Night Angel (Angel Haven) (13 page)

“I’ll tell you the problem and everything else.” Raesheen stalked toward her, stabbing her finger at Randall. “This idiot has just bound himself to you. He’s not only shared love’s first kiss, but he shared his power. He promised me he’d wait until this situation was settled.”

She frowned. “I still don’t get it.”

“Be calm,” Brek said, her gaze darting back and forth between them. “She’s still learning our ways.”

Raesheen squeezed her eyes shut and stomped her foot. “I am calm!”

She pulled Karen out of Randall’s embrace, yanking her arm hard enough to make her sit on the hard ground. “If he’s dumb enough to get himself killed before you two consummate your relationship, the power he just gave you will rip you apart. You won’t have a chance to die of a broken heart because his power will consume you until there’s nothing left.”

The dryad stalked back over to him, kicking him squarely in the shins. “That’s why he promised me he’d wait!”

Randall leaned down, rubbing his leg. “Do you have to wear combat boots?”

“Yes. They serve an extremely practical purpose for kicking you.” She folded her arms and turned her back to him. “And I like the sound they make when they connect with your anatomy.”

Randall sat next to Karen and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry. I should’ve waited like Raesheen said. I’ve put you in danger.”

She shrugged, smiling slightly. “No more than I usually am. Of course, the thought of death by power consumption isn’t doing anything for me.” She ran her hands down his chest to the waistband of his jeans. “We can fix that, you know.”

“I know.” He leaned closer to her, intent on another soul searing kiss.

“Enough.” Raesheen pushed them apart. “Please have some consideration for the rest of us. Karen, you must get back to the house. Troyington will be looking for you soon. Aren’t you two supposed to spend the day together?”

“Yes, we are.” She caressed Randall’s face, not wanting to leave his embrace. “You won’t be dumb enough to get yourself killed, will you?”

“Of course not. I promise.” He grinned. Her cheeks turned pink as she gazed into his eyes. “Remind me to smile at you more.”

“
Focus!
” the dryad screamed.

“I’m sorry.” Karen looked at Randall. “I think I’m distracting you. I’d better get back. Bradford might be looking for me by now.”

“You must be careful,” the dryad said. She grasped Karen’s arm. “You must act the same as you did before that fool over there ruined everything.”

Karen winked at Raesheen. “But he’s a cute fool.”

The dryad snorted. “Why do you think I’ve let him live this long?”

Karen chuckled before covering Raesheen’s hand with her own. “I’ll remember all you told me. My friend has already told me the consequences of what Troyington will do us if he finds out Randall and I are soul mates.”

“Remember, Troyington senses magic. Hold Randall’s power tight inside you and if you’re lucky, Troyington won’t detect it. Keep your wits, and he’ll never suspect you’ve lost your heart.” She glanced over her shoulder at Randall. “We have work to do. Good luck.”

“Same to you.” With a last look at the group behind her, Karen headed for the mansion, hoping she could pull off the biggest charade of her life.

****

“I’ve been looking for you,” Bradford said as he entered the library. “I’m finally caught up on everything I need to be.”

Karen rose out of the leather wingback chair, holding up a book. “I wandered around outside for a bit then came in here. I borrowed this book. Do you mind?”

He took her hands and kissed her cheek. “Of course not. What would you like to do today?”

After what she’d overheard that morning, she felt he was studying her, paying closer attention than usual to what she’d say. “Let’s go to that little town down the hill from here.”

He smiled. “That’s a great idea. I haven’t taken an afternoon off in ages. Get your things and I’ll pull the car around front.”

“I’ll be down in just a minute.”

Karen ran to her room. “Dayla, are you here?”

“Always,” said the fairy, appearing on her pillow.

Karen stuffed things into her purse. “Did you find out where Harmon took the boy?”

“He put him in the back of a closed truck.” Dayla hung her head. “He drove so fast, I lost him. I alerted the rest of the Court to try to pick up his trail. I tracked him as far as I could and he led me away from the hills, not toward them.”

Karen chewed her lip. “That must mean the cabin they plan on using isn’t ready yet. I don’t think we’re going to be able to rescue the kids until they’re in place. Edna is close to completing her serum for Bradford.” She grabbed her jacket from the closet doorknob. “We’ve got a week, maybe two, to wrap this up.”

Dayla stood ramrod straight and saluted. “I will report all of this to Raesheen at once.”

“When you get to the wood folk, tell them I’m getting Bradford out of the house for a few hours. They might be able to get into his private office while we’re gone.” Karen stuffed her arms in her jacket sleeves, glancing toward the door. “I’ve got to run. Be careful.”

“You too, miss.”

She grabbed her purse and made her way to the car waiting for her outside.

****

The stores in the town were all on the single main road running through the center. Karen thought this was the cleanest town she’d ever been in. The sidewalks looked swept, no grass in the cracks; the road had no potholes or big dips or bumps. She watched as people bustled in and out of the shops and drove by them, hurrying off to where they needed to be. It appeared to be a normal, small town.
So why does it feel like I’ve just stepped into the Twilight Zone?

Bradford kept Karen’s hand in his as they strolled through the little town’s shopping district. He called out greetings, waving to everyone they met. He pointed out various important buildings, sounding proud of the town hall.

Karen watched him wave to another couple passing them on the street. “Do you know everyone?”

“I helped the people here when I first moved in,” he said. “The town was on the verge of drying up. I moved in some companies, built a few new businesses, created some jobs, and now it’s a prosperous place to live.”

She watched the people walk by. “That was awfully nice of you to help out complete strangers.”

He shrugged. “It was pure selfishness on my part. The next town is over twenty miles away. I didn’t want to have to go that far.”

“I don’t blame you. It’d be murder in the winter.” Karen looked at the streets. “The roads are so narrow.”

Bradford turned to speak with a woman who approached them. She looked at Karen like she wasn’t good enough to breathe the same air as the man with her. As Karen gazed at the other locals, she got the same sort of reaction. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck rise.

The wood folk hadn’t made her feel like this when she met them. They’d welcomed her as one of their own even though the only tie she had with them was through Randall. She shoved the thought down, making herself think of anything but Randall. If she kept thinking like that, she’d tip her hand. She smiled at him when he glanced at her.

She waited until the woman moved off. “They certainly think a lot of you here. I think they resent me being with you.”

Bradford tightened his grip on her hand. “They never think anyone is good enough for me. They put me on a pedestal even though I tell them I’m just a regular citizen like them.”

She resisted the urge to pull her hand from his. “I think they see you as a little more than that, if you don’t mind me saying.” She let him put his arm around her. His arm made her feel like a prisoner, but from the looks she was getting, right now, she’d take any kind of protection. The feelings of the townspeople bothered her. If they ever found the children, she got the feeling there would be no help here.

He stared at her, the look in his eyes sending a chill up her spine. His hand tightened on her shoulder. “They’d do anything I’d ask of them. They don’t put up with people trying to get the better of me.”

Karen’s feet wanted to run away and take her with them, but didn’t want to let him see how his veiled threat shook her. She gave him a bright smile. “Nice to have that kind of loyalty, huh? I’m starving! Could we stop for a quick bite?”

“This cafe is nice and quiet. The food here is delicious.” He gently pushed her into the dim interior, guiding her to a back table. “I hope you’re having a good time.”

“Oh, yes. It’s a lovely town and the people like you so much.” She held his hand. “You’re a special man, Bradford. I’m glad I’ve had time to get to know you.”

If they handed out Academy Awards for lying through your teeth, I’d get one, hands down.

****

Karen stared at the tree. She didn’t hear any rustling of leaves or creaking of branches. Maybe he was late. She watched as several blackbirds landed on the overhanging branches as they watched her. She moved down the balcony away from them.

Raesheen leapt from a tree branch onto the balcony. She turned to the birds and stared at them for a moment before dismissing them with a wave of her hand. “He’s not coming.”

“Is he all right?” Karen sat on the balcony, leaning against the house as her mind conjured up all sorts of horrible things that could’ve happened to him or Randall. “Has something happened?”

The dryad chuckled. “Both are well. They send their regards and their apologies. They slipped away from Troyington’s men and wanted to see if there was anywhere else the children could be hidden on the estate. After what Dayla told us this afternoon, I believe you’re right. As soon as I have word the children are where we expect them to be, I’ll let you know.”

Karen shuddered, remembering her afternoon out. “I’m afraid we’re all running out of time. I think Bradford is suspicious I’m not falling in love with him. He made a lot of veiled threats today, directing most of them at me.” She got up, walking to the rail to peer into the darkness beyond. “Maybe the guardian was right. I should’ve never come back.”

“Why did you?” Raesheen tilted her head, staring at Karen. “Most humans would’ve fled at the first opportunity, yet you returned.”

“I’m in love with Randall. I loved him even before we kissed,” she whispered. Karen closed her eyes, turning her back to the fairy queen. “The first night he looked in my car, I felt a connection with him. He was strange and wild and perfect. Then, after seeing what he’s endured, all for the sake and safety of others, how could I not return? I love him, Raesheen. I need him.”

The dryad nodded. “I understand.”

Karen leaned on the rail, laying her head back and opened her eyes to stare at the stars. “Ever since we started bonding, everything looks better. Bigger. Brighter. How are things going to look once we’re permanently together? And are we even going to get to be together?”

Raesheen stroked Karen’s hair, trying to give her some kind of comfort. “Love’s first kiss isn’t supposed to cause more problems. It’s supposed to make things better,” she said, her voice soft as an evening breeze. “It’s a terrible situation we’re in. But the High Mother has promised we’ll succeed.”

“Who’s the High Mother?” Karen asked, too tired to even try not sounding tired.

Raesheen sat on the railing by Karen’s arm. “She’s the leader of Randall’s clan. Her Oracle had visions of the future.”

“Oh?” Karen stared at the dryad. “Did I have something to do with his future?”

“The Oracle saw Randall meeting a silver dragon. He confessed to me he saw the dragon spirit in you. The High Mother dreamed of you.” Raesheen held Karen’s arm in a tight grip. “You’re the reason Randall was chosen to be here. He was meant to find you. You two are meant to be together.”

“It’d be nice if we could actually
be
together,” Karen muttered. She turned to Raesheen. “Do you believe we’ll succeed? Do you think we’ll get happily ever after?”

“The High Mother said so. She hasn’t been wrong yet.” Raesheen smiled. “And the Oracle wouldn’t let her brother come to harm.”

Randall had a sister that could see the future.
Not surprising
, she thought. Surely, the Oracle would’ve known if he wouldn’t succeed and wouldn’t have let him come. Wouldn’t she?
This gets more confusing all the time
, she thought.

“I’m afraid,” Karen said in a low voice. Tears spilled, splashing on the wooden railing. “I’m afraid of him. I’m afraid
for
him. I’m really afraid of this all-consuming love that has me walking on eggshells.” She slammed her hands on the rail, making the dryad jump. “Damn it!”

“I know it’s hard.” Raesheen squeezed her shoulder. “Something deep and primal is beginning to control your life. In this type of situation, soul bonding can hurt.”

Karen stared at the ground. “I feel so fractured.”

The dryad stood back, folding her arms and Karen could feel her annoyance. “That’s Randall’s fault. You’re supposed to be able to consummate after sharing love’s first kiss.
Then
he’s supposed to share his power.” She tried to frown, but the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile. “He never could do anything right without me to guide him. That’s why he promised me he’d wait.”

Her eyes narrowed as she gazed intently at Karen. “I know why he didn’t, though. He couldn’t. I’ve never sensed a love this strong before. It resonates through the entire realm.”

Karen wiped her eyes. It figured when she finally let her emotions out, it would be like that. The constant crying was driving her nuts. “What do we do? I can’t go on like this.”

The dryad shook her head. “There’s not much we can do. If you two do consummate the bond, Troyington will definitely know, and he’ll get rid of you.” She hopped off the railing to pace on the balcony. “He won’t get rid of Randall, not right away, because he still needs to take his power. But you. Troyington will see you as expendable. I’m not sure what he’ll do, but it won’t be pretty.”

“Terrific.” Karen sat on the porch. “This true love thing stinks. And I thought it was hard being a hero.”

Raesheen patted her arm. “It’ll get better.”

The look Karen gave her was beyond skeptical. “Oh, yeah? How?”