Stevie Rae stepped into her mamas arms again and squeezed her tight. Im so sorry I didnt come and tell you. I wanted to. I really, really did. Its just that, well, I wasnt myself when I first was un-dead. And then all Hades broke loose at the school. I couldnt get away, and I couldnt just call you. I mean, how do you call your mama and say, Hi, dont hang up. Its really me and Im not dead anymore. I guess I just didnt know what to do. Im so sorry, she repeated, closing her eyes and holding onto her mom with everything she had.
No, no, its fine. Its fine. All that matters is that youre here and youre okay. Her mama pried Stevie Rae off her so she could look her over while she wiped her eyes. You are okay, arent you, baby?
Im fine, Mama.
Mama Johnson reached out and cupped Stevie Raes chin, forcing her daughter to meet her gaze. She shook her head and in her firm, familiar, mom voice said, Its not nice to lie to your mama.
Stevie Rae didnt know what to say. She stared at her mom as the dam of secrets and lies and longing began to break apart inside her.
Mama Johnson took her daughters hands, one in each of hers, and looked into her eyes. Im here. I love you. Tell me, baby, she said softly.
Its bad, Stevie Rae said. Real bad.
Her mamas voice was filled with love and warmth. Baby, there aint nothin as bad as you bein dead.
That was what decided Stevie Raeher mamas unconditional love. She took a deep breath, and when she let it out she blurted, Ive Imprinted with a monster, Mama. A creature whos half human and half bird. Hes done bad things. Really bad things. Hes even killed people.
Mama Johnsons expression didnt change, but her grip on Stevie Raes hands tightened. Is this creature here? In Tulsa?
Stevie Rae nodded. Hes hidin, though. No one at the House of Night knows about him and me.
Not even Zoey?
No, specially not Zoey. Shed really freak. Heck, Mama, anyone who knew would freak. I know Im gonna get found out. It has to happen, and I dont know what to do. Its so awful. Everyonell hate me. No one will understand.
Not everyone will hate you, baby. I dont hate you.
Stevie Rae sighed and then smiled. But youre my mama. Its your job to love me.
Its a friends job to love you, too, if theyre real friends. Mama Johnson paused and then asked slowly, Baby, does this creature have somethin on you? I mean, I dont know much about vampyre ways, but everyone knows Imprinting with a vampyre is a serious thing. Did he somehow make you do it with him? If thats what happened we can go to the school. Theyll have to understand and they must have some way to help you get rid of him.
No, Mama. I Imprinted with Rephaim because he saved my life.
He brought you back from the dead?
Stevie Rae shook her head. No, Im not sure how I un-died, but it has somethin to do with Neferet.
Then I should thank her, baby. Maybe Ill
No, Mama! You have to stay away from the school and away from Neferet. Whatever she did wasnt because shes good. She pretends to be, but shes the opposite.
And this creature you call Rephaim?
Hes been on the side of Darkness for a long time. His daddy is seriously bad news and has messed with his head.
But he saved your life? Mama Johnson asked.
Twice, Mama, and hed do it again. I know he would.
Baby, think hard before you answer me two questions.
Okay, Mama.
First, do you see good in him?
Yes, Stevie Rae said without hesitation. I really do.
Second, would he hurt you? Are you safe with him?
Mama, he faced a monster more terrible than I can describe to save me, and when he did that, the monster turned on him and hurt him. Real bad. He did that so I wouldnt be hurt. I honestly think hed die before he hurt me.
Then, heres the truth from my heart to yours: I cant begin to understand how he could be a mixture of a man and a bird, but Im settin that craziness aside cause he saved you and youre bound to him. What that means, sweetheart, is when the time comes for him to choose between the bad things in his past and a different future with you, if hes strong enough he will choose you.
But my friends wont accept him, and worse than that, the vampyres will try to kill him.
Baby, if your Rephaims done the bad things you say he has, and I do believe you, then hes got some consequences to pay. Thats for him to do, not you. What you need to remember is this: the only persons actions you can control are you own. You do whats right, baby. Youve always been good at that. Protect your own. Stand up for what you believe in. Thats itthats all you can do. And if this Rephaim stands beside you, you may be surprised at what happens.
Stevie Rae could feel her eyes filling up with tears again. He said I had to go see you. He never knew his mama. She was raped by his daddy and she died when he was born. But he told me not too long ago that I had to find a way to see you.
Baby, a monster wouldnt say that.
Hes not human, Mama. Stevie Rae was gripping her mamas hands so hard her fingers felt numb, but she couldnt let go. She didnt ever want to let go.
Stevie Rae, youre not human either, not no more, and that dont make a dang bit of difference to me. This Rephaim boy saved your life. Twice. So I really dont care if hes part rhinoceros and has a horn growing outta his forehead. He saved my girl, and you tell him next time you see him that hes gettin a big ol hug from me for that.
A giggle escaped Stevie Raes mouth at the mental image of her mama hugging Rephaim. Ill tell him.
Mama Johnsons face hardened into her serious expression. You know, the sooner you come clean with everybody bout him, the better. Right?
I know. Ill try. Theres a lot goin on right now and its not a good time for me to dump this on everybody.
Its always the right time for the truth, said Mama Johnson.
Oh, Mama, I dont know how I got myself into this mess.
Sure you do, baby. I wasnt even there and I can tell you that somethin bout this creature got through to you, and that somethin might end up bein his redemption.
Only if hes strong enough, Stevie Rae said. And I dont know if he is. Far as I know hes never stood up to his daddy before.
Would his daddy approve of you bein with him?
Stevie Rae scoffed, No dang way.
But hes saved your life twice and Imprinted with you. Baby, to me that says hes been standing up to his daddy for a while now.
No, he did all that while his daddy was, well, lets just say out of the country. Hes back now, and Rephaim is back to doin whatever he wants him to do.
Really? How do you know that?
He told me today when he Stevie Raes words broke off and her eyes widened.
Her mama smiled and nodded. See?
Ohmygoodness, you might be right!
Course Im right. Im your mama.
I love you, Mama, Stevie Rae said.
And I love you right back, baby girl.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Rephaim
I cannot believe you are going to do this, Kalona said, pacing back and forth across the rooftop balcony of the Mayo.
I am doing this because it is necessary, it is time, and it is the right thing to do! Neferets voice rose in tempo while she spoke as if she were exploding from the inside out.
The right thing to do! As if youre a creature of Light? Rephaim couldnt stop the words, nor could he school his voice to sound anything but incredulous.
Neferet rounded on him. She raised her hand. Rephaim could see threads of power quivering in the air around her, absorbing into her skin, crawling beneath it. The sight made his stomach tighten as he remembered the terrible touch of those Dark threads. Automatically, he moved a step back from her.
Are you questioning me, bird creature? Neferet looked like she was readying herself to hurl the Darkness at him.
Rephaim does not question you, just as I do not question you. His father moved closer to Neferet, stepping between the Tsi Sgili and him as he continued to speak with the calm voice of authority. We are both simply surprised.
It is what Zoey and her allies would least expect me to do. So, even though it sickens me, I will abase myselftemporarily. By doing so I make Zoey impotent. If she so much as whispers against me, she will reveal herself to be the petulant child she really is.
I would think you would rather destroy her than humiliate her, Rephaim said.
Neferet sneered at him and spoke to him as if he were an utter fool. I have the ability to kill her tonight, but no matter how I orchestrated it, I would be implicated. Even those dotards on the High Council would be compelled to come hereto watch me, and to interfere with my plans. No, I am not ready for that, and until I am, I want Zoey Redbird gagged and put back in her place. She is a mere fledgling; she will be treated as such from here on out. And as I am taking care of Zoey I will also be revisiting her little group of friendsespecially the one who calls herself the first red High Priestess. Neferets laughter was mocking. Stevie Rae? A High Priestess? I intend to reveal what she really is.
And what is that? Rephaim had to ask, though he kept his voice level, his expression as blank as he could make it.
She is a vampyre who has known, and even embraced, Darkness.
Ultimately she chose Light, Rephaim said, and realized that hed spoken much too quickly when Neferets eyes narrowed.
But the fact that Darkness has touched her changes her forever, Kalona said.
Neferet smiled sweetly at Kalona. You are so very right, my Consort.
Couldnt knowing the touch of Darkness have a strengthening effect on the Red One? Rephaim was unable to stop himself from asking.
Of course it has. The Red One is a powerful vampyre, if young and inexperienced, which is exactly why she could be of excellent use to us, Kalona said.
I believe there is even more to Stevie Rae than she has shown to her little friends. I saw her when she was in Darkness. She reveled in it, Neferet said. I say we need to watch her and see what is beneath that bright, innocent exterior. Neferet enunciated the words sarcastically.
As you wisssssh, Rephaim said, and was disgusted that the anger Neferet caused within him had him hissing like an animal.
Neferet stared at him. I sense a change in you.
Rephaim forced himself to continue to meet her eyes steadily. In my fathers absence I was closer to death and Darkness than ever before during my long life. If you sense a change within me, perhaps that is it.
Perhaps, Neferet said slowly. And perhaps not. Why is it that I suspect you might not be entirely pleased your father and I have returned to Tulsa?
Rephaim held himself very still so that the Tsi Sgili would not see the hate and anger that were flooding his body. I am my fathers favored son. As always, I stand beside him. The days he was absent from me were the darkest of my life.
Really? How very terrible for you, Neferet said sarcastically. Then she dismissively turned from him to face Kalona. Your favored sons words remind mewhere are the rest of the creatures you call your children? Surely a handful of fledglings and nuns didnt manage to kill them all.
Kalonas jaw clenched and unclenched and his eyes blazed amber. Recognizing that his father was struggling to control his anger, Rephaim spoke up quickly. I have surviving brothers. I saw them flee when you and my father were banished.
Neferets eyes narrowed. I am banished no more.
No more, Rephaim thought, meeting her gaze without so much as a blink, but a handful of fledglings and nuns did manage it once.
Again, Kalona drew her attention from him. The others are not like Rephaim. They need help to hide in the city without being detected. They must have found safe places to nest farther from civilization. When he spoke, his anger only bubbled under the surface of his words and did not boil over, though Rephaim wondered at how blind Neferet had become. Did she really believe she was so powerful that she could continually bait an ancient immortal without paying the consequence of his wrath?
Well, were back. They should be here. Theyre aberrations of nature, but they do have their uses. During the daylight hours they can stay in there, far away from my bedchamber. She waved toward the lush penthouse suite. At night they can lurk out here and await my orders.
You mean my orders. Kalona hadnt raised his voice, but the power that rumbled through it drew prickles of gooseflesh up and down Rephaims arms. My sons only obey me. They are bound to me through blood and magick and time. I alone control them.
Then I assume you can control getting them here?
Yes.
Well, summon them or have Rephaim herd them here, or whatever it is you do. I cant be expected to take care of everything.
As you wish, Kalona said, echoing Rephaims earlier statement.
Now Im going to go abase myself before a school full of lesser beings because you did not keep Zoey Redbird from returning to this realm. Her eyes looked like green ice. And that is why you now obey only me. Be here when I return. Neferet left the balcony. Her long cloak should have caught in the door she slammed behind her, but at the last moment it rippled and skittered closer to the Tsi Sgilis body, lapping around her ankles like a sticky pool of tar.
Rephaim faced his father, the ancient immortal hed been serving faithfully for centuries. How can you allow her to speak to you like that? To use you like that? She called my brothers aberrations of nature, but it is she who is the true monster! Rephaim knew he shouldnt have spoken to his father like that, but he couldnt help himself. Seeing the proud and powerful Kalona being ordered around like a servant was unbearable.
As Kalona approached Rephaim braced himself for what was surely to come. Hed seen his fathers wrath unleashed beforehe knew what to expect. Kalona unfurled his great wings and loomed over his son, but the blow Rephaim expected did not come. Instead when he met his fathers gaze he saw despair and not anger.
Looking like a fallen god, Kalona said, Not you, too. I expected her disrespect and disloyalty; she betrayed a goddess to free me. You, though, you I never believed would turn on me.
Father! I have not! Rephaim said, putting from his mind all thoughts of Stevie Rae. I simply cannot bear the way she treats you.
That is why I must discover a way to break that accursed oath. Kalona made a wordless sound of frustration and paced over to the balustraded stone railing, staring out into the night. If only Nyx had stayed out of the battle with Stark. Then he would have remained dead and I know in my soul Zoey would never have found the strength to return to this realm and her body, not with two of her lovers dead.
Rephaim followed his father to the railing. Dead? You killed Stark in the Otherworld?
Kalona snorted, Of course I killed that boy. He and I battled. He could not possibly have defeated me, even if he did manage to become a Guardian and wield the great Guardian claymore.
Nyx resurrected Stark? Rephaim said, incredulous. But the Goddess doesnt interfere with human choice. It was Starks choice to defend Zoey against you.
Nyx did not resurrect Stark. I did.
Rephaim blinked in shock. You?
Kalona nodded and continued to stare out at the night sky, not meeting his sons gaze as he spoke in a strained voice as if he had to force each word from his throat. I killed Stark. I believed Zoey would retreat then and remain in the Otherworld with the souls of her Warrior and mate. Or perhaps her spirit would shatter forever and she would be a wandering Caoinic Shi. Kalona paused and then added, Though I did not wish the latter on her. I do not hate her as does Neferet.
To Rephaim it seemed his father was talking aloud to himself more than speaking to him, so when Kalona went silent he was silent and patient, not wanting to interrupt him, waiting for him to continue.
Zoey is stronger than I anticipated. Kalona continued speaking to the night. Instead of retreating or shattering, she attacked. The winged immortal chuckled at the memory. She skewered me with my own spear and then ordered me to return Starks life to repay the life debt I owed for killing that boy of hers. I refused, of course.
Unable to stay silent, Rephaim blurted, But life debts are powerful things, Father.
True, but I am a powerful immortal. Consequences that govern mortals do not apply to me.
Rephaims thoughts, like a cold wind, whispered through his mind: Perhaps he is wrong. Perhaps what is happening to Father is part of the consequences he has considered himself too powerful to pay. But Rephaim knew better than to correct Kalona, so he simply continued, You refused Zoey, and then what happened?
Nyx happened, Kalona said bitterly. I could refuse a childlike High Priestess. I could not refuse the Goddess. I could never refuse the Goddess. I breathed a sliver of my immortality into Stark. He lived. Zoey returned to her body and managed to rescue her Warrior from the Otherworld, too. And I am under the control of a Tsi Sgili who I believe to be utterly mad. Kalona looked at Rephaim. If I do not break this bondage she may take me into madness with her. She has a connection with Darkness that I have not so much as sensed in centuries. It is as powerful as it is seductive and dangerous.
You should kill Zoey. Rephaim spoke the words slowly, haltingly, hating himself for every syllable because he knew the pain Zoeys death would cause Stevie Rae.
I have, of course, already considered that. Rephaim held his breath when Kalona paused. And I have come to believe that if I kill Zoey Redbird it would be an open affront to Nyx. I have not served the Goddess in many ages. I have done things she would view asKalona paused again, this time struggling with his wordsunforgivable. But I have never taken the life of any priestess in her service.
Do you fear Nyx? Rephaim asked.
Only a fool does not fear a goddess. Even Neferet avoids Nyxs wrath by not killing Zoey, though the Tsi Sgili does not admit so to herself.
Neferet is so swollen with Darkness that she no longer thinks rationally, Rephaim said.
True, but just because she is irrational that does not mean she isnt clever. For instance, I believe she may be correct about the Red Oneshe could be used or perhaps even turned from the path she has chosen. Kalona shrugged. Or she can continue to stand with Zoey and be destroyed when Neferet comes against her.
Father, I do not believe it is simply that Stevie Rae stands with Zoey. I believe she stands with Nyx, too. Is it logical to assume Nyxs first red High Priestess would be special to the Goddess, and therefore should she remain untouched like Zoey?
I see validity in your words, my son. Kalona nodded his head in solemn agreement. If she does not turn from the path of the Goddess, I will not harm the Red One. Instead of me, Neferet will be incurring Nyxs wrath if she destroys Stevie Rae.
Rephaim maintained a tight control on his voice and expression. That is a wise decision, Father.
Of course there are other ways of hindering a High Priestess without killing her.
What do you plan to do to hinder the Red One? Rephaim asked.
I do not plan to do anything to the Red One until Neferet manages to coerce her from her path, and then I will either direct her powers or step aside while Neferet destroys her. Kalona waved away the question. I was thinking of Zoey. If Zoey can be persuaded to come against Neferet publically, the Tsi Sgili will be completely distracted. You and I can focus on breaking my bond to her.
But, as Neferet said, after tonight if Zoey speaks against her she will be admonished and discredited. Zoey is wise enough to know that. She wont publically clash with Neferet.
Kalona smiled. Ah, but what if her Warrior, her Guardian, the one person on this earth she trusts above all others, begins to whisper to her that she shouldnt allow Neferet to get away with her evil deeds? That she must fulfill her role as High Priestess, no matter the supposed consequences, and stand up to Neferet.
Stark would not do that.
Kalonas smile widened. My spirit can enter Starks body.
Rephaim gasped. How?
Still grinning, Kalona shrugged his broad shoulders. I do not know. I have not experienced this ever before.
So this is more than entering the realm of dreams and finding a sleeping spirit?
Much more. Stark was completely awake and I followed a connection I believed would lead me to A-ya in the realm of dreams, if Zoey had been sleeping. The connection took me to Starkinto Stark. I believe he sensed something, but I do not believe he knew it was me. Kalona cocked his head, considering. Perhaps my ability to mingle my spirit with his is a result of the sliver of my immortality I breathed within him.
Immortality I breathed within him. His fathers words swirled around and around in Rephaims mind. Something was theresomething they were both missing. Have you never shared your immortality with another being?
Kalonas smile faded. Of course not. My immortality is not a power I would willingly share with another.
And suddenly what had been niggling at the edge of Rephaims thoughts burst into understanding. No wonder Kalona had appeared different since hed returned from the Otherworld. It all made sense now. Father! What was the exact wording of the oath you swore to Neferet?
Kalona frowned at his son, but he recited the oath: If I failed in my sworn quest to destroy Zoey Redbird, fledging High Priestess of Nyx, Neferet shall hold dominion over my spirit for as long as I am an immortal.
Excitement coursed through Rephaims body. And how do you know Neferet actually has dominion over your spirit?
I did not destroy Zoey; she must have dominion over me.
No, Father. If you shared your immortality with Stark, you are no longer completely an immortal, just as Stark is no longer completely a mortal. The conditions of the oath do not exist, nor did they ever. You are not truly bound to Neferet.
I am not truly bound to Neferet? Kalonas expression shifted from disbelief to shock, and finally to joy.
I do not believe you are, Rephaim said.
There is only one way to be certain, Kalona said.
Rephaim nodded. You must openly disobey her.
That, my son, will be a pleasure.
As he watched his father throw his arms back and shout joyously to the sky, Rephaim knew that tonight would change everything, and no matter what he had to figure out a way to be sure Stevie Rae was safe.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Zoey
You look really tired. I touched Starks face as if I could smooth away the dark circles under his eyes. I thought you slept most of the whole flight.
Stark kissed my palm and made what looked to be an attempt at his cocky smile, which failed miserably. Im cool. Its just jet lag.
How can you be jet-lagged before theyve even opened the door of the jet? I pointed my chin in the direction of the vampyre flight attendant who was busy doing whatever it was they did to get a plane open after landing. There was a whooshing sound and the seat belt light made an annoyingly loud ding! ding! sound.
There, the doors open. I can be jet lagged now, Stark said as he unbuckled his seat belt.
Knowing he was completely full of bullpoopie, I grabbed his wrist and made him stay in his seat. You know I can tell somethings wrong.
Stark sighed. Im just having bad dreams again, thats all. And when I wake up I cant ever really remember them. Somehow that seems like the worst part. Its probably a weird side effect from being in the Otherworld.
Great. You have PTSD. I knew it. Hey, I think I remember reading in one of the House of Night newsletters that Dragon is one of the school counselors. Maybe you could see him and
No! Stark interrupted, and then kissed my nose when I frowned at him. Stop worrying. Im fine. I dont need to talk to Dragon about my bad dreams. Plus, I dont know what the hell PTSD is, but it sounds enough like an STD to be dodgy.
I couldnt help it, I giggled. Dodgy? You sound like Seoras.
Aye, wumman, then its mindin me you should be! Get yur arse outta yur chair.
I scowled and shook my head. Do. Not. Call. Me. Woman. Plus, its freakish how well you can do that accent. He did have a point about getting out of the stupid plane, though, so I stood up and waited for him to grab my carry-on bag. While we were walking up the ramp from the plane I added, And PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
How do you know that?
I Googled your symptoms and it came up.
You did what? he said so loud a woman wearing an appliquéd sweatshirt gave us the stank eye.
Sssh. I wrapped my arm through his so that we could talk without everyone gawking. Look, youve been acting weird: tired, distracted, grumpy, and youre forgetting things. I Googled. PTSD came up. You probably need counseling.
He gave me his you-are-an-insane-woman look. Z, I love you. Ill guard you and stand beside you for the rest of my life. But you gotta quit Googling health-related stuff. Especially health-related stuff about me.
I just like to be well informed.
You like to scare the crap out of yourself Googling bizarre health stuff.
So?
He grinned at me, and this time he did look cocky and cute. So you admit it.
Not necessarily, I said, elbowing him. I didnt get to say anything else because just then I was enveloped in what felt like a mini Oklahoma tornado.
Zoey! Ohmygoodness, its so good to see you! I missed you like crazy! Are you okay? Its awful bout Jack, aint it? Stevie Rae was hugging me and crying and talking all at the same time.
Oh, Stevie Rae, Ive missed you, too! And then I was bawling along with her and we just stood there holding tight to each other like touch could somehow make everything that was crazy and wrong in our world better.
Over Stevie Raes shoulder I saw Stark standing there, smiling at us. He was pulling out the little travel pack of Kleenex that he kept in his jeans pocket ever since hed gotten back from the Otherworld, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, touch added to love might make almost everything better in our world.
Come on, I said to Stevie Rae as we took the tissues from Stark and the three of us walked arm-in-arm through the giant revolving door that spewed us out into a cold Tulsa night. Lets go home, and on the way there you can tell me all about the giant, stinking pile of bullpoopie thats waiting for me.
Language, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya.
Grandma! I unhooked myself from Stevie Rae and Stark and ran into her arms. I hugged her tightly, letting love and the soothing scent of lavender surround me. Oh, Grandma, Im so glad youre here!
U-we-tsi-a-ge-ya, daughter, let me look at your face. Grandma held me at arms length, her hands on my shoulders, while she studied my face. It is true; you are whole and well again. She closed her eyes and squeezed my shoulders, murmuring, Thank the Great Mother for that. Then we were hugging and laughing at the same time.
How did you know Id be here? I asked when I was finally able to stop hugging her.
Did your super cool Spidey Senses tell you? Stevie Rae asked as she stepped up and hugged Grandma hello.
No, she said, turning her attention from Stevie Rae to Stark, who was gazing down at her. Something much more mundane. She smiled seraphically. Or I suppose I should say someone much more mundane, although I am not at all sure mundane is a good word to use when referring to this valiant Warrior.
Stark? You called my grandma?
He shot me his cocky grin and said, Yeah, I like having an excuse to call another beautiful woman named Redbird.
Come here, you charmer, Grandma said.
I shook my head as Stark hugged Grandma carefully, like he wasnt sure if shed break or not. Hed called my grandma and told her when our plane was landing. Starks eyes met mine over Grandmas shoulder. Thank you, I mouthed silently to him. His grin got bigger.
Then Grandma was there at my side again, taking my hand.