“I promise. But hurry.”

  Yutani rushed out of the room and I rocked back and forth, trying to sooth myself. Maybe I wasn’t understanding him right—maybe I was misinterpreting what he had said. I continued to rock as the minutes passed, wanting to outrun my feelings.

  But before I made a break for it, the door opened and Yutani returned, followed by Sejun. Yutani hung back as Sejun sat down beside me.

  “So, Yutani tells me you’re having a panic attack?”

  I was fighting tears. “I don’t want anything to do with Kilnakarn but now you’re telling me that I stole some of his powers and they’re a part of me now?”

  Sejun licked his lips. “That’s not the best way of putting it. Listen to me, okay?”

  I wiped my eyes, sniffling as I raised my head. “Okay, I’m listening.” I trusted Sejun in a way I didn’t trust anybody else.

  “There are powers innate to the Water Fae. Some belong to the Kelpie, some to the Leannan Sidhe, still others to the undines and naiads and others of your kind, right?” He held out his hand and I took it. He began to tap on my wrist, a gentle, soft beat.

  I nodded. “Right, that’s true.”

  “They aren’t connected to one member of the race, correct? Like…most Leannan Sidhe can glamour and play the muse, true?”

  “True,” I said, calming down as the tapping continued. I yawned, and when I exhaled, I found the panic beginning to unwind. “That’s true.”

  “So there were several abilities that Kilnakarn had because he’s a Kelpie—that have nothing to do with him as an individual. A couple of those transferred to you when you drank his chi. They have no trace of his persona attached. They’re simply abilities.”

  I let out another breath. “And they don’t have any of his memories or—”

  “No memories, no taint. But you now have possession of those abilities and they’re gone from him forever.” Sejun cleared his throat. “The potion was more powerful than Cernunnos realized. Not even Nuometar knew this was going to happen. But you now have the powers of the Kelpie to stay beneath the water for up to an hour at a time.”

  I began to breathe easier again. “Okay…so longer time underwater. That’s not a bad thing.” Then I asked, “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “Well, yes, actually. The other power you drained from him is the ability to shapeshift. You can take the shape of a mermaid beneath the water. And Kilnakarn will never again shapeshift.”

  I stared at Sejun. “I can take the shape of a mermaid?” For some reason, that made me smile. The Mer people were dangerous but beautiful. They were connected with sirens, but—unlike the sirens, who were female—there were both male and female of the race. Sirens mated with human men. If the child was female, she lived and was fully siren like her mother. The boys were abandoned to the waves by their mothers and died quickly.

  Sejun seemed to sense my mood and he smiled. “Yes, but for one hour only—the same time that you can breathe below the waves. Then you have to shift back. It will take you a few hours before you’ll be able to shift form again.”

  I paused. That wasn’t so bad—breathing underwater and growing a gorgeous fish tail for an hour at a time. “Okay…well, if Kilnakarn isn’t connected to it, then I guess…I’m okay with this. I kind of like the idea. It’s like a new toy.”

  “Yes, it is, though I suggest you ask a selkie to help you out by spotting you in the water the first few times you try shapeshifting.” He patted my hand. “Better?”

  I nodded. “I actually feel incredibly strong.”

  “You drank a lot of chi yesterday. But we need to talk later, after you’ve eaten food. This is going to trigger right into the memories and we have a lot to unpack. I trust you can do this, Lyrical. You’re strong and determined.”

  I rested myself against the headboard again. “I guess I am. Thank you. I’m not sure when we’ll be leaving, but I’ll check in with you before then.”

  Sejun stood, then—after taking his leave—exited the room.

  Yutani crossed to the bed and sat down beside me. “How are you? Really?”

  “The truth? I don’t know. But not as bad as I was before I talked to him. Thank you for bringing him in.” I paused, then took Yutani’s hands, making a spontaneous decision. “Yutani, I don’t know what it is that we have together, but I want to explore it. I can’t promise monogamy—it’s not my nature, but I promise to be honest with you, and to have your back.”

  Yutani ducked his head. “I can’t promise monogamy either, but I also want to explore what’s growing between us. There’s a chemistry that we can’t ignore.” He paused, then added, “What’s your ideal living arrangement?”

  “I do enjoy having you as a roommate. If Ember’s willing, let’s take her house? There’s more room there than in your house.”

  “I’m good with that,” he said. Then, he crawled into bed with me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “We’re a pair, aren’t we? Both broken, but both strong.”

  “Sometimes, scar tissue is stronger than unmarred skin. And now, I’m free from Kilnakarn. But we have to keep what happened to him quiet. None of us can ever breathe a word, because if his people found out, there would be war.” I didn’t say that I would have welcomed a chance to wipe out his entire kingdom. The Kelpies were rotten, most all of them, and he had poisoned his people with his twisted ways.

  “That’s not difficult,” Yutani said. “So, are you hungry?”

  I turned to him. My stomach was rumbling a little, but so was every other part of my body. “Yeah, I am, but food can wait.”

  And there, beneath the canopy of Cernunnos’s palace, I fucked my coyote until we both were dripping with sweat.

  Herne excused everyone from work till the following Monday, and by the time we gathered again around the break room table, I’d had three intensive sessions with Sejun and was beginning to understand my triggers. He was helping me to unwind some of the emotional components.

  “So, what do we do this week, boss?” Yutani asked.

  Herne grinned. “Well, glad you asked. Now that we’ve settled the matter with Kilnakarn, it’s time to face the vampires moving back and all the crap that’s bringing with it, including the Dragon Reborn group. And, of course, we have to confront Névé and her weather magic.” He paused, glancing up from his tablet at all of us. “I guess it’s back to business as usual.”

  As we began to talk strategy, I found my thoughts drifting back to Annwn and Kilnakarn. He was no longer a threat in my world, and for the first time since he had captured me, I felt like I could walk down the street without glancing over my shoulder. Whatever might come my way next, the fact was that I was free from a part of my past that never should have happened. And that freedom was worth fighting for, regardless of what it required.

  I looked around the table at everyone, grateful for new friends, and most of all—for the passion that Yutani had sparked in me. Whatever came between us, I had never touched a passion as fierce as the one I had with him. It brought light into the darkness of my world. I reached under the table and took his hand. Yes, the future was unknown, the past gone…but for now, the present was right where I wanted to be.

  Night Queen Series: If you enjoyed Shattered Spells, then you can preorder Fractured Flowers now. If you haven’t read the first book, then begin with Tattered Thorns. And if you want to read the original Wild Hunt Series, where the Wild Hunt began, start with The Silver Stag.

  Moonshadow Bay Series: If you like ooo-spooky fiction with an older female lead, check out Starlight Web. January Jaxson returns to the quirky town of Moonshadow Bay after her husband dumps her and steals their business, and within days she’s working for Conjure Ink, a paranormal investigations agency, and exploring the potential of her hot new neighbor. Eight books are currently available and you can preorder Cursed Web and Solstice Web now!

  For all of my work, both published and upcoming releases, see the Bibliography at the end of this book, or check out my Where Should I Start page at my website. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive news about all my new releases AND the first three Wild Hunt books for free. You’re welcome to join my YouTube Channel, and check out my Patreon, too.

  QUALITY CONTROL: This work has been professionally edited and proofread. If you encounter any typos or formatting issues ONLY, please contact me through my website so they may be corrected. Otherwise, know that this book is in my style and voice and editorial suggestions will not be entertained. Thank you.

  CAST OF CHARACTERS

  The Wild Hunt & Family:

  Lyrical Willow Muirín: Light Fae, and one of the Leannan Sidhe, Lyrical was a princess in Ireland until she was abducted by a Kelpie. Rescued by Morgana, shunned by her family, she now lives in Seattle and works with the Wild Hunt Agency.

  Talia: A harpy who long ago lost her powers, Talia is a top-notch researcher for the Wild Hunt Agency, and a longtime friend of Herne’s.

  Wager Chance: Half–Dark Fae, half-human PI, he previously owned his own firm and now works for the Wild Hunt. He has connections with the vampires.

  Wendy Fierce-Womyn: An Amazon who formerly worked at Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill, Wendy is now a member of the Wild Hunt Agency.

  Yutani: A coyote shifter whose father is the Great Coyote, Yutani was driven out of his village over two hundred years before. He walks in the shadow of the Trickster, and now runs the Wild Hunt Agency.

  Members Emeritus:

  Angel Jackson: Ember’s best friend, a human empath, Angel is a whiz in both the office and the kitchen, and loyal to the core. Angel is an integral part of Ember’s life.

  Charlie Darren: A vampire who was turned at nineteen. Math major, baker, and all-around gofer.

  Rafé Forrester: Brother to Ulstair, Raven’s late fiancé; Angel’s boyfriend. Was an actor/fast-food worker, then worked as a clerk for the Wild Hunt. Dark Fae. Deceased.

  Viktor: Viktor is half-ogre, half-human. Rejected by his father’s people (the ogres), he came to work for Herne some decades back and now works in Annwn as head of the guard for Herne.

  Friends, Family, & Enemies:

  Aoife: A priestess of Morgana who guards the Seattle portal to the goddess’s realm.

  Celia: Yutani’s aunt.

  Danielle: Herne’s daughter, born to an Amazon named Myrna.

  DJ Jackson: Angel’s little half-brother, DJ is half Wulfine—wolf shifter. He now lives with a foster family for his own protection and they all live in Annwn.

  Erica: A Dark Fae police officer, friend of Viktor’s.

  Elatha: Fomorian King; enemy of the Fae race.

  George Shipman: Puma shifter. Member of the White Peak Puma Pride.

  Ginty McClintlock: A dwarf. Owner of Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill.

  Gunnar: One of Kipa’s SuVahta Elitvartijat—elite guards.

  Jordan Roberts: Tiger shifter. Llewellyn’s husband. Owns A Taste of Latte coffee shop.

  Llewellyn Roberts: One of the magic-born, owns the Sun & Moon Apothecary.

  Louhia: Witch of Pohjola.

  Marilee: A priestess of Morgana, Ember’s mentor. Possibly human—unknown.

  Meadow O’Ceallaigh: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin sister of Trefoil.

  Moira Ness: Human. Was one of Raven’s regular clients for readings.

  Myrna: An Amazon who had a fling with Herne many years back, which resulted in their daughter Danielle.

  Neil Johansson: One of the magic-born. A priest of Thor.

  Sheila: Viktor’s wife. A kitchen witch and one of the magic-born, she now lives in Annwn.

  Trefoil O’Ceallaigh: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin brother of Meadow.

  Unkai: Leader of the Orhanakai clan in the forest of Y’Bain. Dark Fae—Autumn’s Bane.

  Raven & the Ante-Fae:

  The Ante-Fae are creatures predating the Fae. They are the wellspring from which all Fae descended, unique beings who rule their own realms. All Ante-Fae are dangerous, but some are more deadly than others.

  Apollo: The Golden Boy. Vixen’s boytoy. Weaver of Wings. Dancer.

  Arachana: The Spider Queen. She has almost transformed into one of the Luo’henkah.

  Blackthorn, the King of Thorns: Ruler of the blackthorn trees and all thorn-bearing plants. Cunning and wily, he feeds on pain and desire.

  Curikan, the Black Dog of Hanging Hills: Raven’s father, one of the infamous Black Dogs. The first time someone meets him, they find good fortune. If they should ever see him again, they meet tragedy.

  Elise, Gordon, and Templeton: Raven’s ferret-bound spirit friends she rescued years ago and now protects until she can find out the secret to breaking the curse on them.

  Phasmoria: Queen of the Bean Sidhe. Raven’s mother.

  Raj: Gargoyle companion of Raven. Wing-clipped, he’s been with Raven for a number of years.

  Raven, the Daughter of Bones: (also: Raven BoneTalker) A bone witch, Raven is young, as far as the Ante-Fae go, and she works with the dead. She’s also a fortune-teller, and a necromancer.

  Straff: Blackthorn’s son, who suffers from a wasting disease requiring him to feed off others’ life energies and blood.

  Trinity: The Keeper of Keys. The Lord of Persuasion. One of the Ante-Fae, and part incubus. Mysterious and unknown agent of chaos. His mother was Deeantha, the Rainbow Runner, and his soul father was Maximus, a minor lord of the incubi.

  Vixen: The Mistress/Master of Mayhem. Gender-fluid Ante-Fae who owns the Burlesque A Go-Go nightclub.

  The Vulture Sisters: Triplet sisters, predatory.

  The Gods, the Luo’henkah, the Elemental Spirits, & Their Courts:

  Arawn: Lord of the Dead. Lord of the Underworld.

  Arianrhod: The Goddess of the Silver Wheel; Lady of Reincarnation and the Stars

  Brighid: Goddess of Healing, Inspiration, and Smithery. The Lady of the Fiery Arrows, “Exalted One.”

  The Cailleach: One of the Luo’henkah, the heart and spirit of winter.

  Cerridwen: Goddess of the Cauldron of Rebirth. Dark harvest mother goddess.

  Cernunnos: Lord of the Hunt, god of the Forest and King Stag of the Woods. Together with Morgana, Cernunnos originated the Wild Hunt Agency and negotiated the covenant treaty with both the Light and the Dark Fae. Herne’s father.

  Corra: Ancient Scottish serpent goddess. Oracle to the gods.

  Coyote, also: Great Coyote: Native American trickster spirit/god.

  Danu: Mother of the Pantheon. Leader of the Tuatha de Dannan.

  Ember (Kearney): Caught between the world of Light and Dark Fae, Ember is now a goddess of the Fae and the Sea.

  Ferosyn: Chief healer in Cernunnos’s Court.

  Herne the Hunter: Herne is the son of the Lord of the Hunt, Cernunnos, and Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea. A demigod—given his mother’s mortal beginnings—he’s a lusty, protective god and one hell of a good boss. Owner of the Wild Hunt Agency.

  Isella: One of the Luo’henkah. The Daughter of Ice (daughter of the Cailleach).

  Kuippana (also: Kipa): Lord of the Wolves. Elemental forest spirit; Herne’s distant cousin. A trickster. Leader of the SuVahta, a group of divine elemental wolf shifters.

  Lugh the Long Handed: Celtic Lord of the Sun.

  Mielikki: Lady of Tapiola. Finnish goddess of the Hunt and the Fae. Mother of the Bear, Mother of Bees, Queen of the Forest.

  Morgana: Goddess of the Fae and the Sea, she was originally human but Cernunnos lifted her to deityhood. She agreed to watch over the Fae who did not return across the Great Sea. Torn by her loyalty to her people and her loyalty to Cernunnos, she at times finds herself conflicted about the Wild Hunt. Herne’s mother.

  The Morrígan: Goddess of Death and Phantoms. Goddess of the battlefield.

  Pandora: Daughter of Zeus, Emissary of Typhon, the Father of Dragons.

  Sejun: A counselor in Cernunnos’s employ. Raven’s therapist. Elven.

  Tapio: Lord of Tapiola. Mielikki’s Consort. Lord of the Woodlands. Master of Game.

  The Fae Courts:

  Navane: The court of the Light Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Névé.

  TirNaNog: The court of the Dark Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Saílle.

  The Force Majeure:

  A group of legendary magicians, sorcerers, and witches. They are not human, but magic-born. There are twenty-one at any given time and the only way into the group is to be hand chosen, and the only exit from the group is death.

  Merlin, The: Morgana’s father. Magician of ancient Celtic fame.

  Taliesin: The first Celtic bard. Son of Cerridwen, originally a servant who underwent magical transformation and finally was reborn through Cerridwen as the first bard.

  Ranna: Powerful sorceress. Elatha’s mistress.

  Rasputin: The Russian sorcerer and mystic.

  Väinämöinen: The most famous Finnish bard.

  The Dragonni—the Dragon Shifters:

  The Celestial Wanders (Blue, Silver, and Gold Dragons)

  The Mountain Dreamers (Green and Black Dragons)

  The Luminous Warriors (White, Red, and Shadow Dragons)

  Ashera: A blue dragon.

  Aso: White dragon, bound to Pandora, twin of Variance

  Echidna: The Mother of Dragons (born of the Titans Gaia and Tartarus)

  Gyell: Shadow dragon, working with Aso and Variance to bring chaos to Seattle

  Typhon: The Father of Dragons (born of the Titans Gaia and Tartarus)

  Variance: White dragon, bound to Pandora, twin of Aso

  PLAYLIST

  I often write to music, and Shattered Spells was no exception. Here’s the playlist I used for this book.

  A.J. Roach: Devil May Dance

  Air: Napalm Love; Playground Love

  Alanis Morissette: You Oughta Know; Eight Easy Steps; Uninvited

  Alice in Chains: Man in the Box; Sunshine

  Android Lust: Here and Now; Saint Over