The Irish fae’s eyes misted, her lips parting in surprise.
Thea shrugged. “She wouldn’t exist without you or Callie.” Echo knew Caledonia was Conall’s sister.
Adult Naimh blinked rapidly, her werewolf mate reaching out to take hold of her hand as she battled her emotions.
Fionn now cradled Baby Niamh in his arms and Echo was suddenly reminded of all she knew about Fionn Mór’s history. When he was human, he’d been a great Celtic warrior king. And a father.
He’d lost his children because of the Faerie Queen.
Rose settled her hand comfortingly on Fionn’s back as he held the babe close against his broad chest.
“Hullo, wee Niamh,” he murmured, brushing a gentle fingertip over her cheek. “Aren’t you a beauty.”
“She really is.” Rose beamed at the parents. “Congratulations.”
Wrapping his arm around Thea’s waist, Conall nodded his thanks. Then his gaze instantly moved to Echo and Elijah. “These are the newcomers?” Recognition lit both his and Thea’s faces. “I always thought there was something about you,” Conall murmured at Elijah. “I like your music.”
Elijah smirked. “Thanks. It’s been a strange few weeks.”
Thea laughed. “I’ll bet.”
“Are you two sure you want to get involved in this?” Fionn asked, reluctantly looking up from the child in his arms. “Nowthat little Niamh is here.” His expression turned grave. “There’s no pain like it … being separated from your child for all eternity.”
Fear flashed over the female wolf’s face, but determination quickly followed it. “There will be no world for her to grow up in if we don’t take the risk. You need us. And we need to win … for our daughter’s sake. We’re in.”
“And that’s the last we’ll discuss of it.” Conall took Baby Niamh from Fionn. “My sister will look after Nee so we can talk.” His eyes flicked to Echo. “I’m particularly interested to hear how a vampire is standing in broad daylight in front of us.”
Elijah stepped in front of Echo, a low growl emitting from deep in his throat that sounded so animalistic, it shocked her. She gaped at the back of his head.
Conall flashed his teeth in a feral smile. “Dinnae. No need for that.” His nostrils flared slightly as understanding dawned. “I wish your mate no harm.” He grinned at Thea’s look of surprise. “It seems we have much to discuss.”
24
“So,we’re the key. Mated pairs.” Conall sat back in his chair, exchanging a knowing look with Thea. “Unsurprising.”
Elijah surveyed the group that had gathered in the coach house pub. There was no one else, though his developing senses told him there were many wolves nearby.
“Astra thinks we’re the key, and that’s what matters,” Niamh said.
She’d just finished updating everyone on the situation with the redheaded fae who’d tried to kill Echo. Apparently, Astra had tried to kill Niamh’s mate Kiyo in Japan a few months ago because she believed her fae-borne “brothers” and “sisters” were more likely to turn to the dark side if their mates were taken from them permanently.
“But you believe some greater fate is at work?” Elijah asked. “Through your visions … leading the fae-borne to their mated pair?”
“Aye.” Niamh nodded solemnly. “We’re stronger with our mates. While we all have dark in us … our mates keep us closer to the light.”
“But what about Thea and Conall?” Echo gestured to the wolf couple. “How are they still part of the equation if Thea’s no longer fae?”
“Because we might be able to defeat Astra without them. But we can’t defeat Astra, The Garm, and the Blackwoods without backup. And we all know the councils are spineless, corrupt arseholes too afraid to upset their own agenda by doing what they’re supposed to and police dark magic users like the Blackwoods. The East Asian Council didn’t even follow up with their investigation into Astra’s devastating attack on Tokyo.”
“Councils?” Elijah asked, confused. “Tokyo attack?”
Echo turned to him and patiently replied, “There are continental governing councils among the witches and warlocks. They’re supposed to monitor the use of dark magic and punish those who commit crimes using magic. The Blackwoods are on the North American High Council, so they’ve turned a blind eye. And because they’re so closely allied, they also have the European High Council. The others … none of them have stepped up to stop the Blackwoods for multiple reasons, primarily money and power. Niamh’s right. They once protected humans from the darker side of their magic … but now they’ve all been corrupted by power and wealth and politics. They won’t help.
“As for Tokyo”—Echo turned to Niamh—“William assumed it was infighting within Pack Iryoku that led to the explosions on Shinjuku.”
“Wait … the Tokyo terrorist attack was supernatural?” Elijah raised an eyebrow. Months ago multiple building explosions in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo had made global news.
Niamh nodded gravely. “It was Astra. The pack alpha”—she flicked a grim look at her mate—“knew I was fae. Astra killed her but decided to take out the entire pack in case she’d told anyone else. The East Asian Council investigated but declared itas infighting within the pack, just so they could wash their hands of it. So, Echo’s right. The councils are of no use.”
