Illusions: Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance (The Seekers Book 1) (13 page)

“It’s not remorse that I feel,” she said.

“What is it?” He sat opposite her and slid his hand across the table until his knuckles made contact with hers. The touch sent a pulse through him, as though reigniting a dormant set of veins, allowing blood to flow more freely through his body.

Serafina felt it, too: a reminder of the other night, his flesh in contact with hers, his scent, his touch. His tongue, tending her.

“I feel loss,” she said. “As though I’ve lost something that I never had. How is that possible?”

“Because somewhere deep inside, you know how much you need it.”

P
axx returned
to the Guild’s fortress in the woods via paths which circumvented Salem itself. Under no circumstance did he wish to be seen coming from Ealdor, even by his brother. If Melina spoke to Phist, she might deduce what had gone on, recognize his thoughts. She didn’t seem able to outright read one’s every flicker of imagination, but there was no question that the woman could delve into one’s motivations.

Already, more than one traitor had been punished for insubordination. It was only the brothers’ determination that had protected themselves, shielding their minds, convincing her through their behaviour that they had only the best of intentions where the Guild was concerned.

But Phist was young and impulsive, and if he knew of the plan to help Circe escape he might inadvertently give himself away, which would devastate the entire plan.

A guard unlocked the outer door for him when he arrived, ushering Paxx inside, where he quickly made his way to Circe’s cell. Phist was on guard duty.

“How is she?” asked Paxx quietly.

“She seems the same,” his brother replied. “Quiet, calm. Nothing seems to faze her much.” The left corner of his lip veered upwards, betraying a smile.

“You enjoy your prisoner, do you?” asked Paxx.

“She’s…interesting. I’ve never met anyone quite like her.”

“Well, if she’s anything like her sister, she’s a special woman. Tell me, would you be sad to see her go?”

Phist paused for a moment to consider the question seriously. “For her sake? No, as long as she were safe. For mine? Yes. I’ve grown used to her, Paxx. Her scent. Her voice. I feel like she soothes me. Maybe it’s true, what they say about these women…”

“Don’t say it,” warned his brother, grabbing him by the collar. “Never say it. She is no more a witch than you or I. She is gifted, and good. Kind. She doesn’t deserve imprisonment, or to be mated to a man she doesn’t want.”

“What’s gotten into you? It’s not like I attacked her.” Phist pulled away.

“I’m sorry,” said Paxx. “Forgive me. Listen, are you on duty tomorrow?”

“Yes. All day.”

“Would you let me take your shift?”

“All right. But why?”

“I need you to run a few errands in Salem for me. There’s another meeting. I’d like you to attend this one, and pick up a few things while you’re there.”

Paxx’s eyes moved to the small window in Circe’s cell’s door. He could see her pretty face, framed by dark hair, her eyes staring out the window to the outdoors, towards her raven companion.

“I suppose I could,” he said.

“You don’t want to leave Circe,” said Paxx.

“Not particularly,” Phist replied. “But I’ll do as you ask. It’s not like she won’t be here when I return.”

“Right. She’ll be here,” said Paxx, protecting his brother from his own mind.

T
he morning was chillier
than it should have been, and Rohan rose with the sun, his extremities thanking him for moving around the house. Today he would guide Serafina to the Guild’s hide-out in the woods and together they would attempt to save her sister.

And then he would be off, back to Dundurn. If hanging about this place had taught him anything, it was that being around her hurt. Something had happened to him that night, during the Bonding, that meant that each time he was near her he felt a tearing, as though he were being slowly pulled apart by external forces. His arms wanted to take her in, his lips to be on hers. He fought the temptation as a falling man would fight gravity: helplessly, hopelessly.

This might have been love, or perhaps it was something else. Some magic at work that tortured men and entrapped them in their own bodies, filled with desire, longing, and the painful realization that they were mere inches from a woman in whom they could simultaneously bury themselves, their troubles and their hearts. And he wondered how it was for her; if she had managed simply to walk away from the Bonding without a second thought.

Of course, she wouldn’t be thinking of him. She didn’t know that her partner had been him, after all; that he was the man who’d been inside her, who’d kissed her most secret places, the taste still on his lips.

So he would suffer in silence. After all, he was here to help. He had come to this very time and place to offer his strength, his aid, to its inhabitants, and he was not going to desert them now.

He dressed himself, happy to know that he would spend much of the day within the armour of various animal forms, his emotions unable to dominate him. Today was about rescuing Circe from the Guild.

He made his way down the dirt path towards the village and Hedy’s house, but was stopped in his tracks by a small black creature, bounding towards him. Nyx, Sera’s Familiar, which meant that she must be close by.

When the ferret reached him it bounced up his leg, managing to scamper all the way to his shoulder, where he perched, licking Rohan’s ear.

“You’re a friendly little bugger, aren’t you?” the man asked, laughing, as he stroked Nyx’s back.

“Not usually.” Sera stepped out of the woods ahead, a smile on her face. “He’s never done that to anyone. Familiars generally cling only to their Magistress.” She extended an arm and Nyx hopped on, slipping up to wrap himself around her neck. “I’m sorry that he was so forward.”

“It’s quite all right,” said Rohan, taking a step towards her. The hand that had been stroking Nyx suddenly wanted to land on her cheek, to pull her face to his. “You are beautiful,” he said softly.

Sera looked at the ground, her feet shuffling uncomfortably.

“I’m so sorry,” Rohan said, taking a step back. “I don’t know where that came from.”

“It’s all right.”

“No, it’s not. I…”

“Rohan,” she said. “It’s all right. I know where it comes from.” This time it was she who moved forward, a hand landing on his arm as her eyes met his once again. “I know what you did for me, for the Sisterhood. For Circe. I know that it was you, at the Bonding.”

He felt his eyes go wide.
What did this mean?

“How long have you known?” he asked.

“Since that night. I recognized your tattoo.”

“How did you know about my tattoo…?” he began, staring at Nyx. “You have powers that I don’t understand,” he said. “You are talented. In so, so many ways.”

Sera felt her face go hot. Did he really think so? Had he enjoyed himself as she had?

“As are you,” she replied. “I have thought about you often. I understand at last why we aren’t to know who we’re with. I understand many things. I thought that I would simply leave and forget. But how could anyone forget such a night as that?”

Rohan placed a hand on her at last, cupping her cheek in his large palm as her face seemed to move into him.

“I will never forget it,” he said. “Everything about you, Serafina, takes my breath away and has since I first saw you. One night was not enough. And a thousand would just begin to satisfy me.”

She placed her hand over his and, pulling his palm to her lips, kissed it. “It has to be,” she said. “I can’t leave the Aspirants. I can’t desert them.”

“I understand. But I hope you’ll forgive me when I say that I am sorry to hear it. Paxx is a fine man and will make an excellent mate for someone.”

“For someone. As will you, Rohan. I cannot say that I don’t envy the woman who finds you under her sheets.”

“Serafina…”

She turned away, preventing further contact. She knew what he wanted, because she wanted the exact same thing. “I can’t,” she said. “Now, let’s go and find my sister.”

P
axx stationed
himself in the hallway outside Circe’s cell. He’d given Serafina and Rohan the information that they needed, and it was to them to get inside. And in sending Phist to Salem for the day, he’d managed to give him an alibi. The Town meeting would no doubt be dull and uneventful; more of the same information that they already knew about their own Guild. But if the Sorceress Melina were to come down on either brother, Paxx wanted to take the fall, to sacrifice himself to save Phist.

What Serafina’s plan was, he didn’t know. He only hoped that her abilities were sufficient. After all, Melina wasn’t in the compound; for all he knew, she was tucked into her large bed with her two large mates at the moment, enjoying some carnal bliss. Much as she was a daunting figure, she didn’t make a habit of stopping by the prison for frequent visits. In fact, she’d shown no interest whatsoever in Circe. It seemed that her mind was focused on obtaining Serafina, in acquiring whatever she had to offer the Guild. She thought, for some reason, that the young woman would be easily corrupted by power.

But somehow Paxx thought that she was way off.

A
s Sera
and Rohan made their way silently along, he forced his mind to focus on what would occur over the next few hours. He had the advantage, an ability to all but disappear in the face of danger. But what of Serafina? She was flesh and blood, unable to shift.

“What will you do?” he asked her. “When we arrive. How are you going to gain entry? It’s fairly obvious that you’re a woman, and as far as I understand, they don’t invite women into the compound—except in shackles.”

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve,” said Sera. “Well, not literal sleeve. In my bag. Runes are powerful items, and my specialty.”

“I’ve never seen them used,” said Rohan. “But I hope you’re right. This Melina woman sounds like a right bitch. Pardon my insult to dogs.”

“I don’t anticipate that she’ll be there, unless Paxx has slipped up somehow,” said Sera, “And he strikes me as too careful to do so.”

“I’m sure you’re right. But tell me what to do. How can I help?”

“Can you distract the guards?”

Rohan made a scoffing noise with his lips. “Can I distract the guards?” he laughed. “If you mean ‘Can I turn into a fire-breathing dragon,’ the answer is yes.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyebrows rising. “I’d like to see that.”

“You will before I leave, I promise.”

“Leave?” she asked. Nyx’s head turned abruptly to face Rohan, as though he too were surprised.

“To go home. To my time.”

“So you
do
come from another time,” said Sera. “I wasn’t sure that was possible, but apparently it is.” Her tone had changed; gone cold in defence of her feelings.

“It is,” he said. “For some. For you, even, if I chose to bring you there with me.”

“I would like that,” she said. “But I don’t suppose it’s a very good idea.”

“No, my family wouldn’t be pleased if I brought someone home who wasn’t to be my future mate.”

“So when you leave, does that mean that I won’t see you again?”

“Most likely not, Serafina. I don’t think I would return.”

“Ah.”

They continued in silence. Inside Sera something seemed to shatter, causing shards to penetrate her organs. She managed to stay upright, to walk with intent, though she felt as though someone had just deprived her of the ability to breathe.

“I would stay if you asked me to,” Rohan said softly, reading her body language.

“I know,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. “I know you would.”

She stopped in her tracks and turned to him. Overhead hung a dense ceiling of green, sunlight easing through in delicate beams. Sera reached a hand out, her fingers grasping the front seam of his tunic, pulling him to her.

“Sera,” he whispered.

Their lips met. Here he was, unmasked, hers for the taking in the middle of the forest, their bodies coming together under the green canopy, the scent of pine and desire mingling.

Her tongue sought his. She wanted to know what it was like to kiss him for the first time, and yet not the first. To taste this man who caused a cascade of lust and emotion within her, a fire burning for him which only seemed to heighten with his threats of departure.

His hands were on her: his fingers digging into her waist, slipping up, easing over her breasts, hardening her nipples, making their way to her neck from which Onyx had temporarily retreated, kissing her there, kissing her soft cleavage, pulling at her bodice to access her white skin.

And then in one swift gesture, her hand was on his again, reason taking her over.

“I can’t,” she said, pulling his fingers away. “I shouldn’t.”

“You shouldn’t or can’t?” he asked.

“I was wrapped up in a moment. We need to find Circe,” she said. “I needed comfort, and you offered it. I’m sorry.”

Rohan exhaled heavily. “It’s all right. I understand. Come, let’s find her. We’re not far from the compound now.”

T
he path
to the Guild’s compound was so well hidden that most of those who passed by failed to notice it, assuming that it was simply a little greenery broken down by deer’s hooves. Little did they suspect that it was the result of the footwork of shifters, large men making their way to and from their town.

Rohan steered Sera through the dense forest, avoiding the path itself in case they should meet unfriendly parties along the way. Even his course of action was a risk; a shifter would be easily able to pick up their scents. But so far, the woods had been calm. It seemed that the Guild was not on high alert.

Silence continued to brew between the two for some time as they hiked, each considering what had happened; each remorseful and yet quietly wishing for more. But both of them managed to guide their minds to Circe, to her salvation and protection; that was supposed to be their priority. Sera’s thoughts turned to Obsidian, to the raven’s mindset, the fear that Nyx would no doubt feel if they were separated. Not to mention how it could hurt Circe. However strong the young woman was, she wasn’t invulnerable.

As for Rohan, his mind formulated strategies for the rescue. Whatever Sera had planned, the responsibility for its success sat upon his shoulders as far as he was concerned. Whether she wanted it or not, he was her protector for the time being. He would watch over her, take on any threat against her. And much as she was a strong woman, she was still made of flesh and blood. No thick dragon scales shielded her against harm.

At last he spoke.

“I need you to stay back while I take on whoever’s guarding the outer door,” he said. “You can move in once the area is clear. You think you can unlock it?”

“I’ll try,” she replied. “I’ve had some success. You…helped me, when you bonded with me. My skills have improved, though I haven’t had time to practice much.”

“Well, we’ll do our best, shall we?” he said, smiling at her for the first time in what seemed like ages. “Have faith in yourself, Serafina. You are likely capable of far more than you know.”

Warmth flooded through Sera as though it had been injected directly into her bloodstream. It was good to have a friend, whatever else this gorgeous man had become. Hedy was a mentor and Circe was a sister. But Rohan was someone who chose to help her out of kindness, generosity. There was no obligation involved, and somehow that made their link all the more special.

But her bond with her sister was even stronger, and Circe, for all her calm, strength and fortitude, needed her now. She was all alone in a cell, and though Sera knew that she’d be as tough as she could, she would be feeling abandoned, frightened even.

Finally through the trees, a large, grey stone building came into view. It was the first time Sera had set eyes on the Guild’s hiding place, and she had to admit that despite its ugly penitentiary style, it was an impressive achievement.

Small barred windows sat in a long row across the second storey, denoting a series of cells. As if the Guild needed thick stone walls to hold innocent, powerless women in place. It was almost laughable. And yet, her hope was that the iron locks and mortared structure would give in to her magic as though they were made of straw.

Today would be the first real test of her skills, and she was thankful to have a man as powerful as Rohan by her side in case things went terribly wrong.

I
ndoors
, Paxx paced the long hallway outside of Circe’s cell. Only a few inmates were trapped in their own cold chambers: a young woman from Salem who knew nothing more about witchcraft than your average squirrel, and a woman who had tried on more than one occasion to seduce the guards into allowing her to escape. Neither of them was a Sisterhood member, and neither should have been in this place for any reason.

He’d seen no sign of the Sorceress, Crow or Mace since the previous day, and the place was generally quiet, one man guarding each end of the compound. Downstairs was a bunk room where various members of the Guild still slept, some rising lazily for breakfast. Most of them weren’t yet fully-fledged shifters, but men awaiting their turn at a Ritual. Hoping that the next trapped woman would be offered up.

None of them understood the beauty of the ceremony itself. And neither had Paxx, until he’d first set eyes on Serafina. He almost felt sorry for the men who might never get to experience the sensation of finding one’s prospective mate. Pure instinct kicking in as his eyes met her face and body. The knowledge that she was to be his one day.

Of course, knowledge and fact weren’t always one and the same, and unless she decided that she
wanted
him, there was no hope of a Ritual. He would have to find a way to forget her after all was said and done. Perhaps one of her magical spells could even cure him of it. If not, he was probably in for months of anguish. But just meeting her had almost been worth that pain; that was how much he delighted in the pleasure of her proximity.

As he walked along the hall, Circe’s voice came to him.

“Is she coming?” Sera’s sister asked quietly.

He turned and faced the small window, peering in at her as her eyes met his. She was so different from her sister. More and less shy at once. Circe always seemed to be hiding a secret; to know what might happen before it did. Not to mention that he felt as though she could read his insides as though a book were scrawled on his organs, dictating exactly who he was.

“Yes,” he answered. One simple word which caused Circe’s eyes to close and a smile to spread slowly over her lips. But that lasted only for a moment before a look of concern took her over. “Something’s wrong,” she said.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know. Yet.” She stood and walked to the window overlooking the forest outside where Obsidian had remained perched in wait. “Sidian,” she said. “Watch over them as they come near.”

The sound of a crow’s caw rang out and Paxx knew that the bird was doing her bidding. What a strange thing these Familiars were; like an extension of the women themselves. Very much like a déor, in fact, except that the human forms didn’t change shape. The big difference was that Familiars could not fight a bear or a wolf; they were watchers, sentinels in charge of information.

“Be careful,” said Circe, turning back to Paxx. “This day won’t go as planned. Nothing from here on will.”