The Beckoning of Bravelicious Things (The Beckoning Series Book 3) Page 25

  “Hey! What did you do? Let us out! It will take me months to break the seal. The ward even protects me from casting magic against it. Marissa? Marissa? I thought we were friends!”

  “Friends. Right.” I pivot, crank my arm back, and pitch the key far, far, far into the canyon below us. I wipe my hands together and look at the three males grinning at me. “I may be naïve at times, not asking all the right questions, but I’m not stupid. I figured he was up to something so I broke the code when he was in the bathroom and you were all chatting, and I retrieved the key. I also sourced his weakness—security is a big thing for him and he’s afraid of confinement. Let’s go.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” my three lovers say, following behind me as I stride, like a badass, down the hill.

  Daniel catches up to me and takes my hand. “Truce?” He asks.

  “Fair enough. We’ve both made more than our fair share of mistakes,” I say, giving his hand a squeeze.

  “We have. I owe you an apology.”

  “Later, babe. For now, let’s savor our success.”

  “Deal,” he says. He turns and extends his other hand, offering a handshake.

  I take it and pull him close. We lock lips in one of the most passionate kisses I’ve ever experienced, all tongue, heat, and longing. When we finally break apart, River and Rafe stare at me, hungrily. “There’s enough of me to go around, boys,” I say, with a toss of my head. “You’ve got a badass girlfriend.”

  “She’s actually bravelicious. The baddest of the bad,” Daniel says with a smirk.

  I stare at him, shake my head, and roll my eyes. “Bravelicious?”

  He takes my hand again and leads me back to the world of color and sound, Rafe and River behind me, Mary trailing along behind them.

  “I’m happy to be with you, guys,” I say. “Happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” My heart’s full beyond belief. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “You met me, for starters,” Daniel says, arrogant as usual.

  “I’d say it was me who got things rolling,” River says.

  “Hey, I’m the one who simply accepts her,” Rafe says.

  At least my alpha males can still be human, scrapping and squabbling over who’s The Man. I know, they all are.

  Epilogue

  We arrive at a small cabin, tucked at the edge of a beautiful meadow. Evergreen trees surround the small homestead. It looks so sweet I wonder if Hansel and Gretel would have made a beeline for this place. “I hope there’s no wicked witch inside, going to fatten us up and eat us.”

  “Nope,” says Rafe, holding the petite white picket gate open to the flower-filled yard. “Just my grandma and she doesn’t eat our kind.” He winks at me.

  “You have a grandma?” I say.

  He rolls his eyes.

  “I mean, this is where your grandma lives?”

  “I just said she did.” He closes the gate behind us and snicks the latch shut. “Who did you think I needed rent for?”

  “This is what you needed rent for?” I ask.

  “You’re starting to get that question thing down, darlin’. Yes, I have a grandma I adore—I owe my life to her. Yes, I pay her rent. Yes, I stay here a lot. Yes, yes and yes. Any other questions?”

  “No, I…” I’m touched, but I don’t get a chance to say that. Rafe Caldwell, gruesome assassin and loving grandchild?

  I’m interrupted by the front door opening, a small, fluffy white dog bursting out, going nose to nose with Sober. The two dogs sniff, wag tails, and sniff more.

  “You’ve brought friends, Rafe,” a kind voice says. “Wonderful!”

  Rafe reaches down to pet the scruffy little dog. “Hey, Hot Shot.” He scoops the fur ball up with one large hand, letting him lick his face. “Yeah, I love you, too.” He gently drops the dog and saunters to his grandmother. “Grandma Caldwell, this is Daniel, River, and Marissa.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” she says, her blue eyes twinkling. “Please. Call me Helena. Or, Caldy. That’s what this boy calls me.” She gives Rafe a warm hug before turning to face me, Daniel, and River. She has short white hair, a beautiful gamine face lined with wrinkles, and a slender build. She exudes kindness and warmth. “So you’re Marissa,” she says to me, extending both her hands, her blue eyes twinkling.

  I grasp them, embraced by her warmth.

  “Rafe’s told me so much about you,” she says. “He’s one lucky fellow. Do come in,” she says, moving aside for us to enter.

  We step inside the small living room. It’s an artistic, eclectic blend of colors, shapes, and forms. Windows reveal flowers of every kind in the yard surrounding the house. A blue and yellow parrot squawks from a perch in the corner. A blue-gray Burmese cat is curled on the bright red sofa. Colorful rugs line the polished wood floors. Ceramics and pottery glazed in various manners—raku, oxide, sandy textures and more—line the shelves, making me wonder if Rafe’s grandma is a sculptor. And I’m stunned to see the Keeper of Time and Records, v5.5, sitting in a chair in the corner.

  “Beloved elder,” I say, coming to stand before her. I curtsey, inclining my head with respect.

  “There, there, child, no need for formality. I stopped by to share a cup of tea with my dear friend, Helena. This isn’t an ether meeting. But, I had a feeling we’d see you. Sit.” She nods at the three males. “Night Numen. Stealth Numen. Sanguis Numen. Welcome.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Daniel says. “We’re pleased to be here.” He nods at Rafe’s grandmother.

  “Sit. All of you. Rest your weary bones. We can chat while you’re resting,” the elder says.

  “I’ll fetch some refreshments,” Helena says, disappearing down a hallway.

  I settle onto the sofa.

  Daniel sits next to me, resting his hand possessively on my thigh again. At least he’s not clenching me this time. I’m sure I have bruises on my thigh from before.

  River and Rafe relax into comfortable arm chairs.

  Helena returns bearing a tray laden with food and beverages. “These are snacks to get you started. We’ll eat a proper meal later.” She hands us each a cold beer.

  “Is this the same beer Mason makes?” I ask, sipping the welcome beverage. There might not be any deliveries for a while, I think ruefully.

  “He’s the best around,” she says with a smile.

  Don’t worry, cariño, Daniel answers. His brewery is not in the cavern you sealed off.

  “Cheers,” Helena says, holding her glass aloft. “To the celebration of a fruitful journey.”

  We touch glasses, sip our beer, and converse.

  After we’ve eaten, beginning to relax from the tasty, hops-filled brew, the Record Keeper says, “Your journey has taken unexpected turns, hasn’t it?”

  “It has, elder one,” I say.

  “And yet courage has been won.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “The evidence is clear, child.” She focuses her benevolent smile at me.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Night Numen, will you please inform her?”

  I frown in puzzlement.

  “Looked at your hand lately, cariño?” He says in a tender voice.

  I glance at my hands. “Oh! My ring! I lost the dino-stone! ” The gold setting has fused shut, in fact, leaving a uniquely designed ring.

  “Not lost. It’s in its rightful place.”

  My hand flies to my throat. Once I put the soul keeper around my neck, I completely forgot about it. It melted into my skin, becoming a part of me. I can’t really feel it, either, but I sense a warm glow in one of the places awaiting a jewel or gemstone. I leap to my feet and rush to the mirror near the front door. Sure enough, an iridescent red is barely visible beneath my skin. The gold has become a glowing band of light at my throat. “Does this mean I got my courage?”

  “Yes.” The ancient elder laughs her silvery laugh.

  “Does it mean I can turn around and go home?”

  “No, child, not at all. There are four other places th
at need soul restoration. I’m afraid you were mistaken in thinking this would be a quick trip. It’s going to be a rather arduous journey. You’ve only begun. If you find the sisters and return safely, you’ll have all the pieces of your soul restored. But there’s no guarantee, as usual. It’s a difficult journey. You know this, though.”

  I feel crestfallen, like I’ve been given an amazing gift and then told my favorite aunt has cancer or some dire disease. “I see.”

  “You can always go home. You can still live like this,” Helena says.

  “Like this?” I sweep my hand up and down my body. “I feel defective now—me, the woman who’s missing soul bits.”

  “Child, it’s a journey we all must take but seldom do. Even I had to retrieve lost parts of myself. How do you think I got to be the Keeper of Time and Records?”

  “I never considered that. Thank you for sharing. What about them?” I say, indicating the three alpha males.

  She chuckles her silvery laugh. It seems to come from everywhere and nowhere, all at once. “Oh, my, yes. The Night Numen has been learning cooperation and working as a team…and humility, I might add. The Stealth Numen has been learning to love and control his abundant rage. The Sanguis Numen has been perfecting his craft—he’s already a generous, loving soul, able to heal dissonance and bring unity. But he, like you, was not able to pursue his sorcerer’s training as a youth. And there’s more for him to learn, too. All of you, actually.” She focuses her benevolent smile their way.

  The men shift uncomfortably in their seats.

  “Well, as long as we all have things to learn…we may as well keep on. What do you say, boys?”

  “We’ve all committed to protecting and serving you,” River says.

  “We won’t abandon you, darlin’.”

  “We’re in this, together, for the long haul,” Daniel says, his eyes boring into mine. “Soul bound, remember?”

  I nod, flushed, warmth seeping through every pore. I love all these guys, with all my heart. A huge yawn escapes. “Apologies,” I say. Here, in this loving home, the fatigue of this journey is having its way with me. This place is like a sanctuary, inviting restoration. “Would you mind terribly if I took a nap?” I ask Helena. “I’m completely bushed.”

  “You do look exhausted, dear. Of course.”

  “Same here,” the three guys quickly agree.

  “We’re all a bit tuckered,” Rafe says, smiling sweetly at his grandma.

  Helena’s eyebrows rise.

  Rafe lifts a shoulder and gives her a half-smile.

  She smiles at him, shakes her head slightly, knowing there’s more to this configuration than meets the eye. “Rafe, you can take everyone to the guest house. I’ll put you in charge of sleeping arrangements.” She gives him a slightly suspicious, slightly amused look. “We’ll have dinner ready in an hour and half. We’ll be dining with the Keeper of Time and Records in the arboretum.”

  “You have an arboretum? I can’t wait to see that,” I say.

  “Yes, I’ll be happy to give you the grand tour once you’re rested. I practice magic through art and nature. It’s fascinating. I’ll show you over the next few days, if you like.”

  I like this woman already. “Great! I look forward to learning more! Thank you so much for your kind hospitality,” I add. “Rafe? Will you lead the way?”

  Rafe guides us through the kitchen and leads us down a winding path in the back, marked by granite pavers. We make our way into the forest. A few yards in, he says, “Home, sweet home. Here’s where we’ll rest for a few days.”

  We all look up to see a beautiful tree house, overlooking a river. A large deck with a railing fashioned from branches surrounds the house. A red metal roof caps it like a mushroom.

  “Is this where you stay?” I ask, amazed. So much about this guy I don’t know yet.

  “One and the same,” he says, a wash of pride coloring his fair features. “I built it. Come on in.”

  “You built it?” My mouth falls open, astonished.

  “Don’t look so surprised, darlin’. I do more than kill.”

  “Wait,” Daniel says. “Before we enter, I have a few things to say. My fuck-up put us all at risk. You did your part to cover for me and put things right, even though I’ve behaved like a dick to you at times. As you know, I’ve been chiding myself for days, unable to put things right in my head. I’m indebted to each of you. And, you have my sincerest apologies. It will never happen again.” He looks each of us in the eyes, clear and direct.

  Wow. I’ve never heard Daniel sound more sincere and contrite. The Record Keeper’s right—my soul bound lover is learning humility, and then some.

  “Apology accepted,” River says, clapping Daniel on the back. “I was happy to help.”

  “Same,” Rafe says. He gives Daniel a one armed man hug. “We’re cool. That image of you riding an Annihilator,” he starts, causing River and him to burst into laughter. “Yee ha!”

  Daniel shakes his head. “As for you, dulzura,” he says, turning to me. “If anything had happened to you I couldn’t have lived with myself.”

  “Oh, Daniel. You’ve been torturing yourself for days. It’s been painful to watch. I needed to do this on my own. I had to test my mettle and prove I’m capable of protecting myself.” I slide my eyes over to River briefly.

  He lifts his chin in acknowledgment.

  “I told you before we left that I intended to earn your trust. Instead, I failed you.”

  “You didn’t,” I say in a whisper. “You didn’t fail me. You gave me a chance to find a piece of my soul. You’re forgiven,” I say, looking deep into Daniel’s eyes.

  Daniel lets out a deep breath, his shoulders falling.

  “Now what about me? Am I forgiven? I did restore your father. I had to do it. I looked at my dog—he was fatigued, listless, parched. I didn’t think we could make it. I was desperate. I did it for him as much as for myself. Maybe more.”

  As if he’s heard us, Sober races around the corner, Hot Shot by his side. He lets out a bark before zipping around the other corner.

  Daniel looks thoughtful, considering. “We do have a big marker to call in when we need it.” He smiles. “Yes. You’re forgiven.”

  I melt inside.

  “Now get your ass inside and take off your clothes.”

  I instantly heat inside, light flaring from every limb. “I don’t suppose I get to boss you around up there?” I say.

  “Not on your life.” He appears confident, in charge, like the man I know him to be.

  Oh, baby, Daniel’s in charge again. “What about these two?”

  “Corazon, you can do whatever you like to them, as long as I get to watch your pleasure and take as much pleasure as I need to when I wish.”

  The look in his eyes is so hot it makes my insides turn to slush.

  “I’m game,” River says. His nostrils flare as he exudes his yummy masculine, pheromone soaked scent.

  “Hell, yeah, darlin’. You can have your way with me.” Rafe’s pants tent with desire.

  “Enough talking. Move,” Daniel says. “I want all of your clothes gone by the time we reach that door.”

  “Yes, sir.” Move I do, peeling off my jumpsuit, pitching boots, socks, panties, and bra, ready for some hot, lusty loving with my three alpha males.

  I laugh, thinking of my crazy world. So there’s a little danger ahead. Sometimes you need a little danger to really fall in love.

  THE END

  Other Books by Calinda B

  -The Wicked Series-

  A Wicked Awakening

  A Wicked Beginning

  Wicked Whispering

  -The Beckoning Series-

  The Beckoning of Beautiful Things

  The Beckoning of Broken Things

  The Beckoning of Bravelicious Things

  About the Author

  The Fun Part: Calinda B was told early on that she should be a writer. She heard frequent praise for her writing, as well as her sense of
humor. Scoffing at such admonitions and praise, she went on to pursue her life of adventure, chock full of the things that make up a well-rounded adventurous life: music (yup, she was a singer in a rock and roll band), dance (even performed hip hop in Russia), rock climbing (ever hung from a rock wall a few stories up? Yikes!), fire walking (taught high-ranking Moscow fire officials how to walk the coals), kayaking, scuba diving (she's in love with sharks), travel, and falling in love again and again.

  The Daily Grind: An award-winning web designer and certified SEO specialist, Calinda B has worked in the Internet industry as a web page designer/developer since the early 1990's. She has also taught web site design and computer graphics at community colleges in Northern California. In addition to writing, she creates fine art and music, and enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, and bike riding. Calinda B makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with the love of her life and her two cats. She is currently working on the fourth book in The Wicked Series, tentatively entitled A Wicked Ending, or the third book in The Beckoning Series or maybe those are done and she's working on... She loves to write and does it daily.