My One and Only (Bewitched and Bewildered #10)(3)
Micah took down the soundproofing spell. "After you," Micah swept his arm down as he bowed.
"You know if I get to do what I want, I will need back up," Warrick murmured.
"It would be a profound honor and pleasure to assist you in that endeavor. In fact, I bet Declan and his brother Rex would also love to help, considering recent events."
Warrick laughed loudly. "And Declan says we never do anything nice for him."
Micah grinned. "Ungrateful bastard."
Laughing Warrick slung an arm around his shoulder as they walked toward the transport tunnel.
As far as patrols went, today was shaping up to be a great day.
*****
"Are you sure about this?" Radclyffe asked for the tenth time that hour.
Serenity Meadowsweet blew out an exasperated breath. "For the umpteenth time, no, I am not sure, but I'm going anyway."
"You mean we're all going." Radclyffe Juniper pointed his finger back and forth between himself and his mate Laelia.
"You don't have to come, in fact, it might be a better idea for the two of you to stay behind and manage the temple," Serenity suggested, pausing in her packing efforts.
"Don't be silly. You need us," her closest friend rebutted. Laelia Juniper was one of the sweetest women she had ever met. She wanted her friend's support desperately but knew that if they followed her to Noctem Falls, they could all get in serious trouble.
Serenity zipped her bag closed. She hadn't packed much, just a few changes of clothes. They would be providing magical support so there wasn't much to pack as far as supplies went. She turned to face her two best friends. "You realize that by coming with me to Noctem Falls we are going against the Witch Elders' dictate concerning Storm Keep's participation in this crisis?" They both nodded. "And by coming with me all three of us could be prosecuted when we return?" Again, they nodded.
Laelia swung her bag onto her shoulder and her mate did the same. "Not only are we not letting you do this alone, but we also happen to agree with you that it is our duty to provide help." She waved her hand around indicating to the room. "You're the Head of the Water Temple in Storm Keep. We're the hub for healing magic in the paranormal world. If we don't go, then who will?"
Radclyffe adjusted his bag. "Besides, if we weren't meant to help then there wouldn't be a Healer's Clause built into the quarantine protocols for the fae portals."
Serenity had been shocked when the queen of the fae reached out to her directly to ask if she was willing to enact the clause and go to Noctem Falls to assist in fighting the unknown sickness. The fae were unable to pass through to the vampire city, but the queen explained that if a portal was opened from within the Water Temple, healers could pass through to provide assistance.
Serenity had been honest with the queen when she said she wasn't sure what she should do, wanting to get her Elders' permission first. As a temple head she reported directly to the Witch Elder Council that ran the city. She had a feeling that had the city's council consisting of the four major races been included in the decision making, she would have been allowed to go.
Queen Aleksandra said that the decision was up to her and that she wouldn't advise anyone in Noctem Falls about the possibility of her coming until she had made up her mind.
Serenity knew she wanted to help and thought that going before the council would be a formality. She had been shocked by their unanimous decision to let Noctem Falls fend for themselves.
When she returned to the temple she knew she had to act quickly. She immediately called her brother and had him leave Eiré Danu through a portal to come to Storm Keep. He would be the one to open the portal to Noctem Falls for them. She wanted to keep the queen out of this traitorous venture as much as possible. No one would second guess her older brother Zachari coming to visit her, they were twins after all and visited each other often.
Serenity picked up her bag. "I'm leaving Troy in charge while we're gone."
Radclyffe nodded. "Great choice. He is as devoted to you as temple head as he is to rules and regulations. He can easily handle the council."
"Knock, knock. Seri, where are you?" a deep male voice asked. Moments later her brother was ducking his head to walk into her chambers. When he saw her, his smile widened. "There's my favorite baby sister!" He crossed the room and pulled her into a bear hug that had her spine cracking.
Despite being twins they looked nothing alike. He took after their fae father. Tall, golden and stunning. The two differences between him and full blooded fae males were the streaks of dark brown hair, visible even when pulled back in a ponytail as he usually wore it, and the dark brown eyes he inherited from their mother. Dark eyes amongst the fae were highly unusual.
She took after their witch mother with dark hair and magical gifts. However, unlike her brother she had their father's lavender eyes. Her mother always said that the two of them were the perfect blend of witch and fae.
Zach had some powers but not enough to warrant being tested by the Magical Academy. He cheekily told her that he could do just enough magic to keep his lady friends happy. She told him that she didn't need to know any more.
To make living in Storm Keep easier she took her mother's maiden name of Meadowsweet forgoing fae tradition. No matter what rules she bent or broke growing up she always had her parents full support. She could only hope they wouldn't be too upset at her for going against council dictates.