Fire's Touch (The Enlightened Species Book Three) (23 page)

“What? That’s not even possible,” Mick yelled. If anything, Stacey felt relief. Herme’s confirmation simply validated what she’d known all along. Mick, on the other hand, seemed to be bordering on a panic attack.

“Mick, calm down and let me explain,” Herme tried to reason with Mick, who seemed to be flickering in and out of shadow with each exhale.

“I can’t have a child. I’m Hulven!” Mick’s eyes were huge with denial. Stacey’s anger at Mick’s reaction to their child started to rise. The warriors ceased fighting and stared over at them. Conlon and Mattie broke free and joined them, Conlon next to her and Mattie next to Mick.

“Johnny is the miracle the Volaticus people have been waiting for. He is proof that Hulven males are not sterile,” Innanna tried to reason with Mick, who clutched Mattie’s hand in a death grip. Could Volaticus hyperventilate?

“I always knew Mick was Johnny’s father, even though the healers at the hospe tried to tell me differently after my rescue.” Stacey dismissed Innanna and turned to Herme. Mattie gave a slight gasp. Mick’s head pivoted to meet gazes with Mattie. “Tell me something I don’t know,” Stacey continued.

Herme spoke with confidence, though his eyes beseeched forgiveness from her. Why? “Once Mick’s paternity was established, I got an idea. You and Conlon are bloodmates. I had your and Conlon's chemical biology compared. As expected, they aligned at ninety-seven percent—that's a normal finding between known bloodmates. Then I checked yours against the one on Mick we have on file … and found a
ninety-two
percent match. What you two felt in the breeding cage was the draw between bloodmates. Bloodmate compatibility and estrus pheromones probably put you both into rapture.”

A tick in Conlon’s jaw was the only reaction Stacey saw to the bombshell Herme had just dumped. Mick’s incredulous expression was far easier to read. “I don’t understand.”

“Hulven males aren't sterile. They have been incapable of procreation because the acidity of a female's ovum kills Hulven sperm before it can fertilize. Stacey's body chemistry nearly matches yours, including her acidity. Her body wouldn't destroy your seed, though it would kill that of any other Hulven male.” Herme paused giving Mick a chance to absorb somewhat. “Mick, this proves that Hulven males can have bloodmates ... families.”

Funny that Mick still didn’t look at Stacey but instead met Mattie’s gaze again. The Tellus gave him an encouraging smile but could not hide the pain etched on her face. Mick closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Stacey felt a little sick herself. Conlon’s expression was harder to gauge. He looked like a statue.

“How can I be both males’ bloodmate?” Stacey demanded. “I thought bloodmating was a fated gift of the universe, destined kind of shit.”

Finally, a smirk from Conlon, though it disappeared as quickly as it came. Innanna gave her an understanding look. “In the past, that is what Volaticus believed. People bloodmated even if they didn’t love … or sometimes like one another. Those couplings were rare, however. In nearly every bloodmating, the connection between the couples goes far beyond chemical and biological attraction. Love is ultimately what makes the unions work and last through the eons.”

Herme joined in the fun. Sucker. “Bloodmate compatibility ensures a couple can bond to each other on a far deeper level than any other type of bond. Bloodmated couples have a better chance of success and face less danger when and if they choose to have young. The bloodmate bond is a powerful manifestation, a force unto itself, and incomparable to any other. It blends two peoples living energies and psyches together.”

“That’s the scientific side of it,” Innanna continued. “The emotional side is just as important, if not more. I understand how difficult this concept is. I’ve been in your shoes. Everyone knows Gilgamesh is my bloodedmate. What they don’t know is that I was to be bloodmated to Eros Sicarius ten thousand years ago. The fall of Atlantis interrupted our nuptials. Back then we would have bonded, because that is what was expected of us. The problem was, Eros and I grew up like siblings. We didn’t love each other in that way. Just because you
can
have that bond with someone doesn’t mean you have to. You live in the age of choice, Stacey.” Innanna’s violet gaze held Stacey’s captive as she spoke. Stacey could feel Innanna’s ancient energy without even touching her.

Mick spoke up. “My father will do anything to kill me. Hurt anyone. You are in danger if Osiris finds out.”

Herme shook his head. “It’s not an ‘if’ he finds out. I'm not sure if Osiris’s prior interest in Stacey was coincidental or by design. Now he knows about the two of you … and Johnny.”

Conlon asked Stacey's question before she had a chance to, his voice low and threatening. “How?”

Herme looked pointedly at Conlon. “I fucked up. I trusted someone I shouldn't have, and now all the information I've shared with you is in the hands of our greatest enemy.”

“I give up my parental rights … I can do that, right? I can’t have a son. I can’t have a child. I don’t deserve one, especially one born of rape.” Even with Mattie trying to sooth him, Mick seemed trapped in some sort of tantrum.

Part of her knew it was based on his fear, but still Stacey's anger knew no bounds. “That’s it!” She peered into Mick's panicked eyes. “Are you freaking kidding me? We have a son.
You
have a son. Is this the legacy you want to leave Johnny, you stupid bastard? Much as you would like to convince yourself otherwise,
our child
was conceived in kindness … not violence. How could you lend me compassion and strength in that dark time only to force me to tell
your son
that his father was too big of a coward to raise him?”

Conlon gripped her shoulders. “Stacey …”

She shrugged him off. His touch had calmed her somewhat, but she was still livid. “I want you to be a part of Johnny’s life, but not if you don't get your shit together,” Stacey railed at the father of her child, unable to stop herself.

“The test must be wrong,” he stated in a hoarse voice. His further denial after what she’d said sent her over the edge again.

“Then you tell me, Mick, who else had a go at me? Did you open the floodgate after you were done? Because I sure as hell don't remember being raped, and the only
consensual
sex I had was with you.” Stacey rose to her feet, emphasizing her words by pointing her finger at Mick.

Mick stood on shaky legs with lines of strain around his lips. He shook his head at her. “You can’t possibly believe what you’re saying.”

“Mick, you didn't rape me. You saved me. I know … I was there.” He shook his head, his hands dropping to his sides and shoulders sagging.

What would it take for him to forgive himself? Out of ideas, she swung back and slapped him with everything in her. His face rocked to the side from the impact. Out of the corner of her eye, Stacey saw Conlon grab and restrain Mattie from protecting Mick. “Are you done being a jackass? You didn't rape me, Mick.” She could see in his eyes he still didn't believe her. Frustrated more than she could ever remember feeling in her entire life, Stacey heated a ball of air in her palm. “You want to be purged of your delusional sins?” She touched the heated ball to his forehead. He hissed but didn't pull away. “There, call it baptism by fire. I absolve you of your sins.” She put her hands on her hips.

If that didn’t work, Stacey was done trying. She could only do so much … if Mick was bound and determined to torture himself, so be it.

You can’t save people from themselves, Stacey. The best you can do is open a door of opportunity and hope they walk through it.
Stacey heard the voice of her mother. Stacey’s best friend had gotten into drugs when they were sixteen. No matter what Stacey tried, her friend kept using … until she overdosed. Why Mick’s self-recriminations reminded her of that she had no idea, but it felt the same. Helpless. Hopeless.

Defeated, she softened her tone and tried one last time. “Herme is right. I was drawn to you before my estrus started.” She was encouraged when it seemed like he might actually be listening to her now. “If you were strong enough to leave your old life, shouldn't you be strong enough to leave your old life
behind
? Carrying it around with you isn't showing true strength. Be a father, Mick. We can raise Johnny together ... as friends and parents.” The bloodmate thing was moot. Her heart already belonged to Conlon.

“I’m a … father.” Mick seemed to bloom with the statement. Stacey nodded. “I have a son!” he shouted into the air.

Stacey was exhausted. She dropped into Conlon’s lap, pushing Mattie’s shoulder. “He needs you.”

Mattie lifted a brow and rose. Mick snatched her against his chest. “I have a son,” he muttered into Mattie’s neck. His gaze met Stacey’s gaze with such joy that a lump rose to her throat.

Conlon’s breath brushed her ear. “That was a hell of a tough-love approach. You’re amazing.”

Stacey felt completely drained by the whole experience. “Thank you.” She turned her cheek and snuggled into his chest.

Innanna and Herme rushed over to explain everything to the warriors, many of whom where Hulven males, before things got out of hand. The stunned explosion of chatter amongst the group was deafening. Stacey grinned when Innanna fluttered above the crowd and placed two fingers to her lips and let out an incredible stadium whistle. Her hands went to her tiny hips in annoyance as she hovered. Stacey wondered if Innanna would be willing to head one of her companies. “Commandant Einar.” Conlon’s brother Shane stepped forward. “Please ready your conference room and call in the SOSC leaders. We will have a meeting in ten minutes. Until then, no speculating my brothers and sisters.”

Chapter Nineteen

“You’re not concentrating,” Umbrae chastised, dodging to the side.

Stacey snapped to attention as the leaves of the tree behind where Umbrae just stood started to wither and smoke. So far today, she’d caught the grass on fire twice and scalded some poor guard who’d inadvertently walked into her line of sight.

Stacey tried to shake off her distraction again. “Sorry. I’m ready this time.”

A crack of thunder in the distance caught her attention. She spun to see Jess standing behind her with glowing green eyes. How many times would her friend have to siphon off Stacey’s out-of-control pyrokinesis? She could see Shane looking over at Jess with concern. Jess’s ability weakened her when she used it too much.

“Let us take a turn.” Eros had his arm over Aymee’s shoulder as Enlil took Umbrae’s hand, lifting it to his lips with a wink.

Stacey was more than a little intimidated by the two males—not that she wanted them to know that. “Hope you boys ate your Wheaties this morning.”

Aymee, Umbrae and Jess sat on the grass. Eros held his hands palm out to her and Stacey linked her fingers with him. The guy’s hands were ginormous. “Drop your shield completely, Stacey,” Eros instructed.

“What? Not only no … but hell no. I’m learning to build them” A flash of fear coursed through her.

Enlil set his hands to her shoulders from behind. “You need to know what control and shielding feel like. Drop your shields and relax,” Enlil demanded. These males weren’t taking no for an answer.

Stacey counted to three and closed her eyes, willing her mind to follow their instructions. With the sound of flesh hitting flesh and a grunt, Enlil’s hands vanished. Eros began to laugh and dropped her hands. Stacey looked back to see Conlon and Enlil throwing blows on the ground.

“Conlon, what the hell are you doing?” she shouted. It was like he didn’t even hear her. Eros crossed his arms and watched casually. “Aren’t you going to stop them?”

“Nope. It’s better if the kid gets it out of his system.” Eros lifted the side of his lip amused. “If you two were already bloodmated, this wouldn’t happen.”

Suddenly Conlon dropped to the grass, unconscious. Umbrae shimmered into view. Rage rolled through Stacey unlike anything she had ever felt. She lunged at her friend. Eros casually caught her by the shoulder, halting her. “Let go.” She struggled against the gentle but iron grip.

Umbrae gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry, Stacey. He’s not hurt, I just boxed his ears. Finish your lesson with Enlil and Eros before he wakes up all feral again.”

Part of Stacey still wanted to kick Umbrae’s ass … yeah, right, as if she could, NOT. Was this what Conlon felt seeing Enlil and Eros touching her?
Shit
. Determined, Stacey resumed the position with fingers linked to Eros and Enlil’s hands on her shoulder. She needed to get control now more than ever. Conlon needed her.

With her shield down, she felt the powerful ancient and the male who was damn close to an ancient slide into her psyche. Enlil gripped her ability and Stacey felt fireballs shoot from her straight up into the air harmlessly. The pounding pressure of energy she constantly felt eased and then she felt like a steel cage clamped around her mind. Impenetrable, a calm sense of safety bloomed in her.

The two males released her and the instant flow of energy and chaos rushed back in. This time when Stacey lifted her mental shields, they were stronger. She tried to duplicate the relieving balls of fire, but instead of shooting harmlessly into the air overhead, they spiraled out in every direction, sending people squealing and dodging them. Instead of being mad, most people just chuckled and shook their heads before going right back to what they were doing.

“Shit, shit, shit, I’ll never get it.” Stacey sat and lifted Conlon head to her lap, absently running her fingers through his hair.

Jess stepped over and used her dentes to puncture her wrist, then moved to place the wound over Conlon’s mouth. Stacey felt the rumble of a growl in her chest. What the hell was happening to her? She grabbed Jess’s forearm.

Jess grinned. “Chickie, you two need to mate already before you both end up committed to the nut hut. He’s my brother-in-law, for hell’s sakes. Family. I already have a bond to him.”

Stacey released her friend and watched Conlon’s dentes slide into her friend’s wrist with envy. His eyes snapped open and clashed with hers. Her soul cried out for him. It was like Herme’s announcement about Mick and Stacey’s compatibility had made Conlon withdraw from discussing bloodmating. He hadn’t mentioned it since that day. Of course, neither had Stacey, but still …