He pulled me even tighter against him. “I don’t feel too much pull, so hopefully I’m managing to resist its draw.”
I couldn’t stop the flashback I had of the Dark Fae Lord. He had been a handsome male, just like Kade, until the dark crystal corrupted him. But … he had sought out the power, Kade was already powerful from mecca and wanted nothing to do with the dark energy, so hopefully that would make a difference in Kade’s ability to resist.
“Did you know that Violet popped in out of nowhere today and randomly told me that the dark crystal could bring people back from the dead? Then she left. A few moments later, Baladar showed up with the book and asked me to keep an eye on it until he got back.”
I furrowed my brow. Why were magic born so freaking weird and cryptic? “I thought we were going to use the book to find the other crystal? Do you think they want us to try and figure out how to use this magic now? Like … read the book? I’m not sure messing with darkness like this is a good idea.”
Kade turned to look at me, his copper eyes swirling with concern. “I’m starting to worry that the reason Violet told me that is because she feels you might die in this war. Maybe I’m supposed to use this to save you.”
I shook my head. “No one is dying. Violet is still recovering from her time in the Otherworld. She sees death everywhere. She worries a lot more now.” I wasn’t sure if I was saying this because I believed it or because I just wanted it to be true.
Kade’s hand came up and wrapped around the back of my neck, pulling me closer, pressing his lips to mine. “Let’s go out. Get pizza, go for a walk in Central Park or something normal.”
I smiled. “That sounds perfect. Let’s do it.”
I missed normal. I would take any of it I could get.
Chapter Six
Who ordered the two large servings of rebellion? Extra betrayal on the side.
Kade and I decided to take Finn and Nix with us. They were our first and best line of defense in detecting an early fae attack. But more than that, we missed them. We had both been spending a lot of time away from our familiars. And to be separated from them for long periods of time, it was like being separated from a limb. Everything felt painful, awkward and difficult.
Victor, Jen, Monica, Violet, Nikoli, Calista, and Baladar were also coming along, which I wanted to object to, but I knew it was not in my best interest. These were our best soldiers, our strongest magic born, and we were their leaders. We needed protection, because if we were taken out early in the war, our people would fall apart. Mecca would leak everywhere. It would be a disaster.
But they were my family. I would not sacrifice them for my life, no matter the consequences. I just had to hope I was strong enough to keep all of us safe. Truthfully, between all of us—our power—we could take out a small army.
“Have you heard from Kian or Gerald?” I asked Kade as we waited in the front lobby of our Manhattan home for everyone to finish up their tasks and meet us.
Kian and Shelley went with Gerald to California. Only for a short period, as it was Kian’s wish, to make sure everything was set up securely. And to settle their son. I wished I could go to Winnie, but there was no chance. At least I was getting updates through Annette.
“Yes, he sent a message. They have all arrived in California. Everything is secure and stable there. He’ll return with Shelley in a few days.”
Kade threaded his fingers through mine, and I snuggled closer. “That’s good to know.”
Footsteps sounded across the tiled hallway, and I felt the strong pulsing energy of multiple magic born. Violet, Baladar, Nikoli, and Rowan were coming toward us. Violet was in her usual medieval-style gown, a pretty turquoise color. The others were dressed in form-fitting and dark clothing, like they were preparing for a fight.
I smiled at the fae. “I didn’t know you were coming along. Violet said you were busy cooking up some new tortures for me.”
Her elfin features lit up as a tinkling bell-like peal of laughter left her. “I wouldn’t be much of a trainer if I let my charge go out without me. Even though we aren’t in active war, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”
I straightened away from Kade. “Do you think it’s unsafe for us to leave? I won’t risk anyone because of my need for some normalcy. We can order pizza in. Or have the kitchen make it.”
Rowan shook her head, her expression sobering again. “There are no guarantees, but I sense no reason we shouldn’t get out for a little while. Sometimes the best thing you can do is have a few moments of normalcy. It makes the hard times a little easier to bear.”
Calista nodded, coming over and giving me a hug. As she pulled back she said, “I think it’s a great idea. You’ve been working so hard since gaining your crown back. Don’t burn yourself out.”
“We need you, Your Majesty,” Baladar playfully added.
It was my turn to laugh now. “Okay, okay, you’ve all convinced me.”
I felt Kade press his lips to the top of my head. It was such a sweet gesture that my eyes closed involuntarily at the perfect moment. By the time I had them opened again, the rest of our guard was there.
Victor gave me a low bow, followed by a fist bump. “Blaine said to bring him back a pizza with the works, and that they are pretty much ready to head across to the Otherworld. Bianca’s people are all being housed in the Bronx right now.”
“Great! We’ll be back in time to send them across.” I tilted my head up to Kade. “Did you choose a representative?”
He turned toward Nikoli, eyebrows slightly raised. The magic born gave a firm nod. “Yes, Luka has agreed to go into the Otherworld. He’s one of our highly-trained soldiers, well respected by the rest of the army. They will follow his lead and teachings. He should be arriving here in the next hour or so.”
It was nice to tick things off the to-do list, even though they all felt like Band-Aids over a bullet hole. At the end of the day, I had no idea if any of this would help to save us in this war, but all we could do was try.
The moment we walked into Vinnie’s, my favorite pizza place, I smiled. That smell, the fresh dough, basil, and mozzarella, it permeated the air and made my stomach growl.
“This was a good idea,” I told Kade.
The usually bustling place was pretty empty, and there was a sign hanging over the door. Take away only. No dining.
Just as disappointment hit me, Calista winked. “I called ahead,” she said. “Thought we could use some privacy.”
Thank the pizza gods for that.
There were a few shifters at the counter and they bent their heads low to me as I passed. The waitress came to seat us in the private back room and I caught sight of a familiar face in the kitchen as we passed. Stan? He was the last wolf I had expected to see in there.