Of Fate & Forbidden Desire (The Gatekeeper Duet #1)

14. Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

Do I hate those that created and abandoned us, because it comes too close to my own past? -Dina

S till angry that Tilly had chosen to bring the damn fae to Hampstead, I waited for Charleene to get changed, glaring at Tilly as she drank another glass of whisky. “Why would you bring them here?” I asked again, glancing at Charleene's door.

“Because she is untrained and needs about as much help as Charleene does.” Tilly answered glibly, “why is this bothering you so much?” she fired back, quirking an eyebrow at me, but before I could answer Charleene returned.

“Ready to go?” I asked, wondering why the Fae’s presence seemed to rankle me so much.

“Yep,” Charleene answered, her happy tone at odds with how her finger tapped incessantly on her leg.

“It will be ok,” I said, moving swiftly to her side and shoving my own issues deep down.

“I know, I’m just scared.” Charleene admitted meeting my eyes.

“Of what?” I asked with a frown. Didn’t she want to know more about herself and where she’d come from?

“What if they don’t know where I came from or who’s Coven I belong to? What if I was a mistake that they want to forget?” Her questions came out in a rush of verbal diarrhoea, making my lips twitch in a smile until her last question, “what if I’m not good enough for whoever abandoned me?”

“Then it’s their loss,” I told her anger colouring my tone, “you are perfect. ”

Charleene’s stormy sea eyes met mine, shimmering with unshed tears at my bold declaration. “So I’m perfect enough for them but not for you?” she said with a small sniffle, before her eyes hardened, “Good to know.”

It was like her words had slapped me around the face and it took me a moment or two to remember how to walk again. Following Charleene and Tilly from the room, I made sure the door clicked shut behind us all and entered the lift in silence mulling over Charleene’s words. I could see why she’d think such a thing, and even though it wasn’t true, I didn’t correct her. It would be better for us both in the long run , I reminded myself as my heart throbbed. I remained silent as Antonious let us inside and escorted us all to the Council’s chamber. Even Tilly’s reproachful look didn’t loosen my tongue, when we waited to be allowed inside the council room.

“You can go inside,” Antonious said to Tilly, nodding his head at me and Charleene as we also filed past him.

Following Tilly across the floor I stopped just behind her and dropped seamlessly into a low crouch, one leg bent with my knee resting on the hard floor and my head bowed.

“Good evening Elders,” Tilly said respectfully, acknowledging their standing.

“Good evening Huntress Matilda, it is a joyous occasion to have our children home.” Elder Cain replied in his bored monotone.

“If only she had done her job properly,” Elder Constance sneered. I could hear the condescension dripping in her tone and could imagine the sneer her thin lips would be pursed in.

“I attempted to find the rogue vampire, I scoured the whole of York city looking for him,” Tilly explained, “he has gone to ground and I fear that someone in the magical community is hiding him.”

“Why so?” Elder Bertrand asked.

“I and my team of Hunters and Huntresses are highly skilled at finding those who can’t or don’t want to be found. This vampire is managing to remain undetectable. There is no trace of his scent. I’ve spoken to the York Coven of Witches and they are unable to find him also.” She kept her voice toneless, answering each of their questions about the rogue.

“That is very troubling,” Elder Bertrand responded and I could picture his steepled fingers turning white as he kept his wise, calm, elderly facade in place. He was the Elder I liked dealing with the most, not that any of them were particularly pleasant if you crossed their rules, but he’d always seemed the most patient and kind.

“Huntress Adrina, what are your thoughts on this…rogue?” Elder Reginia suddenly questioned, forcing me to be a part of their deliberations.

“He is clever but also not working alone,” I answered, rising from the floor and meeting her brown eyes. “He stated in our interaction…”

“You interacted with the rogue but failed to kill him?” Constance questioned, making my eyes flash to face in time to see eyes pinch together into slits and her lips flatten into an unimpressed thin.

“I was protecting both Charleene and an unknown Fae woman.” I explained, knowing I’d already told them about this during my first report. “He stated that his Master would put us all in our places.” I said, quoting the bastard we couldn’t catch.

“That still does not explain why he is not already dead.” Constance snapped, rising a little from her seat.

“He went into the River Ouse and I had to choose between following him or protecting the two women with me,” I explained calmly, not allowing the simmering anger to reflect in my voice or person.

“You should have chosen–” Constance screeched before Reginia interrupted.

“Adrina chose correctly. Above all else, we protect those who can not protect themselves.” Her tone was clipped, but her ire wasn’t aimed at me. No, it was aimed at the Elder on the end of her row.

Charleene fidgetted, drawing my gaze from the Elders above to the woman standing beside me. She was nervous, I could see from the sweat beading on her brow and the way she was chewing the inside of her cheek. Glancing down I found her fingers tapping out a repetitive rhythm against her leg as she waited for the Council to address her. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her, to reassure her, but under the eyes of the Council I needed to keep my distance.

Tilly took over explaining about the rogue and the Fae she’d brought to London, but I couldn’t drag my eyes away from Charleene. She’d stolen my focus from the first time I’d caught her scent and had yet to let me go. Even now, I shirked my duty and found myself questioning the laws I’d upheld for so long. I was supposed to be listening as my superior gave her statement, but I hadn’t heard a word of what Tilly had said.

“Charleene Murry,” Elder Bertrand called, gaining my full attention in an instant. My eyes flashed up to the Elders, who watched Charleene intently as she answered.

“Yes?” she said, her voice wobbling a little as her nerves got the best of her.

“When I first saw you, I could not believe my own eyes,” Elder Reginia said softly, “you have your Great Grandmother’s eyes and cheek bones.” Her smile was genuine as she looked down at Charleene.

“What do you mean?” Charleene asked.

“I met your Great Grandmother when she was around your own age. She came to me, imploring me to pay heed to a prophecy that she and her Coven feared would come to pass.”

“What does any of that have to do with me?” Charleene wondered aloud and when I looked over at her she was frowning up at Elder Reginia in confusion.

“I strongly believe that your family is the head of the Nicnevin Coven in Scotland.” Reginia told her.

“So have you contacted them?” I found my own voice asking, drawing the Council’s gaze as well as Tilly’s angry one.

“And why is that your question to ask?” Constance probed, her sharp gaze watching me closely. Turning to look at her, I kicked my brain into actually thinking, before opening my mouth to respond .

“Adrina has grown close to Charleene, while escorting her to London, she is invested in Charleene finding her family.” Tilly spoke smoothly, covering for my blunder of showing too much interest.

“Matilda is correct, I only wish to see Charleene find her people, so they can aid her in understanding her emerging magic.” I continued, keeping my voice toneless as they would expect. I was known around the Coven as being unapproachable and unfeeling. Carefully observing each Elder I watched, satisfied, as they each bought what we’d said. All of them except Constance, who’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at me.

“Well, we would have reached out to them, however no one has had any contact with the Nicnevin Coven in years.” Reginia answered.

“Why would they have given me up for adoption as a baby?” Charleene asked, and I kept my eyes firmly on the Council, even though they wanted to stray to Charleene. Constance was still glaring at me.

“We do not know.” Reginia answered, “we are concerned that the Nicnevin Coven has been uncontactable for so long, and since you have questions that only they could answer, we would like one of our Hunters to accompany you to Scotland. So that you can find them and restore communications between us.”

“And how am I supposed to find a Coven that one; doesn’t want anything to do with me and two; doesn’t seem to want to be found?” Charleene asked.

“By blood.” Elder Cain stated, as though it was the most simple thing in the world, but even I was confused by what he meant. “You are connected to the Coven via your familial blood. All you need to do is get close and they will find you.” He explained.

“So you want me to scour the whole of Scotland until the Nicnevin witches find me?” Charleene questioned, her voice rising a few octaves in disbelief.

“That is correct young lady.” Elder Cain’s voice didn’t waver as he answered, his face didn’t even twitch. “You are excused, alongside Huntress Adrina.”

I bowed low again and waited for Charleene to pass by, before following her from the room and leaving Tilly alone with the Council of Five .

I remained in the living area of our suite, until well past midnight for Tilly to softly knock at the door. Checking that Charleene was still curled up on her side fast asleep, I went and let Tilly inside. “What did the Council decide?” I asked before she’d even taken a step through the doorway.

“The Council have decided, with my input, that you would be the best to send with Charleene,” Tilly paused, giving me an assessing look, “how deep are you Adrina?” She asked with a knowing look.

“I’ve been keeping my distance,” I told her, keeping eye contact.

“That wasn’t what I was asking and you know it.”

“That’s a conversation to drink with.” I said, offering my old friend a small smile.

Turning towards the small bar and going to pour us both a healthy amount of whiskey. The strong smoky scent burnt my nose, but damn did it both smell and taste devine. We couldn’t get drunk, as our metabolism burnt off the alcohol too fast, but this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation.

“I’ve fallen for her, but have been pushing her away,” I said honestly, staring down at the amber liquid in the glass I held too tightly. “I’m causing her pain, Tilly, and I’m not even sure why I need to do that. Why can’t Super’s form stronger bonds? We work with witches all the time, why would it be so wrong to fall in love with one?” I could no longer keep the questions inside and if I trusted anyone it was Tilly. She had never let me down, even this evening she had covered my faux pas with Charleene.

“It’s all for the best, Adrina. We may not understand the Laws but they exist for a reason.” Tilly told me, ever the voice of reason.

“What else did the Council say?” I wondered aloud wanting to change the subject from myself.

“The Fae are also to go with you and Charleene to Scotland.” Tilly said, avoiding my gaze.

“What?!” I said, my voice rising .

“The Council believe that there may be a hidden ‘gateway,’ as they put it, up in Scotland. One that can send the Fae back to where they belong.” Tilly’s brow raised, showing me how much she believed what the Council had told her, “your secondary task is to find it and make sure they return, before destroying said ‘gateway’ for good.”

“So I’m a glorified babysitter now,” I laughed humorlessly.

“It would seem so, but at least you’ll also get to aid Charleene in finding out who she should have been.” Tilly laughed back, clinking her glass with my own before downing the rest of her drink. I watched as she walked towards the door, opened it and turned back towards me. “You will inform our new friends of the decision to take them to Scotland.”

“Oh no, that’s your job not mine.” I said, shaking my head.

“You’re all going to be travelling together, I think you should make friends before you all leave.” Tilly said, “They’re in suite two-o-three.”

I watched in shock as she let the door close behind her and wondered what I’d done in a past life to deserve all the shit this life had decided to throw my way.

Doing as Tilly had bid, I left Charleene to have breakfast in peace and found myself striding down the small corridor to room two hundred and three. There were two doors on this floor—unlike the connected suite which me and Charleene currently resided in. I could hear their voices before I even reached the door Tilly had told me about. The male one sounded different to when I’d last seen him in York. It was lighter; almost joyous even as he responded to the woman’s familiar voice, why was he different ? I pondered, flinging open the door. Inside wasn’t the tall, dark haired Fae I’d met in York but a tall blonde one instead, with hazel eyes that assessed me. Ignoring him, I headed straight for the red haired female I recognised.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I snapped, leaning over her and getting in her face where she sat on the sofa. She stumbled to reorientate herself, and after a moment of staring at me with wide eyes, finished her sentence .

“...waiting.” She said, continuing the last part of her argument and answering my own question at the same time. Confused, I glared down at her and when she growled low in her chest, my patience almost snapped, but her next words made me pause, “We’ve been here for days now.”

“For what?” I snarled.

“For Tilly,” she said back, her shoulders shaking with the effort she was putting in to keep them ramrod straight under my intense stare.

“Ladies,” the blonde one interjected, drawing both of our attention to him.

“Stay out of this Jace,” the red head growled.

At the same time I snapped out, “What?”

Why would he feel the need to state we were both ladies? It was pretty obvious. Jace—as the red head addressed him— paled and held up his hands in surrender, before quickly turning on his heel.

“I’ll leave you to it, just don’t destroy the room,” he said, glancing over his shoulder with a wry smile, before leaving and shutting the door behind him.

“Who the hell are you?” the red head, who’s name I still hadn’t bothered to ask for, shouted at me, leaning a little closer.

“Dina,” I told her, slightly distracted from my anger at her question, before asking one of my own, “how do you know Tilly?” I asked in a slightly less angry tone and moved out of her personal space.

“She found us, not the other way around, and I don’t really know her.” The woman answered. Her voice was firm, no trace of a lie. I scrutinised her, my mind racing over all the reasons Tilly would have brought them here to the Coven, it couldn’t just be because they needed help. We didn’t take in any old stray magical creatures.

“What did you do?” I found myself accusing, and watched as my words got a rise out of her.

“Nothing!” She shouted, before continuing with a more sheepish look, “well I might have used magic. ”

“What the fuck,” I mumbled, more confused than ever. It must have been powerful magic to have drawn Tilly’s attention away from the rogue. Running a hand through my short hair, I pulled on a few strands, trying to ground myself as I asked my next question, “just who the fuck are you?”

Instead of answering the woman shrugged, like it was no big deal or it was as Tilly had said; she genuinely had no clue how to answer, and began nervously pacing. I watched, wanting nothing more than to shake her, as she went to the window and looked outside. “How do you keep it all from them?” she asked, changing the subject.

“What?” I asked, genuinely not understanding her random question.

“The humans.” She explained further, “All they see are run down mansions, how do you do it?”

“Witches,” I found myself saying, watching as she watched the people below in fascination, reminding me a little of the wonder Charleene’s eyes had shown on seeing Hampstead for the first time. “You really are clueless aren’t you?” I asked, unable to help myself from groaning again at the complications she was bringing to mine, and by extension, Charleene’s life. Frustrated, I ran my hands through my short strands, as she watched me instead of the street below.

“Guess I am.” She answered in a sad, sarcastic tone, returning her gaze to the street outside and letting loose a sigh. “I have no idea who I really am, I dream of fantastical things, I can shoot elements from my hands…well sometimes I can,” she said, staring down at her hands, a small frown marring her brows. “All of you seem to know more about me than I do, but none of you can tell me anything without hurting me.” I watch her shoulders hunch under the weight of what she’s telling me and pity floods through me when she turns her water gaze to meet mine over her shoulder. “Can you imagine how that feels?” I couldn’t tell if her question was for me or rhetorical so I remained silent, watching her like a hawk. “Of course you don’t,” she scoffed.

How can she really know so little about herself? I wondered silently, pacing the room. And what did she mean by us not being able to tell her anything? My mind whirled with each new question and even though my anger over them being here had not fully dissipated it was certainly cooling slightly.

“When will Tilly be back?” she said, interrupting my thoughts and turning towards where I paced. Her eyes narrowed a little and I suddenly felt like she could read my mind as I grew even more frustrated at Tilly.

“When she is,” I told her, waving my hand vaguely through the air without so much as a pause in my stride. She seemed almost a little too eager to have Tilly return, “Why?” I found myself questioning aloud.

“Because I need answers,” she said evasively, her eyes jumping about the room. “You know what I am.” she stated, meeting my dark eyes.

“Yes.”

“You know I don’t.”

“Yes.” It was like a game of twenty questions with the most boring answers, where was she going with this? I asked myself, tilting my head to the side.

“I need help.” She all but whispered in a broken and frustrated tone, “Tilly says there’s a young witch that might be able to help.”

Her words are like a bullet hitting me in the heart, but instead of giving away any of my own feelings I just nodded and remained silent, trying to get said feelings back under control.

“Tilly always says too much,” I growled, the need to protect Charleene from everything rearing its head, making me want to snap this confused, sad Fae’s neck. “But I’m sorry, we can’t help you,” I told her. Succinctly severing any thoughts or hopes she may have had pertaining to my little witch.

My little witch? Where had that thought come from, Charleene wasn’t anyones, or little, and after my antics she certainly didn’t belong to me. I’ve already forgotten the Fae behind me as I stalk towards the door, but her enraged voice had my feet freezing.

“Can’t or won’t!?” She shouted, seconds before flames erupted, blocking me from leaving through the door. What the hell does she think she’s doing? I briefly wondered as my own anger roared to life. Spinning, I used all of my vampire speed, until my face was almost smashed against hers, barely refraining from the desire to headbutt her.

“Can’t.” I seethed, my nostrils flaring both in anger and at the scent of charing wood. “Charleene can’t control her emerging powers, so she can’t help you with whatever you need her for. She’s got enough to worry about without your problems as well!” My words made the fire behind me roar louder, and when I glanced behind me, the flames leapt higher. “I won’t let you hurt her,” I threatened, my voice no louder than a whisper as my eyes narrowed into slits. This was who Tilly wanted to travel with us to Scotland? An unstable Fae? I didn’t want Charleene in the same hotel as her, let alone in the same car.

My words seemed to break something inside the girl as her flames disappeared, leaving nothing but scorched carpet in their wake, and her face crumpled before she turned back to the window. I almost missed her next words, “No-one will help us.” She hiccuped, scrubbing her hand across her cheek and I realised she was crying.

Great dum-nut you made the highly volatile Fae cry, my mind snarked at me and I already regretted my next words before they even left my mouth, “Well I didn’t say that now did I?” My voice rang calmly through the room, making her pause and her shoulders tighten.

“What?” she asked, a note of caution making her voice wobble. She turned slowly, making even more pity flood through me at the tears still falling down her cheek and that pesky conscience piped up again.

“We’re going to search for Charleene’s Coven,” I went on, not really wanting to invite her along, but knowing Tilly would just command it of me anyway. Walking back to the now flame free door I paused, staring back, appraising her before issuing my next demand, “You’re coming with us, be ready at 8am.” I said, slamming the door closed behind me.