Wyld Wedding 1/4
The leaves were falling.
They slowly fell from the towering Oak and Maple trees that formed the colonnade and canopy, covering the firm earth beneath them like a carpet. They crunched softly under the messenger’s foot as he treaded over them heading deeper into the hall.
“Ah, who is this little Sidhe that enters my hall?” a voice flowed through the hall, rustling the leaves both on the ground and still on the trees until they swirled around the messenger.
“I come at the behest of your equals. They who sit on their Thrones ask that you join them, oh Lord of Autumn,” the messenger called out as he slowly panned the hall looking for the High Fae.
“Is that so, little one? Did they command you enter my hall, the very heart of my domain, of my being, and tell you to make demands of me in their names?” The voice turned harsher as the leaves spun and swirled in the air, faster and faster.
“Y-ye-yes, Lord. That is what they bid me do. They also bade me wait for your reply,” the messenger answered locking his eyes on the ground as he started trembling slightly.
“Then step forward and look upon the King of the Fallen Leaves so you may tell your Queens that you did indeed deliver their message and were given its reply,” the voice said, no longer coming through the leaves but from no more than ten feet in front of the messenger.
“And what is yo-your re-reply, Majesty?” The messenger asked as at last as he stepped forward and the endless trees gave way to a grand expanse that seemed to grow even as the Messenger entered it.
The walls were tight woven trees, their branches interlocking as endless leaves fell from them, coating the ground, even in the center far from any tree, like the hall. Unlike the hall the ceiling was not a canopy of branches and leaves but pure sky, filled with countless stars and a giant hunter’s moon that lit the vast area.
The moon lit the space but still sent a shaft of even brighter light down on the mighty oak and maple arbor that stood at its center, and the King that stood inside it. His skin was the dark brown of maple bark and hair -- the light orange of the leaves around him, which seemed to glow in the light.
“Well little Sidhe, before I reply I must first be asked. The formality should be followed,” the King said, his lips curving into a smirk as he held out his hand. Without moving the messenger was before him.
“I-I ask on behalf of my Queen, Tatiana Lady of the Golden Sun, and her equal Meb Mistress of Snow and Ice, that you join them in the Hall of the Thrones. What say you Lord Finvarra?” The messenger’s voice projected loud and clearly throughout the grand hall.
“What I say little Fae, is that I answer to none, least of all your Queens,” Lord Finvarra started, his voice and the hall growing colder with each word. “Tell your Lady I know what truly lays on her mind. My champion will be chosen when I deem and not a moment sooner. Now be gone.”
By the time the last words hung in the air the hall was almost white with frost and the leaves had stopped falling and even the last vapors of the messenger’s breath didn’t last longer then a heartbeat before it, like he, were gone.
“Oh, hell, Hoyt how could we forget,” Jason cursed as he tried to shove the garbage from the overflowing trashcan into a bag.
“Damned if I know and don’t forget the can in Joshua’s room, she’s going to look in there,” Hoyt answered Jason over the substantial clump of clothing he pushed toward the basement door.
“I think it was the double shifts and finals. That and the fucking redhead, she just won’t go away.” Joshua added as he poked his head through the lower half of the basement door, “And get a move on, old man, let’s get this laundry started or it’ll never get it done,” the teen added.
“Watch what you call Arlene, she’s our friend-“
“Friend? Really?”
“And a woman and that means you respect her now, clear, boy,” Hoyt said, ignoring Jason’s interruption as he pushed the clump to the edge of the doorway.
“Yeah, whatever,” Joshua said back, rolling his eyes as he pulled the pile forward and watched it topple down the stairs, sending clothing everywhere, “we really gotta start doing this more often,” he commented as he kicked at a few stray pants that didn’t tumble with the rest.
“You volunteering, kid?” Jason asked as he crushed down the last of the trash and started tying the bag.
“Hell no,” Joshua’s voice echoed up from below.
“I didn’t think so,” Jason said as he headed for the door, stepping around Hoyt and the vacuum he was getting out along the way, just as the door opened.
“Jason Stackhouse and Hoyt Fortenberry did you two really wait until the last possible moment to clean for this inspection?” Sookie demanded to know as she marched through the door and glared at both men.
“Ah, well, Jas?” Hoyt started before trailing off, looking toward Jason.
“Damn it all, Sookie, you knew we wasn’t goin’ to. What the hell you acting all surprised for,” Jason told her with his own determined look before going on, “So settle down and pick a chore and get out of the way so I can deal with this,” he finished, lifting the bag.
“You are so lucky that I love you Jason, that and you and Hoyt did reroof the house last summer,” Sookie sighed, “just don’t expect me to do any dishes, I don’t do them at Merlotte’s and I’m sure as hell not doin’ yours.”
“Yeah sure whatever,” Jason said as he finally made it out the door.
“Now Hoyt, I know Jason’s never been one to plan ahead but I had hopes for you,” she told her bother’s fiancé as she frowned at him.
“I’m his boyfriend not his keeper, Sookie, and I don’t want him to change, he wouldn’t be Jason if he did,” Hoyt told her before flicking on the vacuum.
“Men,” she muttered before heading for the open basement door, “Joshua you down there?” she called out as she made her way down the steps.
“Wanna help with the laundry?” Joshua called back as he looked up from the giant pile he was sorting out into several other smaller ones.
“Good god, when was the last time y’all did your wash?” She questioned as she look at them all.
“Last…no not last week…week before maybe?” Joshua answered with a grin, “isn’t it great?”
“I swear I will never understand men. And I know Gram’s taught my brother better than that, don’t mix those,” Sookie ranted as she snatched one of Hoyt’s red road crew shirts moments before it joined the same pile as his, Jason, and Joshua’s white t-shirts. “Don’t tell me Jason hasn’t shown you how to sort. Lord knows Hoyt never learned, not with his mother but really; how did they survive the last five years?”
“We mix them all the time, the guys got this color shield detergent,” Joshua said holding up the bottle. “We can mix colors and whites all we want,” he added with a smirk.
“Does that stuff really work? I’ve never trusted those ads,” Sookie asked as she took the bottle and looked it over.
“Well, I do a better job not mixing them than they do. An’ if you use cold instead of hot water helps too. Jason was just shoving everything in all at once. There’s a reason I took over the laundry,” Joshua told her as he continued sorting the central pile.
“Some things never change. There is no way this is getting done before Ms. Weir gets here, hell we’ll be lucky if it ever gets done,” Sookie complained as she took the pile of jeans and started throwing a few of them into the washer before starting it.
“We forgot she was coming this weekend, until about an hour ago when she called to confirm that that guys were home,” Joshua confessed.
“What? But this is the last one. Y’all clear this and you’re home free. And you three have not put me through the last month and half to let it all go to shit now. I like having you around too much for that,” Sookie said while glaring up the stairs toward wherever Jason was.
“It’s not like we did it on purpose Sookie. It’s just been busy between Hoyt having to deal with North Willow road getting washed out and Jason having his finals, we don’t even eat together most nights,” Joshua told her as he thought of the month before when they had done just that night after night.
“Wait, what? My brother cooked-and it was good? He really is trying; maybe I won’t have to kill him after all,” Sookie said as her glare softened.
“Joshua, Sookie, stop yakking and get up here, Kenya radioed, Ms. Weir’s car is just entering town. We’ve got to get moving,” Jason shouted as he barreled down the stairs.
“Tell me those dishes aren’t still in the sink, Jason,” Sookie exclaimed as she hurriedly shoved him back up the stairs.
“Half of them aren’t.”
***
“They fell here,” the young red haired man said as he slowly walked across the ring, his hands just above the grass.
“This circle was rich with dark powers, blood, death, lust, fear. They ruled this place. This is where they were going to bring him back,” The tall older man said as he stood in the center of the circle of stones taking a deep breath.
“But someone destroyed it,” Diana said as she looked around at her family, “someone blessed this place.”
“And then broke the circle.” Her brother said as he stood over one of the stones that had been cracked and pulled apart, one of several that had.
“The one that stopped my sister, this Jason, must be responsible for this sacrilege,” the father said as he looked at his children. “We will find him and see that he is given a fitting end.”
“Yes, father,” Diana said as she and her father started to depart for the car they had left behind. Her brother, however, stopped and looked at the center of the ring.
“Make haste, Angus, we still must find this mortal witch,” the father called as he saw his son slow.
“No, wait, one person did not do all this father,” the young man said as he dug his hand into the soil near the center, “and not only a mortal. I feel the power of a Wyldfae,” he said as he looked up at his father.
“What! They dare stop us…none the less, this changes little we will still have our pound of flesh, mortal or fae,” the father told his son before pausing, “But if it was a fae then maybe all is not lost after all. Our Father may be returned to us after all, children.”
“Yes, father,” Diana said as she watched a cruel smirk spread across her father’s face.
***
“Mister Fortenberry, prompt as always I see,” Ms.Weir said after the door opened before the middle aged women could even finish coming up the handful of steps that led to it.
“I do my best Ma’am,” Hoyt answered as he stepped aside and motioned her in.
“Then let’s see if it pays off, Mr. Stackhouse, Joshua and…I don’t believe we’ve met,” Weir said as she nodded to both Jason and Joshua who were in the kitchen before turning to Sookie and held out her hand.
“Sookie Stackhouse, Jason’s sister. I don’t live too far from here, just over the river, so I stop by all the time, just chance we haven’t met before,” Sookie said with a smile while trying to glare at Jason for his huff at her statement.
“I see,” Weir said as she glanced between the adults before turning to Joshua, “well, young man why don’t we start with your room, shall we?” She told him before walking toward the hall and his room.
“Good-yes, I mean yes, good place to start,” Jason said as he shifted to keep himself between Ms. Weir and the stack of dirty dishes behind him.
“Just the two of us Mr. Stackhouse, you know the drill by now,” Weir ordered, misinterpreting his movements.
“Right, yes. We’ll just stay here and wait, right, Jas, Sookie? Just us waiting.” Hoyt said smiling as he waved at her with his biggest grin.
“Yes,” Weir said slowly looking them over before following Joshua into his bedroom.
“She thinks you’ve both gone nuts,” Sookie hissed at them the moment Weir was out of sight, “Lucky she’s blaming it on nerves.”
“Whatever just keep watch,” Jason hissed right back as he started scrubbing down the dishes as quietly as he could.
Sookie just shook her head at Jason and smiled at Hoyt when he just shrugged at her and grabbed the drying towel. Then she moved over toward the hall to hear what was going on in the other room.
“Well it’s better than last time, if still the room of a teenager,” Weir said as she looked around the room. The bed was unmade and there were clearly a few things stuffed under it, but the floors were clean and even a handful of movie posters on the walls, “Did you see The Hobbit?” she asked pointing at one of the posters.
“It was awesome. We went with Tommy and Jessica to this really cool theater in Shreveport that had reclining seats,” Joshua told her with a smile, smiling even more as he got the image of her picturing the theater with La-Z-Boys in it.
“I see. It’s good that you’re getting out,” Weir added as she looked around and made some marks on her clipboard before pulling out one of the dresser drawers to find three shirts, all looking almost new. “You’ve finally gotten some new clothing I see,” she commented.
“Yeah we got lots, it seemed like we were in those stores all night, but it was cool once Jessica started helping,” Joshua told her.
“Just how many shirts do we need?” Joshua complained as he looked at the small mound of shirts Jason handed him to try on.
“As many as it takes to keep Ms. Weir from writing down a fucking negative comment about you not having any next time she comes by. That’s how many” Jason answered decisively as he looked at the shirts then Joshua, “well they won’t try themselves on, get, go and try them on,” he ordered as he pointed to the changing rooms.
“I can’t believe this,” Joshua muttered as he took an orange one from the top and headed for the small cubicle to change before heading back out.
“What are you wearing? Did he make you wear that? Jason, how could you?” Jessica cried out as she sped around Joshua.
“What the fuck,” Joshua shouted as he pulled back and swung out at Jessica.
“Damn, Jessica I told you not to do that,” Jason reprimanded the young vampire as he moved close to Joshua. “It’s okay, it’s only Jessica.”
“Sorry, I forgot,” Jessica said apologetically to Joshua, but still taking the shirt from his hands.
“Yeah, sorry just…what’s wrong with this shirt?” Joshua asked changing the topic.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong, you’re blond and that orange is totally, just no,” Jessica finishes seeing the look on their faces, “let me get rid of a few of these,” she added speeding away over half the pile, leaving behind only the lighter colored clothing, “much better.”
“I’ll say. But do I still need to try them all on?” Joshua said looking at the smaller pile.
“How else are you going to know if they fit?” Jason asked Joshua with a look.
“By using the tag size. Where did you learn to shop?” Jessica asked interrupting the two before talking to Joshua. “Try these two on and we’ll see what size looks best,” she told him handing him two different shirts that looked the same but for the size.
“Uh, okay,” Joshua said, looked back and forth between the two before retreating to the dressing room.
“I see, and just where did you put them?” Ms. Weir asked as she looked in the other drawers not finding a whole lot more clothing.
“Yeah, well, most of them are down stairs…we forgot and let them pile up for a few days,” Joshua explained before he stopped himself, “not that they let that happen often or anything. Really,” he added at the image of a house overflowing with dirty clothes and trash that sprang from her mind.
“We’ll check on that later. Why don’t we sit down for a moment,” Ms. Weir asked as she sat down on the bed and set aside her clipboard.
“I do have more clothes and stuff, honest-” Joshua started pleading as he plopped down next to her.
“That’s fine, Joshua. Next to what you had during my first visit what you have in this room is a great improvement,” Ms. Weir explained holding up her hands to hold off any farther comments. “No, I don’t want to talk about that but, about you, and Mr. Stackhouse and Mr. Fortenberry.”
“What about them, I can get them,” Joshua offered pointing to the door.
“No, I want to talk to you alone first,” Ms. Weir started before taking a breath and going on, “This has been rushed. You know that. We normally check out a foster family before a child is placed with them but Mr. Fortenberry knew someone at the local office and Mr. Stackhouse is a local deputy so an exception has been made. But you don’t have to say here if you don’t want. We can place you somewhere else.”
“Are they not going to pass? Because we’re trying. Just tell us what needs to be worked on.”
“It’s not that, right now I don’t foresee any problems. But…” Ms.Weir paused for a moment, “Don’t feel that you have to say here. Say the word and we will find a new place for you. We, I, want what’s best for you,” Ms. Weir finished.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else. I feel nice here. Safe, and I hadn’t felt that way since before I ran,” Joshua answered honestly. “I know you want to do what’s best but really, I think that’s here. I do.”
“Given your past ‘safe’ has been a far too fleeting feeling for you. I am sorry for what happened to you back in Atlanta. It shouldn’t have, and that we didn’t realize it until after, I am sorry,” Ms. Weir told Joshua softy. “But I think it’s time to talk with the others wouldn’t you say,” She added standing.
***
“We have a problem.”
“Given your charges dating choices I find that very likely,” Claude answered his sister as he looked up from pond before him.
“This problem was not of my doing but of yours, brother,” Claudine scolded back as she marched around the magic waters toward him.
“Am I not known as “the good one”? What is this I’ve done to create this problem, sister?” Claude asked amusement apparent in his voice as he looked back down at the waters.
“More of the Dark Coven is in Bon Temps, and the signs say all of them will be there soon,” Claudine told him flatly.
“What!” Claude said sharply as he sat tall and looked up at his sibling. “What are they doing in Bon Temps?” he added all amusement gone.
“You mean other than it being the place where two of their members fell, and where their Lord and Master almost returned from the realm of the dead. All at the hands of a Wyldfae who doesn’t even know what he is. Are you sure you can’t think of a reason they may stop by Louisiana,” Claudine retorted as she glared at Claude. “You’ve put Sookie in danger.”
“I did not foresee them tracking the site of their deaths down. I had hoped they wouldn’t even learn of it for years in mortal time,” Claude said as he rose to stand beside his sister.
“They are not the only one what knows that the Dark One was almost returned.”
“Who else?” Claude asked cautiously.
“If what I’m hearing from the Wyld Court can be trusted the King knows his equal almost returned. And if he knows so do the Queens,” Claudine informed Claude before stepping closer to the water, “something must be done.”
“I knew it was desperate when I did it. I knew the risks. To save them, him, I would take the risks again, and more if need. It just seems some risks have turned unfavorable. But that does not mean they can not be managed,” Claude told his sister as he bent down the touched the waters.
“Even you can’t be so bold to think you can manage the dark coven and all four Monarchs without being reveled as the source of it all,” Claudine said in astonishment as she watched the waters ripple and change to show the Stackhouse siblings.
“We’ll just have to see.”
***
“You look in far too good a mood given we both have finals starting tomorrow,” Tommy called from behind the bar when Jason, Hoyt, Sookie and Joshua walked into Merlotte’s later that night.
“We just passed another inspection. I can deal with finals,” Jason said with a grin as he kissed the side of Hoyt’s face, he ruffled Joshua’s hair.
“Watch it, cop,” Joshua said as he darted away, fixing his hair.
“Sookie, it’s your night off what are you doing here?” Sam asked as he came out of the back with a load of dishes.
“Jason’s treating me for helping his lazy ass pass the social services inspection,” Sookie told her boss with a smile.
“You made it? You get to stay?” Jessica shouted as she sped out of nowhere and started to hugging Joshua but stopped at the last second and paused, “I’m going to hug you now,” she added before she did just that.
“Hey just who’s your boyfriend here,” Tommy complained as he shot Joshua a dirty look and poured a drink for one of the other customers.
“Oh, please, the jealousy act is getting old,” Jessica said, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend. “But maybe if you listened to my fashion advice I’d hug you more often.”
“What’s wrong with that I’m wearing?” Tommy asked as he looked down at his faded black shirt and jeans then at Joshua’s light green shirt with some logo on it and jeans. “What’s the difference?”
“He let me picked his out and you won’t,” Jessica teased her boyfriend with a smile.
Any further comments were cut off by Sam, “Is this or is it not a place of business?” he asked then went on without waiting for an answer. “Get those drinks poured, get them seated and deal with your love life after work when, and where I don’t have to be a part of it,” he ordered Tommy and Jessica.
“Yes sir,” Tommy said sarcastically as he picked up a drink order list one of the waitresses had left.
“So right this way please,” Jessica said as she walked them to a booth.
“Some things never change,” Hoyt said with a smile as he shook his head.
“But where else can you get good food and free live entertainment, Bubba?” Jason said with a smile as he slipped into the booth.
“Watch it, Jason, I work here,” Sookie said glaring at her brother.
“Don’t I know it. Your boyfriends were some of the best; who are you dating now anyways?” Jason asked smirking.
“Like I’d tell-“
“Eric, he was in here last night-" Jessica answered for Sookie until she was cut off.
“Jessica,” Sookie exclaimed as she batted at the vampire with the menu she was handing out.
“Eric? Really? Why him again?”
“Are you trying to tell me who to date? Again, Jason?”
“So, Jessica, how have you been?” Hoyt asked as he ignored the siblings.
“You’ve gotta stop by and see what I’ve done with the new place. It has a flower garden and I’ve done it up with all these cool flowers. I just added some called Angel's Trumpet, they only open at night so it’s great,” Jessica explained happily.
“They open at night? Flowers do that?” Joshua asked as he looked up from his menu.
“Not that many, I had to do a lot of research but I found some that do. You’ll have to see it too. It will be so cool,” Jessica said, “you can bring Jason to pick out some for the wedding and none of you have seen Tommy’s and my new place and it’s been almost a month. We’ll be ready for a house warming soon,” Jessica said with a proud smile as she looked over at Tommy, who chose that moment to look her way and smile too.
“Wow,” Joshua said as he felt the emotions between the two overwhelm everything else. The warm and secure feeling that flowed between them just pushed everything else away save for the image of them together, and then it was gone. Tommy had turned toward a customer and Jessica was looking at him.
“You okay there, you look a little flush,” Jessica asked concerned.
“No I’m fine, it’s nothing,” Joshua said as he slowly let out a breath.
“Damn I’m glad I’m not a teenager again, it always sucked when that happened, right Hoyt,” Jason said as he rejoined the conversations elbowing Hoyt with a grin as he wrongly guessed what Joshua had felt.
“And having it pointed out never made it easier,” Hoyt answered back giving his lover a look.
“Oops?” Jason said sheepishly at Joshua who tried to sink lower.
“What are you two talking about?” Sookie asked as she looked at Hoyt for a second before her eyes went wide, “Never mind. So, Jessica, can you get our drinks?” she asked quickly changing the topic.
“Sure, what’d you want?” Jessica asked as she looked between the four, knowing she was missing something.
“Lemonade, coffee, coca-cola and a milk,” Hoyt told her as he pointed around the table.
“Comin’ right up,” Jessica said with a smile before she headed off toward the back.
“We should see Jessica’s garden on Wednesday since you’re off, we just have to get home so Joshua here can get enough sleep for school the next day,” Hoyt suggested to the others.
“School sucks, I could always skip it. Then we could stay as late as you wanted,” Joshua said happily.
“You will damn well be in school even if I have to drive you there myself, which I kind of do anyways, so you’re goin’, kid” Jason declared before looking over at Hoyt, “What garden?”
“Well, thank god you two came in today. I swear getting you both in one place to talk about the wedding it harder then getting Mikey to put the damn seat down,” Hoyt’s, or Joshua’s, response was cut off when Arlene appeared at their table.
“Arlene?” Hoyt asked as he sat back and turned toward her.
“What now, I thought you had all the stuff you needed,” Jason complained.
“Well, we don’t. Jessica and I need to know if you’re saying your own vows or some standard ones. The pastor wants to know and what about the rings? You both keep hemming and hawing over it,” Arlene went on before seeing anyone else at the table. “Hey, Sookie, couldn’t make these two cheapskates take you anywhere nice?”
“Hey watch it,” Sam called out from where he was over by the bar giving Arlene a dirty look.
“Well?” Arlene asked ignoring Sam completely in favor of others.
“Ah, Hoyt?” Jason asked looking at his lover.
“Jas?” Hoyt asked right back as he returned the look.
“We’ll get back to you,” Jason answered as he looked at the waitress.
“Jason Stackhouse, that’s what you said last week. And you Hoyt Fortenberry, said it the week before that. We are less than a week to your blasted weddin’. I need to know these things. Rings, vows, flowers, best men. Start making some choices! Or I’ll make the decisions for you just like I did with every other part of your damned wedding. Now what do you want to eat,” she ended as she pulled out her note pad.
“Now Arlene how-” Jason started with a grin before Arlene cut him off.
“Don’t you even dare, Stackhouse, or Hoyt’s going to end up making his Mama incredibly happy by marrying a woman after all,” Arlene threatened with a glare.
***
“A whole damned family of those cursed Fae. Living here ni our realm. They’ll pay for their arrogance,” Korrigan spat in disgust as he watched the Wyldfae, two Sidhe and a mortal leave Merlotte’s together after their dinner.
“We’ll kill them, with our own hands, father? Right sister?” Angus said looking to Diana beside him.
“As you say,” Diana agreed as she watched the four.
“Just the Sidhe and the mortal, we need the Wyldfae alive at first but he too will die,” Korrigan reminded them as they slowly stepped back into the woods.
“Taking a Wyldfae alive will not be easy, will it Father?” Diana asked while watching the way the Wyldfae laughed with the mortal before grabbing the human, who only grabbed him back.
“No, it will not be, Diana. But if we are to try and restore our Father we must,” Korrigan answered as he too watched.
“He’s not a true Wyldfae,” Angus whispered as he focused on his target.
“What? Explain yourself,” Korrigan demanded as he looked between his son and the group.
“The Wyldfae, for he is one without question, but his powers, his true essence, is buried. Hidden even from himself,” Angus explained to his father.
“That must be how he slew Danielle, she didn’t know,” Korrigan said softly. “This changes nothing. They will all die and with his blood our King will be returned.”
Angus and Diana’s responses were lost to the forest, all three, took on a green glow, becoming more ethereal, and flew off into the trees
***
They were all around them. Green and inhuman they were coming from everywhere, they kept attacking him and Jason. He couldn’t see an end in sight. And then the fire! It circled around them making the red eyes and pale green skin of the creatures look all the more monstrous. And then it was them. The damned couple and it was just like last time only the guy, the monster, was throwing him into the flames.
And then they were gone. The flames were gone, everything was gone.
“I’ll never let them hurt you.”
It was Jason’s voice. He knew that. In his gut he knew it was Jason. But then he turned around…what he saw wasn’t Jason.
His skin was tan, not the tan of skin darkened under the sun but the deep rich color of trees lightened under that sun. And Jason’s hair was reddish gold and his eyes-
Hoyt woke with a start, all but gasping for breath as he pushed the sheets aside trying to shake the dream as he looked over at his lover sleeping under the moonlight.
He reached out and touched Jason, laying his hand over Jason’s shoulder. Hoyt felt his chest relax when Jason snuggled closer to him without waking.
***
He felt like he was back in high school, sneaking a nap out in his truck during Mr. William’s English class Jason thought as he pulled his cowboy hat from his face and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes at the sound of the bell.
It didn’t take more than half a minute before the first teen came out the double doors and she was followed by dozens as the school started emptying. Jason didn’t even bother trying to spot Joshua among them; that boy knew where Jason parked so he just waited. It didn’t take long.
“I hate school,” Joshua said the moment he opened the door to climb in.
“Get a new damn line that one’s getting old kid,” Jason answered back, just like he had for the last couple of weeks, while he started the engine.
“School sucks,” Joshua said in response pulling the door closed behind him.
“So says every teen ever. And every college student, likely,” Jason added as he pulled out and started heading for home.
“But you chose to go back. You can’t hate it that much,” Joshua argued.
“You think going back was my idea? Hell no. If I had my way I’d never go near another classroom. Like, ever,” Jason told Joshua as he gave him a look telling him just how ridiculous the idea of him wanting to be in school sounded.
“Then why the fuck are you in school? I sure wouldn’t be,” Joshua asked as he looked over at Jason.
“Hoyt and Sookie, that’s why,” Jason told him, “They have some fool idea I need to better myself, Tommy’s in the same boat with Sam and Jessica. So we decided we’d go together. That way we would know someone. And then we find out we’re gonna be taking totally different classes, which just sucked,” Jason went on.
“I damn well know sex isn’t that good. It can’t be worth going to school for,” Joshua said shaking his head at the idea.
“It’s not about the sex, and anyways it totally is worth it. Hoyt is-it’d be worth it just for the sex. But it’s not,” Jason added trying to get back to his point. “Hoyt wants what’s best for me. And he thinks it’s school and from what Andy and Kenya are saying maybe he was right,” he finished.
“You are so whipped, dude,” Joshua shot back, shaking his head. “And maybe for you it is but you don’t have to deal with all the shit I have to. It’s not just guys that think about sex all day, believe me. And most of them don’t even know what sex is so it’s stupid, impossible or just plain vanilla. So lame,” he added in disgust.
“I thought it was getting easier to block that stuff?” Jason asked as he looked over at Joshua.
“It’s not as bad but it’s still there, Sookie says it never goes away but, couldn’t someone have some hot sex on their mind? It would make school so much better,” Joshua explained.
“Yeah, because getting a tent in your pants was just what you wanted before going up to the board,” Jason joked before going on, “So any homework today? We gotta try and get it done before nightfall because I’m pretty sure we won’t have time after we see Jessica’s garden.”
“We can still always skip tomorrow and then we don’t have to worry about it?” Joshua offered again.
“Blast it all we’ve been over this. You’re goin’ and so am I. It’s my final and it’s the law for you, boy,” Jason answered in frustration as he looked at Joshua, “how many times we have to go over this.”
“At least on the streets I didn’t have to go to school,” Joshua said with a humph.
“You also didn’t know where your next meal was coming from, you didn’t get to shower every day, you were alone,” Jason listed off with a frown.
“Okay, so maybe school is worth it. It still sucks.”
“That’s life, now back to that homework?”
***
“Betty, just the women I was looking for,” Ms. Weir said as she spotted Betty Davis standing over the copier.
“May, how are you doing? I thought you were heading back to Atlanta?” Betty asked with a smile as she checked over her copies.
“I had planned to but I was on the phone with my boss earlier today and we ran into a snag,” Weir answered.
“Little snag like we need to re-file some paperwork or big snag like they aren’t going to be able to keep Joshua?” Betty asked forgetting all about her papers.
“The kind of snag that’s a little of both. Now I do have to get back to Atlanta and I don’t have time to talk with them, they didn’t answer my call so could you make sure they get the message. I’ll try again tomorrow but,” Weir requested of her colleague.
“I’ll make sure they get it. So what happened?”
***
“My brother has a roster?!” Sookie asked in shock as he pulled the chart off the freezer door and held it up. “My brother has a cleaning roster. Well damn, I never though I’d see the day. Dishes, floors, bathroom, laundry... that inspection really freaked you three out.”
“We like having Joshua around. He… fits. It was weird at first having someone else around and sure Jas and I can’t do some of the stuff we use to but…he fits,” Hoyt confessed as he took the chart from Sookie and stuck it back on the freezer, “we don’t want to mess it up because we forgot to clean something and any checks from here on out won’t have any warning.”
“Huh, well Hoyt if you three ever need help, and with Jason I’m sure you will, let me know. I live right over the bridge, call me. That reminds me what’s with the phones? I tried calling but no one answered?” Sookie asked as she looked out the window where Jason and Joshua were both doing their homework outside.
“Jason’s not that bad anymore. He knows when to call for help. He always has. His little sister just wasn’t on the list. Me, the football team, the road crew, the other deputies. He’s always known he had backup. And it went dead sometime early today and our cell phones are having a hard time getting a signal. I’ll check it out tomorrow at work,” Hoyt said as he looked out at the two.
“Maybe, he’s still as dumb as a pile of rocks at time. But that’s what he’s got you for, Hoyt. You two are great for each other but enough chatting lets get going to see Jessica’s garden. It should be dark by the time we get there,” Sookie said changing topics as she headed for the door.
“Well are you two ready to get going or what?’ she demanded to know as she grabbed the book from Jason’s hand raising an eye brow at the gun magazine he was hiding behind it, “You live with one mind reader and I’m another. You need to be a better role model,” she scolded as she held it up.
“Well, yeah. You both said I’m hard to read and well, just stay outta my head,” Jason shot back at his sister as he grabbed the magazine back. “And I’m already done studying. My last test was this morning I’m done until next quarter,” he added firmly.
“And those women holding the guns did have nice rack,” Joshua added with his own grin as he pilled all his stuff together.
“You…men,” Sookie just half yelled in frustration throwing up her hands before heading for her car, “drive your own darn selves.”
“What’d you have to go and say that for?” Jason said as he cuffed Joshua on the back of the head, “You don’t say those things in front of women.”
“Watch it,” Joshua shot back as he darted away after the tap and glared at Jason, “and you say stuff like that all the time, and about guys too. In front of guys,” he added.
“Kid, guys and gals, not the same, the sooner you just accept that, the sooner you can start learning the secret to dealing with them,” Jason informed Joshua as he dropped his books off on the table as they heard Sookie’s car start up.
“It’s called respect, and you should respect women. It’s part of being a proper real adult,” Hoyt cut in as he grabbed the keys to the truck. “Now can we leave? Because if we don’t, Sookie will get there before us by more than a few minutes.”
“Oh damn and she’ll spend it all bitching and moaning to Jessica too. Come on you two get a move on,” Jason said as he started ushering them both to the door. “Damn, I can’t forget my uniform,” he added as he dashed back in the door.
“Come on Josh, lets get that truck started,” Hoyt said with a grin as he headed for the car.
***
“They are leaving,” Diana announced from her perch.
“At last they are going somewhere,” Angus said as he turned to watch the black truck pull away from the house and follow the white car on its way down a dirt road.
“Good. Farther from their home and place of power, it will make killing them all the easier,” Korrigan told his children casting off his human guise.
“It wouldn’t matter if we could have just killed them one by one father,” Angus complained again as he shed his own guise.
“Do not question me child,” Korrigan threatened as he turned to face his son. “For the last time, to attack them separately would be to give them warning, let them call for help from other fae. We can not let that happen, that is why after all we have stopped their phones from working. Relying on mortal devices, truly stupid. No, we will kill the Sidhe all at once and be done with it and that will break the spirit of the Wyldfae. And that is vital. Now hurry daughter.”
“Yes father,” Diana said as she hurried to transform and join them in the chase, gliding over the trees as they flew through the air to follow the two vehicles.
***
“Oh you made it, yay!” Jessica all but clapped for joy when she sped out to meet the four as they arrived.
“We said we would. And we always do what we say…most of the time,” Jason said as he looked over the house before them. “Not a bad place.”
“Its better than not bad Jas,” Hoyt said giving Jason a light shove, “Real nice.”
The house was a large old farm house with three widows spanning the upper floor as two large windows flanked the doors on the porch. A front porch that was longer than the house as it covered the whole front side and wrapped around one side.
“It’s cool; it even looks haunted, awesome!” Joshua added coming closer to see the peeling paint and misshapen shutters on the upper floor.
“Joshua,” Sookie scolded, “It’s doing a lot better than it was. Tommy’s been doing a great job,” she added giving Joshua and Jason dark looks.
“And I’ve been helping too,” Jessica said ignoring the other comments. “Mostly working on the garden but well, we want to try and get it done before the end of summer and that’s only about 7 months away so he’s going to have to let me help more.”
“He doesn’t like you helping?” Hoyt asked “why’s that?”
“He says that it’s “man’s work” and it makes him feel needed so I’ve been letting him,” Jessica paused to look around before fake whisper to him. “But I’ve been helping when he’s not looking,” she added with a smile.
“Say, where is Tommy? I need to find out what time his final is tomorrow. That way we can have some drinks to celebrate us both making it through another quarter,” Jason asked as he looked toward the house.
“He’s working tonight but he left a note for you. I’ll get it before you leave but now the garden. You have to see it,” she said before speeding over to a gate leading around the back of the house.
The others followed her around back of the house and were surprised by what they saw. There was at least an acre of flowers. Some were in planters raised a few feet above the ground, a few were hanging from a that looked like it use to be a jungle gym at one time and others were in the ground itself.
But no matter where the plant was it was in bloom; reds from a soft pink to blood red, bright blues to some as black as the sky above and greens and oranges and yellow mixed in everywhere. And mixed in were a handful of white flowers that seemed to shine under the moon light.
“Oh my Jessica they’re gorgeous,” Sookie said as she slowly reached out and touched one of the pale yellow ones.
“Well I’ll be dammed. This really is cool,” Jason said as he walked through the rows, “it’s like being at the place on the old highway, where the road crew gets its shrubs and trees and stuff….only with color,” he added as he stopped and looked at one of the flowers that was a white with a deep red strip running down the middle of the petal.
“It does, you’ve done a great job, Jessica. And in only a month?” Hoyt said impressed as he wandered around.
“Well, I did have some help…plants like V too,” Jessica admitted guiltily.
“V? Really?” Joshua asked as he looked up from the plant he was smelling.
“Well it seems to be doing wonders Jessica, but are you sure that’s a good idea?” Sookie asked looking up from one of the plants.
“Is this one a cactus?” Jason asked as he pointed to a foot tall green cactus with a couple of white blossoms on it.
“Yes and it’s a bitch to grow around here but the flower looks great, “Jessica started as she joined Jason, “it’s one of them I was thinking of using for your wedding. It looks all white but if you look closer it’s also got some green in it and it looks cool.” She added as she pointed to the petals.
“Yeah, you’re right that is cool,” Jason agreed.
“So Arlene and I were thinking you’d have this one as your boutonniere and we were thinking that Hoyt would wear-” Jessica explained as she start heading for the other flower before Jason but her off.
“My boota-what?” Jason asked confused. “I thought you two said I couldn’t wear my boots. I’m pretty sure you guys told me that like…3-4 times at least. Did you change your mind because if you did I’m willing to put flowers on them? That’d be cool.”
“What boots? No you are not wearing boots at your wedding you’re going to be in proper shoes for a tuxedo. And it was boutonniere, it’s French or some shit, it’s the flower on your vest,” Jessica scolded as she explained.
“Oh, that’d be cool. Which one would be Hoyt’s?” Jason asked as he saw the man in question heading their way.
“Well I was thinking-” And that was as far as Jessica got when it happened.
‘It’ was three burst of green light as the dark creatures appeared in the garden.
“You will pay for stopping out father’s return,” was all the warning Korrigan gave Jason before he held out his green boney hand and sent an arc of lightning at him sending Jason to the ground with a grunt of pain.
“Jason!” Hoyt yelled as he started charging at Korrigan but he was intercepted by a green arm that sent him tumbling backwards through a number of Jessica’s flowers.
“No, mortal, your role here isn’t to fight,” Angus told him with an evil smirk as he loomed over Hoyt.
“Stop messing with my garden,” Jessica yelled as she grabbed a shovel and started swinging it at Korrigan.
“Jessica no,” Sookie yelled, trying to warn the young vampire but she was helpless to watch as Korrigan just held up a hand and suddenly Jessica was frozen and motionless. “What the hell do you want,” she spat at Diana while she kept her hand up creating a faint wall of white light between her and Joshua and the creatures.
“Your powers won’t save you, Sidhe,” Diana answered as she struck out at the wall with a blast of green light. The wall brightened and took the blast.
“Well damn that sucked,” Jason muttered as he pushed himself up glaring at Korrigan. “You’d best as hell not be trying to hurt my sister or my boy, either of them,” he growled out as his eyes darted between Sookie’s standoff with Diana and were Hoyt was pulling at a rope around his neck as Angus just grinned behind the mortal.
“There is a price to pay for what you did. And you and they will pay it in blood,” Korrigan answered before letting out another arc of lightning at Jason.
“You’re going to have to do better than that,” Jason grunted through the pain as he kept his feet under him and even took a step closer to Korrigan.
“So the Wyldfae thinks he can fight us. It was only by chance you killed my sister and brother. Kill the mortal,” Korrigan ordered as he sent a wide arc of olive lighting at Jason. Only Jason wasn’t there.
The moment Jason saw the knife in Angus’s hand the world blurred and faded to gray, everything save for Hoyt and Angus that is.
He had Angus tackled to the ground before the knife could get anywhere near Hoyt. But Angus got to feel it up close and personal as Jason shoved it into the creature, twisting it when he heard the cry of pain.
***
“I thought you didn’t partake when you were with that woman, your Majesty,” Pam said dryly as she approached Eric on the throne of Fangtasia.
“What she doesn’t know,” Eric answered as he slide his fangs along the neck of the striking brunette that sat on his lap. “And it’s not as if she can read my mind,” he added with a smirk.
“Whatever, I don’t care anyways,” Pam said rolling her eyes, “what I do care about is our license so take the show somewhere private,” the Vampire added as she glanced at the crowded bar, more than a few of the patrons were looking at the pair on the throne.
“Perhaps that isn’t such a bad idea. Well, my dear, want to join me somewhere more exclusive?” Eric asked, still smirking with his fangs out.
The woman half opened her eyes and looked out at the club in front of her before turning her head toward Eric. “Anything you want,” she managed to say as she snuggled closer to the vampire.
“Good girl,” Eric whispered back as he rose holding her close to his side as he did so.
“Enjoy,” Pam said as she turned to go but stopped when she saw Eric freeze, “What happened?” she asked glancing around the bar.
“Sookie,” was all Eric said as he dropped the woman and sped out the door at top speed.
“Of course. Why did I even ask,” Pam said rolling her eyes before looking at the brunette who was on the ground looking a bit confused, “Well, gorgeous, why don’t you join me somewhere more private.”
***
Hoyt was just walking over to where he saw Jason and Jessica pointing and looking at a couple of nice flowers when he saw them.
It was just like his nightmares, like the flame circle. Hoyt didn’t even stop to think when he saw Jason go down he just charged at the monster, he’d taken care of the one before after all.
Only before he could tackle anyone he was rolling head over heels backwards and another of the green creatures were standing over him. Larger with a more solid frame packed with more muscle than the others, he would have been a challenge…
But before Hoyt could even start putting up a fight, a tight rope was already wrapping itself around his neck and it was getting harder to breathe.
It was all he could do to keep the rope from pulling any tighter as he watched Jason get up and exchange words with one of the other creatures. Then he heard the order and the "shiiiiiing" of a knife being pulled out and he almost forgot to keep pulling at the rope.
Then Hoyt saw Jason move as fast as he ever did on the gridiron. Jason was rushing past him and he could hear the impact of Jason tackling the thing followed by a cry of pain. And that’s when the ropes stopped pulling tighter and just fell away.
Just in time for Hoyt to throw himself at the older of the creatures before he could get to Jason.
Then Hoyt let out his own cry as he felt on the verge of blacking out when the green light, and pain, hit him.
But he hung on enough to see Jason place himself between Hoyt and Korrigan while he held Angus’s almost limp body. “Hurt him again and it will be the last thing you ever do.” Jason promised with deadly calm.
“F-fa, fath,” Angus tried to speak, his voice barely loud enough for Hoyt to hear a mere foot away.
“Angus!” Diana cried out as she abandoned her guard over Sookie and Joshua to rush to Angus’s side stopping only when Jason shifted his gaze and knife toward her.
“Don’t move any closer or this fucker won’t be making any more sounds,” Jason ordered as he lowered the knife to Augus’s neck.
“If you harm my son-“
“I don’t know who the fuck you think you are but my brother just made it clear you’re in no position to be making threats,” Sookie yelled as she joined Jason and Hoyt who was slowly starting to stand up.
“Yeah he whipped his ass,” Joshua added from behind Sookie.
“Do not think this is over Sidhe,” Korrigan sneered at Joshua before looking back at Jason. “And you, Wyldfae. I will see you bleed.” He said before he threw something at the ground and a green wave of light burst out.
When the light faded the three were gone.
“Wow! that was awesome.”
Hoyt just shook his head at Joshua’s comment, stepping close to Jason and placing a hand on the Wyldfae’s shoulder, “Jason?”
When Jason spun around for a heartbeat it wasn’t Jason that Hoyt saw but the other Jason, the one from the dream with his tan skin and golden hair. Again, it was the eyes that drew Hoyt’s gaze but then they were gone and Jason was Jason.
“Hoyt, Hoyt. You okay, that rope didn’t do anything permanent like did it?” Jason asked again as he lightly reached out his hand to Hoyt’s neck with concern.
“No, no just thought I saw, never mind” Hoyt started before clearing his throat reaching out for Jason. “Anyone know what the fuck just happened?”
“Those were the things from last fall, weren’t they?” Sookie asked as she waved her hand in front of Jessica, who was still frozen and unmoving.
“Same green boney creeps, yeah,” Jason answered as he started looking over Joshua, “You okay? She get near you?”
“It was so cool. Sookie did this thing with her hand and hey do you think I’ll be able to do something like that, can you teach me?” Joshua asked as he started walking past Jason and to Sookie.
“Hold it right there, boy,” Jason said as he reached out and held Joshua in front of him. “Did any of them get near you?” he asked again.
“No, fucking lighten up that was cool. And between you and Sookie those guys were toast,” Joshua said as he pushed Jason away.
“Joshua-“
“Hoyt, what happened to your neck,” Jessica asked as she sped over to her ex the moment she started moving. “And what happened to them, are they coming back?”
“Watch it, Jess,” Sookie yelled as she barely managed to stop herself from being knocked over when Jessica unfroze.
“So,” Jessica added sheepishly before turning back to Hoyt. “So what happened, are they coming back, and need some V to heal it?”
“Not anytime soon and yeah what did happen? Hoyt we couldn’t see what was going on between you and the larger one,” Sookie asked still half glaring at Jessica.
“No, Jess it’ll be fine, I’m fine,” Hoyt tried to reassure them.
“Fuck that Hoyt. That thing was almost choking you out. I hope his own knife damn well hurt,” Jason cut in.
“Knife? Wait, is it glowing?” Jessica said as she looked around and spotted the blade in the dirt covered in faintly glowing green blood. “Okay, someone start talking from the beginning,” she demanded.
“Yes someone should,” Eric said as he dropped out of the sky next to Sookie, taking in everything around them. “Were you hurt?”
“Eric,” Sookie said smiling as she hugged him before answering, “No, I’m fine; Hoyt was the only one hurt.”
“I can see that. I’m surprised neither of you two stopped whatever it was that tried to hurt him,” Eric remarked as he looked at both Jason and Jessica. “Given your respective feelings for the human.”
“You should have seen him the moment the things went for Hoyt he just charged right in a sliced it up,” Joshua recounted with mock slashing motions.
“They have yet to grow weary of you I see,” Eric replied.
“Eric!” Sookie scolded as she batted at the old Vampire.
“Yeah we’re not going to grow tired of him. He’s ours,” Jason said firmly as he glared at the vampire, “and, as you can see, Sookie’s safe so we’re good,” he added.
“But what was it that attacked her? And your fellow mortal?” Eric asked Jason before turning to Jessica. “We’ll? Out with it? What happened?”
“I didn’t see it all. I got froze again. And, man, that sucks I really wish it would stop happen-” Jessica started going on and on until Eric cut her off.
“They froze a vampire? There were more dark witches? Here? Explain,” Eric ordered as he turned to Sookie.
“Yes but I’m pretty sure they aren’t witches. They’re some other fucked up supernatural shit, again,” Sookie answered with a frown. “I just can’t have a normal life, I try but anytime something supernatural happens it’s always around me.”
“It might help if you didn’t date a vampire sis,” Jason added with a smirk only to have Eric drop his fangs and glare at him in response.
***
“Is there anything we can do father?” Diana asked as she watched over her critically wounded brother.
The three had taken refuge deep in the forest. Angus was laid out on the ground pale- even for their kind- as his blood slowly seeped through the cloth that they had pressed over his abdomen.
“Nay, a fae’s hand using his own knife, there is naught to be done child,” Korrigan confessed as he knelt on the other side of his dying son. “This is one more reason that wyldfae must die. His blood will run freely as will all those he cares for,” Korrigan promised as he took his son’s hand. “I swear it.”
“Th-ank you f-fath-er,” Angus managed to say as he gripped his family’s hands are hard as he could before his whole body went limp.
“Brother,” Diana cried out as she wept, grabbing Angus’s hand all the tighter.
“Rest well and know we will return to our homeland, you did not die for nothing,” Korrigan said softly before looking up at the sky.
***
“Come on Hoyt you can drive faster than this. I don’t wanna be late,” Jason said as he adjusted his uniform again, “and damn I’ve gotten out of practice changing in a car; I used to be good at it,” he complained.
“I think jeans and a shirt are a lot easier than all that junk, cop,” Joshua joked from the back seat.
“I think he may have a point there, Jas,” Hoyt agreed as he watched Jason try to get his belt straightened out of the corner of his eye.
“I can change into anything anywhere,” Jason grunted back still working with the gear on his belt.
“Guys, what’s that?” Joshua cut in as he pointed to something on the road just visible in the distances.
“What? This?” Jason asked still looking down and holding up one of the items around his waste.
“No Jason that, head of us,” Hoyt clarified pointing in front of them as he began to slow down.
“I think it’s a person, what kind of idiot stands in the middle of the road in the middle of the night?” Jason asked after he spotted the person.
“Well he’s not moving so I guess we’re gonna find out,” Hoyt answered as he slowed the truck to a stop just as the headlights brought the man into better view.
The man still didn’t move and Jason was out of the truck almost at once calling to him, “Hey, guy, I need to get to work, so unless you want me to cuff you for obstructing justices or something, get out of the road.”
“Is it just me or does he look a lot like-” Joshua started as he leaned forward trying to get a better look at the guy.
“Yeah he does,” Hoyt agreed cutting Joshua off as he started climbing out of the truck as well. “Jason,” he called out but Jason just kept ranting.
“And another thing, if you have the indecency to turn out to be real and not some wild-ass dream, this is not the way to show yourself, so get out of the road, now. I have work,” Jason finished off jabbing his finger at the man’s chest.
“You shouldn’t go to work; it’s not safe. You should all stay together, in fact, Jason,” Claude said as he frowned at Jason’s finger but didn’t take any action.
“What do you mean not safe? If you’re talking about those green things we ran them off so we’re good. Now out of the road,” Jason ordered again as he pointed to the grass beside the road.
“Do you truly think it will be that simple? It will not be. Not in the least, wild one,” Claude informed Jason as he held fast to his spot.
“You know him, Jas?” Hoyt asked at last as he watched Jason glare at Claude and Claude just look back. “He is related to you and Sookie?”
“No”
“Distantly.”
“What? We are?” Jason asked, surprised as he gave Claude another look over, “I mean we do look like but…you’re really not a dream? Did I fall asleep in the truck, Hoyt?” Jason asked as he looked at his lover.
“No, you were too busy changing to fall asleep. So are you like his nephew or something?” Joshua answered for Hoyt as he cut in trying to get closer to Jason and Claude only for Hoyt to step in front of him.
“If you’re related why doesn’t Jason know you? Just because you look alike doesn’t mean you are,” Hoyt asked as he stepped to the side again to keep Joshua behind him.
“That’s a good point, and while you’re answering questions why isn’t it safe to go to work. I told you we took care of the green guys,” Jason asked adding to the questions.
“The dark ones will not give up. Not after all that you have done. And if they should find any of you alone…” Claude stopped as he looked away from Jason for the first time. “They will kill you,” he finished looking at Joshua over Hoyt’s shoulder. “And I do not wish to see that happen.”
“That’s nice of you. So how do we make them go away then? Because we didn’t ask them to drop by,” Hoyt said as he returned Claude’s glaze.
“That will not be easy. But they are few in number so I may be able to-” Claude started to explain until a flash of light cut him off as another was suddenly standing in the road among them.
“I am Kinrowan, messenger of the Thrones. And the presence of the fae known by the mortal name Jason Stackhouse is requested by the Queens of the Sidhe,” The tall and fair haired fae informed them all as his silvery robe seemed to sway in a breeze that wasn’t there.
“Well, that complicates a few things,” Claude said softly as he frowned at Kinrowan.
***
“It would seem the time is at hand at last,” Lord Finvarra said aloud as he rose from his maple throne and stepped to the center of his arbor and watched the falling leaves.
After a few moments he snatched one from the air and held it up to the moonlight. The leaf turned from a soft brown to a golden yellow and the Fae King smiled. “Yes, he is the one.”
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