Midnight Wolf (Shifters Unbound #11)(89)

Lady Aisling blinked in surprise. “I didn’t know. In time, I mean. There are so many wars between the various races in Faerie that one can’t keep up. I am sorry for him, if the hoch alfar destroyed his people, truly sorry. The hoch alfar so like to destroy things.”

“You could destroy them,” Tamsin said.

Lady Aisling shook her head. “No, I couldn’t. Erasing entire races is forbidden to the Tuil Erdannan. What sort of monster would do that? That would mean killing off even the little children in their cradles who know nothing. I’m glad it’s forbidden. The Tuil Erdannan need to keep their egos in check. Annoying and threatening the hoch alfar—now that, we can do. But you did not bring me to this damp and smelly place to irritate the hoch alfar. If I come to the human world, I prefer large, international cities with many restaurants, but ah well. Can’t be helped. You mentioned something about a problem?”

“My problem,” Tamsin said. “My mate and friends were drawn into it because of me. They shouldn’t die for choosing to help me.”

“Very commendable.” Lady Aisling’s gaze flicked to the motionless SUVs and police cars. “It seems many humans would like to prevent you from doing whatever it is you wish to do. Which is . . . ?”

Angus broke in. “Destroy a cache of human weapons before they get into the wrong hands. Human or Shifter.”

“I see.” Lady Aisling’s very red brows went up. “Whose are the right hands?”

“In this case, no one’s,” Angus answered.

“You’ve decided this, have you? Weapons are tricky things. They can be used to defend as well as attack. But the distinction is often beyond the reason of the people who wield them. I am pleased I have no need of them. I suppose you would like this taken care of before they reach you?” Lady Aisling glanced at the cars.

“Can they reach us?” Tamsin asked. “They’re frozen.”

“No, no. Just moving very slowly. Or rather, they are moving normally, from their perspective. I wanted time to speak to you, so I decided to remove us from the regular motion of the world, just you and Angus. But I did not seem to be able to exclude this one.” She pointed at Tiger.

Angus answered. “He’s . . . unique.”

“So is she.” Lady Aisling moved to Tamsin, who clutched the talisman as though it would keep her safe. The scent of lemon clung to Lady Aisling, along with a bite of mint. “A fox Shifter,” Lady Aisling said. “Those are rare, my dear, very rare.” She lifted a lock of Tamsin’s hair, which was nearly as red as hers.

“Like tigers,” Tamsin babbled. “I hear they’re rare.”

“Rare because they were made exclusively for Fae princes and almost died off when they were Battle Beasts. Foxes now. They weren’t made by the hoch alfar at all. They were made by the Tuil Erdannan.”

Tamsin’s lips parted in shock. Angus stared at first Tamsin, then Lady Aisling, as though trying to see the resemblance between them. Only Tiger watched, unmoved.

“Not by me personally,” Lady Aisling said with a little laugh. “By my friends long, long, long ago. I thought fox Shifters had died out, but of course, foxes are very good at hiding. They were never enslaved by the Fae—never enslaved by anyone. My friends created fox Shifters, patted themselves on their collective backs, and then forgot about them. I’m not surprised the foxes slipped into the human world, and I’m not surprised you have evaded the humans—well, until now.” She turned a warm smile on Tamsin. “Sacrificing yourself for your mate. A moving speech, my dear. But I came because I sensed you were different. Call me curious. My gardener says it will get me into trouble one day, and he is usually right, drat the man.”

Tamsin gulped, a flood of emotions beating on her for attention. Astonishment, certainly. She’d thought all Shifters had originally been creations of the Fae playing with genetic engineering and magic. Shifters were their own viable species now, but they’d begun, more or less, in a Fae laboratory. Elation—the Fae were horrible, from what she’d heard, and not being descended from their creations was a huge relief. Trepidation—were the Tuil Erdannan any better? People so powerful they created species for fun and then forgot them and moved on to their next hobby?

She sucked in air. “I’m going to have a talk with you about my ancestors,” Tamsin said, forcing the words out. “A long talk. But right now—can you help us with the weapons? Or not?”

“What? Oh, of course. I’m surprised you haven’t figured out how, but no matter.”

Lady Aisling turned from Tamsin, pausing at Ben so near. She flicked her fingers, and he stumbled forward, nearly running into her.

“Shit.”

“Good afternoon to you too,” Lady Aisling said. “Will you show me the way to these weapons? Let me guess. They’re in there.”

She waved her hand at the trailer. Beyond it, Zander got out of the truck and sprinted to them. Lady Aisling must have released him too.

Zander slowed as he reached them. “Hello again,” he said to Lady Aisling.

“Hmph.” Lady Aisling looked him up and down. “The young man who sprawled so insolently on my stairs. You are lucky I found you amusing. Well, help me up there. I don’t have all day.”

Zander blinked, then swung around and headed for the trailer’s open door.