“I have missed your unique sense of humor, Lucy Laurel,” Quarn said drily.
“You do look good. Relaxed. Where have you been? What did you do?” I interrupted, peppering him with questions.
He just smiled that grin, the one that said he wasn’t going to tell me anything I didn’t need to know.
“You’re so annoying.” I gave him a gentle shove. “Keep your secrets, old man.”
I followed Lucy over to the last chair, squishing in next to her. Josian straightened from where he’d been slumped against the sill.
“I’m sorry to drag you all from sleep.” He hesitated over the last word.
I couldn’t quite meet his bronze eyes. At least he didn’t sound too angry.
“But I have received some urgent news. We must act on this immediately.”
The window behind him opened. Josian spun around, and the rest of us watched dumfounded as a naked Talina stepped inside. Her long emerald hair covered most of her as she dripped water all over the ground.
“Sorry I’m late. I heard you all and figured something had happened,” she said carelessly.
“Guess the question of whether they look the same as us under their wraps has just been answered,” Lucy stated in a deadpan voice, breaking the tension.
Most of those in the room attempted to hide their grins.
Lallielle jumped up and dashed from the room. She was back in a moment with a white, corded robe, which she draped over Talina’s lithe frame.
“I don’t want you to catch a chill, sweetie,” she said in a kind tone.
Talina looked confused as she threaded her arms through the sleeves. “I’m not sure what a chill is, but thank you for the covers.”
She moved then, sitting on the floor between Lucy and me. Josian shut the window, preventing more rain from pouring in, before turning back.
“I have invited some of my brothers here to guard the house.”
We were definitely unprepared for the flood of tall redhaired Walkers that drifted in through the open doorway, as though they’d just been waiting for an introduction.
I had never seen so many shades of red in my life, ranging from the brightest forest fire to dark auburn. Their heights started at low six feet tall all the way up to almost seven feet. Suddenly the room felt very small and crowded.
“I won’t introduce them individually. You’ll never remember their names,” Josian continued.
Ten. I counted ten Walkers in addition to him. Brace had stood the moment they entered the room and was now behind my chair. I looked up at him. He was glaring at each of the Walkers. One by one he locked them in his stare. I sighed.
“Are you going to pee on me, Brace?” I could practically see the challenge he was issuing to the other men in the room, marking his territory.
“I don’t know why I would do that, but if it helps these Walkers keep their hands to themselves, I will gladly comply.” He never looked down, but a small smile softened his features.
“Brothers,” Josian said, distracting everyone from whatever man-game they were playing. “Take note of Brace. He is an Abernath, and my daughter’s mate. He will destroy any one of you that looks sideways at Aribella.”
His blunt words did nothing except increase the interest I could see their array of dazzling eyes.
What’s their fascination?
I couldn’t help the thought, and as usual Brace picked it up.
Half-Walkers are myth in our world; you have your marks on display, and are uncommonly beautiful. You are like our version of a unicorn.
I groaned softly. Great, just what I needed, to be some type of Walker fantasy creature.
“Aribella and Talina are both halflings. They must be protected at all costs,” Josian said.
I spoke up.
“I have to leave, Dad. You know I can’t stay around here. I have to gather the other half-Walkers.”
He nodded. “Yes, you will be gathering them, but at all times you will have at least one of my brothers as a guard. I might not be able to accompany you, but they will.”
“But Francesca said – ”
“I do not care. This is non-negotiable.” His features were strained.
I’d never seen him so rattled.
“What’s happened, Josian?” Brace said, with some impatience.
There was an uncomfortable pause. I almost stood to demand answers, but he finally spoke.
“They have found the bodies of two Walkers. Dead. And their essence was wiped clean. They no longer exist.”
The room was silent.
“That’s not possible,” I finally stuttered out.
Walkers could not completely die. That’s what Josian had said.
“I don’t know what to tell you, baby girl. The release of the Seventine is bringing about changes that have never been spoken of. We have no choice now but to adapt.”
Chapter 13