17. Making Up
seventeen
JAMES
My throat burns the entire way to the SUV my brother shoves me into. Once we’re locked inside, he thrusts another bag of blood into my hands. “Drink it. Now.” I grimace against the order, even though I’m certain this is the one thing that will quench my aching throat.
“I mean it, James. Drink it, then we’ll talk about what happened back there,” he orders again as the vehicle starts. He puts it in gear and heads back toward the city.
I sigh and do as I’m told. After all, I’m a vampire now. This is my new life. One I asked for but never expected to get. How did we get here? I find myself anxious to hear what Declan has to say. I wish that I hadn’t reacted the way I did toward Garnet. I’m sure this isn’t what she wanted for us. When the bag is empty, I turn back to my brother, who is brooding as he maneuvers the SUV through the city streets toward Midnight.
“Okay, let me have it. I’m ready,” I insist. I’m pretty sure I know what’s coming, but I owe him the ability to say it.
“You shouldn’t have lied about your injuries. What if she hadn’t checked on you? Then what?” He looks over at me before turning his attention back to the road. “Then you’d be dead, you idiot. Do you know how badly that would have destroyed her? Not just her, either.”
“It’s not like I wanted to die. I didn’t think the stab wound was that bad. I cleaned it and dressed it. The bleeding had nearly stopped, until we had to move Ryland and Garnet to the bed so they could rest.” That was what did it. Helping to carry them is what re-opened my wound and caused me to bleed. I can’t argue with Dec; he’s right. I shouldn’t have hidden my injury. It was my fault.
“You’re lucky you have a woman who’s willing to beg for your life. She would have given me anything to save you. I should kick your ass for putting the two of us in that position. I know this isn’t what you really want, but you have to make a decision here. Either you’re going to learn to control the hunger and be a good vamp, or I’m going to have to lock you up when we get to Midnight.” Dec keeps his tone light, but I know he’s serious.
“I’m trying, okay? This isn’t an easy adjustment to make. When I went to sleep, I was human; then I woke up something else. Can I have a minute to freak out before I have to decide how the rest of my life is going to go?” I can’t tell him that I’m terrified I’ll hurt Garnet, or that she’ll decide she doesn’t want me now, because I’m a monster. I wanted to taste her, to drink her in until there was nothing left.
LUCA
“What?” I ask, looking at the shocked and annoyed faces staring back at me. “It’s ridiculous to think that Red controls everything and is the cause of all our misery. But telling her that isn’t going to prove my point.”
Ryland is annoyed, and I understand. I need him to consider for a minute that he’s going about this the wrong way. He’ll get further with Red by listening and sympathizing than with growling and shouting orders.
“I know what you’re doing, and I kind of hate you for it,” she snarls at me.
“Because you know I’m right.” I wink at her.
Ryland sighs. “Fine. You wanna blame yourself, go ahead. Just stop trying to make us blame you, too. Because we don’t.”
Who knew James being turned into a vamp would cause a rift in our little family? Oh, yeah, that would be me. But hey, nobody wanted to listen to me. I meant it when I told James I would respect his decision, and I will. Even if it wasn’t exactly his decision. He’s still family.
“Why don’t we relax for a while, and try to figure out how to show James that we accept him in his new form? If he was feeling insecure before, I bet it’s worse now. That’s probably why he lashed out before Dec took him away. It can’t be easy waking up to find out you’re a vampire now,” I suggest.
Red looks at me and smirks. “Look at you, being all sensitive and shit.”
“I’m sensitive,” I counter. She smacks my arm, but takes a drink of her tea and starts to eat her sandwich. Relief washes over me. She needs to eat and rest, but I couldn’t figure out how to force her into it. I guess all I had to do was drop some knowledge on her.
“I think that’s a great idea. We should figure out what we need to do to make James feel welcome. We’ll start with ensuring that there’s plenty of blood for him and a place to store it. Then we’ll have a family meeting when he gets back,” Ryland orders, finishing off his sandwich and laying back against the headboard.
“You two should rest. Orym and I will take care of things. Don’t worry,” I say, taking the tray and heading back to the kitchen. I hate being away from Red, but she’s exhausted.
Oyrm meets me as I set the tray on the counter. “Did they eat?”
I nod. “They’re resting again. We need to get things together for James. There are things we didn’t discuss before.”
“I’ve already spoken with Eli. He has a team bringing a small refrigerator and a delivery of blood. And I’ve set up twice weekly deliveries to make sure he has plenty of blood to drink,” Orym explains.
“You’ve been busy,” I say.
He laughs. “It wasn’t nearly as stressful as you and Ryland trying to convince Garnet that this isn’t her fault.”
GARNET
After sleeping for a few more hours, I wake with the sun shining in my face. I’m surprised to see Ry still sleeping, but he went through a lot yesterday. I check to make sure he’s okay before I climb out of bed and head for the shower. I feel grimy and can’t take it anymore.
I don’t bother to lock the door, because there’s no reason to. If Amber really wanted in here, a lock wouldn’t stop her. As for my mates, I wouldn’t object to them joining me. I don’t pose the invitation, though, because I know that none of them would take me up on it right now. And if they did, it wouldn’t be so we could have shower sex.
I strip down and step into the spray of hot water, standing there with my eyes closed for a moment. The warmth of the stream heats my body. I hadn’t even realized that I was cold until the heat starts to rise inside of me. Surrendering to the sensation, I sigh and lean against the wall for support.
Exhaustion still threatens to drop me to the floor, but I refuse to give in. I let myself sleep long enough, and I have to build up my tolerance to using my magic without rest. I’ll never defeat Amber if I don’t.
If I stand still too much longer, I’m going to fall asleep again, and I don’t want that. I force my eyes open and wash myself. Once my body is clean, I feel more awake and start on my hair. I take my time rinsing the conditioner out and combing through the tangles. By the time I’m finished, the water is getting cold.
I shiver as I turn it off and wrap one towel around my body and a second one around my hair. My vision goes dark and suddenly I’m in the forest again. It’s dark, and I’m watching those same witches around the fire. I thought these visions had stopped when we realized it was Amber coming after me. Looks like I was wrong. This time, I’m determined to pay attention and learn everything I can about their ritual. I’m seeing this for a reason. It has to mean something. But what?
The figures are in dark cloaks with hoods pulled up to hide their faces. This time the light from the fire is reflecting off the cloaks enough that I can tell they’re red. I can’t quite make out what they’re chanting, but this time that part doesn’t seem as important as the symbols they’re drawing in the dirt and the air. How are they drawing in the air like that? It has to be some sort of magic, but I’ve never seen witches use that.
Could these figures be Fae instead of witches? Have I been looking at this completely wrong the whole time? That would explain so much. If these people are Fae, they could be speaking a completely different language that I’ve never heard before. That’s why I can’t understand what they’re chanting.
It’s also why they can see me. I know that I’m not really here, and they shouldn’t be able to see me. But when I did this before, at the training center, my father could see me and interact with me. I wonder if that’s why these people could see me before.
“Excuse me,” I whisper. I hate to interrupt the ritual because I have no idea what they’re doing, but I need to know if I’m right.
They all freeze and their heads turn toward me. The hoods remain in place, but I hear a voice answer quietly. “You aren’t supposed to be here. How are you here?”
“I don’t really know. I was hoping you could tell me. Are you Fae?” It’s insensitive and rude, but I ask anyway.
“We are the Fae elders. You must have our blood or you wouldn’t be able to find this place. It’s hidden from all but our direct relations. Who are you?” one of them asks.
“My name is Garnet. I’m Trevan’s daughter,” I say with more confidence than I feel. I hope it’s the right choice to tell them who I really am.
“Ah, the half-blood child has found her way. We were beginning to think you’d never make it,” another says.
“Wait, you knew about me?” I ask, curiosity shoving fear to the side.
“We tried to talk to you before when you were here, but you got scared and ran away,” a third one explains.
“I was terrified the first few times I came here. Then I met my father and learned about my powers. I guess that was how I finally figured out you’re Fae and I didn’t have to be afraid,” I respond.
“Some would argue that you should be more afraid because of who we are. I, for one, am relieved that you would not agree,” the first who spoke says.
“You know who I am now. Who are each of you?” I ask, feeling bolder now.
“We are friends. That is all we can tell you right now. We must get back to our ritual. The Wolf Moon approaches, and you’re going to need all the help you can get.” They turn back toward the fire, letting me know our conversation is done.
“I don’t know how to get home,” I admit. The one who spoke first walks around the circle and takes my hands in theirs.
“Keep this with you. It will help protect you and ensure that you can return to us when you need to. We can’t intervene much, but we’re doing what we can. You must defeat her, otherwise, our people will be in grave danger.” Their words emphasize exactly what I already knew. When they let go of my hands, I look down to see a beautiful moonstone pendant set in silver. The threads of silver surround the stone, appearing like a tree of life.
RYLAND
I wake up alone. Hearing the shower, I figure that’s where Red is. I give her some time to herself. I know that she’s processing things and might appreciate some space. But when she doesn’t come out of the bathroom after the water has been off for a while, I get concerned. Pain lances through me as I stand and walk the few steps to the bathroom door. If it’s locked, I’ll have to call for Orym or Luca to help me. I’m still too weak to break it down myself.
I find the door unlocked, and Red lying on the floor next to it. She’s wrapped in a towel and shivering. It’s cold in here, even with the steam from her shower lingering. Before I can even call to Luca or Orym along the bond, they’re crouched next to me.
“She doesn’t look hurt. I don’t know what happened. She took a shower, but the water’s been off for a while,” I say.
Luca looks between us. “Orym, help Ryland back to bed. I’ll get Red. I think I know what’s happened here. Hopefully she’ll wake up soon.” He scoops her up and carries her back to bed. I let Orym help me stand up and walk into the bedroom.
“Will you get her dressed so she stays warm?” I ask. Orym nods and starts gathering clothes for Red. Then I look at Luca. “What do you think happened?”
“I think she projected again. When Vincent was found, she did it accidentally, and took me with her. I suspect it’s happened again. I just hope she can figure out how to get back. Last time, Trevan had to push us.” Luca’s explanation does little to quell the nerves rising inside of me. I’m worried that this is one of Amber’s tricks.
“Should we call him to see if there’s anything he can do to help?” I don’t know what else to try, since I’m not familiar with this particular power of hers.
Orym carefully dresses Red in comfy clothes before tucking her into the bed. I need a shower too, but I won’t leave her like this, even if I know she won’t be alone. He pulls out his phone and types a message. A responding ding indicates that his text was answered quickly.
“Trevan says he’s on his way, and he’s bringing Grammy. Maybe they can figure out what’s happened to Garnet. Should I text James and let him know what’s going on?” Orym tucks the phone back into his pocket without waiting for my response.
I shake my head. “We should let him concentrate on whatever Dec has him doing right now. He needs to control his vamp urges so that he can live here with us. Otherwise, I’m not sure what we’ll have to do. We can’t have him racing back to see her and end up killing innocent wolves because he got hungry.”
I don’t like that thought, but it’s the truth. James is dangerous right now.
ORYM
I don’t feel good about leaving James out of the loop with what’s happening. I do understand Ryland’s opinion. James isn’t much good to us if he can’t learn to control his vamp urges. And we all know that sometimes that’s harder to get the hang of than people would like.
I’m still surprised that Dec thinks James will be okay to come back tonight. All we can do is wait and see. Trevan and Grammy don’t bother to knock when they arrive, and I wonder how they got here so quickly.
“I’m sorry, love, those portals are a bit tricky to get used to. But it really was the safest way to get here.” I overhear Trevan apologizing to Grammy, and their speed makes sense.
Luca opens the bedroom door and ushers them inside. “How long has she been like this?” Trevan asks.
Before we can answer, Garnet starts to stir. She groans and I worry that she hit her head when this episode started. When she opens her eyes, they’re completely white. She climbs from the bed and grabs a marker from the dresser.
“Not this shit again,” Ryland says with a sigh. “It took seven coats of paint to cover that the last time.”
We watch as she starts to draw symbols on the walls. Trevan steps up behind her and examines them. “You won’t want to paint over these. Are they the same thing she drew last time?” he asks.
“Yeah. They look the same. I’m guessing you know what they mean?” I can’t help questioning him. We need to know what we’re dealing with.
“You shouldn’t have covered them the last time. But you couldn’t have known what they meant. It’s okay.” He pauses, then continues. “They’re protection runes. These specific ones were created by our Fae elders. You said this has happened before? Tell me about it.”
“She appeared to be sleepwalking and started writing on the wall, just like this. But she didn’t remember doing it.” Luca paused and exchanged a look with Grammy. “She’s been doing it off and on for the better part of a year. We didn’t know they were for protection, so I covered them up every time. I’m sorry.”
“Apologies are useless here. We have to concentrate of keeping my daughter safe and making sure she can defeat Amber. Where is her other mate? She needs all of you,” Trevan says, looking around the room frantically.
“There was an incident. He’s with his brother, learning how to be a vampire,” I explain carefully.
I expect shock or confusion, but Trevan nods as if I’ve said James is at the market. “Perfect. Things are progressing exactly as they’re meant to, then. I’m sure she’ll be relieved when he gets back.”
“Why does it feel like you know things that you aren’t sharing?” Ryland glares at him.
“Probably because I know things that I’m unable to share with you. That would be my best guess.”
GARNET
I shake off the vision and open my eyes to find myself writing on the walls again. Fuck. Ry is gonna be pissed. I thought this stuff was behind us. I turn to see him staring at me. “I’m so sorry, Ry. I’ll take care of it, I promise.”
He reaches a hand out for me, and I go to him. “You won’t. We’re going to leave them, just like we should have the first time. I’m sorry that I didn’t understand you were trying to protect us.”
“Wait, those are protection symbols?” I’m so confused. I glance around the room and realize that my father and Grammy are here. “What’s happened? Is James okay?” My heart races and I feel my chest constricting.
“Your mates were concerned about you because you went into a vision. When we arrived, you started doing this,” Trevan gestures to the symbols on the walls. “And I explained that these were for protection and should not be removed or covered up.”
“I met the Fae elders. Kind of. I have no idea who they are, but I saw and talked to them. They claim to be trying to help me. I don’t know if I can trust them, but one of them gave me this.” I hold up the moonstone pendant.
My father looks impressed. “That is a lovely boon, for sure, daughter. Indeed, they must be trying to ensure your victory against Amber. This should give you an edge.”
“I don’t understand anything that’s going on,” I say as Ry pulls me into his arms and sets me on his lap.
“Obviously, these Fae elders decided they needed to talk to you, and they pulled you into some sort of alternate dimension. Then they somehow told you how to help protect us with these symbols. Once James gets back, we’ll have to start talking about exactly how we want to approach this fight with Amber,” Orym explains quietly.
Luca looks at me, obviously feeling guilty about something. “I’m sorry, Red. I kept getting rid of the symbols when you drew them at Gunnar’s house. I’m sure you felt like you were going crazy. If I had known they were for protection, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Grammy steps over and grabs his arm. “Don’t blame yourself, boy. That was my fault. I asked you to cover them because I wasn’t sure what they were. I didn’t want Gunnar to get upset because she was writing on the walls. It was stupid. I should have found someone who could tell me what we were dealing with when it happened at Midnight.”
“What? This happened at Midnight? I didn’t dream that?” I’d let myself believe that night was a crazy dream. I pushed away the tense moments with Luca, and the vision I’d so clearly remembered. And now I learn that all of it was true. I had nearly convinced myself that none of it had actually happened.
“Well, I think we should leave the past where it is and move forward. I’m certain we’ve all learned a valuable lesson here. If you’re not sure what something says, you should consult an expert.” Trevan gestures at himself and grins. I can’t help laughing at how ridiculous he’s being.
“And just how were we supposed to know these were Fae protection runes?” I ask, squinting my eyes at him.
“Well, that is a good point. I guess there’s no way you could have known. But now you do,” he responds. I roll my eyes at him.
We have a few hours before James is set to return. I wonder how he’s doing, but don’t want to bother him to find out. Hopefully Dec will be in touch if there are any setbacks.
“I need to get out of this room for a while,” Ry says, sliding me off his lap and pushing to stand. I jump up at his side and wrap an arm around his waist. I don’t know how weak he’s still feeling, but he doesn’t look like he’s back at a hundred percent yet.
“We should go sit outside for a while. The sunlight will do you some good,” Grammy suggests. I agree with her, and I’d like some of that sun myself. Orym and Luca take Ry from me and help him to the porch with Trevan leading the way.
I don’t mind being left alone with Grammy, though I wonder if she maneuvered it this way on purpose. “You’re going to be fine, child. I promise. You can do this. With your mates by your side, you’ll be unstoppable.”
Her words touch me. “How can you have so much confidence in me?” I ask, moving toward the door.
“Because I’ve watched you grow up. I’m the one who’s been here every day to see how you’ve matured and changed. You’ve really come into your powers, and I know you’ll be able to defeat Amber.” Her support bolsters my own confidence a bit.
“I hope you’re right. We only have one chance at this, and I’m so scared I’m going to fail. I don’t want anyone to suffer because I couldn’t figure out how to fight against her. I know that I have to be ready to kill her before she can kill me, but I really wish there was a non-violent way to end this.” I wonder if I should admit my fears out loud, but Grammy raised me. She has a right to know what I’m thinking.
“Fear is not the enemy, Red. Embrace the fear. Use it to make you more cautious. But don’t let it rule you. Don’t ever give in to the fear. Fight against it. You are more powerful than she is,” Grammy insists.
She follows me out the door onto the porch where Luca, Orym, Ry, and my father are chatting in the sunlight. “I won’t give up, Grammy. I have too much to fight for.”
Grammy pulls me into a huge hug, holding me there.