“I met a woman called Azura. She said Peter wasn’t born Peter, but Pedro, and that there is danger. She said others are waiting but can’t come. I just…” She shook her head. “It’s all so confusing,” she confided. “Have you heard the name?”

  He sighed. “No. But I am going to meet with others hopefully tomorrow, and they will be able to tell us more. They will know more, and we’ll be able to use that to plan what we do next. Was there anything else?”

  “No. But… Can I stay here for the rest of the night? I just… I don’t know if I can stay by myself. Please, Maxim?”

  He cuddled her close. “Of course you can. Come on now, lie down, and I’ll keep you safe.”

  He had no idea how much that made her feel secure, as she snuggled down under the covers, and when he slid his arm around her waist, she sighed and murmured, “I could get used to this.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Maxim held Pippa while she slept and wondered at what she’d told him. If she was walking in a dream, that meant there were other underlying issues involved. He’d raise it with Morrow. But for now, he simply held her and inhaled her scent. The reality of her in his arms gradually lulled him off, but he woke early.

  In the morning, she woke and rolled over. “Thank you, Maxim.” Her words were sleep-roughened, and his heart lurched. This could be his future, and that reality was like the sensation he got flying in the glades.

  “Maxim?”

  “You’re welcome, Pippa.” He framed her face with his hands and kissed her. It was soft and tender, and though he dearly wanted to deepen the kiss, he didn’t. Not yet.

  “What are you doing today?” she asked.

  “I’m meeting with Simon and hopefully Morrow. I have to see the librarian this morning too,” he said.

  “May I… Can I come with you?”

  He smiled. “I’d love that, but I thought you might be in the kitchen.”

  “Not today,” she answered. “They’ve asked me to join the crew, but I don’t know. I mean⁠—”

  “That is good,” he exclaimed. “You’d get to do what you love, and that’s always a bonus.”

  Pippa bit her lip. “It is, but… What are you going to do?” She blinked. “I mean, I don’t want to put any pressure on you, but I…” She blushed beet red and dropped her head.

  Maxim slid a finger under her chin. “I’m touched that you want to know my plans before you make your own, but the most important thing is for you to decide what you want. If that means this, then that’s good.”

  “It won’t make any difference to you?” she whispered.

  He frowned. “I don’t know. I mean, what’s between us is untested, Pippa. I don’t know where it’s going to go, and neither do you.” Saying the words hurt, but she’s not yet ready to make lifelong promises. “We’ve not made any promises to each other. If this is important to you, then take the opportunity.”

  “I… I’ll think about it.” She rose, and he watched her leave, wishing he could call her back and keep her in his arms.

  Climbing from the bed, he wandered to the bathroom, stared at himself in the mirror. He’d aged in the last few years, hiding away. The first smattering of grey appearing at his temples.

  What do you have that would make her change what she wants? She needs time to find herself and discover what is most important to her.

  He needed to focus on the day ahead. Meeting with the librarian would give him the information he needed the most. Then Morrow might come through with more information. Standing there looking at himself wasn’t going to fix that, so he hurried to dress. When he entered the lounge, Pippa waited with coffee a cinnamon doughnut for each of them.

  “I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer, but I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like these.”

  He took the plate and smiled as she glowed dimly. “Thank you, malysh. That’s so thoughtful.”

  “What does that mean?” Pippa asked.

  “What?”

  “That word maerleeash.” She moved her hand, indicating she wanted to know more.

  He blinked and considered the word she’d just attempted to say—albeit badly. “Ah. Malysh. It means baby.”

  “But I’m not a child,” she said, and he smiled.

  “It’s an…endearment, I think is the word.”

  “Oh.” She blushed. “That’s…nice. I like it.”

  Pippa watched Maxim, noting the way he moved with grace. Was it because of the wings that she noticed this now? Or something else?

  She wondered if it hurt or tickled when his wings emerged. Where did they come from? Why were they such an icy pale blue? But she contained her questions.

  “We should eat, then I’ll try to contact Morrow. See what he’s learned. I need to go up to the library by ten this morning. Would you wish to come with me?”

  Wouldn’t miss it. “Yes, I’d like to see what you learn. That way when you meet with Morrow⁠—”

  “We,” Maxim corrected her. “This is about you, malysh. Whatever the story is, I promise I will keep no more secrets.” Maxim stared at her, and she could tell from the intensity that he meant it. It made her feel soft and warm all at the same time.

  “Thank you, Maxim.” It was as if she’d been doing it forever, as she raised her hand and cupped his cheek. “That means a lot to me.”

  His hand covered hers, and she felt the gentle brush of his thumb over the back of her hand. “I… I don’t have the words,” he muttered. “For you, I will take chances.” He spoke low and with intent.

  It quickened her heartrate.

  She wanted more in that moment, but Pippa was also aware that time was racing by, and if they didn’t leave now, they might not leave for some time. Clearing her throat, she muttered, “We should go eat.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “You’re hungry?” This time there was a glint of laughter in his eyes.

  “No… Umm, yes. I need more than coffee,” she said, then she tugged away as he snickered. Oh! Great work, Pippa. “I meant food, Maxim. Hungry for food.” She blushed, the heat filling her cheeks. Around him that seemed an almost regular thing, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about that. One thing she did know was the man before her was one she wanted to know better.

  They hurried out the door and to the dining room with speed, Maxim finding a table. “Coffee, yes? You stay here, and I’ll get it.” He was gone in a flash, and she settled in as her brother sauntered up.

  “You seem rather comfortable together,” Peter said with a hint of laughter.

  “Peter, I…”

  He laughed and sank into the seat opposite. “I’m joking. But seriously, Maxim strikes me as someone looking for forever. Are you ready for that?”

  His words hit hard. Am I? I’ve just escaped Roger, or almost. “I don’t know, Peter. I mean, you’re right. He’s intense, but there’s something about him that I… I want to be with him. Near him. He makes me feel like I’m important.” She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “Then think before you get too involved. Ask yourself what you want,” her brother cautioned.

  Maxim returned to the table and handed her one of the mugs. “I’m going to get some food.”

  “I’ll be over in a moment, Maxim. Peter and I… He’s telling me about his work.” She hated lying to him, but neither did she want Peter’s warning to hurt him. That would be unacceptable to her.

  Maxim glanced at them, one after the other, and she had the uncanny feeling he knew. He nodded with a stiff motion and left.

  “Peter, I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “You’re going to have to think about it though. Anyway, I’ve been up for ages and we’re about to head to the grotto garden, so I’ll catch you later, okay?” He made to rise, and she stilled him.

  “I may need to talk to you later today. There’s… Maxim has learned some things that could be important.” She didn’t want to raise his hopes, but maybe things were finally going to happen.

  “Okay. So, if you need me, I’ll be in my room after dinner,” he said, shrugging. “Or hanging out with the crew afterward.” He smiled. “They’re great, and it’s nice to be included.” Peter loped off, and she watched, frustrated that he didn’t seem to need her, but also pleased he was looking to find his niche.

  Maxim returned with a bowl of oats and some fruit and settled at the table, in the seat Peter had just vacated. “I didn’t want to intrude, but I did hear what you said to Peter.”

  “Oh.” She really did regret lying to Maxim. “I should have told you, but I didn’t want you to think I was talking behind your back.”

  He glanced at her. “I understand that, but we both need to practice being honest. Now, you should get some food before the choices are gone.”

  She rose and collected some pastries before returning. They ate in silence, and she felt that it was the least comfortable meal she’d ever passed.

  “Maxim, I⁠—”

  He shook his head. “I do not wish to talk about it. If you’re done, we should head to the library.”

  Her heart sank as she took in his closed expression. She’d made a song and dance about being open and truthful, and here she was, the one who’d broken the pact. She slid her dirty plate and cup into the tubs and her utensils in a third then followed Maxim as he headed out the door.

  Maxim opened the door to the library. He still felt stung by what Pippa had said and Peter’s attitude. It didn’t matter that it was pretty much what he’d said and determined to do, hearing them talk like that had hurt. His refusal to discuss it with Pippa stemmed from wanting to move past it though, rather than any desire to hurt her.

  So, when they arrived at the repository of information, he’d taken her hand, and noted the tremor. He cursed himself inwardly, because he was acting stiff and cold, and it wasn’t his intention. “Come, malysh. Hopefully the librarian will have learned something to assist us.”

  The librarian smiled as she saw him enter. “Finally! So, I’ve looked and found some sources that might assist. An orisha is a magical being, but you already knew that, right? They’re spirit deities, and few in number. It seems, while the stories say there is anything from four hundred to about fourteen hundred, the number is accurately considered in the four hundred region.”

  “Can you… Do you know where they come from?” asked Pippa.

  “Oh yes, they are from the Yoruba region, in west Africa, but are widely celebrated in countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. However, they are also worshiped in Portuguese enclaves. Each of the deities has an affinity to a skill or to families and communities.” The librarian flicked through sheaves of papers.

  “But why haven’t we heard of them before? If they’re gods, I mean…” Pippa frowned.

  Maxim also waited for the answer.

  “Don’t equate the fact that you don’t know them to, say, the Celtic pantheon or the Greek or any other better-known religious being.”

  “Pantheon?” queried Maxim.

  “The gods and goddesses of a specific religion,” answered the librarian.

  “Ah,” he murmured.

  “One thing I learned, is within the orisha, only one can exist of any attribute and are replaced within the family. So, if say, one who is a caregiver passes, then another from the family will rise and take the place of the caregiver. It’s not a gift anyone can receive. And there is one other thing that is vitally important.”

  “What?” Maxim asked.

  “It seems there is a correlation between the orisha and the god Perun. He’s a Slavic God?”

  “Yes,” replied Maxim. “The high god ruling over the Slavic houses.”

  “He had nine children. All disappeared, and only Yarilo’s fate is known with certainty, however, I found an obscure text which talked of his association with a woman of the fae variety. That they had a child, hidden from the world because his fate was to be a protector of the innocent. The woman wasn’t Slavic, but from a distant Portuguese family who’d settled centuries earlier as a slave of a noblewoman. She earned her release and lived among those of the trees.”

  “How does that have any impact on the orisha?” Pippa said, leaning over the papers.

  “I found a paragraph here….” The librarian flicked through pages until she reached one she’d highlighted. “It says, ‘the child of the child of the child shall return to its family. Forgotten in time, to protect those who will face the ultimate danger. A beast who appears human but eats the forbidden flesh.’ See?”

  Maxim considered the words. “You are sure?”

  “My translations rarely fail, my dear. You could call it a gift.” The librarian laughed. “Now, take these papers, go through them, and see what I’m saying for yourself. Meanwhile, the library closes in ten minutes.”

  Maxim gathered up the sheaf and took Pippa’s hand. “We should go over these. See what else we don’t know,” he muttered.

  “And ring Morrow,” added Pippa.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Pippa considered the words of the librarian as they made their way across the foyer. They’d almost reached the secured section when a woman came running in and grabbed both of them by the arm. Her red hair stood out as if she’d been zapped by some electric gadget. Tingles filled the air, hard and sharp, biting at nerve endings, and Pippa’s brain felt like it was going to short-circuit.

  “You have to come quickly. There’s been an accident.” The woman’s eyes were wild, and the thrum started in Pippa’s veins.

  Peter.

  She sucked in an unsteady breath, but Maxim was there, taking her hand. “What happened?” he demanded, dragging Pippa to his side, instinctively acting like it was his life’s work to protect her.

  “An accident. Outside. Come, you’re needed quickly.” The woman grabbed at Pippa’s hand, drawing her to the door.

  Maxim shook his head. “No. Tell us what happened.”

  “There’s no time.”

  Pippa shook Maxim. “If Peter’s injured, I need to be there.” Terror clawed at her.

  “Wait. How do we know…?”

  “Maxim, my brother’s hurt. I have to go to him,” Pippa said.

  “We have to go,” the woman repeated, her face turning red, and her breath coming in short pants. “Now.”

  The urgency propelled Pippa forward again, but Maxim stopped her. “No. I’ll go. You need to remain here. Safe.” The beat of her heart told her she had to go with the woman. Go now, it demanded, but Maxim was strong. Immovable in the moment, his eyes steely in the morning light.

  “I…”

  “Pippa, I’ll go with Peter. You stay here. Take my phone and the file, and if Morrow calls, answer. Tell him what you know.” He shoved the phone along with the folder into her hands. “I’ll be back soon, with Peter.” He pushed the woman forward with a “show me where he is,” and was gone, out the door.

  Once they were gone, the tingle ceased. The terror drained away.

  The file and phone fell to the floor. “Oh no!” she breathed and ran.

  One of the guards raced in and cannoned into her. “Don’t go out, the ward’s been breached,” he bellowed. Someone must have heard because suddenly a klaxon wailed, shutters stuttered down, covering windows and doors, and Pippa stayed still, lost in the rictus of horror. Maxim had gone in her place. They’d come for her and he’d calmly stepped in.

  He was gone.

  Horror filled her. “What have I done?”

  The woman was odd. In fact, the whole situation smelt like an Oblastan sewer. She was unable to say anything more than “hurry” and “there’s been an accident,” until the moment they were on the driveway. A fog closed in around them, cocooning him, but not anything natural; the air was too close, the depth of the cloud too quick to be anything that came with the weather.

  The woman Maxim had followed punted him into the car and jumped into the driver’s seat, garbling about ‘drive fast, be swift’ as the vehicle screeched off down the gravel, until they’d passed the wards, then she’d wilted like a seedling in the desert.

  “I’m… Oh no!” she cried. “We need to get out of here.” But the car ceased running, sputtering to a stop. Her face paled and the wildness in her gaze was replaced with abject horror.

  Pressure grew inside his chest, a bubble ready to envelop him. “Quick, come with me,” he said, as he flung open the door. But she didn’t move, in the grip of some kind of bubble.

  He made a split-second decision then ran, heading away from the gate, theorising that this was not where he needed to be.

  Noises—the thudding of feet—followed him, reinforcing his belief that he’d made the right decision, and a growl filled the air, followed by a shrill scream then silence.

  He crossed the lane, heading for the forest, needing to lose himself in the green, so he could make use of his long-dormant skills.

  The cover wasn’t much yet, a scuddy tree here and a brush there, but he used it, moving swiftly, feeling the labouring of his lungs as his legs pumped. There! Ahead lay a log, and he discerned a hollow within it. He’d barely scrambled in, dragging some twigs and leaves over him, when they came.

  He saw the red of their eyes glowing, and the wild hair. Everything about them screamed unearthly, and it took everything to hold onto the shivers of terror, in case it gave away his hiding place.

  He watched and waited as nostrils flared on both the creatures stalking him. “He came this way, but now I only smell the dirt and trees.”

  “Check carefully. Roger needs the girl, and likely he’s the key to getting her,” said the other. Their voices were not quite human, but strangely gravelly, as if they weren’t regularly used.

  “Damn, I thought dinner was served,” the first creature said.

  “The woman will settle our hunger tonight, but we hunt now,” the second responded.

  Time passed, and Maxim felt the heat of the day as the sun rose higher in the sky, but he remained still, unsure how long they would stay, just hoping his use of camouflage would keep him hidden. As the day whiled away, he kept a watchful eye and waited for an opportunity to return to the house.