He shrugged. “That is between you and my brother, but I'm sure our father will see to it that you have a home here.”
“Ah. The great Mr. Jinn. So when do I get the pleasure of meeting him?”
“How would now be?”
Kayla rose to face the deep voice that had spoken. There was no mistake, the man before her was their father. Same intense blue eyes, same dark hair but kept short. The man didn't look old enough to father sons who were thousands of years old.
He strode forward and extended his hand. “I am Efrain, Armand's father.”
She extended her hand, which he grasped and brought to his lips. “I'm pleased to meet you.” Her voice came out meeker than she'd have liked, but his power sent a surge of current up her arm causing bumps to rise.
“I must apologize for my son's actions.” He glanced over at Crone who rolled his eyes. “He can be a bit overbearing at times, but he means well.” He looped her arm around his and led her back to the sofas. “Crone, leave us.”
Crone gave a slight bow. “As you wish.” He made a quick exit from the room.
“Wow, he does have manners.”
Efrain let out a hearty laugh. “He takes a bit of getting used to. I'm hoping his future wife will tame him.”
Kayla snorted. “I feel sorry for her already.”
He nodded. “Now. I know you must have questions. Please, feel free to ask me whatever you wish.”
She decided right then and there she liked him. He made her feel at ease. “This is a big decision that you are all asking me to make. I mean I like Armand, don't get me wrong. It's just … ”
“I understand. Not only have you been sucked into a world you thought only a fairytale, but now you are being asked to change your very existence. Not to mention going up against Cyndel.”
“Pretty much nailed it on the head.” Mostly.
He patted her hand. “And all for a man you hardly know.”
She could no longer hold back and the tears fell which ticked her off even more. She had no control over anything at the moment. “The thing is, Armand is the first man who actually seemed to care about my needs and how I felt, and now I find out he is not who I thought.”
“Are you sure about that? I know I haven't had contact with my son in over a thousand years, and he made a mistake with Cyndel. He was young and naive and this mess is mostly my own fault, but he is a good man at heart,” Efrain replied.
Kayla wiped her eyes. “How is this your fault?”
“I knew Cyndel was using him for power and wealth. I'd hoped she would cure Armand of his womanizing. I never expected she was capable of cursing him. I though the worst would be he'd end up with a broken heart and learn a lesson.”
“Oh, I see.”
“You must think I'm a terrible father.”
She met his gaze. “Who am I to judge? I never told anyone that I knew, months before I confronted my ex-husband, that he was cheating. I'd hoped he would come to his senses.” She shook her head. “I was so stupid. He had the best of both worlds, why would he give it up?”
His features softened. “We all make mistakes. It's only when we don't learn from them that we deserve whatever fate hands us. I can't ask you to sacrifice for my family, it's a choice only you can make. I will tell you that you have a home here and I will help you in any way I can.”
Kayla was deeply touched. Granted, he wanted his son back, but she sensed he was sincere. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“Also for what's its worth, I believe Armand cares for you or he wouldn't have insisted Crone bring you here.” He gave her a warm smile. “As for the
vetemba.
Don't take what Crone says to heart. Being Armand's other half is much more than bringing him power or children. It's a love and sharing like no other and it's a bit hard to explain. It has to be experienced.”
There was so much to consider her head pounded. What would happen between her and Armand should she decide to save him? Did they have a future together? Did she want one? In her heart she knew she loved him, but discovering he was a prince and soon to be king made her wonder if she expected too much from him.
“Tell me. Do Armand and I have a choice as far as being together?”
Efrain closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking at her. “Yes. Either of you can choose to walk away. There have been cases of the
vetemba
and the Jinn not falling in love and therefore not making a good match. Usually the female will find a more suitable match.”
Great. I can love him but not necessarily the other way around.
“I have also discovered how your grandmother came to possess the amulet.”
Excitement zinged through her. “Really? How? I mean how did you find out and how did she get it?” Finally, part of this mystery would be solved.
“I went through some very old scrolls that are kept in my personal archive. I must admit I'm very excited that you came into our lives. Your great-grandmother, Ilsa, was once a Jinn.”
Her jaw dropped. “I don't … I mean. How can that be?” She had not expected to hear those words at all. It had occurred to her Nana had somehow had contact with the immortals, but this?
“Let me start from the beginning.” Efrain rubbed his jaw. “Your family were the real rulers of the House of Unaria: the house that Cyndel's father now rules. Ilsa was also a
vetemba,
and Alistair, who was Cyndel's great grandfather, fell in love with Ilsa. However, she refused him for she had fallen in love with a mortal.”
“Great-grandpa?”
He nodded. “That would be my guess. The story goes she feared Alistair, and as it turned out had good reason. He had a curse placed on her and turned her mortal.”
Kayla could only stare at Efrain in disbelief. No words would form.
“This, of course, created a war between the families. In the end, your ancestors were slaughtered by Alistair and your house overtaken.”
She rubbed her forehead. “Oh my god. This is simply too much to believe.”
He sighed. “I'm afraid there is more. Ilsa still had friends in the Jinn community and someone, though we still don't know who, made her the amulet. It was meant to protect her children and it worked until your parents' death.”
Her bottom lip trembled and tears formed. “The plane crash. They were on their way to England. I was only three when they died.”
He touched her hand. “I'm so sorry. It is suspected that Alistair had a hand in their death. I'm going to guess that Cyndel is aware of who you are, and that is the real reason she wants you dead. You are the rightful heir to the House of Unaria. The amulet is meant not only to protect you, but bring back your family's power.”
She was stunned. So many emotions raced through her. Sadness for the family she had lost. Anger at the ones who stole their lives.
Efrain brushed a tear from her cheek. “I'm afraid this really leaves you with no choice.”
She pulled back her shoulders and shoved the pity deep into the back of her mind. “They took those I love. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I guess we better find that chant. I have a genie to fight.” Even if Armand abandoned her, she couldn't let him suffer any longer and she owed her family.
Efrain slid off the couch to his knees, his head bowed. “I will be forever in your debt. You will also have the alliance of the House of Reviana.”
She was horrified. “Oh don’t.” She reached to touch his shoulder. “Please, get up. You shouldn’t be kneeling.”
He winked at her and pushed himself back to his feet. “You should get used to it. Your station in this world dictates it.” He held out his hand to help her up. “Besides, it also means Crone would have to drop to his knees in your presence.” He let out a hearty laugh and she couldn’t help but join in.
“I really do like you.”
He gave her a big grin. “The feeling is mutual. Come, let me show you what awaits you.”
He led her through an open set of French doors and onto a balcony. He pointed to a vast body of water where turquois waves crashed onto a snow-white sandy beach. “The mountains you see on the horizon. They belong to you. The House of Unaria rests in the valley, as do your people.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. So many people were counting on her to succeed.
*****
Armand hadn't slept in weeks. Not since Crone had left with Kayla's broken body. Since he was unable to have contact with his family, he had no idea if she was even still alive. Cyndel had made sure that the curse even covered modern day technology. Guilt racked him. If not for him, Kayla would never have been hurt. He prayed every day for her recovery.
He paced the kitchen not knowing what to do with himself. He tried calling Cyndel, but she continued to ignore his summons. He still didn't understand why she had attacked Kayla. He'd slept with other woman, hundreds of them during his time on earth, and never had she harmed them. So what was different this time? The only conclusion was that Kayla had returned his magic.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. He jerked his head up and glared at the door. It was eleven at night, who the hell would be banging at this hour? With the stealth of a cat, he eased to the front of the house. The porch light had come on so he looked through the peephole. In seconds, he unbolted the locks and flung open the door.
“By the gods, you're all right.” He grabbed Kayla by the hand and pulled her past the entryway and into his arms. He touched his nose to her hair and inhaled her scent. Nothing in his entire existence ever felt as good as she did pressed against him. He leaned back and looked down into her eyes. “
Querida,
I have been worried sick about you. I tried not to fear the worst, but it was impossible.”
She flashed that warm smile he loved so much. “I'm so sorry. I wish I could have gotten word to you sooner. There just wasn't any way.”
He shook his head. “No. It's I who should apologize. It's because of me that you were hurt in the first place.” He peered over her head as if expecting to see his enemies outside, then pulled her the rest of the way into the house and shut the door.
“How is it that you're here? It's not time for Crone to come back yet. It has only been–”
“Three weeks. I hounded him to bring me home until he couldn't stand my nagging. He dropped me off as close as he could get and I took a bus the rest of the way.” She placed her palm on his cheek. “I needed to let you know I was okay.”
He released her and paced again. “You could have called me instead of coming here. I would have packed your things for you and shipped them to any address of your choosing.” He stopped. “It is not safe here. You must leave.”
“I'm not safe anywhere, Armand. At least, not according to your brother and father. They tell me Cyndel will come after me no matter where I go.”
“No. I will negotiate your safety. If you promise to leave and never come back, I believe I can get her to leave you alone.” If he could only get the genie to answer his call, he was sure he could get her to agree.
“Has she been back since I left?”
“No. She ignores me.”
“Then how can you guarantee my safety?”
I will make the ultimate sacrifice. I will marry Cyndel.
“I need you to trust me. I know I'm asking a lot of you, but please.”
She crossed her arms over her breasts. Breasts he wanted so badly to release from their confinement and shower with affection. He wanted to declare his feelings, but it would benefit no one.
“Well, truth is, I'm here to save my ass and break your curse.”
“Excuse me?”
She reached for a chain around her neck and pulled it out from under her tee.
He ground his teeth. “Where did you get that?” This had to be a sick joke. No way in hell did she have a real amulet. It was a Jinn fable read to the children at bedtime. No one, not even the elders, had ever seen one and certainly no one believed they really existed.
“Long story short, my nana gave it to me.” She moved to the couch and took a seat. Worry wore on her face and he hated the fact he'd put it there.
“You think you're going to use that against Cyndel?” He stood there gaping at her, not knowing what else to do. He couldn't get too close to her again or he'd have her undressed and beneath him screaming his name. Damn, he needed her.
“Between Crone, Efrain and myself we managed to find the text with the chant. It took us four days of tossing books to find that damn thing.” She leaned back and pinched the bridge of her nose.
“No. I forbid this.”
She looked over at him like he was insane. “Well, your father needs you to come home and I'm not ready to die at the hands of some crazed bitch.”
He couldn't stand it anymore. He moved to sit next to her and took her hand in his. Somehow he had to make her understand. “You're no match for her and I am powerless to help. If she were to show up right now, I could do nothing. I've tried to no avail to call my power again.” He stared at the pendant. “There is no guarantee this will work. I'm sure my father told you that.”
She flicked out her tongue and moistened her lips.
Do not kiss her.
She had to believe there was nothing between them. It was the only way to save her.