“I don’t know where he is,” Pippa said to Morrow as she gripped the phone. “All I do know is the woman came inside.” Simon and Niamh crowded around her.

  “But what happened?” Niamh said. “I mean, the wards⁠—”

  “—were tripped. The woman, Leisa, is a house member of casual standing. She’d come and go,” Ben answered. “Security said the vehicle entered the grounds moments before the alarm was raised, and she had one of the house charms, which is why she could enter.”

  “Sir!” a voice called as another staff member, dressed in a security uniform, rushed into the room. “CCTV shows Leisa’s vehicle is stopped outside the grounds. Her car door is open. We’ve sent guards to retrieve it, but there’s blood everywhere.”

  Simon growled in his throat. “I sent them here to protect them. Where’s your Yeux Secondes?”

  “Out of town, attending to personal matters. That’s why I was seconded to arrange the accommodation and needs of your guests,” Ben answered, his voice stiff and his eyes bracketed by lines that hadn’t previously been there. “I’ll be making a full report to Celina and Javed tonight, but until then, I will follow the protocols the house has developed. The house will remain in lockdown.”

  Simon scoffed while Pippa watched. “That’s not much help to Maxim though, is it?”

  Ben squirmed. “Our people will do everything⁠—”

  Pippa stood. “Someone is looking for him, aren’t they? Maybe I should join them.”

  Ben and Simon both shook their heads. “I don’t think so,” Ben began.

  “Your danger is extreme. It’s best you remain safe within the house,” Simon said.

  The sound of footsteps moving rapidly across the floor had Pippa turning. Her brother entered the room. “Pip?”

  “I’m okay, Peter. But Maxim… They’ve… He’s missing,” she cried. Making the confession was hard to bear, as if something inside her had cracked wide open, leaving her bleeding.

  “Jeez,” her brother muttered, pulling her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Pip.”

  She clung to him, needing the support he offered. “I’m… What if they’ve got him? What if Roger…?” She couldn’t finish the thought, her stomach roiling, and she tugged away, one hand flying to cover her mouth while the other covered the belly churning in reaction.

  “They’ll find him, Pip.” Niamh grasped her hand, but it didn’t make her feel any better. Where is he?

  Ben’s phone squawked. “Let me answer this,” he said and stepped away from the group.

  The group waited quietly while Pippa’s nerves jumped and bounced.

  “They found…the remains of a body. We think it’s Leisa, but she’s been…chewed.” Ben paled. “Cannibals?”

  Pippa squeaked and turned her face into Peter’s chest.

  “He could be a cannibal, but we think, more accurately, a wendigo,” Simon countered.

  “A what?” Ben asked.

  “Wendigo. An ancient and powerful American creature. A monster of the plains and great lakes region. We think there’s a cabal of them, working together,” Simon said slowly. “He, or they, are chasing Pippa and Peter. We’re unsure why.”

  Pippa cleared her throat and pushed away from Peter. “I think it’s because we are orisha.”

  All their gazes turned to her. “What?” Ben asked.

  “The folder,” she said. “We met with the librarian after Morrow made a connection. Said there was a family, our family, of Portuguese history. Peter, they said you were born as Pedro.”

  Her brother turned rigid. “Pedro? Mother would call me that from time to time, usually when she was furious with me. I always thought she was being snarky.”

  “Morrow said we have a family. He was going to ring…” Pippa added with a helpless shrug.

  Simon nodded. “I’ll contact him in a moment. But what is an orisha?”

  Pippa sighed. “A deity of some kind of African descent. Apparently, there aren’t a lot of us, and our powers are passed on from those who came before. There are a finite number, and the power only passes when the one who came before dies.”

  Niamh glanced at her. “That’s all you know?”

  Pippa shifted on her feet. “I had a dream and told Maxim. They said he also had a part to play. Some kind of warrior.”

  “Who?” asked Simon.

  “An ancestor called Azura told me in the dream. She said to trust the man with me. Trust Maxim.” Pain radiated through her chest at the thought that perhaps she had an opportunity to consider what may be with him, that he could be gone. Snuffed out by Roger and his kind.

  “We should make enquiries before we draw any conclusions,” suggested Simon. “Ben, can you find somewhere quiet while I make contact with Morrow?”

  The man nodded. “Come this way.” He led them into the office section to one side of the building.

  Simon joined them a long while after they’d settled into the small seating area, Pippa gripping onto Peter’s hand.

  “Morrow is on his way. He said he has more information, but he’s also calling in reinforcements from Pippa and Peter’s family. He found them and they are coming too. They should be here late this evening. Until then, we need to wait. He also said he looked into Maxim’s history, and that he’s likely able to hold his own, so long as he’s escaped them.”

  Simon’s words didn’t stop the fear that gnawed at Pippa, but she understood the need to be quiet. To wait. It’s how she’d survived all these years. She just hoped assistance wouldn’t come too late.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Night fell, and Maxim was cautiously hopeful that the long hours and muscular stiffness he now experienced meant he was safe. For the moment anyway. He widened his senses, shaking his head a little at the long, unfamiliar skill he’d learned as a child. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the scent of the night.

  They’d been here; the stink of decay they’d worn about them had dissipated, but a thin thread, like the odourous reminder of off meat, wound through the night. He slid from beneath the tree and stretched in silence, listening for the crickets and other small critters that should be chirruping in the night air, and that was muted, as if they too were terrified of what moved in the darkness.

  Little light penetrated the forest, but he moved, vaguely remembering his footsteps, and making his way out of the underbrush, though he stopped every few minutes, when he found sufficient cover, readjusting his direction, and listening, nostrils flaring. Returning to the house would take much longer, and he was sure would be fraught with danger.

  Peter stayed by Pippa’s side. “You should eat something,” he muttered, but Pippa shook her head, feeling only nausea at the thought that Maxim may have been prey to the creatures Simon had described.

  Simon and Niamh remained, huddled with the couple who’d arrived. David and Genny, as they’d introduced themselves, appeared at ease with members of the nest, and they had greeted the master and his life partner, Javed and Celina, like lifelong friends. Now they sat at a table, murmuring in low tones, while Pippa remained frozen in her seat.

  A commotion took place at the door, and a tall man with black hair entered the room. “Morrow,” Simon said and extended a hand.

  “Which one is Philipa?” The man scanned the room and stalked toward her. “You’re Pedro,” he stated, pointing a bony finger at Peter. “You look like Beatriz, your grandmother. Actually, both of you do.” He whirled back to Simon. “Maxim?”

  “Nothing so far. It’s been hours,” Niamh muttered.

  Morrow grunted. “If he can find a way into the forest, he’d have hidden. He’s canny enough.”

  Others had said similar things to Pippa during the day, and all she could do was hope that was indeed the case, but the butterflies in her stomach didn’t cease their dancing.

  The road was a long, dark ribbon. Maxim noted a stain on the ground, and the scent was ripe. Coppery. Blood.

  Maxim swallowed hard. The tang was unmistakable, and the sheer volume that had to be spilt to still be redolent in the air told him all he needed to know.

  The woman had met a most unfortunate end.

  But right now, in the middle of the road, he didn’t have time to mourn the unnamed person. He hurried across the road, knowing that remaining in the open was an invitation to certain destruction. He raced to the gates, and the men there saw him, checked their lists, and with weapons pointed to the tree line, they ushered him within.

  “You’re alive. The master and his life partner will be pleased,” the female guard muttered. “But we need to get you back within the wards. Take this.” She handed him a small amulet. “It would be faster if you ran. Go!”

  He didn’t look back as an almighty roar split the night, letting his legs eat up the distance until he’d entered the cloud, which was the corporeal entity of the ward.

  Once through, he kept up the run, heading up the steps and into the house.

  Within, another guard greeted him and pointed in the direction of an office. Maxim didn’t say a word, just followed the instructions until he heard voices and stepped into the room.

  “Come on, Pip. At least have a sip of the drink I brought you.” Peter pushed the glass into her hands, and she took it and sipped. There was a slightly salty and sour tang.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s an energy drink. It will keep you going until he gets back.” Peter’s words bolstered her, and she took another sip.

  A noise echoed another arrival, and she looked up as Maxim stumbled through the door, looking rumpled and grubby. Pippa couldn’t contain herself; she shoved the drink back into Peter’s hand, rose, and ran to Maxim.

  He caught her close, and she inhaled the scent of him. His mouth swooped and found hers, and it was like being home. When she pulled away, tears streamed, obscuring her vision. She rubbed a hand over his cheek. “I thought they’d got you,” Pippa sobbed. “I was so afraid.”

  He held her close, and she felt the beat of this heart thumping. “I almost didn’t get away. I found a log and hid.”

  Pippa was sure there was more, but right now, he was here. That’s all that mattered. Well, almost. She glanced around the room to see that every eye was on them, and she dashed at her wet cheeks.

  “Thanks for coming, Morrow. Simon. Niamh. Javed and Celina, I apologise for the disruption⁠—”

  The master waved his hand. “Dangerous times we live in. But perhaps we need a break. You should get something to eat before we discuss what happens next.”

  Maxim grunted. “Actually, I’d appreciate a shower and a change. A break too. But yes, food would be welcome.”

  Javed cocked his head to the side. “Perhaps we could convene at, say, three o’clock? Before sunrise, so Celina and I may assist. Morrow, does that give enough time for your guests to arrive?”

  Morrow nodded. “Yeah, I can get them here by then. Maybe we should all take a break?”

  Pippa glanced at Peter who nodded. “Sounds like the best option. Go,” her brother said and shooed the two of them away.

  She gripped onto Maxim’s hand, like he’d disappear if she wasn’t careful, and they headed for the secured section, not speaking, but simply soaking up the reality that they were both alive and here.

  He led her into their suite. “Pippa, I… I’m sorry you were scared.”

  The bubble of anxiety rose and became something else. “I can’t believe you went out there! I know I wasn’t in my right mind, but you? You just wandered out and… How could you take such a chance?”

  “Because there was no way I was going to let you put yourself in danger, Pippa. You mean… You mean too much to me.”

  Maxim’s quiet words took the oomph out of her fury. Left her deflated. “But you could have died.”

  “Rather me than you, Pippa. Malysh, I wouldn’t endanger you for anything. I know loss, I’ve felt it…” He shrugged.

  “But she was human!” Pippa squeaked.

  He shook his head. “Not human. A nymph. I never told Niamh and Simon everything. They thought she was human, and I let them think that. They believed I was banished because I’d been interested in the wrong woman, and I never corrected their thoughts. I felt broken and dirty, but the truth is that nymphs and fairies are opposites in every possible way. Mischa was pregnant, and there was never a chance from the beginning. We thought we could overcome it, hide the truth and hide from reality. We were arrogant and wrong.”

  Pippa held her breath and waited for what he said next.

  “I have so many regrets. I loved Mischa, but it was a far cry from this. What I feel for you? The chances I’m willing to take to ensure you survive. For me, that’s all that matters.” He gathered her close. “I… I love you, malysh. I would do anything, be anything for you. But mostly, I will protect you to all ends.”

  “Oh, Maxim.” She moved in to him, let his arms surround her. Do I…? “I have no experience of love or life. But the thought of losing you—it almost broke me.” And her voice did break, the words vying with tears as they slid out. “My guts ached, and my head throbbed. My heart, I was sure, would break if the news was bad, because you’ve become so important to me, so very quickly. I don’t know if that’s love yet, and I won’t lie to you and say it is until I know. But I want to be with you.”

  Pippa sucked in a deeply distressed breath. “I want to be with you, in every way. My body needs you, and I…?” How did she explain that she yearned for a future with this man, no matter what it entailed, when she barely knew herself?

  “Then we can take our time. Learn what you need to know.” His lips brushed against her forehead.

  “No, I don’t want to wait. Because one thing my life has proved time and again is that waiting brings regrets.”

  “You’re not yet ready,” Maxim answered.

  “Not to make a commitment or declaration. But I want… I need to be with you, Maxim. Please.”

  He stilled, then sighed, and the sound hurt, reverberating through her fibre.

  “Please, Maxim.”

  “Not now, I cannot and will not use you,” Maxim said.

  “Tonight. Tomorrow. Soon, Maxim.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Maxim showered and dressed, then he and Pippa sat down to eat a meal which was delivered to the suite. The hot drink was welcome after the long hours, and the meal was substantial, consisting of meat and vegetables and followed by a soft dessert, but the whole time he was considering Pippa’s plea.

  He knew what she wanted, and hell, his body was more than willing, but it felt as if giving in would be taking advantage. He too understood the vagaries of time, and his honest explanation of the situation with him and Mischa left him unsettled.

  They curled up on the lounge and settled in to watch a light comedy. “Let’s watch something that makes us laugh and feel good. We’ve a few hours. Or we could have a nap,” suggested Pippa.

  He may well feel weary, but sleep wasn’t something he was overly enthused about. Those creatures? They’d been the stuff of nightmares, and he’d rather be in a position where he could feel safe when he finally prepared for rest. Instead, he focused on feeling the sense of well-being, but deep inside something was growing. The threat to Pippa was unacceptable, and while he might be a fairy, it didn’t mean he wasn’t capable of fighting. And he’d fight for Pippa. For her right to freedom and to make decisions for herself.

  “Maxim?” Her voice pulled him from his introspection.

  “Huh?”

  “Rest, Maxim. We’re safe and here together. Let’s just take advantage of the quiet and peace.” Pippa’s words flowed over him.

  “I’ll try, malysh.” He cleared his mind with an effort and settled in to watch the movie with her.

  They wandered up the stairs, Pippa gripping onto Maxim’s hand because she needed his support. Morrow had made it clear he’d arranged the arrival of his guests, who she was sure were members of the family she’d never met. Would they think her weak? Would she embarrass them? What would they think of her?

  Nerves jumped and jerked in her belly, and her hand slid over her stomach.

  “Nervous?” asked Maxim.

  She considered telling him ‘no, I’m fine,’ but they’d promised to always tell the truth. “Yes. They may not like me. I mean, they don’t⁠—”

  Maxim stopped her, his hands framing her face and bringing her close enough to kiss, the touch light. Just enough to settle her nerves. “They will love you. You’re clever, funny, and bright. Now, come, Pippa. Smile for me, malysh.”

  With his hand firmly clenched by hers, they made their way up the steps and into the foyer where the entire party waited, along with an older woman and man. Pippa stopped because those eyes, the line of the jaw… They all reminded her of…herself.

  “Philipa?” the woman called, and while Pippa had always known herself as Phillipa, she knew the woman meant her.

  “That’s me,” she replied, voice husky with discomfort, and she shifted from foot to foot.

  “You look like my mother, Azura. I’m your grandmother, and the other grandchildren call me avo. This is my husband Philip, your grandfather or vovo. But where is Pedro? Uh, Peter?”

  “He’s on his way, Beatriz,” Morrow answered. “He’s been called, but we woke him, so he’s taking a moment or two.”

  “Ah,” Beatriz answered. “And this?” She indicated to Maxim.

  “Maxim,” he said, still holding onto Pippa’s hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  Beatriz looked down at the grip Pippa had on Maxim’s hand and smiled. “You too shall call me avo, Maxim.”

  The man—vovo—nodded, his gaze stern, as if expecting some kind of outburst. He was spare, with dark, sun-bronzed skin, which betrayed a man who worked outside and in a physically demanding role. “It is a pleasure to finally know where you are, neta. I had wondered if you’d ever be returned to the family.” He didn’t crowd in, or hug, but Pippa could tell by the waver in his voice that he was physically and emotionally affected by the reunion.