Love (The Allure Chronicles Book 4) (13 page)

“Aren’t the Elders like the strongest beings around?” Allie glanced around the room at everybody. “Or am I missing something? What happened to finding the herb to change Daisy back? Not that I’m not all in for getting rid of these jerks. They messed with Daisy and Owen.”

“Destroying them completely would be difficult.” Glendale lifted his head. “Likely impossible. But we need to stop their domination. We’ve let things go on for far too long.”

“And Andrew is involved in this how?” Allie watched him warily. “I’m sorry, I still don’t understand that part.”

“I found that they were in trouble, and I did what I could to find them so I could help.” He puffed out his chest and stared longingly at Hailey.

“Ok, we welcome any help we can get.” Who was I to turn down a willing helper who managed to find us?

He smiled. “Okay, what can I do for you?”

“Wait.” I froze. “Don’t you know what you can do? Your Grantor said you could help us.”

“Yes, Andrew.” Hailey hurried toward him. “Please tell me you have some idea for how to help, and you didn’t waste everyone’s time, and risk your life just to find us.”

Andrew looked down at his shoes.

“Oh, boy. Things are getting mighty interesting.” Glendale cackled.

“Interesting?” Hailey bent down to his eye level. “You mean horrible?”

“Interesting, horrible? Depends on how you look at it.” Glendale went to rub his head against her forehead, but she jerked back. “The boy did offer to help still.”

“Yes, he did.” Sol smiled. “He did offer to help.”

“Uh oh. What idea did you come up with?” I didn’t like the excitement in Sol’s voice. They had a plan to use Andrew, and that most likely wasn’t in his interest. “You can’t hurt him.”

“I’m not going to willingly hurt him.” Sol lowered his shades slightly. “But I can’t promise it won’t happen inadvertently.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to help.” Andrew exclaimed eagerly. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Andrew, don’t be an idiot.” Allie groaned. “I still don’t really get why you’re here, but whatever reason,” She glanced at Hailey making it seem that she did know, “It isn’t worth getting yourself hurt. Thanks for telling us that there is a reward for Hailey and Daisy. That is important information. You can go now if you want.” She shooed with her hand to the door she’d walked through.

“No he can’t.” Glendale stretched his front legs. “They’ll know he was with us and then pump him for information. Not only could that set us back, it could also get him killed. He’s with us till the end.”

“Why do you sound happy about that?” Hailey gritted her teeth.

“Because his presence annoys you.” Glendale’s eyes gleamed.

“His presence annoys me because he’s one more person I need to worry about. I already need to protect these two.” She pointed to Allie and me.

“You don’t have to protect me,” I argued. “I’ve already told you it’s not your job.”

“I’ve said the same thing.” Allie jumped in. “Save your breath. If she decides you’re worthy of her protection it lasts for life.”

“That means she’s going to care about my safety for life.” Andrew grinned from ear to ear.

“Only because of your family.” Hailey looked up at the ceiling. “Don’t forget that detail.”

“Who cares about the details? It’s the concept that counts.” Andrew was in heaven.

“I like this young man’s spirit.” Glendale stretched his back legs this time.

“We’re still doing the whole young thing, huh?” Watching Glendale got me tired. He wasn’t a normal cat, but he sure acted like one.

“I hope you don’t like his spirit too much.” Sol wagged a finger at Glendale.

“Oh, come off it. I haven’t indulged in years.” Glendale shut his eyes.

“Indulged in what?” I stepped away from the cat.

“Nothing you need to worry yourself about.” Glendale hissed in the direction of Sol.

“They were going to find out eventually.”

“Find out what?” I asked not sure I wanted to know the answer.

“Fine, if we have to have this conversation, I’ll do it myself.” Glendale curled into a tight ball. “I’m not a normal cat.”

“Really?” Hailey laid on the sarcasm. “I’m shocked.”

“You enjoy interrupting, don’t you?” Glendale didn’t move.

“Please, continue.” Hailey smiled. “I will refrain from my natural instinct to cut you off.”

“It’s a natural instinct indeed.” Glendale lifted his head.

“Oh?” Hailey appeared interested. “That doesn’t sound too good.”

“Because it’s not.” Glendale moved to sitting. “It’s not good. But before I go any further, I assure you I’m reformed.” Glendale gave us what I’d call a kitten face.

“I wasn’t aware your type could reform.” Harold crossed his arms.

“We can. And for your information I’m even working with a G.P. right now.” Glendale raised his chin.

“A G.P?” Allie asked. “I don’t imagine that stands for General Practitioner or anything.”

Glendale strutted toward Allie. “No, my dear. It means Guardian Pixie.”

“A Guardian Pixie?” Hailey laughed dryly. “That’s a new one.”

“Don’t laugh. She’s assigned to your brother.” Glendale curled up at Allie’s feet.

“My brother?” Hailey put a hand to her chest. “My brother has a Guardian Pixie? What happened, did the fairies run out?”

“Stop it, Pteron. You are treading into dangerous waters.” Sol warned.

“Why? What does this cat have to do with the pixie? Not to mention why would my brother have such a thing?”

“You have one too.” Glendale stayed completely still. “Although I’m not sure you’ll ever meet him.”

“Him? Mine’s male?”

“Owen’s pixie isn’t doing a very good job.” I spoke quietly, but I couldn’t keep the words to myself. “If someone was looking out for him, then why did he end up in the mess with me?”

“Don’t you believe in destiny?” Glendale rolled over so he could look at me. “If you don’t, you should. All of this was pre-determined. And she will serve her role. As will yours, Hailey.”

“I wish Owen was here.” I missed him. We’d done what we thought we had to when we left. “Do you think the guys are back and looking for us yet?”

“I’m sure they are.” Allie sighed. “Levi’s going to be pretty mad.”

“Where were they?” Glendale lay on his back. “Where would they be back from? I thought it odd he’d left your side.”

“They met with the Dragos.” I hoped that wasn’t a mistake.

“Interesting. I wonder what those lovely fellas had to say that they couldn’t say to you.” Glendale stared at something in the corner. I followed his gaze, hoping he hadn’t seen anything.

“I don’t know if it was so much we couldn’t hear than that they wouldn’t come to New Orleans,” Allie explained. “At least that’s the impression I was under.”

“How about we find Owen?” Glendale kept his eyes in the corner as he addressed me. “You’re stronger with him, and we’re going to need your strength.”

“You make everything sound creepy.” Hailey followed his gaze as well. “You should have said you will need your strength.”

“I meant what I said. We will need it. Besides, I am creepy. You’ve said as much yourself.” In a whirl he was across the room. He pounced and smacked something with his paw. A moment later he lifted his paw and started playing with something on the floor.

“Wait.” I took a few steps toward him so I could see what he was playing with. A cockroach. A huge dead cockroach. “You never told us what you were reformed about.”

“Oh.” Glendale brushed the dead bug away. “Eating souls.”

The room went silent. I finally broke it. “You aren’t kidding, are you?”

“No. I’m afraid I’m not.”

M
arta had wings all right
. They were clear crystal wings that seemed far too tiny to carry her weight, but somehow they did. She flitted across the sky gracefully yet never in a straight line.

I checked over my shoulder a few times to make sure she was keeping up, and she was always there. She was smiling as though she hadn’t a care in the world. I couldn’t remember a time when I felt that way aside for the rare moment when I was alone with Daisy. Holding her in my arms brought me a peace I’d never found before. Thoughts of holding Daisy pushed me along. I flew past both Jared and Levi.

Allie’s Land Rover wasn’t hard to find. The lavender vehicle beckoned as we descended toward the interstate. The hood was open as if they’d had some sort of engine trouble. That would only add more fuel to Levi’s argument that it was time for a new car. It was one of many arguments he always lost.

It was later in the morning than we’d normally fly, but driving would have taken too much time. Flying anywhere afterward would be another story. I already knew Daisy wouldn’t be at the car. Marta’s crystal wings made everything else she said seem far more plausible. Daisy wasn’t in our world and that was truly frightening.

We landed in the woods off to the side of the road, hoping none of the people in the other cars noticed us. If they did they’d probably chalk it up to their imagination anyway. People don’t want to believe the supernatural is real.

“You think the engine overheated?” Jared walked over to look in the hood.

“If it did, don’t you think Allie would have called someone? Triple A or something?” Allie was good at a lot of things, but she knew when to call in help. She was practical.

“Well, something must have been going on.” Jared started to check over the engine. “Nothing looks off on this end, should I see if the car starts?”

“No need. I’m sure it will start fine.” Marta leaned over the engine beside him.

“How do you know?” Levi eyed her warily.

“Because I smell magic. Whatever made them stop wasn’t mechanical failure.” She tapped the side of the car.

Levi paled. “But it could have been the creature you sent to help Daisy, right?”

“Yes, it had to be.” I wasn’t ready to accept something happened to them.

“Oh yes, absolutely.” She bent down and ran her hand over the ground. “Yes, it was him all right.”

“Glendale?” I still couldn’t quite believe the cat was involved, but he’d been a help before.

“Yes. It’s him.” She smiled. “Definitely.”

“Ok, so what now?” Jared shifted uncomfortably. Talking cats and pixies were outside his comfort zone. To be fair, they were outside of mine too. “Do you know where he took them?”

“It could be many places, and we don’t know if they are all together. How many girls were there all together?”

“Four of them, if you include Taylor. I assume Taylor would have gone.” Daisy wouldn’t get that kind of break.

“She wasn’t leaving Daisy’s side.” Jared spoke what I was thinking. “Taylor views her as her meal ticket.”

I grimaced. “Did you have to word it that way?”

Marta grinned. “Lovely. We’re all set.”

“What?” I turned to her. “What’s lovely about Taylor wanting to destroy the love of my life to get what she wants?”

“That’s not the lovely part. It’s that Glendale’s come himself.”

“What?” I glanced around.

Glendale strode out of the woods flinging his tail around. “I still don’t understand the appeal.”

We all stared at him.

“What appeal?”

“You.” He strutted over to me. “How did you get a girl like her so interested in you?”

Jared laughed. “Even a cat can’t understand it.”

Glendale turned and walked toward Jared. “I can say the same thing about your wife. She’s the leader of the Ursus. One of the strongest bears alive, yet she chose you.”

Levi chuckled. “Let me guess, you’re wondering the same thing about Allie?”

Glendale swished his tail back and forth. “You’re a king. Kings get women above them. That’s how it works.”

“Are you going to take us to them, or are you only here to insult us?” I was stressed and worried. Neither of those things made me particularly interested in taking shit from a talking cat.

“I’m not sure yet.” Glendale lay down.

“Glen, you know Daisy needs him. Your job was to protect her. I assume you did that.” Marta knelt down on the ground next to him.

“Yes. She’s fine. So are the others. I must say I am a fan of the sister. She’s a feisty one.” Glendale’s whiskers popped out.

“Don’t bother my sister.” She’d risked herself enough getting involved in this mess. I wasn’t letting a cat make things worse for her.

“I’m not bothering her. We’re arguing, but she likes it. I like it too.” He rested his head down.

“Where are they?” Levi used his no-nonsense voice. “I need to see my wife at once.”

“You will on one condition.” Glendale rolled over.

“What condition is that?”

“You promise to go along with our plan.” Glendale pawed at something invisible in the air.

“How are we going to promise anything if we don’t know the plan?” Jared folded his arms over his chest.

“It’s a plan that will leave Daisy alive and with her feelings back.”

“You know how to do that?” My heart nearly stopped. “You believe it’s possible?”

“Yes. The more challenging part will be making sure the Elders leave her be. We all want that, which is where you come in.”

“Have you talked to the Dragos? They have a plan. One I don’t necessarily trust.” I decided to lay all the cards out to Glendale. If he had Daisy, I wanted to be on his good side so I could see her sooner.

“No, but I understand they have hatched a plan. Wyatt will be meeting us.”

“Only Wyatt?” Levi asked. “Not the other Dragos?”

“He and Troy are the only two I can stomach, and Troy is indisposed at the moment.”

“Yes. We’ve heard.” I assumed that was the only reason Wyatt was talking to us. And that meant the reason I had Daisy back.

“You still haven’t described the plan.” Jared gave Glendale a long, cold look.

A few cars slowed down on the interstate beside us.

“I think we need to move.” Marta glanced toward the road. “I am sure they will agree to whatever plan you have made if Daisy is keen on it.”

“But Daisy will put herself in danger… I won’t allow that.” I clenched my jaw. “So I might not agree with every plan.”

“Under my plan Daisy lives. I can’t say the same thing for the Dragos plan.” Glendale stood up. “Can you?”

I exchanged looks with Levi. He nodded. If he’d shaken his head I would have gone with Glendale anyway. I needed to get to Daisy, and I needed to believe there was a way out for her. I would do absolutely everything in my power—and beyond— to make sure she got the life she deserved.

“Very well.” Glendale swished his tail. “Let’s go.”

An intense wind surrounded us, and there was a flash of bright light before our feet left the ground. Everything started to whirl, and I felt a sense of weightlessness as we floated through a sea of bright colors before landing hard on the floor.

“Owen!” Daisy dashed over to my side.

I pulled Daisy down next to me and smashed my lips into hers. She responded immediately, returning the fervor and eagerly opening up to me. I jumped on the access to her mouth and devoured her sweet taste while my tongue found hers. I didn’t care we were being watched. The only thing that mattered in that moment was Daisy. She was fine, and the kiss told me all I needed to know about an important thing. Her feelings for me were still there.

I held onto her afraid to let go. I continued the kiss until she started to pull away. I was sure it had something to do with the loud throat clearing happening in several areas of the room.

Daisy pulled away but kissed me lightly on the lips before looking out sheepishly at the others in the room.

“So she does feel embarrassment.” Glendale picked up his head from where he sat right next to us. The cat cared nothing for our personal space.

“I can feel everything at the moment.” A blush spread across her cheeks.

I kissed her again for good measure. It was light and short, but it got a smile out of her.

“Ok, if you two are done.” Glendale stood up. “We have matters to attend to.”

“Yes. We do.” A man wearing sunglasses and a black leather jacket stepped away from a concrete bar I hadn’t noticed. I hadn’t noticed anything in the room beside Daisy. Now that I was looking around I could see we were in some sort of bar.

“Who are you?” Levi asked the leather jacket clad guy before I could.

“Sol.” He nodded instead of extending a hand. “All you need to know about me is I want what you want. We’re all working together on this one.”

“You’re the one who brought her feelings back.” I remembered the name from when Daisy had explained things to me. I pulled Daisy tighter into my arms. “Thank you.”

“To be perfectly honest with you, I have no idea how I did it. I don’t know if I could do it again if that’s what you were asking, but I am willing to try.”

“Where’s Hailey?” I searched around the room, belatedly realizing I didn’t see her. I was a horrible brother and guilt hit me like a ton of bricks.

“She’s fine.” Sol held up a hand. “Relax. She went with Andrew and his Grantor to find your uncle.”

“Andrew and his Grantor?” Those words meant nothing to me.

“As in my step-brother. He somehow captured this genie-like thing,” Allie explained from her spot in Levi’s arms. “He went off to find Jim who had been captured by a Shadow, I tried to—“

“What?” I stopped listening the second Allie said the word Shadow. “Hailey is off looking for a Shadow?” I got chills thinking about the thing. “Where is she? I need to find her immediately.”

“She’s fine.” Glendale scratched an itch. “She won’t be wrestling with any Shadows today.”

“Allie just said—”

“She said she’s off to find Jim who had been captured by a Shadow. Not that she would be trapped by one. Everything is under control. Wyatt is with the group. Drago fire can destroy a Shadow easily.”

“When did they leave?” Drago fire or not, I was worried. “When will they be back?”

“Soon I hope.” Taylor nodded in greeting. “We can’t do anything until then.”

“Did Jim find the herb?” I asked Glendale since he appeared to be in charge, no matter how weird having a cat in charge was.

“According to Hailey he had. But then the Shadow took him. Seems these young ladies were off to find more of the herb before I stopped them from driving right into a trap.”

“What kind of trap was it?” Allie picked her head up off of Levi’s chest. “You never told us.”

“You don’t want to know.” Glendale turned his back to her. “Trust me on that.”

“Of course we want to know,” Daisy pressed. “No one wants to be left in the dark.”

“On matters such as these you should want to be left in the dark.” Glendale started to pace the room.

“When a Helzin Demon tells you that you don’t want to know, you probably don’t want to know.” Marta wore a darker expression than any she’d worn since I met her.

“A Helzin Demon?” Daisy squeezed my hand. “What?”

“I did admit to eating souls.” Glendale licked his paw. “Don’t sound so surprised.”

I scooted back with Daisy. “You’re a demon?”

“A Helzin Demon. Entirely different thing. You should know that, but there is a generation of Pterons that know nothing. I keep forgetting.” Glendale continued his strut around the room.

“Yes, which is something I will have to deal with.” Levi ran his arm down Allie’s arm. His whole demeanor was more relaxed now that he had Allie by his side. “But for now we have more pressing matters.”

“The King of The Society admitting there were more pressing matters than his precious kingdom?” Glendale flicked his tail. “You really are nothing like your father.”

“You know my father?” Levi’s face registered surprise.

“Everyone knows of the Pteron kings.” Glendale’s ears perked up. “Even if we don’t follow them.”

“Then why did you stay silent?” Daisy asked. “I mean, why did you let the new generation believe you were truly gone?”

“Because there was no reason to intervene. Until now of course.”

“Yes, why are you ‘intervening’ as you call it now?” Jared questioned. This must have been a huge shock for him. His business was security, yet The Society had been facing dangers he’d known nothing about.

“Because the Elders have gone too far. If we leave their power unchecked they will destroy us all even if it destroys them. They are too blind to see that throwing off the power balance to such an extreme will destroy everything and everyone.” Sol tossed off his leather jacket.

“The power balance?” Levi tightened his hold on Allie.

“Seriously?” Glendale rolled over. “Never heard of that one either? You’re almost worthless.”

I bristled. “Don’t disrespect the king.”

“You should be angry.” Glendale jumped to his feet. “You’ve been lied to.”

“I am angry about that, but right now I have other concerns.” Far bigger ones for me. “As Levi said, The Society matters can wait.”

“Does anyone else find this refreshing?” Glendale looked at Sol. “Odd, but refreshing.”

“I told you they were different.” Marta smiled.

“Who is that?” Daisy whispered.

“Oh. That’s Marta. She was a waitress in Coleville but evidently she’s not human.” I brushed some of Daisy’s hair away from her face. “And she came to us with a warning.”

“What kind of warning?” Daisy shifted beside me.

“I warned them about the Allures, specifically Violet.” Marta walked over.

“Specifically Violet?” Daisy paled.

“Yes. She is a lot more frightening than she seems.” Marta’s expression darkened.

“I’m beginning to realize everyone is.” Daisy’s eyes were on Glendale as she spoke.