Fate Forsaken

Chapter One

Rho sat in the passenger seat of Frederick’s Audi, trying to pretend the silence between them wasn’t so awkward.

God, she had to say something.

I’m sorry about—

Have they been treating—

They both spoke at once then snapped their mouths shut. Frederick stared out the windshield, focusing intently on the road ahead of him. Rho sighed as she did the same.

They’d been sitting in silence for thirty minutes now.

Weeks had passed since the last time she’d seen the vampire who’d created her, a man who happened to be her best friend and wanted to be her lover. He’d come to the safe house she shared with her teammates to warn her about Rhyannon, the queen of the fae. The queen had accused her of stealing the fae’s Kamen.

Ridiculous, especially considering the DarqRealm United Council had assigned her and three others to a team for the express purpose of retrieving those relics. Only five existed, each one harnessing an equal portion of the magick in their world. If one person managed to collect them all and unleash their power, they could control the entire DarqRealm. The fact that they’d been disappearing had the Council on edge.

Until the night she’d fought against Rhyannon, she’d had no idea she could even manipulate magick.

Rho studied Frederick’s profile, his classically handsome features now tight. No surprise really. He hadn’t even so much as called since that day.

Her heart twisted in her chest. His knuckles turned white against the leather-wrapped steering wheel, his jaw flexing. His bleached-blond hair was neatly trimmed, just as it always had been, but something in his clear gray eyes had changed.

When he’d confessed his affections for her, she’d been honest about her feelings and they both knew where they stood. Still, she couldn’t leave things like they were.

She opened her mouth, but Frederick cut her off.

What were you saying? He shot her a sideways glance and forced a smile.

Uh— There was absolutely no good way to apologize for what she’d done. The last time she’d seen him had been only minutes after she’d been intimate with Eldon, her now boyfriend. He was a magick mover, and one of her teammates. And Frederick had smelled his scent all over her. She was embarrassed just thinking about it, yet she knew she had to get the words out. I’m…sorry. For the way I left things. I just wanted to say…I’m really, really—

Don’t worry about it.

Her brows knitted. Frederick, I—

Seriously, it’s fine.

But—

Drop it.

Well, okay then. More awkward silence, coming right up.

Rho settled her elbow on the windowsill of the car and rested her chin on her hand. The trees flew by the window in a blur, barely visible in the darkness.

Several moments passed before he cleared his throat. Have they been treating you well?

My teammates?

Yes.

She lifted a shoulder. They treat me fine.

Has it been difficult?

Has what been difficult?

Being with…them. The others.

She fixed her stare on her boss. The others? As in, the other races?

He nodded.

We get along pretty well, she said.

Really?

They aren’t as bad as you think. She shifted her sights back out the window. Where are we going, by the way? With the awkwardness hanging between them, she’d been trapped in the car entirely too long.

Didn’t your boyfriend tell you? His tone was dry but the question pointed.

Which only pissed her off. He’s not my boyfriend. The title seemed trivial and unimportant, and Eldon was neither of those things. Although in all fairness, she really didn’t know what else to call him.

Ah. I see.

Don’t say it like that. She could feel his eyes on her, but she didn’t dare look at him. Whatever she and Eldon were was none of his business.

Say it like what? he asked, his tone innocent.

Never mind. She glanced down and wrung her hands in her lap. Were they there yet? I know we’re going to see the Council. Where are we meeting them?

The home of the Collective leader.

Why? Rho gulped. Why not…anywhere else?

The Council had called an emergency meeting and mandated Rho’s attendance—alone. Frederick had finagled his way into the meeting by citing his right to attend as the Lamia Prince, and after some doing, the Council had agreed to allow him to accompany her.

Even with the prince of the vampires at her side, she didn’t have much confidence in whatever they were planning. They hadn’t told her why they were meeting, and she loathed the idea of flying in blind. No one called a meeting without a motive, especially the Council. They were busy, high-ranking officials who ruled the DarqRealm with iron fists. They didn’t dally in bullshit.

The Collective leader called the meeting, Frederick said. Her call, her place.

What are we supposed to discuss?

I have no idea.

The Collective leader didn’t tell you? Rho asked.

He shook his head. She wouldn’t. Told me it was important Council business and you needed to be there. That’s it.

A sick feeling churned in the pit of her stomach. The leader of the Collective had already marked her with magick once, tying her to her teammates while knocking her to the ground like a bag of sand by using blue ley line fire. Only the magick movers and the fae could manipulate the fire, the lines of energy running just beneath the surface of the earth. Rho’s desire to pay the lady another visit was nil.

They sat quietly for several minutes before the car slowed to a stop. Lost in her thoughts, Rho finally noticed the massive wrought iron gate in front of them. Frederick rolled down his window and punched the button centered on a tiny black box. She’d been so absorbed in her own worries, she hadn’t even noticed the damn thing.

A camera on the gate buzzed as it moved, and after a moment the gates swung open. Frederick rolled forward, revealing a picturesque, massive home. The exterior was covered with limestone brick, the front door massive and bulky, almost medieval in appearance. He slowed to a stop and put it into park before glancing over at Rho.

She drew a deep breath and turned her stare back to the house. Here goes nothing.

Frederick was at her door a moment later, his light blond hair unmoving under the layers of product he used to hold it in place. He jarred the door open and extended a hand, always the gentleman. Men from centuries past really did have superior manners.

She clutched his hand and rose out of the vehicle, staring up at the enormous stone structure and marveling at its size. It would take a small army to care for a house this large.

They ventured toward the front door and Frederick extended a finger to press the doorbell. The front door swung open before he had a chance, a petite woman standing in the doorway expectantly.

Frederick bowed slightly. We’re here to see Cadence.

Indeed. The woman tipped her head slightly. Miss Cadence is expecting you. She opened the door and motioned for them to come inside. They did as she asked, stepping into the exquisite travertine entryway. Rho tried not to gawk at the extravagance surrounding her. Eldon’s home had some fancy décor in it and all, but this…this was over the top. A gross display of wealth if she’d ever seen one.

The woman shut the door and waddled past them. Right this way, please.

They followed her silently down the corridor until they reached a flight of steps. Rho paused, and Frederick stopped behind her.

It’s fine, he spoke into her mind. I’ve been here before.

Rho fought the sinking feeling in her chest as she trailed the woman heading down the stairs. There were a million places she’d rather be than here. Maybe a pit of fire. Perhaps in the middle of a den of spiders. Hell, even a Justin Bieber concert would be better.

They reached the landing at the bottom of the stairs and the woman rapped her knuckles against a huge door. Based on the pencil-like scent combined with a touch of sandalwood, the thing was constructed of pure cedar.

It opened a crack, then a little more.

A familiar woman stood in the doorway, a tired smile on her lovely face. Her brilliant red hair was perfectly arranged and curled gently beneath her chin, her bright green eyes warm and friendly. Supermodels only dreamed of having a complexion like hers. But Rho knew better than to judge that book by its cover. The leader of the Collective might appear kind and gentle on the outside, but she could deliver a roundhouse kick of pure magickal power if she wanted to.

I’m glad you could join us. Cadence pulled the door open completely and stepped aside. Do come in.

Rho did as instructed, stepping into the room. A massive table took up most of the room, only two unoccupied seats remaining.

She froze.

Sitting at the table were six people, three of whom she’d never seen. The other three she knew very well. Cadence, the leader of the Collective. Costel, the king of the vampires.

And Rhyannon.

Chapter Two

A colorful slew of curse words bubbled on Rho’s tongue as she fought the urge to launch herself across the room. Rhyannon, the queen of the fae, sat right at the table like she owned the thing. She’d nearly killed Eldon and would have gladly taken Rho out, too, if she’d been given the chance.

Absently, Rho took a step forward. A firm hand wrapped around her arm, and she stopped in place.

Don’t say a word, Frederick instructed her silently.

Yeah. Easier said than done. Her instincts were firing off like flares in her brain, the very presence of this woman taking her to the edge of reason. The calming vibes Frederick sent to her helped a little, but the queen’s toxic presence stole a seat in the front of her consciousness.

It was everything Rho could do just to keep her feet planted on the ground.

She’s the one, Frederick. She tried to kill me.

When the queen had thrown a bomb of death magick at Eldon, Rho’d lit the woman up with enough ley line fire to level an office building.

He released her arm. I’ve already spoken to Cadence. They’ve suspected her for a while but we have no proof. Say anything now and you could compromise their investigation.

Rho bit the inside of her cheek and fought a silent battle with herself to keep her mouth shut. The queen’s ensemble resembled the one she’d worn the night she’d tried to kill them, all emerald green with flowing skirts. Just as before, her long ebony hair was intertwined with flowers and twigs. The fae really took the nature theme to the next level. Rhyannon perched forward in her seat, her wings flickering blue and pink against the artificial light.

Rhyannon’s brilliant green stare met Rho’s. The queen’s ruby lips curled into a dark smile, the knowledge in her eyes truly frightening. This was all a game to her. Before they’d started this mission, Eldon had told her the fae liked trying to outsmart and outpace their opponents. Clearly she thought she had this victory in the bag.

So sorry to disappoint you, bitch, Rho thought. How dare she come in here to meet with the Council, pretending like she wasn’t the one trying to stab them all in the back? If she seriously thought she could get away with her actions, the fairy had to be delusional.

Two of the men Rho didn’t know shifted in their chairs, discomfort written all over their puckered expressions. Why were they here?

The third rose up from his chair to stand beside the leader of the Collective. His red hair was a perfect complement to the spattering of freckles across his nose, somehow boyish despite his serious demeanor. He straightened his navy suit jacket before turning his attention to Frederick. Although he’d paired his jacket with jeans, so she wasn’t sure what sort of look the guy was going for. Business casual, maybe?

Cadence stepped toward Frederick and extended a hand. Frederick, how nice of you to come.

The pleasure is mine. He grasped her hand and laid a gentle kiss on top.

Gross.

Cadence beamed. Always such fantastic manners. Her gaze shifted to Rho. Rhowen Vasile, we meet again. She spoke the name as if it were a bad taste she wanted to get out of her mouth, somehow an acknowledgment and an insult wrapped in one.

Damn, Rho hadn’t had her patience challenged this much in…ever. Getting the hell out of the room sounded like a wonderful plan right about now.

She shoved the thought aside and tried to be polite. Nice to see you again.

Frederick, you remember Max, my assistant?

Of course. Frederick extended a hand to meet Max’s. Pleasure.

Likewise.

With a nod, Rho said, Nice to meet you.

Cadence motioned toward one of the two mystery men at the table. "This is Ash, the forerunner of the werewolves. As Tim is now your teammate and otherwise occupied, he was kind enough to make himself available to us."

Rho followed Frederick’s lead and offered only a polite nod. The man’s broad shoulders and gigantic biceps screamed bodybuilder, but his mocha eyes were calculating. He didn’t move from his chair or bother to say hello. Instead, he sat there, glaring. The weight of his stare made her feel heavier in her shoes.

What’s a forerunner? Rho prompted her boss.

Leader of the wolves.

Isn’t that an Alpha? Tim was an Alpha. Maybe this guy was like him?

No. This is the Alpha of the Alphas.

Oh, shit. Tim bowed down to no one, most especially not another wolf. To think this man could subdue him with the weight of his power alone made a shiver crawl up her spine.

And this—Cadence motioned toward the other man—is David. I understand Alexander is ill.

Please. He wasn’t ill at all. After unveiling his true status as a fraud to Preshea and the team, Alexander was probably hiding until he could find a way to maintain his power if they outed him. His family had ruled the shifters for generations, and as it so happened, he’d been operating on borrowed power.

Cadence continued, As such, David will take his place in these proceedings.

David was a small, thin man. Or perhaps he only seemed small sitting next to the Incredible Hulk. Either way, Rho knew better than to underestimate a shifter. They could transform into anything on a moment’s notice, and based on what she’d seen from Preshea, that anything could be scary as hell. And gigantic.

The Collective leader motioned toward the queen of the fae. I believe you’ve met Rhyannon?

Frederick nodded, and Rho resumed her cheek biting. God, what she wouldn’t give to get out of this room and away from the poisonous stare of that woman.

Cadence didn’t bother introducing Costel, Frederick’s boss and uncle, as she settled into a seat and swept her hand in front of her. Please, do sit down.

Right. Like now was a good time for a cup of tea or some shit.

Rho plopped into the seat next to her boss, anxious to get the show on the road. Besides being incredibly uneasy about the amount of power held by the people in this room, she still had a job to do. The team needed her, and they were burning important time sitting here in this powwow.

Madame Collective, Frederick started, his voice respectful but firm. Perhaps you could tell us why you called us here today?

Certainly. Cadence tapped her fingers on the table. How should I begin? she asked, the question rhetorical.

You can begin by charging that girl with theft. Rhyannon pointed a finger across the room, directly at Rho. I demand her death.

Absolutely not. Frederick’s response was sharp.

Everyone had to know Rhyannon’s accusation was baseless. This very Council had assigned Rho a spot on the team sent to retrieve the Kamens, and she’d done as they’d asked. One of her teammates already had the werewolf’s Kamen in his possession. They hadn’t exactly reported the one they’d found, which happened to belong to the fae queen, but that wasn’t important right now. What was important was proving her innocence.

Although she had no idea how to accomplish that, considering she was guilty as hell.

Rhyannon folded her arms across her chest. She’s stolen from me. Everyone knows that’s punishable by death.

In a brave move, Cadence reached over and patted the queen on the shoulder. Every fae creature knows this, yes, but she isn’t subject under your rule. And you cannot prove she has stolen it.

I no longer possess it, the queen scoffed. What more proof do you need?

You are well aware there are many Kamens missing already, Costel spoke up. Perhaps your efforts would be better founded by seeking out those targets.

Rhyannon flung a hand up in protest. Ridiculous.

The forerunner cleared his throat, the mere sound enough to draw everyone’s attention. This girl is a child with no magickal abilities of her own. How would you expect her to infiltrate anything you wished to protect?

The fae queen snarled. She does have powers. You know she does.

What?

Rho’s gaze snapped up. No one should have known about her abilities. Only Nick and Rhyannon had even witnessed what had happened, and one of those people was sworn to secrecy. Eldon had caught a glimpse, but she’d bet her life he’d never tell a soul. Neither would his best friend, Nick. And she wasn’t sure why, but she’d never in a million years expected Rhyannon to tattle on her like this. What could possibly be in it for her? And what did she mean by they knew she had powers? Did she tell them before Rho got here?

Silence stretched as she waited for someone to clarify the statement. Surely they couldn’t have said what she thought she’d heard. Rho caught Frederick’s expression, a combination of surprise and dread that chilled her to the bone. Had she been exposed for what she truly was?

Your abilities are no secret to us, Rhowen, Costel said quietly.

Every muscle in Rho’s body tensed. She stared around the room in shock, Eldon’s words reverberating through her brain. Half-breeds aren’t well received. In the old days they were exterminated. He’d told her to keep her abilities a secret, and other than her team, she hadn’t spoken a word about it to anyone. How could they know?

What abilities? Frederick’s brow furrowed. What are they talking about? He turned to Rho expectantly.

Rho didn’t dare answer the question. She planned on letting this one play out for as long as she could. Speaking up would only fuel the fire, and she didn’t need to give them any more intel on her than they already had.

No one spoke for a moment before Cadence cleared her throat. She’s not entirely vampire. We’ve been observing her for years.

Rho’s jaw dropped. Excuse me? Surely she couldn’t have heard that right. They’d known about her abilities for years? And no one had thought to tell her about them? "What the hell are you talking about?"

It would do you well to remember your audience, child, Costel snapped.

As if his words slapped her across the face, she turned away from the group. Her mind was reeling, her chest tight. Tears burned in her eyes, but she wouldn’t dare let them fall. Not here. She’d been violated in the past, but somehow this betrayal cut far, far deeper.

Costel knew. He’d probably always known, and yet he’d never said a damn thing. She needed to understand the truth about herself. Her life to this point had been a series of traumatic events and karmic hiccups, and the people in this room had known it all along.

Well, maybe not Frederick. His eyes were too wide for this not to be a surprise. What are you talking about? he asked the panel.

Please, Rho added. She had to know.

Cadence continued to strum her fingers on the slick surface of the table. Your father was a siphon, your mother a human. You, by nature, were both. She lifted a hand through the air as she spoke. Our usual policy is to exterminate half-breeds. They dilute the abilities of their kin and their magick tends to be erratic. They’re more of a nuisance than any good.

Rho’s stomach flopped and she fought to keep down her recent blood meal. This woman spoke as if being a nuisance was an excellent excuse for genocide. As if executing a child for her DNA was no big deal.

In your case, however, we made an exception. Her gaze leveled on Rho. Siphons are extraordinarily rare creatures. Almost extinct. The Council decided to let you live.

Rho was half expecting them to break out into applause or pat themselves on the back for a job well done. They’d allowed her to live. Like she should be grateful for the opportunity to survive. Her knuckles were white as she clenched the front of her chair, trying to reel in her anger.

You were not, however, intended to be turned into a vampire. Cadence’s gaze met Costel’s, the accusation hanging in the air between them.

Costel shook his head slowly. We didn’t know it was possible. I only sent Frederick out to watch over her. When he turned her it was…not something I expected.

You…you… Rho sputtered, barely able to comprehend the words coming out of the king’s—her king’s—mouth. "That’s why you had Frederick track me?"

Since the beginning they’d been there, hiding in the darkness. For years she thought she’d gone insane. Every night had been a new exercise in absolute terror. She’d sworn to her foster parents that she was being watched, and they’d sent her to shrink after shrink, trying to figure out the source of her paranoia.

No one had been able to handle her, and once they’d told her she was schizophrenic, no one wanted to take her in. People didn’t want to foster older kids anyway, and certainly not ones with those kinds of issues. All of those years she’d been alone and afraid, and these people knew. They’d been the cause of her anxieties all along.

She gulped and drew a deep breath, allowing the elaborate framework of fear from her childhood to click into place. It all made sense now. Frederick shot her a sympathetic half smile, but it didn’t make a dent in her emotions. The sense of betrayal ran much too deep.

We had to see if you exhibited magickal abilities the Council could use, Cadence said.

Rho wrung her hands together, trying to get a grip on herself. "You planned to use me?"

Siphons have proved to be valuable assets in the past. Cadence lifted a shoulder. If they can be found.

Rho ran a hand through her long mane. This is just too much…

We cannot allow this. Rhyannon shot up from her seat.

With all due respect, your majesty, David, the quiet, small man at the table, spoke up. She doesn’t appear to be harming anyone.

Rhyannon drew a sharp breath. I saw her use her magick! The night she stole from me, she siphoned my power. She pointed a finger to her own chest. "Mine. The queen of the fae."

But— David started.

She is now both a siphon and one of the undead. Rhyannon motioned toward Rho in a grand gesture. She wields magick but is impervious to death. Tell me how that is not a threat to every one of us.

Silence fell as they reflected on the statement.

Rho hadn’t even considered that part of her condition, and yet she couldn’t deny it. Her vampire half meant she’d be virtually un-killable, just as all vampires were. Her siphon half meant she might be able to rob people of their magickal gifts, even if she’d only done it once. And even if she didn’t mean to.

Sit down, Rhyannon, Cadence ordered. She paused before saying, We’ll take this new information into consideration, but you know policy dictates there must be a formal hearing.

You can’t kill her for who she is, Frederick said softly. She’s been this same person since her turning, and you allowed her to live this long. His expression was grave, which told Rho everything she needed to know. He knew she was going to die.

Her heart sank further into the ground and she gulped. She’d always known she would die, but she’d errantly assumed it would be in a fight. Or an