Blood Finale (God Wars #5) (24 page)

"The Ear, the Eye and I went after her," Conner said with a shrug as V'era sat at the island across from me. "Pulled her out minutes before her death, Cleo fixed her and here we are."

"How did you know to do that?" Lissa asked.

"Nefrigar," Conner said. "He showed me the history of the Sirenali he keeps in the archives. It shows that V'era died—just not how she died. One of the High Council members suspected treachery, but he was shouted down and V'ili was named crown prince. We three went backward in time to do some sleuthing, and brought V'era back with us."

"V'era, how do you feel about all this?" Kiarra asked. She couldn't read everything from V'era, as I could.

"I despise my brother. Many did. Sirena wasn't always as it turned out to be."

"I'm not surprised," Lissa said. "Put a few bad ones in charge and things go south in a hurry."

"I think I grasp the concept of your words," V'era nodded to Lissa. "Yes, things began to go badly when V'ili gained control over several highly-placed members of the King's Council. Together, they drove a wedge in the Council and then began working to drive a wedge in the people. Dissatisfaction came quickly, and neighbor turned against neighbor. You can imagine the results—many weaker ones died at the hands of those stronger and more capable of placing terrible obsessions."

"Let me guess—a few well-placed economic disasters also arrived?" Kiarra asked.

"Exactly. The level of dissatisfaction grew, my father the King, who was an even-tempered Sirenali, was termed weak and ineffective. V'ili was often hailed as a hero when he made suggestions to repair an economy that he'd manipulated to fail beforehand."

"And then came the suggestion to invade the Larentii homeworld."

Graegar and Barrigar had stood by quietly, listening to the conversation, but Graegar spoke now.

"V'ili believed that all our troubles would be remedied if we had at our command even a small portion of the Larentii—they could form anything with the power they had and command atoms. V'ili's greed would know no bounds, if he could only enslave a handful of the blue giants."

"Likely, Acrimus was whispering in V'ili's ear," I sighed. "Although he seemed to be an apt pupil."

"He was always grasping for what he shouldn't have, even as a child," V'era said. "Our mother had to watch him closely or he'd harm himself, attempting to get whatever caught his attention."

"It seems he wants his homeworld back," Barrigar interjected. "That is what his goal has been ever since he and others were rescued by Acrimus and the General, to achieve their domination."

"I know now that the Larentii were forced to destroy my world," V'era nodded to Barrigar. "But it was already beyond saving—most of it, anyway, when V'ili lured me into a trap and killed me. I have Conner and Cleo to thank for restoring my life."

"Thank Nefrigar," Conner said. "The Larentii Archivist. He holds the records and made the suggestion."

"Then I will thank him, should I get the chance."

"What we're faced with now is exploding Sirenali," I said. "I heard from Hank earlier that their cells have been manipulated and packed with tiny explosives—enough to take down a building—if the Sirenali is killed."

"So it is dangerous to kill these enemies," V'era considered the problem. "Is it any death, or only certain types of death?"

"No idea," Kiarra said. She'd gotten the same report I had—only from Pheligar instead of Hank.

"Are there any others we should go back for?" I asked. "Of your kind? Allies, perhaps, or the like-minded? We could use your help—if you're willing."

"I am certainly willing. It angers me that my brother has brought our race to this—and to their destruction. Yes, there are two I trust. I would appreciate their assistance, and I believe they would be willing to help."

"Who?" Conner asked.

"My two younger sisters. V'ili killed both of them."

"We will bring them," Graegar offered. He and Barrigar disappeared.

Bree, make sure all three are on the up-and-up
, Lissa sent.

Already there, sister
, I replied.

* * *

Tory's Journal

"Stop worrying," Sali punched my arm. He led my squad of High Demons—I'd been surprised when he selected me as his Second-in-Command. We were scheduled as third responders—Caylon's Group was first, Crane's group was second. There were four groups altogether, and Drake and Drew had taken the fourth squad. Caylon charged them with clean-up, in case the first three squads were in danger. I knew Dragon Taylor functioned as Caylon's Second, while Crane Trevor worked with his father in the second group.

Dragon was in charge of the entire operation, and would remain in contact with Li'Neruh Rath and Kifirin when the squads were dispatched. They'd come in last of all, if they were needed.

"They're worried about those arena rentals on old Earth, aren't they?" I asked.

"Yeah." Sali shook his head, as if he knew something I didn't. After considering it, my assumption was likely correct.

I'd gotten word from Ry and Erland, too, telling me to call for them if things got out of hand. I hoped that wouldn't be necessary, and had no idea what they might do anyway, against rogue gods.

We're ranked among them, now,
Ry pointed out when I sent a half question in his direction.
No offense, bro, but we might be able to hold our own, depending on what's thrown at us
.

Do they know—that this is what you are, now?
I asked.

Not yet. I worry that they're attempting to draw us out, just to see who the enemy is.

Then hold back unless there's no other option
, I returned.

Did you get the blades from Nissa, Toff and Trik?

We did. Tried them out yesterday. It's amazing how well they work.

I talked to her several times while they were designing them. She asked a couple of questions, too, and Dad and I made suggestions. I hope they work like I think they will.

I hope so too, bro. Look, Sali's asking for help to go over the roster. Gotta go.

* * *

Breanne's Journal

I read V'ala and V'orla the moment they arrived. They were more than angry that their brother commanded their deaths, and like their sister, felt he'd led their race and their world in the wrong direction. That direction has resulted in their destruction.

"I just want to make sure you don't mind going with some of ours—to keep them safe and hidden from enemy eyes," Conner said. "In exchange, we'll offer your world back to you, to rebuild."

"I find that completely acceptable," V'era agreed.

"Good. I'd like to send one of you with Kiarra," Conner said. "And the other two to Dragon and his command of High Demons."

"Again, acceptable," V'era nodded.

"You'll be kept as safe as we can keep you," Kiarra said. "You have my promise, as long as our agreement stands."

"I have one request," V'era said.

"What's that?"

"That you remove our ability to create obsessions, if we regain our world. That talent led to this. I'd prefer not to have it."

"I think we can manage that," I said. "If we survive this war, you may certainly have your wish granted."

* * *

"Calhoun may still attempt to take you," Conner informed Kiarra later, after the three Sirenali women were given rooms in Conner's home for the night. Their help would be required the following morning. "Since he likely isn't aware of how we've altered Moxas and Saxom."

"The longer he doesn't realize that, the better off we'll be," I said.

"What about the Tanners and Wildrif?" Lissa asked.

"I'm hoping they stay out of this," I said. "Since they have important roles in the future. Like Calhoun."

"You know that's not likely," Conner pointed out. "Those rogue werewolves are in this up to their necks, unless I'm very, very wrong."

"This sucks," Lissa muttered. "We have to do our best to keep some of these assholes alive while trying our damnedest to wipe out the rest. I have a headache."

"I think I can fix that, at least," I offered.

"Yeah. Thanks." I reached out to touch her forehead, eliminating the tension and sending a bit of
Love
to make her feel better.

"I wish I knew how you did that," she said when I pulled my hands away.

"If I knew, I'd let you know," I said. "Can we go home, now? I'm really tired."

"I think we can," Lissa agreed. "We missed lunch a couple of hours ago."

* * *

"How's my baby?" Hank was waiting when Graegar and Barrigar ferried Lissa and me back to EastStar.

"Tired," I said. "Maybe a little hungry, too."

"I'll take you out to eat and see you get some sleep," he offered.

"Yeah. That sounds great," I sighed.

* * *

"Fes, I'm sorry about Desh's," I said when Hank landed me inside the kitchen at my San Rafael home.

"We needed to remodel, and nobody died except the bad ones. Win-win," he grinned at me. "I can get my brothers on the rebuilding, while I concentrate on what we need to do."

"Did you quit your job?"

"Yes, and I shut off my phone. I had dozens of calls, with job offers. Some of them for obscene amounts of money."

"What are you cooking now?" I asked. He had a towel over a shoulder while stirring something in a pan.

"Fresh tomato soup, to go with the cheese bread in the oven."

"You really do know me, don't you?"

"I've done some homework. Mostly, I bothered Hank until he told me what you liked."

"You did that? For me?" I turned to Hank.

"I don't mind, if it makes you happy," he smiled.

"You make me happy anyway. Food is just a bonus."

"It's ready," Fes said, dipping soup into a bowl and placing two slices of cheese bread on a plate.

"Thanks, honey," I said.

"How about a kiss?" Fes grinned.

"I think you can have several."

I ate, sitting between Hank and Fes. They had cheese bread while I ate soup, since they'd had lunch two hours earlier.

"I hear we have Sirenali to help," Hank said as I leaned back after finishing my soup.

"We have three. I read them—they're trustworthy. They're also very, very pissed at their brother V'ili, who is likely in charge of all the Sirenali the General brought back."

"These aren't booby-trapped, then," Hank nodded in satisfaction. "I heard from Dragon—he's prepared to send a Sirenali with the first wave of High Demons, when the nexus net gets a hit."

"I hope that works," I said, leaning my forehead against Hank's shoulder.

"Baby, I know you're worried about more worlds getting destroyed. I am, too." Hank stroked my hair. "Things have to happen as they will. It'll hurt in the meantime, I know. We just have to get through it."

"I don't know if I can handle too much of that," I whispered.

"I'll get you through it. Fes, Bill, Trajan and the others will help, too."

"We help," Chazi, Bekzi and Perzi walked in with Jayson. I could see that they'd been at the shooting range; all of them carried pistols. Jayson and Chazi also had a rifle with them.

"Blowing stuff up?" I asked Jayson.

"Paper targets," Jayson grinned and leaned in for a kiss. "We're not dangerous to you, baby, trust me. Unless it's in bed."

"Jayson," I whined.

"Hey, everybody here knows exactly what I'm talking about. Why are you embarrassed?"

"You'd walk around naked, wouldn't you, if your ass didn't get goose pimples in cold weather."

"Hey, I look good in goose pimples."

"Unbelievable."

"He trying to distract you," Chazi shouldered his way in and put his arms around me. "We be naked if you want naked. We be dressed if you want dressed. Simple. What Bree wants, she gets."

"Honey, I love you," I said and wrapped my arms around him.

* * *

"Are we ready to go in Chicago?" Zeke Tanner asked.

"Everything's in place," Obediah nodded. "We'll have a baptism like nobody's seen before."

"Welcome to the world of the werewolf overlords," Zeke grinned. "Piss us off, you die. I like it."

Chapter 14
 

Trace's Journal

"Look, I don't know how to handle this. I was hoping you would." I gave Frank and Shane a pleading glance. "Jayson brought her in and asked me to take care of her. Now what?"

"Maybe Willem knows," Shane shook his head. We watched Belinda from the house—she lounged by the pool wearing a thong and nothing else while drinking a rum drink.

"You called?" Willem appeared at my side and lifted his head for a kiss.

"That." I jerked my head toward Belinda, after a second kiss. Willem knows how to kiss, that's for sure. He knows how to fuck, too, but that had to be tabled until later.

"What are those marks on her back—wait. She likes kink, doesn't she?" Willem stared at Belinda. Hell, we may be gay, but we know bodacious ta-tas when we see them. Belinda had no trouble showing them off, either.

"My worry is," I began, when Kathleen walked up and said, "What in the name of California is that?"

"My dear, those are rather large breasts," Casimir pulled Kathleen against his chest and wrapped arms about her.

"Jayson's playmate," Shane shook his head. "For his ah, kinkier tendencies."

"Does he care about her?" Kathleen asked.

"If he didn't, I don't imagine he'd bother bringing her here," Franklin replied dryly.

"If he cares about her, then I don't care that she's here. I think she ought to cover up, though. It makes the rest of us feel inadequate."

"There's your excuse," Willem said. "Ask her to cover up because it makes the other women feel inferior. Surely she'll respond to that plea."

"I'll speak with her," Casimir offered. "And if that doesn't work, there's always compulsion."

"Thank you," Kathleen breathed. "They're mesmerizing, aren't they?" None of us could take our eyes off Belinda's largesse.

"I believe your son responds to that," Casimir chuckled. "Perhaps we ought to find a distraction for her while she's here. Can she cook or perform some other function?"

"I'll find something," I said. "I tried frying bacon while I was naked once. That requires clothing," I added.

* * *

Breanne's Journal

"Belinda's at SouthStar," Jayson said.

"Good for her," I nodded.

"She's running around half naked. Or was. Mom and Trace had to convince her to get covered up. And they put her to work in the kitchen. I didn't know she could cook."

"Because you were too busy with other things," I pointed out. "You weren't thinking about food."

"I can't tell you how nice it is that you don't mind," Jayson said.

"I like her. Why would I mind?" I asked. "I don't have anything to compete with her chest, but she doesn't have what I have, either."

"Definitely agree with that, baby." Jayson nuzzled my neck.

"Hey, now, there are others in line ahead of you," I said.

"We in line," Chazi agreed. He and his brothers took up the sofa opposite the one Jayson and I occupied.

"Then I'll wait. It'll be sweeter when I get it," Jayson grinned and stood.

"How's Terry?" I asked.

"I'll check on him." Jayson disappeared, leaving me alone with my reptanoids.

"We alone. Finally," Chazi grinned. Before I knew it, I had all three around me. Two of them were lion snakes. Their tongues tickled my chin and neck while Chazi leaned in for a kiss.

* * *

Hank's Journal

"Everybody is feeding her energy. While having sex," I said. "That way, she won't notice so much. I told them how to do it—so she won't get too much before she's ready for it," I added. "She feels better every time she wakes afterward."

"Good idea," Trajan said. "I'll take care of her when it's my turn."

"You and I need to be last in line this time. We can give her the most, and she'll be better able to accept it by that time."

"What I'm concerned about in the interim is the arena rentals, the Tanners, Wildrif and Calhoun," Trajan growled.

"We're all concerned about that," I agreed. "Kifirin is working with the High Demons under Dragon's command, and everybody is ready to go, we're just waiting for the hammer to drop."

"Let's hope what we have will be sufficient to withstand the attack when it comes."

"I worry about that, too."

"Have any preparations been made in Chicago?"

"Nothing yet, but with Calhoun and other rogues available, that's a moot point. They can have something ready in seconds. I asked Jayson to take Terry with him to Chicago, to watch for anything suspicious. So far, there's nothing."

"With the Tanners involved, you know it won't be good," Trajan said.

"I dislike the fact that we have to leave them alive, to maintain the integrity of the timeline," I muttered.

"I may have to experiment with the smoke thing," Trajan nodded at the curl of smoke drifting from my nostrils. "It's an effective way of telling everybody how pissed you are."

"In the High Demon language, it's called
kiffel
—the manifestation of displeasure," I explained. "
Kiffelan
is past tense."

"Is there a connection between the word and Kifirin's name?" Trajan asked.

"A referential nod," I agreed. "He was the first to employ the gesture, and it grew from
Kifirin-fel
, or Kifirin's anger, to
kiffel
—the expression of displeasure—as the language evolved."

"It's appropriate," Trajan grinned. "I like it."

"You may be seeing a lot of it before this is over," I warned.

"Yeah. There's that," he agreed.

* * *

Lissa's Journal

"I just finished adjusting the orbit of the other planets around Yalles' sun," Charles said as he took a seat next to me. I'd gone to the arboretum to think. Charles found me.

"What a nightmare," I mumbled. I was still upset over the deaths of innocents—those through Song and Serenade, in addition to Yalles.

"Lissa, you have to trust," Charles said cryptically. "If you don't trust me, trust your sister."

"I do trust my sister. She'll do the right thing, even if it kills her."

"I know that, too."

"Where is Griffin? Kee says he disappeared from Fresno, and Thurlow isn't in San Rafael."

"I know. I sent out a call. They're working together on a project for me."

"That sounds like trouble in the making."

"I told them they had to get along and play nice."

"How long will that last?"

"As long as I tell them to."

"You can be a hard-ass when you want, you know that?" I said.

"I've been a lot harder, trust me," he said. He wasn't looking at me—instead, he gazed through the tall windows at the city below us.

"What did you think of being Wlodek's right hand?" I asked, changing the subject. His words troubled me in some way, but I didn't want him to know. "Was it a chore, being at his beck and call?"

"Most of it I enjoyed. I had my fingers on the pulse of the vampire and werewolf races, which became more important as time passed. We needed the treaty. We needed it kept. Too many things needed to happen, and they couldn't be tampered with. I hope you understand that."

"I sort of do, but a bit less suffering would have been good."

"I know. For Bree, too. I couldn't see or feel her, so I was operating blindly where she was concerned. You have no idea how badly I feel about that."

"What about Ashe?"

"I knew the minute Wlodek informed me that there was a talented child in the experimental group in Oklahoma. There was too much coincidence there, so I knew Ashe was one of us. I didn't know which one at first, but it became clear quickly."

"You helped him, didn't you?" I asked.

"As much as possible, without being obvious about it."

"But Breanne—no information came on her, did it."

"No. I was beginning to worry, too, back then. I did know, through Thurlow, that you had a sister—he owned up to it. After she was brought to Le-Ath Veronis by Jarnis, I did research. Everything started to add up. Belen didn't realize that several mind clouds had been laid when Bree was brought in—he merely saw her as a replacement for you while you were on assignment."

"She did such a good job, and got persecuted for it," I shook my head.

"I know. I sent mindspeech to her once during a Council meeting—I couldn't help myself. She didn't know who it was. She probably does, now."

"Did you remove the mind clouds from Gavin and Cheedas?"

"Yes. Once I discovered their existence. It was a delicate matter, though—I had to search for the one who placed them. Once I found that information, I was able to destroy them undetected."

"Acrimus."

"Quislus."

"Fuck," I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "So much of this is beyond comprehension."

"I concur."

"Cheedas still slinks around like a misbehaving child," I said. "I wish he'd stop. I know it wasn't him when he," I didn't finish.

"I know that, too. I believe he needs what Breanne can do, and she may not feel charitable toward him."

"She did it for Gavin."

"Then I'll ask. For you," Charles nodded. I realized then that his mind was elsewhere—probably several elsewheres—while he and I spoke.

"I'd appreciate it," I said. "I didn't want to upset her by asking."

"I don't believe she'll be horribly upset."

"Is she strong enough?"

"I believe she is now." Charles smiled—I watched as a corner of his mouth curled nicely. "I'll pay her a visit." He disappeared.

* * *

Breanne's Journal

I stretched lazily. Somehow, I felt amazing instead of tired. Going to bed with three lion snake shapeshifters ought to tire anyone. I wasn't tired. Thirsty, yes. Tired? No.

"You liked." Bekzi, Chazi and Perzi grinned at me.

"I liked," I agreed. "We do again."

"Now?"

"Not now, I need Breanne for a mission," Charles appeared inside my bedroom, startling all of us.

"You certainly pick your moments," I said, offering Charles a pointed look.

"I could have shown up sooner."

"Thanks for not doing that," I replied.

"Get dressed. Your lion snakes may come if they want."

"We want," Bekzi nodded enthusiastically.

"Then get dressed. We're going to Le-Ath Veronis."

* * *

"Oh, no," I moaned. Charles had taken me to the wide doorway that led into Lissa's kitchen. Cheedas, looking harried, worn and depressed, herded kitchen staff about while dinner was prepared.

"Yes," Charles insisted. "Bree, you gave of yourself to Gavin, and saved Gavril's ass several times. Do this. If not for me, for your sister. She loves Cheedas. He has been a comfort to her through too many troubles to count."

"She could have asked," I pouted.

"Love, you're adorable when you pout, but we need to get this done."

"Fine. What do you want me to do? Just walk up to him?"

"Let's go." Charles pulled me into the kitchen, while every comesula there stopped what they were doing to stare at me. Yes, they'd all mistreated me in the past. They had no idea why I was in their kitchen, now. Most of them wore expressions of shame or guilt.

"We're here for Cheedas," Charles announced. Cheedas, startled, looked ready to bolt—or cry. Perhaps both. Was I supposed to feel sorry for him? A part of me did. He'd been manipulated, but his actions, although atypical, still stung. Nevertheless, I reached out and infused him with
Love
.

* * *

Lissa's Journal

Come and see
, Charles sent. I folded into the kitchen. There, I found Cheedas on his knees, holding onto Breanne as if his life depended on it. She'd given him
Love
. Probably forgiveness as well. He'd received a gift that defied all logic.

Is that what Love—my sister—is? Something that defies logic?
I asked Charles.

I have known it to defy logic too many times to disagree,
Charles confirmed.
Your sister has something that I have never seen in any other. I don't care if it defies logic. It is a very great gift
.

"Cheedas?" I stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Why didn't someone tell me?" He turned dark eyes toward me. I saw the tearstains on his face—but these were tears of joy.

"Stand up, honey," Breanne said, taking Cheedas' elbow and lifting him to his feet.

"I will do anything for you," he breathed. "Anything."

"Even cook vegetarian and let me in the laundry room?" She smiled to temper her words.