Chapter 30

 “Yes my daughter your mother, my Callendra was my true mate.  I knew without a doubt that when she conceived she would bare me a daughter.  A seventh child!” he smiled sadly and shook his head.

“You know what this means Kasarina.  You would be a most sought after piece of property.” When she grimaced at his words he continued, “that is how you would be seen child.  You would be used by those who wish to destroy me to gain my position and my wealth.  You would be but a pawn with no chance at a life of your own.”

He looked to Trace, “Son you have done well in protecting your sister, I am grateful for this as I’m sure your brothers are.  Kasarina is my heir and in time I will bring her to my realm and introduce her to what will be hers.”

He saw Braedon’s reaction and stayed his hand… or was that paw, because the claws on at least one hand were now showing?

“When I bring my daughter to my home Alpha, she will be accompanied by her mate,” he moved a hand indicating the men surrounding her, “and those who would protect her.  For now I wish only that she is happy and protected from those who would use her.”

“I… I don’t understand?” Kasey said looking from her father to Trace waiting for an explanation.

“Sire,” began Trace, “you told me what to expect of you if you produced a female.  You led me to believe you would take her as your mate… that she would not be a daughter, but a means of you keeping your fortune and your position. Was that all a lie?”

“Would you not call me father Trace, for that is what I am… your father.  I have lived a lonely existence since I discovered my Callendra was lost to me.”  He sighed knowing it was time for complete honesty.

He turned not to Kasey but to Braedon, “Alpha I give you my word that no harm will come to your mate while I am here.  It is time to lay my cards on the table… time for the truth to out.  I would rather not do this standing in the open like this.”

Braedon looked at the Fey anew, he saw Kasey in his face saw all her brothers there as well and knew that this man would never be able to deny his offspring.  He lifted Kasey’s face and saw confusion and a need to trust in her eyes.  He thought for a moment then turned back to the Fey.

He held out his hand to him, “My name is Braedon Romanoff, Alpha and mate to your daughter Kasey.  If it is in peace you visit then I welcome you to my territory.”

The Fey took his outstretched hand and they shook, “I thank you for your welcome Alpha.  My name is Aemundun Tarendarran Gerrunderry of Taelforn in the Fey Realm.  Those I call friend refer to me as Taren and those I wish to call family should refer to me as either Father or Taren.”

Braedon nodded, “Come Taren, we shall speak further in the house.”  He sent word to Gilbert to have refreshments for their guest and as they walked towards the house Braedon holding Kasey’s hand Taren slipped his into her free hand.  She was surprised that he’d done it, but accepted that he just wanted physical contact with his daughter.

Before they reached the door Braedon spoke mind to mind with his Enforcers asking them to wait outside, to keep watch for them all as he still wasn’t completely sure of their visitor.  There was no need for them to answer; they quickly dispersed positioning themselves where they would best be able to protect both their Alphas.

So it was that Braedon, Kasey, Nicolas and Jacob entered their home with Taren.  As they entered the living room his sons came through the door as well, first Caton then Kellen, Callum and Ewan.  Trace was last to enter turning and giving a slight nod to the men he knew were watching.

Braedon indicated that Taren should take a seat, but he waited for his sons to enter the room.  He took his time looking over each of them as if searching for something.  At last he breathed a sigh and sat down opposite Kasey and Braedon.

“What is it?” asked Kasey.

Taren looked at his daughter and forced a smile, “I have waited so long to have my family with me.  I knew there was a possibility of… but I had hoped I would be meeting with all my children.”

Braedon picked up on there being something more, “What aren’t you saying Taren?”

Taren looked at Braedon and nodded before he looked at his sons, “I have six sons all of whom I hoped would protect their sister from me.”

Kasey looked at him confused as did most of her brothers.  She opened her mouth as if to speak, but her father lifted his hand to stop her, “I made Trace believe I was not the kind of man you would want as a father.  In fact I made sure he would do anything he could to protect you from me.  I also hoped that in time Trace would gather your brothers to you so they too could keep you safe. 

I was a fool Kasarina, I found my true mate and left her to go back to my world and make ready for her, when I should have either stayed with her or brought her back with me.  Time is so different between realms and now I spend each day regretting her loss.  Regretting my choices and how they affected us all.”

Kasey got up and sat next to her father; she touched a hand to his holding it gently and smiled up at him.  She wasn’t sure if he knew what she was doing, but he waited calmly for her to do or say something.

She looked at Braedon and saw that he was none too happy about what she was doing; he didn’t quite trust Taren and didn’t want Kasey too close to him.  She smiled at him trying to ease his fears then looked down at his hand. 

“We have the same hands, it’s nice to know that I have some of your… umm traits,” she picked up his hand and threaded their fingers holding onto him. 

Taren smiled and gave her hand a slight squeeze.  He’d dreamt of spending time with his daughter, of being able to hold her, telling her he loved her and how he regretted the years that they had missed together.

Kasey pushed her mind out towards Taren and felt warmth within him, then she pushed a little harder to see what she could read from him.  She felt great sadness… pain even and touched on the emotions he held deep within his heart for his mate.  It was a beautiful thing, but she suddenly felt ashamed for invading his most private thoughts and emotions and pulled her hand away.

Taren felt her shiver slightly; he had been reading her as well, “Do not feel shame for wanting to see if I speak true.  I would expect you to do so; I could be what you have all feared me to be.” He sighed, “Perhaps you should have read your brothers when you first met them.”

“I’m sorry… I… I…” and she blushed profusely.

“Daughter, this is a gift we both share, I was reading you also and I have to say I am pleased with what I have discovered.”

Braedon got to his feet and reached for Kasey, he didn’t like what he’d heard, didn’t want this man family or not to be reading her mind.  He didn’t want anyone knowing her thoughts except for him.

He gathered Kasey to him and brought her back to where he was sitting placing her on his lap.  Taren laughed, “You are indeed her mate Alpha!  I am glad she has someone as strong as you, someone who has a means of keeping her close… keeping her safe.”

Braedon realised that he’d been baited, that Taren wanted to see how he’d react to what he’d done.  This should have angered him more, but for some reason he felt himself calm.  “You truly wish no harm to Kasey?”

Taren nodded a serious look on his face, “She is my heir.  I only wish that I’d come for her earlier… for them both, but then,” she looked at Braedon, “you would never have found her.”

Sadness and grief showed on his face, it should have made him look less regal… more human, but it only served to enhance his looks…his appeal.  “I will not interfere with your lives Alpha, but now that I have met her, I wish be a part of her life.”

He looked to his sons smiling at each of them, “I am blessed to have finally met with you all.  I am not the rouge I would have you believe, my actions… the information I fed Trace was not only to protect your sister, but to protect you all.”

They each looked at him curiously, but it was his third son Caton that spoke, “Father you speak in riddles.  We have waited for this day, most have harboured ill-will toward you from time to time, but you are our father… our Sire.  If even one of us is at risk, you should speak openly with us now.”

Callum also spoke up, “I agree with Caton, we need to know all if we are to be prepared.  We were led to believe that you were our foe… our enemy and we would have all fought to keep our sister from you.”

He looked to his brothers, his gaze stopping on Kellen, his name meant powerful and he was that, those who met him could feel his strength, his power and for the most part felt safe in his presence.  He was not one for idle chat, in fact he did not speak often at all, but he stood and approached his father.

“I have listened to what you have said and if you are not the evil that I feel approaching, then what is?” 

They looked eye to eye for a moment, a minute… maybe several minutes.  Neither broke eye contact as if reading every minute mannerism or movement from the other.  Kasey looked to Braedon not sure what was happening and he pulled her closer knowing he was not going to like what came next.

Kellen gasped!  He took a step back from his father and shook his head as if not wanting to see, not wanting to believe what he now knew to be true.  He looked at Kasey sitting safely in her mate’s arms, then turned back to Taren waiting for him to speak.

At that moment Shallana entered the room, Braedon growled low in his throat, a warning that she was not invited to this private meeting.  Taren stood and bowed to the Shaman, “My Lady it so good to see you once again.”

She smiled at Taren and bowed in return, before doing the same to both Alphas.  Taren indicated a seat next to him and she took it.

“It would seem,” Braedon growled, “that there is much more going on than we previously believed!”  He glared at Taren one minute then Shallana the next, “Tell me!” the command in his voice so strong that Kasey jumped in his lap.

He smoothed a hand over her hair but didn’t take his eyes from the two sitting opposite them.  The room was dead silent all now watching and waiting for Taren or Shallana to speak.  Shallana lowered her eyes, “My Lord shall I…”

“My Lord,” Kasey said, “someone better tell me what the hell is going on or I’m… I’m grrrrr!” she shook her head in anger and got to her feet figuring she really didn’t look like she was someone to be reckoned with sitting on Braedon’s lap.

Braedon stood beside her and the anger and frustration coming from him was something to behold.  Nicolas put a calming hand on his shoulder and Jacob did the same both men wanting their Alpha to calm himself.

“Explain yourself Shaman or you will be escorted into town so you can return to the city!”

Taren patted Shallana on the back of her hand, “It would appear the game is up my friend.”  He took a breath, “Please sit and I will explain my association with Shallana?”

Both Kasey and Braedon sat back down, this time next to each other.  “I first met Shallana when she was a child; she is a rare thing is she not?” 

It was a rhetorical question and he continued on without pause.  “The Shaman has Fey heritage.  She is connected by blood to our family line, so when I ventured here I would visit with her; keep her up to date with family matters.”

He saw the confusion on Kasey’s face, “Shallana is a distant cousin.  She is gifted, but not a seventh child; therefore her Sire chose a son as his heir.”

“What?  What do you mean chose… I mean, does that mean I don’t have to be your heir, you can choose someone else?”

He smiled at her, “No child, as a seventh daughter there is no question that you are my heir.  Your brothers cannot contest this.  The only way to make this otherwise is if you die or if you are married to someone who would manipulate you to his own needs… his own agenda.”

He looked to his niece, “Shallana has the gift of foresight, granted it is not a strong gift, not one she can control, but when it occurs she is always accurate.  The day we first met she told me I would sire seven children, that the seventh would be a female.”

He ran a hand through his hair then looked at Braedon, “She also told me that one of my children would betray me and in doing so cause great pain to many.”

Braedon waited knowing he was not going to like what was coming next.  Kasey was feeling a little leery too and moved closer to her mate.  She looked at her father then at Trace and the rest of her brothers.  Taren’s last words swirled in her mind and she tried to make sense of them.  She closed her eyes and opened her mind hoping to find a way to understand.

Everyone turned their eyes to her, Braedon moved back from her not wanting to disturb whatever she was doing and he realised that she was doing something.  He maintained his connection with her mind not daring to relinquish it.

A warm glow seemed to be emanating from her, engulfing her… surrounding her body.  They waited!

As she opened her eyes a few minutes later the glow faded away, she had a serene expression on her face but her eyes held pain and sorrow.  “Aldrid!”

She shook her head not wanting to believe that her own brother would betray them all in this way.  She knew others would take it as a betrayal to her alone, but if she were betrayed like this it would be a betrayal that affected a great many people.

She held her hands palms outward relating to everyone that she wished not to be touched.  Her breath came in small gasps as in her minds eye she saw the chaos that her brother would cause if not stopped.

Braedon watched her carefully aware of what she was seeing as his mind was still linked with hers.  The colour drained slowly from Kasey’s face and he noted that her eyes had clouded over and seemed to look an almost pearlescent white to the naked eye.

He prayed she was alright and struggled not to pull her into his arms.  Pulling on strength he didn’t know he had where she was concerned he ignored everyone else in the room keeping his entire focus on his mate.

Taren watched also, trying to link his mind with his daughter but unable to do so as it was closed to him and linked to another.  He turned to Braedon and saw the way he focused on Kasey, saw that he was truly her mate.

He turned to Jacob and spoke softly, “She will need nourishment and I would also ask that you procure a covering for her as she will be in need of warmth.”

Jacob nodded and got moving going straight to the kitchen asking Gilbert to quickly organise something for Kasey to eat and drink then he headed to her room grabbing the quilt off her bed knowing she would appreciate the comfort of it being her own.

He got back to the living room just as Kasey collapsed into Braedon’s arms and helped wrap her in the quilt before Braedon scooped her into his lap. 

Minutes later Gilbert stood close by a tray ready for Kasey.  Everyone waited for her to come around, Braedon stroked her hair and her face speaking soft words of encouragement hoping they would bring her back to the land of the living.

It took a minute or so for Kasey to come too, her eye lids flickered softly and she felt strong arms holding her and knew she was safe.  As she opened her eyes the first thing she saw was her mate and she smiled. 

“What happened?!” she spoke only to him, “I passed out again didn’t I?” she shook her head peeved that she wasn’t strong enough to remain conscious when she ‘saw forward’ as she was beginning to call what she could do.

Braedon grinned at her and kissed her lips, softly at first, but as they were want to do of late that soft touch of lips quickly grew into something more, something deep and it wasn’t until several of the men in the room cleared their throats that they broke apart and looked up at those so intently watching them.

Kasey had the good grace to blush, but Braedon looked back down at his mate and smiled at the warm glow in her cheeks.  Taren moved forward and knelt in front of them both, “Daughter, are you well?”

She reached out and touched his cheek, “Yes I’m well, or I will be if that’s chocolate cake Gilbert is holding.”

It was indeed chocolate cake and Gilbert brought it to her and placed a glass of milk on the coffee table for her to wash it down.  She thanked him for his kindness and tucked in to the cake knowing she needed to replenish the energy she’d just expended.

When the last of her milk was gone she wiped her mouth and put the glass on the table.  She looked up to see everyone watching her, “Umm, sorry but I had to eat or I probably would have passed out again.”

Braedon gave her arm a squeeze and Taren took her hold of both her hands waiting for her to speak.  She looked up at Braedon, “You saw didn’t you?”

He nodded rubbed the knuckles of one hand over her cheek, “Yes kitten I saw.”  They turned to Taren, “We must stop him before things get out of hand. I’m sure Shallana told you something of what will happen if your son is left unchecked?”

Taren sighed, “Yes we need to stop him, because he will return as he said.  He now blames you for taking away what he saw as his only means of getting what he wanted.  Power and the need for it can change and sometimes even destroy a good man.”

“Taren you are his Sire, are you able to sense him if he is close?  Kasey and Trace can sense each other and Trace said he’s able to sense his sibling.”

Taren looked thoughtful for a moment then addressed his eldest son, “Trace I dare say you would have wondered why I chose for my first born to be a Guardian.”

Trace nodded but didn’t speak hoping he’d finally get an explanation as to why he made that decision.  He didn’t have to wait long, “I had seven chances to obtain a female heir, it was foretold that this would happen, but that she would be in danger and need protecting.  For weeks before I decided on you there were signs,” he laughed at the looks on everyone’s faces. 

“The number seven kept coming up, not once or twice, but a great many times.  It’s not too often you get this kind of sign, or message as I came to believe it was.  I knew my seventh child would be female and that in itself spoke of problems.”

He lifted Kasey’s hand to his lips, “I knew you would be in danger little one.  Once it became known that you existed you would be a sort after commodity.  You would not be looked upon as a woman; you would have only been seen as a means to an end.”

Taren ran a hand through his hair and the strain could be seen on his face.  Kasey remained quiet letting Braedon take the lead.  “Go on Taren, the more we know the better we will be able to come up with a means of stopping Aldrid.”

“I led Trace to believe that I wasn’t very high on the social hierarchy in my realm, but in truth I am fairly well placed.  That means I am wealth, I have a title and influence all of which would transfer to my heir.

My family line is old Alpha and the mixing of blood over time meant there were few families I could utilise to take a mate.  In all honesty not one of these women pleased me in any way that would entice me to…” he sighed.

Trace approached his father then, “You chose to have your first born be a Guardian so he… I would protect her.  The others,” he looked at his brothers, “they would also help protect her.  You had no choice but to sire six sons or you would never have a daughter.  You did this knowing that one would be a danger to her.”

Trace waited for acknowledgement of what he’d said and when his father nodded he continued, “You knew Kasey was a girl, all this time you knew and you stayed away… to protect her.”

“Yes, more than anything I wished to bring her home with me, I wanted to bring both Kasey and her mother but that would have been just as dangerous.  I stayed away to keep them both safe and in doing so lost my heart.” He shook his head and Kasey could see the pain he felt at the loss of her mother.

“Had I been able to visit, to see what was taking place I would have put things in place so you were both taken care of.” he lowered his eyes feeling not just loss but regret at having failed them both.

Kasey gave Braedon’s hand a squeeze and got off his lap, Taren was still kneeling in front of her, so she knelt with him and put her arms around his neck and held him tight.  “Don’t be so sad, I now know you did your best and that you love me, even if you haven’t said so as yet.”

Taren wrapped his arms around her and held her close, something he had wanted to do since she was born.  Braedon watched closely not only sensing a bond develop between father and daughter, but actually seeing it in the form of a slender cord of rope, or strong twine. 

It amazed him that he could see it then realised it was through Kasey’s eyes that he saw, it was sliver in colour and shimmered as if with life.  He knew without investigation that it was strong and its length seemed to vary depending on how close they were to each other. 

Braedon saw this when Kasey moved away from Taren and the cord of rope lengthened.  He wondered if their own bond was as beautiful and as strong, he certainly hoped so because from all he’d learnt they’d need that strength, that connection to get through what was to come.

Kasey stood between them both, her mate and her father.  She looked at the others there, Jacob and Nicolas, Nate and Eli, her brothers and Gilbert.  Shallana sat quietly leaving the men to do and say what was necessary.

She walked over to the Shaman, “Maman,” she said and reached out her hand.  Shallana immediately stood and took it.  Standing with the Shaman she once more looked upon the men that stood before her, these men who loved her and would die to protect her. 

She thought about the Enforcers that she knew were strategically placed outside, knowing they too would give their lives for her, she didn’t want this, she was afraid that people she loved and cared for might get hurt. 

She knew she couldn’t bare it if this happened because of her.  But she was smart enough to realise there was nothing she could do to change it.  Somehow she’d learn to live with what might come, she just wished there was a way of stopping her brother before he did too much damage.

She turned to Gilbert, “Can you please organise coffee and sandwiches, everyone must be hungry, we’ll sit around the dining table and see what we can come up with.  Food sometimes helps.”  Gilbert nodded and left quickly to begin organising food and drink.

Kasey followed him calling out that she’d help.  Taren reached for her to try and stop her, but Braedon pulled him back and shook his head.  Once Kasey had left the room he turned to Taren who didn’t look too pleased, “This is her way of working through things, she needs to keep busy and helping Gilbert in the kitchen usually helps.”

Taren nodded his acknowledgement of what he’d said then they all entered the dining room taking seats while they waited for Kasey and Gilbert to bring in the coffee and sandwiches.

They all stood when Kasey came to her seat beside Braedon and she smiled sheepishly saying to herself, “I’m not ever gonna get used to this much fuss.”  Braedon gave her hand a squeeze and they all took their seats again.

They ate, not sandwiches but the food that was part of their wedding feast. They ate quietly for a while keeping their thoughts to themselves, Gilbert brought in more of the chocolate cake he’d given Kasey earlier to have with their coffee and it was in the middle of eating this that Kasey voiced her curiosity.

“Father, several times now I have heard mentioned that I will come into my gifts… my powers and that my being a seventh daughter would ensure my gifts are enhanced.  Exactly what kind of gifts and umm… how strong am I gonna be?”

Everyone looked at Taren who sat looking at his daughter a stunned look on his face, “It is not often that I am rendered speechless child, but in all honesty I am not sure how to answer your question.”

Kasey opened her mouth to ask why not when Shallana spoke, “Kasey this is not…”

“I may not have all the answers Shallana but it is my place, my responsibility to answer.”  He looked at Braedon, his sons and the rest of the men in the room before resting his eyes on Kasey, “As my daughter you would have the gifts of the Fey, powers as some would call them.  As a seventh daughter your gifts will many, will be far greater than if you were placed before or even after a seventh sibling.”

He waited for her to take that in then continued, “You are now wed to the Alpha of this Pack, a strong leader of his people.  Your Alpha has also ‘changed you’ child,” his face lit up with excitement but she was watching him closely as was Braedon and they both saw a hint of concern in his eyes.

She so wanted to ask him to just spit it out, she hated it when someone dragged an explanation out, it reminded her of TV shows where they let an answer hang and hang and you wanted to jump through the set and shake the answer out of the person.  But she remained silent, quite please with her patience.

Braedon gave her hand a squeeze and Taren raised an eyebrow seeming to get the gist of what she’d been thinking.  She couldn’t help it she blushed!

“Daughter,” Taren smiled, “you are quite unique!  Never before has there been anyone such as you.”

“I don’t understand?” she said, confusion written across her face.

“Child you have the blood of three races running in your veins, you are human, Fey and now Were.  In all my years I have never heard of such a thing and believe me when I tell you I have lived a great many years.”

“Holy crap!  This could only happen to me right Brae?”

Braedon pulled her close, “Kitten you were always unique, perhaps we should look at this as an extension of this?” he looked at Taren hoping he’d understand that he didn’t want to scare his mate.

“Ah, yes that is a very good way of seeing things Alpha… or should I call you Braedon or son?”

“Braedon is fine, for now,” he hadn’t even considered what Taren should call him, this day had happened far too quickly.  He and Kasey were barely wed and…”

Kasey elbowed him to get his attention, “You okay Brae, you look like you were somewhere else for a minute?”

“Sorry kitten, yes I’m fine, I just suddenly realised that Taren is my father-in-law.” She grinned and looked back to her father.

Taren took another look at everyone there before settling his eyes on Kasey, “You my child may well become the most powerful Fey ever known!  Only time will tell us this and you must be vigilant in your training.  Your almost of age now Kasarina and your gifts have already started to emerge.  To be honest I don’t know what kind of gifts you will have or even how many, but they will be strong.

You say you have the gift of sight?” she nodded, “this gift will grow and in time you will hopefully learn to control it.  You read people also, am I right?” again she nodded, “I too share this gift.”

He sighed, “Shallana, your brothers and I will help you learn control and from what I’ve sensed you learn quickly.  But know this Kasarina as I said you are now of three races, you will be blessed with the gifts of the Fey, the strength and senses of the Were, but most importantly you will carry the heart and sense of right and wrong of a human.

You will need to hone your skills child and always remember that you have a human heart.  It can be far too easy for someone with great power to become corrupt.”

Kasey shivered, she looked from her father to Braedon, then she looked at her brothers and finally saw Eli, Daniel and Nate standing in the shadows of the room.  Even so she saw a grin on Nate’s face and a funny thing happened right then, for no reason at all she imagined herself arm wrestling with Nate.  And she was winning!”

She couldn’t help her inner giggle and when Nate burst out laughing she couldn’t hold in any longer.  Both looked at each other laughing, Nate shaking his head, “Not ever going to happen,” then he laughed again.

“Kitten, would you like to explain what you are both laughing at?”

“Umm not really, let’s just say it was a private joke okay” and she grinned up at Nate who was still shaking his head.  She noticed everyone looking at her and ‘serioused’ up, “so what your saying is you have no clue but we need to use whatever gifts I have until I get their use down pat, but be careful at the same time…. right?”

She looked at both her husband and her father an angelic smile on her face.  “I believe you have stated exactly what I was trying to say Kasarina.”

Braedon spoke to the brother’s, “Kasey was able to sense you before you arrived and Trace is able to sense you all, can you sense each other also?”

Caton spoke for the brother’s, “I believe we are able to do so, we all sensed our father before he showed himself, but I’d suggest we test this theory to make sure.  We can each take ourselves a distance away and see if we can sense each other individually or only as a group.”

“Good, get started as soon as possible.  We need to know how best to utilise our resources.”  He stopped and looked at Caton, “That is if you are all intending to stay and protect your sister?”

Both Taren and the brother’s came to their feet as did Braedon, he hadn’t meant to offend, but it had to be said… to be asked.  Taren spoke on behave of all of them, “Kasarina is your heart Alpha, but she is my child, we will protect her.  I shall stay with my sons this night but we will test this theory before we bed down for the night.”

“Thank you Taren,” he held his hand out to the Fey and they clasped arms in the way that warriors often do. 

This was a good start; they had allies willing to give their lives to protect his mate, all of them with Fey gifts.  Tomorrow Kasey would return to her training and there would be more meetings with these men and his Enforcers to discuss any other options they may have. But tonight he would be just a man, a man who had finally wed his mate.  He just hoped to god no one was fool enough to disturb them this night.