Chapter 32
After that night with Collum, Alex immersed herself in family. Her mother remained with her almost every waking moment. Neeren, almost every other. The days were full of laughter and Alex pushed Collum from her mind. Whatever they might be, could wait. She had a life with her mother to build. She spent lazy afternoons floating in the water while listening to Gray's stories. They talked of her past and how she had grown up.
Alex told Gray about her adopted family and about Aunt Quinn. Gray listened attentively and asked questions about her adopted mother and how she had been treated. Often her eyes glazed over with sadness when Alex told stories of Aunt Quinn’s sardonic humor.
The first couple of days blended together. Time was held sacred as the three of them learned about each other. Neeren taught her about their people. About their history. Often the two of them would walk alone. He led her patiently through his castle time and again, introducing her to all the Parthen on the island. He treated her with respect, but also teased her like any brother would his little sister. Alex soaked it in, enjoying every moment of being a sibling.
He reminded her often that they were the only two of their kind in the world. Neeren showed her remote areas of the island so she could see all that was hers now as well. He was clear that they would share the kingdom.
She often watched him under her lashes. Not once did she witness a display of anger or impatience. He was always kind and generous, but slightly separate of the world. His humor was subtle. There were times Alex felt like he was the only person in on a private joke.
His entire existence was a secret. He wore it like a cloak. The secrets would have broken lesser men. In him it added a strength of character that understood the ebb and flow of life. She wondered, though, about his severe self-control. She thought of the fights she and Collum had. How passion simmered just below the surface at their every interaction. She welcomed the day when Neeren might truly feel free. She doubted he ever had.
On her fourth day with them, Neeren found her on their private beach. She watched him study her from the top of the cliff for a few minutes before heading down.
“You may not be able to turn into a cat,” he said, “but you definitely enjoy the sun as we do. Remind me to take you out on the boat so you can lay on the bow to sunbathe.”
Alex looked over her shoulder as he spoke. She’d become used to him appearing out of nowhere. “You have a boat?”
“We have a boat.” He pulled out his cell phone and showed her a photo of a glistening yellow and sky-blue yacht moored in the ocean.
It was easily one of the biggest yachts she'd ever seen. Coming from Victoria, that was saying something. She guessed it rang in at one hundred and thirty meters in length with four decks.
“Neeren, it’s gorgeous. Are you sure you aren't pulling my leg?”
He arched a brow questioningly. “Why would I pull your leg? Her name is the Palladium. We’ll make a date with Mother and spend a day on her next week. I have a few items to deal with before I can leave for the whole day.”
He sat beside her, giving no care to the damp sand on his perfectly tailored tan trousers.
They rested in comfortable silence for a while, both stared out to the sea.
“It's been almost a week since this started, Alex. Soon, we'll have to discuss more than boats and family stories. I'd rather go on the offensive with those who seek to harm us. To be honest with you, I am sick of hiding on my island.”
“I know, I guess I wanted to enjoy this life for a while. I never had a brother before and everything has been so easy here.”
He leaned back on his elbows and gazed at the gentle waves lapping against the shore.
“It is easy because we are hiding. I have hidden my whole life. They call me the Solitary King you know. They say I’m mysterious.” He laughed darkly. “It's always been about protecting Mother. I couldn't care less if the Elementals know about me. I’d happily have gone to war before now but I had to lessen the chances of anyone finding out about her. I couldn't risk our enemies destroying her. She'd already lost too much.”
He looked at Alex with heavy eyes. “I'm tired of it. When the elders come for her and you, they'll find me. I'm going to destroy them.”
Alex leaned into him. Felt the rage simmering below the surface. The intensity of his hatred frightened her. He'd never let it slip before. “I want to help you. You need to show me how to fight the other elements. I couldn’t even call up my fire the night you lost your shit on the beach.”
He stood and pulled her up with him. “That night was different. I’m different. It won’t be the same with others. Everything you need to stop your enemies is inside you. Don’t let fear and inexperience control the outcome. We will begin now. Stand in the water.”
“What do you mean, you’re different?”
“Only that I’m your brother. You can’t overpower me the same way you can others.”
Alex waded into the water up to her knees, cringing slightly at its coolness.
“Are your feet cold?” he asked.
“Yes, a little.”
“Your flame is in the water. The tip of the tattoo begins on your foot. Ask it to warm you.”
Alex thought back to the time when Collum showed her how to control her flame with her intention. She felt for the flame inside her, visualized it coming to life on her foot. Slowly, the water around her started to foam.
On the shore, Neeren clapped his hands. “Well done. You see how easy it is?”
“Sure, but I’m not afraid right now and I have the time to think about what I’m doing.”
He walked to her and held her hands. As he did so, the water around them began to shift and grow. Waves swarmed around them until they were surrounded by a seven-foot-tall wall of water.
“I am in charge now, Alex. The only way to stop me is to force me to let go.”
“I tried that already and I couldn’t do it.”
“Focus. Breathe. Channel your energy. The water will cover us if you don’t stop me. I can breathe under water. Can you?”
“You won’t drown me.”
As she said the words, the water churned faster, closing in on them. It pushed against her legs and arms, climbed up her chest. Even then, Alex didn’t believe he’d follow through. The water climbed higher. It tightened against her throat. Forced itself over her lips and nose. She choked on the liquid as it filled her nostrils. Fear left her rigid, frantic. She struggled to get away, but his hands held her in place. She thrashed against him, felt herself dying, choking on the fluid in her lungs. Still he held her, all the while staring with a calculated look.
As the last of her breath left her body, she felt her soul depart and immediately slam back into her body. As she held her breath again, she realized she was still there, staring at her brother—alive.
With clarity, she finally understood what everyone had been telling her from the moment this started. She was immortal goddammit. How many times would she need to be reminded of that? Once she understood, she focused her energy, forced her flame onto him before she drowned again. She pictured the tattoo on her flesh, how it wound its way up her calves and across her rib cage, over her shoulders, and down to her arms and hands. She pushed the flames off her flesh and on to his, asking the fire to increase in potency.
He fought against the fire. She marveled as water turned to ice like a shield over his skin. She envisioned a fire raging. Blisters appeared on his flesh and the ice melted. As waves rushing through her gave way, Neeren released her hands and the water receded.
He grinned while looking at the burns on his hands. “You see, you have the strength. You’ve always had it. But do not take so long next time. The next immortal you fight won’t be as easy on you as I was. And if they take your head, you’re done.”
She bent over, gulping air she apparently no longer needed before punching him in the gut. “You son of a bitch. Don’t do that to me ever again.” She took perverse pleasure hearing the air rush out of his mouth. It wasn’t enough, but it helped.
Coughing, he replied, “You wanted to learn. I taught you. Why are you so angry?”
“Because, you jerk,” she screamed. “I drowned.”
Cocking his head to the side, he gave her a look that made her feel daft.
“That was the point. Perhaps you’ll best me next time.”
“Try again, buddy. I bested you this time. I totally owned you.”
Laughing, he replied in his awkward way, “Totally,” and then winked at her surprised look. “Keep practicing and do not get cocky. Domhall arrives soon. Once he does, preparations begin. I will carry no more shadows, Alex.” He kissed the top of her forehead and walked away.
~ ~ ~
Alex watched him go. His muscled back held taught. She pictured the tight line of his mouth. Dread at the thought of war, mixed with compassion for her brother.
Four panthers padded silently behind as he ascended the cliff. He gave no indication of knowing they were there until he reached the top. Alex strained to hear what he said. She watched as the panthers transformed into the four most beautiful women she'd ever seen. Each of them long and muscled. Strong. Not girls—Women. From her spot on the beach Alex could see their piercing yellow eyes. They waited patiently for Neeren’s command.
“His ladies,” her mother said as she came up behind her. “He thinks I don't know but I’m not stupid. Everyone knows. Everyone on the Island knows. Half the Immortal world knows. They might not know who he is, but the tales of his lovers are legendary.”
Her mother’s candour surprised her. The woman was perfectly composed as always. Short ice-blond hair swung gently over her ears, a white silk dress floated against her skin. Alex considered her own outfit—cut off shorts and a tank covered in sand. Her hair was a rat’s nest from salt water and ocean breeze, but she couldn't bring herself to try and comb through it. She was worlds apart from her mother . . . and Neeren too. Doubted she'd ever be as quiet and composed as the two of them were.
“I wondered how he dealt with all the pressure. He always seems so poised and, well, kind of mocking. He comes across as always in control, when really, it's because he’s getting laid all the time.”
Her mother grinned. “Neeren is a study in complication. He doesn't feel anything for them. But would never leave any of them wanting. He cares about everything and he cares about nothing.”
Alex looked at the ledge. Neeren and the four women had disappeared. “Where did they go?”
“Who knows.” Gray snorted. “It’s someone new every time. They all vie for the Kings favor.”
“My brother, the emotionally detached male slut. Does that about cover it?”
Gray’s eyes sparkled. “I've never heard it put quite that way before. I should be shocked, but yes, that about covers it. Oh, it feels so good to laugh, even at Neeren. It is good to see him as simply a man, not a king. Or a boy that lost everything.”
“Glad I could help,” Alex quipped before sobering. “Seeing him with those women makes me miss Collum.”
“The dragon is a masterful man,” Gray said.
“Yes, but it’s more. I miss his smell. I miss seeing annoyance written on his face. How can I miss someone so much when I hardly know him?”
Her mother smiled. “Because you know he’s meant for you, my darling.”
“All of this.” Alex swept her arms out. “Is so much. It’s overwhelming. I don’t trust myself right now.”
“It’s okay,” Gray said. “You have time.”
“Do I? Neeren wants to prepare for war.”
Her mother absently straightened the non-existent wrinkles on her dress. “I know. He's been waiting for years, ever since Domhall found us. He’s held back for me, for you. He's not wrong. Much was taken, from all of us.”
The vengeance in Gray’s voice rocked the earth below them. “My husband was murdered for the crime of loving me. It's time we reclaimed our lives.”
Alex gripped her mother’s hand. Anger and grief constricting her chest.
A bittersweet smiled transformed Gray’s face. Wiped the agony from her features. “Once Domhall joins us, we’ll make our plans. But not today. Today, we sit in the sun. We practice teaching your fire to overcome my earth. Are you ready?"