Shadow Revealed (The Enlightened Species Book Two) (30 page)

Start at the beginning was all he could offer her now. “When I recovered from the fall of Atlantis, I wondered where you had gone, but mostly I just wanted to find Tenebrae. I couldn’t feel our bond. Part of me knew he was dead, but I guess I hoped he was shielding and I was not at full strength. I stayed in the High chambers shadowed for months waiting for word of him. When his body was delivered boiled by the Aquatie prince, I fell apart. Only then did I seek you out. In fact, I followed the messenger sent by the panel to tell your family the news in Sidhe. Your mother pulled you into a hug; I could tell by your face the news of my brother’s death hurt you deeply. It was the look you got when your mother said it was terrible to loose the Sicarius bloodline that kept me from revealing my presence to you. There was a certain level of relief on your face. I was hurt and extremely stupid. I went to ground for centuries at a time. I checked in on you from time to time to see if you were lonely enough to want me the way I felt you should. I spent the rest of the time hunting the Aquatie who had killed my brother. Growing darker inside, I did this routine over and over.”

Tears tracked down Innanna’s face, but she didn’t try to deny her relief that she hadn’t mated with him. He was glad of that. “I was like a festering wound of unjustifiable resentments and unreleased grief for Tenebrae … and for you. I came so close to turning rogue, even Morsdente. It was a scary time. Only the shame it would bring to the Sicarius name and my brother’s memory kept me from going that far. I focused on the anger to hide from the pain. I kept thinking it shouldn’t matter if we loved each other; we belonged together. Then I met Natalie.” Saying the name aloud brought a fresh wave of pain. “She was human, heredity at that, but I fell for her even without a bloodbond. That was when I finally understood that you were right all along. Loving a bloodmate would be a wonderful thing. I still believe that. I also hear the words you said the last time we spoke: “If I must choose between love and biology, I choose love.” I tried to tell you we would learn to love each other. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for saying that. It more than matters; it is crucial. Natalie died at sixty-eight years old, and I got to love her for fifty of those years. I stood beside her when she took her last breath.”

“I did mourn you, Eros. I love you like a brother. I always have. I always will. Why have you stayed separated from your people all this time? Why not come back after you lost your love?” Innanna was such a compassionate soul, being a part of the survival of their species meant everything to her. Until now he’d only cared about his family. Even in returning now, his motives were selfish and all about his family.

“I had a million justifications, none of which have proved valid. At first I worried about my young son. Hulven weren’t always accepted by the Elven race. I didn’t want them ostracized. Then I met my second wife, who gave me three more sons. My third bride died in childbirth, and my forth ran away after our wedding night and gave birth to Umbrae without me knowing that she had conceived. My boys and I focused on avenging Tenebrae. Vengeance was the reason, I told myself, but the truth is far more shameful. I was terrified of facing you, facing Durian,” Eros admitted to her, something he’d never shared with another living soul.

“Durian loves you, Eros. You were his best friend. He missed you so much. He tried to hide his grief from me, but I know he has never gotten over losing you. Give him a chance. His anger will pass and you two can find your way back to the friendship you once shared.” Innanna spoke as he helped her back to her feet. He hoped she was right. Seeing Durian again had filled him with longing for the camaraderie they’d once shared.

“I heard you now preside over the Oracles. Congratulations. Or would you rather my sympathy?” Eros gained the chuckle from her he had hoped for.

“Maybe some of both, Gil …” Innanna’s eyes widened when she said his name. That must be the name of the male that he’d noticed her exchange glances with earlier. “Oh, Eros, you’ve not yet heard about Etana’s sacrifice, have you? You may find a bloodmate to love yet.” Innanna told him about the bloodmate potential of the future as they walked back toward the house. Gil’s name came up several times. Clearly Innanna had found her love, her perfect bloodmate. Eros was thrilled for her. She was the closest to a sister he had ever had, and he loved her as one and wanted her happy. The male obviously brought her to life.

Entering the hall, Eros spotted the male whose shining attributes Innanna had listed off to him climbing the stairs toward the living quarters. Each arm was draped over the shoulders of an Aquatie female. “Innanna.” She looked up at him questioningly. “You may want to add ‘stupid’ and ‘jackass’ to Gil’s resume.” He used his chin to indicate the direction as the trio reached the top of the stairs.

Hurt and possessive fire shot from Innanna’s eyes. “That son of a bitch.” Eros smiled. Gil had no idea the stick of dynamite he’d just ignited. Thank the Fates Innanna had found a love she was willing to fight for. “Hold these.” She shoved her shoes against his chest. Fists at her sides, her stride determined, she marched toward the stairs, ignoring the concerned inquiry from her mother. He almost felt bad for Gil—this would be a night that male would never forget. Innanna didn’t get upset often, but when she did, look out.

His eyes fell to meet Adonai’s. Eros didn’t hide his surprise to see Innanna’s father give him a nod of acceptance. Maybe there was hope yet. Durian leaned against the wall next to the bar, and Eros took an identical pose next to him. Feeling encouraged when Durian didn’t walk away, he took a chance. “I see you haven’t mellowed over time, still a hard-head,” Eros said while visually sweeping the room.

“You holding up a mirror, fuckwad?” Durian responded. Venom dripped from his tone. It was a solid start.

“Can’t see a mirror yet. My eyes haven’t cleared of shit since I pulled my head out of my ass.” May as well get the apology out of the way. Durian snorted sarcastically. Eros grinned and flipped him off. They stood side by side, silently watching the crowd. Olive branch extended and accepted, all that remained was time and performance to earn back Durian’s friendship.

Lifting from the wall he faced his friend face-to-face. “You want to punch me, or can I go steal a dance with my daughter?” Durian flipped him off in return and answer. Lighter in spirit then he could remember being, Eros went in search of Umbrae, passing by his sons having the time of their lives, surrounded by ladies.

****

Ediku sat on a stone bench, peeling the label off his third beer. He’d never been much of a drinker; sulking was more his style. Patrick stood across the expanse of lawn laughing with a mixed group of people. Just because he couldn’t tell if the male was interested in any one specific didn’t mean he wasn’t. Fates, was he really pathetic enough to sit by and watch the male he loved leave with someone tonight? That answer was a resounding “yes.”

“G-pa E.” Jorie’s voice floated down to him from the balcony above, where the young were being tended. He looked up to give her a false smile. She shouted to someone behind her, “Hey, Maggie hold down the fort for a sec, K?” and climbed the railing, gliding down to join him on the bench.

“Don’t you look gorgeous?” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She was dressed to join in with the festivities once her kid-duty rotation ended. “How soon till you bust out of there so I can dance with you?”

Jorie beamed at him. “I still have like another hour and a half.” She looked at her watch. “Then I’m done, no more snotty nose blowing for me.” She waved at someone, and Ediku looked up to see Patrick grinning over at Jorie. His heart lurched in his chest, but Patrick leaned to hear what someone beside him said without acknowledging Ediku. Jorie let out a sigh. “I really like him.”

It was hard to speak, but Jorie’s expectant look left him little choice. “He’s a good guy. Hard not to like him.” That was the understatement of the millennium.

Jorie studied his face for a long minute and then shocked the hell out of him when she tsked and shook her head. Oh, hell, what had she seen in his face? His eyes roamed toward Patrick again and then back to her. “G-pa, I know it’s none of my business and I’m just a kid, but I know stuff. I watched my mom and dad dance around pretending like they were friends for like
ever.
They were miserable, but neither wanted to admit they loved the other. Made me bat-shit nuts. Mom would cry at night, dad would watch her when she wasn’t looking with this puppy face. I thought they were just freaks of the universe, blinded by stupidity. Now I’m thinking maybe all grownups are dumb.” She leaned her head to his shoulder.

Ediku took the bait. More than his next breath, he needed to hear what she would say. “We are pretty dumb when it comes to the heart, aren’t we?” He encouraged her to continue.

Jorie lifted from his shoulder. Pinched his cheeks between her thumb and forefinger, she glared at him. “If you love Patrick, then you need to do whatever it takes. I’ve been watching you two all damn week giving each other that same stupid puppy face my dad used to wear. Quit being a dumbass.” She kissed the tip of his nose and released his face, smirking at what could only be his stunned expression. Great Fates, she was an intuitive little thing. She was also absolutely correct.

A noise sounded from the room off the balcony and Jorie frowned, looking up. “I better go.” She flew back to her duties. Edik turned to catch Patrick watching him, but he glanced away the second they made eye contact. Was she right? Did Patrick still want him? Either way, he was done hiding.

As luck would have it, the second his mind was made up, his father and Umbrae stepped into view. No time like the present. He needed to introduce himself to his father’s new mate anyway. With determination and blossoming hope, he bee-lined a path that would intersect the happy couple.

“Dad.” He could feel the warmth of Patrick’s eyes following him. Enlil turned and pulled Ediku into a fierce hug. WTF? Aware it might be the last embrace he’d ever get from his father, he returned it with everything he had. Were those tears in his father’s eyes? He took Umbrae’s hands in both of his. “I’m so sorry we haven’t had a chance to meet properly. I’m Ediku. I’m so happy for you and my dad.” His voice choked up and he pushed through the best he could. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to my mother.”

Umbrae looked from him to his dad, as if searching for the right thing to say back. Edik had gotten wind of some of her story over the last few days. This must be overwhelming to the female. Following his instinct, he hugged her and was not surprised when she tensed before returning it. The kindness, patience, and understanding his father bestowed on the females he loved would serve Umbrae well.

“Thank you, Edik. Is it okay if I call you that?” Her smile brightened her whole demeanor; he could see why his father was attracted. Course, these two had gone well beyond attracted. Figures his mother would hand-pick her replacement; she always was the kind to not leave things to chance if she could help it. Even her crop designs were perfectly diagrammed before a shovel full of dirt was turned.

“I like being called Edik. Prefer it actually.” That was what Patrick had always called him. He put his hand on his father’s shoulder. “There’s something I really need to tell you. See that male over there?” He pointed at Patrick. No more hiding, no more pretending. Enlil and Umbrae followed the direction of his finger.

“You mean Patrick?” Enlil gave him a curious study. “I often wondered why the two of you broke it off. He seemed to make you happy.”

Okay. Did that just fall out of his father’s lips? How? What? Huh?

“You knew?” Edik couldn’t help the accusation in his voice. His father had known the whole time and hadn’t said a word.

“That you preferred males?” Enlil didn’t bat an eye. Edik could still feel the pride his dad felt for him through the paternal bond. The flux of emotion had been a constant since the bluff. “You’re mother and I realized it when you were a child. She said that when you were ready to talk to me about it, you would. Honestly, when I learned of you siring Moira and Marja, I was a little confused by it. ”

Edik wanted to smack his palm against his forehead. Enlil’s gaze lifted, followed by a smile, and Edik followed the line of sight. Jorie stood on the balcony giving them a double thumbs-up. Enlil chuckled. “Can’t say I’m sorry you found one female that struck your fancy, though. Our girls are pretty phenomenal.” Edik couldn’t agree more. Maybe everything had happened just the way it was supposed too.

“Umm, Dad,” Edik hedged.

Umbrae pushed against his forearm. “Go on. If you’re anything like your mother described, you have some groveling to do.”
Yes, ma’am.
There was no containing the burst of freedom he felt. He turned to where Patrick had been. The male was gone. “He headed toward the beach after you pointed at him,” Umbrae supplied. He gave them each a kiss on the cheek before dashing off in pursuit. Jorie’s whoop echoed overhead.

Patrick sat in the sand, the waves touching his toes before retreating. “So you think you can finally grow a pair and I will come right back to you, don’t you?”

Slipping off his shoes, Ediku rolled the bottoms of his pant legs before sitting beside the male of his dreams. “That was the plan in a nutshell.” The wave chilled the bottoms of his feet. Which would make them the only part of his body not engulfed in flames of desire. “Course, I’m also ready, willing, and able to beg shamelessly. That would be plan B.”

Patrick gave a chuckle full of sadness. The male had yet to look away from the ocean. Was it too late? Had he fucked up beyond redemption? Did Patrick have someone else? If so, was he happy? Taking an example from his father, Edik waited patiently for Patrick to respond, knowing the words that would follow would make or crush him. He made a concise effort to focus on hope instead of dread.

“You shattered my heart, Edik. It’s taken me this long to find all of the pieces. I still haven’t puzzled them back together.” Patrick’s voice was quiet with raw hurt.