Chapter Twelve: Eamon’s DeliveryRather than napping, she spent the time pacing and trying to discern the best course of action. She was no closer to an answer when there was a tap on her door around six-thirty. She thought about ignoring it for a moment, but knew they wouldn’t leave her alone forever. With a sigh, she stopped pacing and crossed the room to open the door, sticking out her head cautiously.Eamon stood in the hallway, and he held a garment bag in his hands. “Caius sends this with his regards and requests you wear it tonight for the gathering.”She frowned at him, not taking the bag. “What gathering?”“The Council and other dignitaries here on Earth would like to meet you. You’re a bit like a princess now, North. You’re in danger, and there are those who would hurt you, but there are just as many who will marvel at your existence and be humbled by your presence. You should become accustomed to being the center of attention from now on.”She shook her head, starting to ta

Chapter Fourteen: DancingThey exited the shop the way they had come after Orin assured her there was no need to pay, and it would be on his tab automatically. They returned to the sidewalk, but didn’t get back in the van. Instead, they walked two blocks through rough areas to emerge onto a main street with several clubs and a string of food trucks. She marveled at how quickly things changed, morphing from the decaying neighborhood to one showing obvious signs of rejuvenation. “Where do we start?”“Everywhere,” said Eamon with a laugh.That sounded like a fine plan to her, and they split into smaller groups, each intending to order enough to share. She was between Ryland and Marek as they waited for falafel on a stick.Soon enough the seven of them met back in the middle of the street, and she enjoyed new flavors she’d never tried before as she stuffed herself silly sharing various treats they had purchased from the vendors.When she couldn’t eat another bite, North put up her hands w

Chapter Sixteen: Fire & IceNorth hadn’t slept well, which wasn’t that surprising. She’d spent most of the night tossing and turning, and she dreaded her first trip through the portal as much as her destination of Fire & Ice. Someone had thoughtfully left a binder of information for her on the bed she was using, and she’d spent an hour combing through all the data. It was enough to make her head spin, but she hoped she’d gleaned enough to have a basic understanding of their world, and the beings who shared it.The six of them came for her early in the morning, and she was ready to go. North carried the shopping bag of clothing from the mall, but wore the fae fabric. She’d envisioned carefree and comfortable, and that’s what it had given her as leggings and an oversized T-shirt. She paired them with the sneakers Carol bought her the day before—had it really been just yesterday that everything happened, that she discovered she was a Trueblood and wanted by her parents’ group, so they co

Chapter Eighteen: WishesFeeling melancholy, she wandered from the water room and made her way down several flights of stairs, until she was on the bottom floor. She had no idea where the others were, except their rooms were all on the same floor as her, but she hadn’t run into any of them yet. She caught sight of a familiar silver-blond from the corner of her eye and assumed it was Marek. He might not want to talk to her, but she felt the need to approach him and discuss the situation.She stepped through the double doors that led to an elaborate patio with stairs that wound down to a garden below. She hurried down the stairs and through the vegetation, which seemed to be in varying shades of silver and blue. It was icy out here, and yet the plants thrived. It had to be some kind of magic, unless they had simply adapted to their environment.She caught the flash of silver again and called out, “Marek, wait.” The person froze, and she crossed the distance while moving between the rows

Chapter Twenty: Kisses For AllNorth ran a hand through her hair nervously before smoothing her hands down her sides. “What do you need?” She wasn’t trying to be unwelcoming, but their gazes were unnerving.“May we come in?” Ryland was the only one who even attempted manners, and he was asking as Orin and Eamon slipped through the other door against which Eli had rested his forehead. He must’ve moved, though she had been distracted by the other four standing in the hallway and hadn’t noticed.“If we’re having some kind of meeting, Marek should be here too.”Kriss frowned at her words. “He’s already had his share and then some.”A ball of nerves tightened her stomach, and she was suddenly convinced they were there about the kiss. “How did you know?”“He told us,” said Orin. “Marek was shaken, and it didn’t take much to get him to tell us what was happening.”She crossed her arms over her chest and started pacing. “The thing is, I’m not sure what’s going on. I had a power surge, and his