doubled me over. I had the sense to drop the talisman on the padded ottoman before clutching my sides. Tears streamed down my cheeks, blurring my vision, and I struggled just to breathe. When I finally wound down enough to see straight, gasping and chortling, Kieran’s look of distaste tripped me up all over again.

“Oh, God,” I uttered, giggling, panting, and pointing a trembling finger in his direction. “You’d rather … die than … fulfill … your duty.” I almost fell out of my seat before catching myself. “At least … we agree … on something.”

I roared until my face burned hot and I thought I might throw up. I wiped my eyes and only managed to contain my hysteria when Michael appeared ready to slap me.

I held up my hand and wheezed out, “Okay. Okay.” I tittered, but pressed my lips together, smothering my madness. “I’m okay,” I assured him, sitting up straight and dabbing my eyes.

Michael stared at me, brows furrowed. “God, Lire. What was that about?”

“The sidhe have been playing you for fools, that’s what.” I glared at Daniel, not bothering to hide my disgust. “God knows how many women the sidhe have glamoured and raped, trying to build their little army. And, from the beginning, good ol’ Invisius has been their accomplice, covering up their various
indiscretions
.”

I narrowed my eyes at Kieran. “It’s the telepath’s job to keep things nice and neat. Isn’t that right?”

“Hold on. What do you mean, rape?” Michael blurted, his astonished gaze ping-ponging between Kieran and Daniel before settling back on me. “I don’t cover up rape. And, what army? Lire, I know you’re upset, but you’re not making sense.”

I turned to confront Kieran, thrusting out my chin. “It’s true, isn’t it? The demons are coming. Even now, they’re working to prepare the way. What happened with Brian wasn’t an isolated incident. And, pretty soon, they’ll enter our world through their own gateways, just like the sidhe. But, by then, you’ll be shut out, unable to manifest here with your own free will, unable to stop them.”

Kieran’s expression of surprise was so stark I pegged it for an act. I waited for him to issue a scathing comment about my lack of brain cells or obvious insanity.

Instead, he leaned forward and replied, “Yes.” He looked me over, as though I had finally done something worthy of interest.

Michael sputtered, “Rape and coverups, demons, gateways …” He looked between us. “Would somebody please explain what the fuck this is all about?”

Kieran ignored him, speaking to me instead. “How did you learn of it? From this Brian you spoke of? He is your lover?”

I couldn’t help making a face. “Gross. No.”

“He tried to kill her,” Daniel answered, perching on the arm of the couch. “He was a serial murderer.”

“And an Invisius telepath,” I shot back. “Don’t forget that little detail,
Daniel
.”

“Ah. He was possessed,” Kieran surmised. “It was he who tainted you.”

“Go to hell,” I snapped. I couldn’t seem to stop swearing at this guy. “I am not tainted.” I ran my fingers through my hair, shoving it behind my ears a little more savagely than usual. “Brian wasn’t possessed, but he was corrupt as hell. He ordered his demon to kill me, but he lost control. The demon killed him instead.”

Kieran narrowed his eyes. “And then you bargained for your life.”

I shot imaginary daggers at him. “You sure think highly of me, don’t you? No. I didn’t. But think what you like. I don’t give a shit.”

“What do demons have to do with Vince and Maeve’s disappearing act?” Michael asked, throwing his hands up.

I stared at Kieran. When he didn’t respond to the hint, I asked, “Aren’t you going to explain?”

He waved a dismissive hand in my direction.

“Fine,” I growled, folding both of my legs under me like it was circle time. I took a deep breath and smiled radiantly. “Once upon a time, the lovely sidhe had Earth all to themselves, and everything was milk and honey, rainbows and kittens, until the infestation of humanity came along and ruined everything.” I folded my arms and silently dared Kieran to dispute my less than conciliatory accounting.

When he stared at me impassively, I rolled my eyes and dropped the placating voice. I told Michael and Daniel what I’d learned from Paimon.

I shrugged. “I don’t think the sidhe would give a crap about demons invading a world they can no longer visit, except, I suspect this is a cyclic event. Over the eons, the Earth ping-pongs between their two worlds. The sidhe will be back and they don’t want demons trashing the place while they’re gone.”

Michael looked exasperated. “Even if that’s true, what does it have to do with Invisius and Vince’s disappearance?”

Again, I cast a meaningful glare at Kieran. “Your turn.”

He raised an eyebrow and absently fingered the couch cushion’s fabric. “Why, when you clearly have a way with words? I am curious to hear how you will explain it.”

In all my years of encountering bigoted, loathsome individuals, I’d come across just one other person who I detested as much as this creature: Brian Stalzing. Even the demon Paimon was a joy to be around, by comparison. Were all the sidhe as horrible? I hoped Kieran and Maeve were the exceptions and not the rule, but the longer I spent in Kieran’s company, the more difficult it was to keep up my optimism.

“Whatever.”
Jerk.

I replied to Michael while tipping my head toward the miscreant sitting across from me, “If the charming Kieran, here, is any indication, the sidhe have zero regard for humans. In fact, they’d probably still be trying to exterminate us if the demons hadn’t proved to be more of a threat. So, the sidhe switched tactics. Instead of fighting us, they’ve been
fucking
us.” I grimaced, like I’d tasted something nasty, but I refused to use less vulgar words to sugar coat their tactics. “They’ve been trying to breed an army of half-elves who can live on Earth and are better equipped to fight demons. I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing Maeve hopes to add her own progeny to the mix.” I swallowed before rasping out, “Using Vince as her stud.”

I didn’t want to look at Kieran, didn’t want to see any confirmation in his eyes, but I forced myself. I cast an insincere smile toward him. “Happy?”

The bastard had the nerve to look smug.

“And this is why Invisius has been keeping tabs on the half-elves?” Michael frowned before casting an accusing gaze at Daniel. “Did you know this?”

“About breeding an army?” Daniel sounded as incredulous as he looked. He snorted, shaking his head. “No. I know our relationship with the sidhe goes back centuries, just as you do. And, yeah, I’ve cleaned up the random …
encounter
, but more to help explain a pregnancy after, uh, a night or two of passion.” He gestured helplessly. “You know, to make it easier for the mother and child, to ensure the child was well cared for. But the women were always willing participants. I never covered up rape.”

A harsh laugh slipped out of my mouth. “Right. Willing participants.” I stood. “Can I tell you what I was thinking right before Maeve started her little song? I was thinking, ‘Forget being polite. Time to grab Vince and get the hell out.’” I jerked my thumb toward the door.

“Guess what I thought
after
her little serenade.” I gestured at Kieran. “I couldn’t wait for this guy to tear off my clothes and do me right there on the carpet. Right in front of Vince and everyone.” I shuddered, staring hard at Daniel. “Before that, I had zero interest in him. Ha! Less than zero. I wanted to get as far away as possible.”

I poked my index finger against my chest. “Definitely
not
willing. And if it weren’t for—” I stopped before revealing Paimon’s involvement and amended, “If I hadn’t snapped out of it, I probably would have ended up like all those
willing participants
you cleaned up after.” I snorted. “Of course, in my case, you wouldn’t have had to do much since I’m on birth control.”

Daniel turned to glare at Kieran. “Is this true?”

“What a ridiculous question,” Kieran replied. “What would I know of her fertility? We’ve just met.”

Daniel’s posture turned stony, along with his expression.

Kieran crossed his right ankle over his left knee. “As to the rest, although simplistic and antagonistic in the telling …” He shrugged and said, “It is true.”

“And this doesn’t bother you at all? It’s—” I made a sound of disgust. “It’s horrifying.”

“My feelings are irrelevant. It is my duty.” His demeanor was so matter of fact, so straightforward, it made me wonder how different he sounded from the scores of soldiers throughout history who had carried out their orders without question, despite knowing their actions were morally reprehensible. It was a distressing line of thought.

“Right.” I rolled my eyes. “Your
duty
. I wish I could give you a taste of your
duty
, but—” I jerked my hand at no one in particular. “I’m not sure it’s even possible to rape a guy.” A strangled sound came out of my mouth when I realized what I was saying. I slapped a hand to my forehead. “Not like I’d even want to try.”

Michael grunted. “You’re too naive. All we have to do is send him to prison. A child rape and murder charge should do the trick.” He folded his arms, staring at Kieran intently.

The savagery on Michael’s face shocked me. Daniel looked equally resolved.

Kieran hardly twitched a muscle. I wondered if he had any idea what kind of danger he was in.

I stepped closer to the two telepaths. “Hold the phone. Yes, he’s a bastard—okay, worse than a bastard, he’s a scumbag rapist—but we’re not setting him up for jail time, so forget it.”

Michael narrowed his eyes at Kieran, who now looked extremely pissed off, probably at my scumbag rapist comment.

I pinched Michael’s arm through his sleeve. “Hey. You hearing me on this?”

“Ow.” He glanced from his arm to me.

“We need to get Vince back. Vince. Ring any bells?”

Michael sighed. “Yes.”

I bent to retrieve the egg from the ottoman. “Where did this come from?”

Daniel, his expression still colored by his disdain for Kieran, turned to me and then glanced at the talisman. “I’ve had it in safe keeping. I took it from the Invisius vault.”

I circled my hand through the air—
out with it
.

He shrugged. “As far as I know, it’s the only way we can meet face-to-face with the sidhe. Outside midsummer and midwinter, they can’t come over without being called.” He gestured at the egg. “That does the calling. It establishes a temporary gateway. They can decline to go through it, of course, but they usually don’t if the meeting’s been set up ahead of time.”

Now, we were getting somewhere. “You set it up? How?”

“We have a … contact—normally, we have several—who act as messengers.” He shrugged again. “They have a way of communicating with the sidhe without an active portal.”

I turned the egg over in my hand. For a moment, it seemed to vibrate, but actually, it had been my glove skipping over its textured surface. “How did Invisius get this?”