Chapter 11

Mitchell, as expected, brought everyone’s focus back to the matter at hand. “Are either of you going to tell us what happened in here?” Aggie didn’t know what to tell him, but she knew shying away from it wasn’t an option.

“I’m not entirely sure. We just came back in here and this is what we found. Had we come in any sooner it seems we might have seen some of this still ablaze.” Aggie shuddered at the thought of coming that close to open fire.

“Somehow we didn’t smell any of the fire either. The door was cracked before we walked in for a moment as we finished our conversation in the hall. No smoke came out into the hallway. It was contained by some unknown power. The only problem is I can’t sense the magic. We might need Gryson or Liel to try and see what they can pick up. Did you guys get anything?” Eldon seemed on edge about all of this. Aggie didn’t know if it was a self-conscious issue about not being able to protect her from an unknown threat or something else.

“Why did you just call them and why them first?” Aggie didn’t understand completely how his power worked, but the best approach was usually the direct one.

“I told you it was a power drain. I hoped between their power to locate clues most of us can’t see and their strength we could elude anything or anyone that might still be lingering nearby.” Aggie hadn’t thought about them being jumped if they looked too closely at what was going on.

“Oh, I guess I didn’t consider that the Firestarter might have stayed in the room or hadn’t made it out yet. Thank you for being proactive and not leaving me alone. Come to think of it, if I’m going to be hanging around and staying in this gig, perhaps we should look into training in some way. I’m not the biggest or the strongest person. I haven’t been formally trained in any way. I talk a big game, but nothing really comes of it.” That was a hard thing for her to admit. She’d always liked to think of herself as a bit of a scrapper or a badass, but really, she only spoke up in the times she knew she would win. With what they were currently dealing with it seemed she was the underdog and likely to come out on the bottom in any fight.

“We can arrange for training in any downtime we have during the investigation. I’m sure my brother and I can lead up that for now.” Ren was always so forthcoming and everything he said or did it was always graced with a perfect smile that made Aggie weak in the knees. Although, she would never admit that.

“I love when you volunteer me for projects.” Mitchell’s dry sarcastic tone was without feeling but Aggie knew he wasn’t genuinely happy for this new addition to his schedule. “No, all we can smell is smoke, but I did find this beside what is left of the table. Do you recognize it?” He held a scrap of fabric that seemed smudged with some kind of sticky substance. It wasn’t familiar but as Aggie looked closer she noticed it had a faint print. The dark color of the fabric was impossible to decipher after it was smudged, but the design was a rusted gold color and looked a lot like filigree.

“I don’t recognize it, but it looks like it could have been part of a curtain at one point in time. Look at the design and the texture of it. It is too thick to be worn unless someone in the castle favors very heavy dresses that would slow even the fastest runner down. The filigree that’s stitched into it shouldn’t ever be on a dress design like that. Maybe in a simpler pattern, but this is all over it as though it went from the top of the piece to the very bottom systematically.” Aggie tried to be as detailed as possible, not sure how designer-friendly the boys were. Mitchell cocked his head to the side, examining the scrap of fabric. Then he glanced at the curtains still covering the windows. Ren followed his brother’s line of site. It was as though they were having a conversation in their minds. “Can you speak telepathically with each other?” Aggie blurted.

Mitchell just scoffed at her but made no effort to answer.

“No, it’s a twin thing.” Ren offered, but went back to working through the puzzle with his brother. “It looks like these aren’t the same as the ones in this room, but I wonder what room might have this pattern. I guess, we could always ask Mathius for guidance on that matter.” The twins were making their way around the room for final checks to make sure they didn’t miss anything.

“I think if you’d like to stay with them, I could go and get the others. Were they in the same room as you?” Eldon’s question was directed at the twins.

“No, we had already split up to work on our separate projects again. I’m not sure where exactly everyone is but they will probably be heading toward their rooms for a little while to prepare. So, you might check there first.” Mitchell graced him with a response and Aggie considered the fact that she wasn’t the one who asked and therefore he got an answer directly.

“That sounds logical. Aggie, you can come with me if you’d rather.” Eldon sounded meek and not himself. She didn’t know the best answer.

What does he want me to say? Does he want me to say yes? If I do would it boost his spirits? Is he just asking to be polite? Aggie decided to go with her gut and answer the way she was feeling and not just to make him feel better. “I think I’d rather stay here. I’m still a bit shook up from this encounter and while this is the place it happened at least I don’t have to let my guard down outside these four walls.” Eldon’s face visibly relaxed. She guessed she answered the way he had hoped and mentally patted herself on the back, filing away that information for later. Go with your gut, Aggie. Things seem to go over better when you do.

Eldon turned to leave, but before he did he turned back and placed a sweet kiss on the edge of Aggie's hairline. It was a simple gesture, but Aggie now knew she was his priority and leaving was secondary.

Turning back to the brothers, Ren wore a knowing grin. Unable to help herself, she just stuck her tongue out at him. She realized he brought out a juvenile side of her that she hadn’t seen in years. “Is there any way I can help, Wolfie?” She was feeling brave and since she was talking to Ren, it was better odds that he wouldn’t literally bite her head off? That didn’t stop Mitchell from growling audibly. “Easy boy, I was just joking.” Gasping she covered her mouth quickly, realizing what she had just said and how it likely sounded. “I’m so sorry! That isn’t what I meant at all.”

“I bet.” Mitchell mumbled but then immediately turned back to what he was working on. Ironically, Ren thought this exchange was hilarious and was doubled over laughing silently. He had obviously moved past audible and straight on to the silent, can’t breathe variety.

“Are you enjoying this? He could have eaten me for all I know. His wolf probably didn’t appreciate any of that conversation and is probably not liking me at all right now.” After saying it out loud, Aggie was truly nervous and worried for her safety. “Maybe I should have left with Eldon. At least I know there isn’t a beast inside of him clawing to get out and destroy me.”

“Let me let you in on a little secret, Princess.” the last word was filled with disdain which hurt Aggie just a bit. “The last thing my wolf wants is to eat you. Well not in the normal sense of the word.” Aggie stood staring at him and she realized her jaw had dropped open in shock. With great difficulty, she forced her mouth closed and her brain to work again.

“Wow. Uh. I guess I was wrong.” She stammered through that and realized her brain hadn’t fully rebooted from its abrupt halt. Then without warning Ren added his two cents worth but wasn’t near as subdued as Mitchell.

“I think my wolf and my head have plenty of ideas of what we would like to do with you.” A low growl came from Ren’s throat so deep it sounded like it came from someone else. “See, my wolf likes this way of thinking.” He trailed kisses up her neck and she felt that familiar chill run over her and a subtle version of the vibration she felt when they both touched her. His tongue dragged slowly along the vein in her neck and the vibration moved lower in her body making her knees weaken. His eyes flashed gold and the growl was stronger this time. Aggie noticed his hair was lengthening while his actions became more intense. His kiss moved to her jaw and quickly found her mouth as his hand fisted in her hair at the nape of her neck. Rough wasn’t necessarily something she would have ever considered but with Ren, it was definitely working for her.

A moan escaped her as she lost herself to the sensations Ren was creating. His free hand found her breasts through her shirt and kneaded them a bit forcefully but it wasn’t painful. She felt herself lean into his touch silently pleading for more. Grasping at his clothes she shoved her hands beneath his shirt and could have died at the feel of the rippling muscles covering every inch of his body. Running her nails down the exposed skin, his wolf rumbled his acceptance and pleasure. Unsatisfied with that reaction, Aggie repeated the process but dug her nails in deeper knowing full well she would have left a trail of marks, but no blood, this time. Ren’s reaction was perfect, while his wolf snarled getting more excited, Ren jerked her head back where his hand was still tangled in her hair, kissing her soundly and their tongues battled for dominance. He lifted her from the floor causing a gush of wetness to soak her panties. She responded immediately, wrapping her legs tightly around his hips. Ren’s hands settled perfectly under her ass and gripped each cheek tightly, digging his own fingers into her flesh through the fabric of her pants. Arching her hips, she ground into him and his obvious arousal. She could only imagine how endowed he would prove to be once she tore him of his clothes.

The door burst open with a loud bang, startling Ren and Aggie out of their bubble. Aggie squeaked and quickly tried to muffle it. Ren didn’t even flinch or come close to losing his grip on her, for which she was thankful. “I thought this was a crime scene, now I’m starting to wonder what we just walked in on.” Gryson was smiling and Aggie’s cheeks flushed. She could feel the heat traveling to her face and away from the area that it previously resided, saddening her at the loss.

Embarrassed, she scrambled out of Ren’s arms and he lowered her slowly to the ground. Sneaking a glance back at Mitchell, Aggie noticed the glow was slowly running from his eyes. The tightness in his pants was unmistakable. Aggie wondered if he would have joined in had they not been interrupted so suddenly. That was another thought she filed away for later and only slightly ashamed that it reignited the fire that was boiling moments before.

“Um, we got sidetracked,” Aggie saw Gryson was accompanied by everyone else. They all seemed to be riding in like white knights to save her from unknown danger. “Did everyone need to come? I feel like you all had other things to be working on. Gryson, did you finish the spell?”

“Not yet, I heard what happened and wanted to be sure you were alright. It seems though these two had it well in hand.” Gryson didn’t look jealous but he did look a bit envious. That made Aggie feel desirable and wanted. Her heated face lessened slightly.

“Mathius, Liel, did you guy get the list finished about the kids who might be next on the list of targets?” Still breathless, Aggie tried to rein in control of the situation. This was proving difficult because they were all staring at her obviously aware of her lingering aroused state.

“We were pulled away before we finished. This was more important.” Liel spoke and Aggie was touched at his concern, but needing to take her mind of her fear she dug deep for control.

“Well, now that you are here perhaps you can help us figure out what happened in here. We have figured out that the fire wasn’t magical, and that some sort of curtain was used to start the blaze. Perhaps it was part soaked in the chemical or substance used to ignite everything.” Aggie’s flustered state faded, quickly getting back to work. Realizing something for the first time since all this had happened, “I have no clothes. What am I going to wear and where will I sleep?”

“You will stay with us.” Mitchell’s flat statement was unexpected, this man was full of surprises. For always acting like he had a stick up his ass when she was around, he was being very generous.

“That makes the most sense. We have an adjoined room and the most space, for our wolves when needed. We can bunk together if needed unless you want me to stay with you,” Ren added suggestively. The chill returned and she wasn’t even touching him. The draw to him had grown and something had changed after their encounter.”

“That is not the reason I suggested it, well, not the last part.” Mitchell looked at his brother with an annoyed look only a brother could give accurately. “I was betting that if someone is on the hunt for her, as this message suggests, we are the first round of defense for her. Even while we are sleeping, our wolves are on alert and will identify any danger.”

“Oh, that too. I was just hoping for some added benefit of her being so close. I’ve had a taste and I’m not sure I want to wait for the main course.” Ren wasn’t shy about his intentions and that turned Aggie on all over again. Shaking her head, she made a futile attempt to shake their encounter out of her system. This was her reaction to just one of them and the pull was getting stronger. How was she ever going to resist them all?

“I honestly don’t care where I sleep. I’d be happy with the floor, but I do want to be safe. Constantly looking over my shoulder or waiting for the next shoe to drop isn’t my idea of fun. Now Mathius, have you seen these curtains anywhere?” Taking the scrap from Mitchell, she handed it over to Mathius to examine.

His face scrunched up and his head tilted from side to side like someone trying to figure out a puzzle. “This is impossible.” Mathius muttered under his breath, but Aggie was standing close enough she heard him plainly.

“Impossible? That doesn’t sound like a start to a good story.” Aggie took a step closer and the other guys mirrored her actions waiting for Mathius to explain.

“Many years ago, there was a woman who lusted after King Talogar. It was a time before he had married Queen Annare. The King acknowledged her as a potential mate but had made no commitments. He knew, as King, he would need to be mated to carry on the line, should anything happen to him. Though he hadn’t found her yet. This woman was almost crowned, when she began to show her true colors. She treated the servants like lesser beings and that was something King Talogar never wanted. He knew the castle wouldn’t upkeep itself and that people were necessary to make that happen. They weren’t better than anyone as royalty. That is one thing that has always made him a well-respected King. Those around him are always considered before all else. She thought as the queen that would make her the most powerful woman alive and everyone should treat her as such. Over a short time, the servants began to talk and word got back to Talogar. He was appalled but trusted the words and never doubted his people.

He confronted her and she lashed out, trying to hurt Talogar and the guards had to intervene. There was a struggle and threats thrown out against the king and his entire family. The change was so abrupt and she screamed and screeched her words. The guards lifted her from the floor and she was dragged kicking and screaming to the dungeons.

Her threats and anger never ceased, they kept her locked up for a month. After that time, she was brought before Talogar. He asked if she admitted her wrongs and if she was ready to pay the penance for her crimes. Instead, she cursed him and a lightning bolt shot from the ceiling aimed straight for the king. I dove in front of the King and took the bulk of the energy. Had it not been for my armor and magical protective spells protecting it I would have been dead. For that, I was promoted and she was stripped of her powers and banished to the outer lands that are uninhabited for the remainder of her life. She is now only known as The Wanderer.” Mathius absently rubbed at a place above his heart, trapped in the memory.

Aggie came close and placed her hand over his, stilling his movement. She recalled the tapestry on her way in and grieved for the woman and for Mathius. The sayings about women scorned were no joke, but there is a level of pity one should have for the woman. Sickness or misbelief is no excuse, but there is still a level of reality for the woman and their own choices reflect that. Their belief in these false realities is their downfall.

“I don’t understand what that has to do with this piece of fabric.” Aggie softly rubbed her hand over his never separating and enjoying the sensation his touch gave her. No longer scared by the reactions they produced, just relishing in their differences.

“This isn’t a curtain, it is the fabric she wore as a cloak and cowl. It is her family crest and for that she was very proud. She was never seen in public without it. She felt like if seen at a distance those who saw her would know the respect she was due. It was sent with her to the void. All remaining pieces were destroyed amongst her things.” Mathius was very solemn and his words were spoken with much grief. His memories of this woman and the incident were still fresh as though they might have happened the day before and not years previous. “I was promoted to the head of the guard after I recovered.”

“So why is my room on fire and not yours?” Aggie knew the question was inconsiderate and rude, but she couldn’t be the only one thinking it.

“Perhaps one attempt on my life taught her I’m hard to kill. Attacking you is her way of hurting me by default.” Mathius shrugged as though he wasn’t one hundred percent certain of his answer.

“That makes sense if she was stripped of her powers, why the room wasn’t magically burned. The fabric may have been left intentionally so we would come looking for her. Maybe she is looking for a fight and one last shot at you, Mathius.” Eldon’s theory was valid and worth considering. The thought that someone was picking a fight with Mathius out of revenge and attacking her to get at one of the guys brought out a protective side of Aggie.

“If she wants a fight I will give it to her. She can’t do any of this and just get away with it.” Then it dawned on Aggie, “Did you say she hit you with lightning?” Mathius nodded his face was stricken with remorse Aggie didn’t fully understand. “The children who have been taken have weather-related powers and the weather is what is changing to disrupt life here.”

As though he had been slapped with a stack of bricks, Mathius stumbled back, “That’s it! She’s back and by taking King Talogar’s son, she is drawing the lines of battle. She wants him to come to her.” Mathius began storming around the room knocking over anything that was still standing. Aggie dodged a few things that came a little too close.

“Enough! Losing control isn’t the answer here.” Xavier boomed through the chaos. “We need a plan of action and someplace to start looking. Obviously, she has found her way back from the void. She could be anywhere. We need to start narrowing down options for where she would hide.”

“Now that I have an idea of who it is, I can scry for possible power spikes along with this scrap of fabric.” Gryson ever helpful and full of ideas, for that Aggie was grateful.

“Do we still need to meet with Delia, if we know who is behind all of this?” Aggie didn’t want to be left out of the action and she worried that if she left to go on a mission of lesser importance, the guys would leave without her.

“I think we should still see what she has to say. Those messages were more than enough to make me uncomfortable about Yavari’s intentions around the castle. It is possible she has a connection to this after all.” Eldon was the voice of reason and Aggie was forced to agree. She had heard those messages in the Security Room with her own ears. Yavari was capable of anything.