Everett sat quietly, listening intently to Annaliese's lengthy story. The warmth from the coffee seeped into his hands, not only warming the appendages but slowly the rest of him.
Having it confirmed that he was the firebird brought some comfort. At least he wasn't going crazy. But now his mind has something new to focus on. Bastian had said training, and that usually meant going somewhere else. He didn't want to go anywhere else. He didn't want to leave Mal.
No one had explicitly said that, but it was the only natural assumption to the worst. Since all this had started, the only thing to think about was the worst. There wasn't anything else to think about, except Mal and the friends he'd made.
Despite knowing all that and his mind whirring through everything he knew, Everett couldn't help but listen. Annaliese's voice was soft, almost as soft as the moonlight bathing them. He couldn't pinpoint her accent but he was certain it was of a Germanic language. She was an excellent storyteller if the people around him were any indication.
The story of the former firebird was an adventurous one. His name had been Henrik Sorenson, and he'd hailed from Sweden. At least that's what he'd always claimed. He'd been just over five foot six and he'd had a love for jokes. He'd enjoyed making people laugh, enjoying the sound and happiness that had rolled off them.
Unlike Everett, he'd known what he was after he'd returned. The explosion of the former firebird had been a massive ordeal, a volcanic eruption to be exact. Henrik had walked out of the hardened lava with no burns. His form had been that of a child, and he'd been adopted by a nice old couple who had lost everything.
The small family had traveled, and after thirteen years, Henrik's powers had started to manifest. His father Leif had seen the signs, and being a man of magic himself, he had trained the boy to master his powers. He had taught him healing, how to control the fire that threatened to consume him, and how to maintain the human side and his creature side.
Henrik had been a natural healer. Everyone had gone to him in hopes they would be healed without too many side effects. Henrik had tried even if he couldn't, and everyone had loved him. Many war heroes from all the wars fought had come to him. Even the fae, werewolves, and vampires had sought him out.
But even with as much notoriety and respect, there were still people who had wanted to control Henrik. Throughout his matured life, the elder firebird had fought to keep his freedom. Those who had wanted to own the powers of the firebird had hunted himrelentlessly.
Henrik had sought asylum with the fae for several years until he was certain he could slide in with Victorian society with ease. Annaliese had become good friends with the man and had offered him help whenever he needed it. He'd returned several times after wars and the like, but he'd never stayed long. He'd always returned to society.
Somewhere in there, Donovan and Henrik had met. Annaliese had known of their meeting and had decided to meet the young werewolf. She had been impressed and hadn't said much when the two men's friendship grew. She'd been instrumental in getting Donovan his current position.
Annaliese picked up current events. "When Henrik came to me in his last days, he asked if I would help ease his transition. All he needed was protection. The man in the car that night was one of mine."
Everett stared at the liquid in his cup. "How did it happen?"
"When one of the ancient birds - firebird, thunderbird, or the War Eagle- dies, it is always in whatever magic they control best. The thunderbird soars into a thunderstorm, the War Eagle dies in battle, and the firebird explodes in a burst of flame. That's what happened that night. He was being chased, and they couldn't get to the safe house I'd set up. Henrik's time came in that car," she explained.
Annaliese looked at the youngest person present. She watched his drawn face and bright red eyes. She saw some of Henrik in him, but the rest was the new persona the firebird became. It was to keep the new and old from mixing.
"What happened, child?" she asked. Everett raised his gaze to her. "We went in search for you after that night, but we could never find you."
Everett's hand shook as his memories flooded him. "I stayed in the hospital for a day or so then I was put in a group home for three years. All I had was the paperwork and I.D. found on me."
"We put that together as a precaution. We weren't sure what would happen." Her flawless face scrunched up in concern. "Were you happy? At least say you were?"
The young man felt the pain of the past prick at his eyes again. He hurriedly wiped them away, but everyone had noticed. Smartly, no one said anything. Even Mal didn't react. He didn't want the fit of anger that would follow.
"I've been happier in the last six months that I have been in the last thirteen years," he finally replied.
Annaliese frowned as he drained his cup. She caught Mal's gentle hand to the man's knee and understood. What she'd seen when she'd walked up was true. These two were in a loving relationship. The werewolf was his biggest champion, but would he be his biggest downfall?
"Is the werewolf the source of your happiness?" She had to ask. When the young man looked up, she watched his eyes spark. "I am not challenging you, and I mean him no harm. But those after you will use him against you."
"Annaliese, who is exactly after him?" Donovan asked. Everett almost sighed in relief. "Like I told Bastian, I have six dead bodies. The first five were people we don't know, but the sixth one Everett knew."
The fae woman nodded. "Bastian told me. He also said two werewolves committed the murders for no reason. They're not your wolves?"
The Alpha shook his head. "No, and the three Alphas I called aren't missing any wolves. I didn't want to call Alistair."
This time the noise the woman made was a slightly annoyed one. She cast Donovan an exasperated look. "Alistair is but a young pup. All you had to do was ask."
Donovan shook his hands in front of him. "If I had, I would have had to explain everything. He would have had a fit because of their relationship. He would have me separate them."
Everett looked at him. He knew werewolf society didn't accommodate same-sex couples, but he didn't realize they would go so far as to separate them. Were they that ass backwards they would do that?
"The three birds of prey are ancient, and they predate me by several centuries. Even so, I have never heard of any of them getting married and having children. Their lices have always solitary because of how dangerous their lives can be." Donovan opened his mouth, but she held her hand up. "However, you have no business separating them. You or Alistair."
The young man leaned over and whispered to Ezra. "Who's Alistair?"
"Alistair Stroud is the Packmaster for the Northeast. He's Donovan's boss," the second replied. "He's one of four who make the rules for the North American packs."
Everett raised his hand to silence the squabbling supernatural leaders. Bastian snorted in laughter, ducking his head so no one could see it.
"While the two of you are valiantly arguing about my sex life," he said, "I need to know what's your plan. Because I would really like to be able to have sex without setting the bed on fire. Or better yet scalding people when I lose my temper."
Domino slapped Mal's shoulder. "Did he really nearly set the bed on fire?"
"No, but he does scald people when he gets upset," Mal said. He paused momentarily then looked back. "Don't get any ideas."
"Oh, don't worry. I have none. I strictly like boobs and a nice warm…" His response was muffled as Astra covered his mouth with her hand and jerked him backwards.
"Finish that sentence," she demanded. His eyes widened until his whites nearly overtook them. "Go ahead. Finish that sentence. What about big boobs and a warm waht?"
Domino was smart. He shook his head and kissed the inside of her hand."I rescind any and all vulgar ramblings I may have said and will say during this meeting."
Astra slapped him in the forehead, lightening the mood by making everyone laugh. Even Annaliese chuckled at their antics.
Everett's smile faded as he looked back at the fae leaders. "May I ask you to look at something."
A gentle expression on her face, she nodded. "Of course. That is why I'm here. I will help in any way I can."
Everett stood and removed his jacket. The zipper was loud in the suddenly silent park, as was the sound of fabric rustling as it was pulled off. He dropped it at his feet. He pulled his shirt over his head, his skin prickling in the cool air.
He swallowed hard as he turned around to show his back. He didn't look at anyone in particular, but he didn't have to. Standing half naked was enough to draw attention.
Annaliese stood and crossed to him. Her hand touched Everett's back slightly, fingertips caressing across the mark on his back. She looked fascinated by it, almost mesmerized. It was as if she had never seen it before. Granted it could possibly be true. Nudity was strictly prohibitted two hundred years ago so Henrik would never be caught dead naked in front of her.
The hair on the back of Mal's neck stood straight up. He watched as the fae's hand became more intimate, fingers skimming over the young man's skin. His wolf became unsettled, a slow itche starting at his toes and careening up his body. She drifted over his nipples, and Everett shuddered.
Ezra scruffed him, and hand tightening on the back of his neck. He wasn't stopping him, but he was giving him pause. Since he realized that, he was able to see what Annaliese was doing. She was trying to elicit a response from him by groping Everett. He wasn't sure why, but he knew he couldn't rise to the bait. Something in the way Ezra held him told him as much.
Everett grabbed her hand, pressing it against his chest. His eyes met Mal's, red and swirling with power. They stared at each other for a long time. Mal's understanding settled in. Whatever he was going to have to do, Everett was a fascination to everyone. He was going to be touched by gentle hands and some rough ones. Mal couldn't react to them all so he had to trust Everett.
Sighing, he sat back and did the hardest thing he had ever done. He watched someone else touch what was his; touch his mate.
Everett's eyes returned to their violet color. He moved Annaliese's hand and stepped back. He looked at her, a small smile playing at his lips.
"Please don't do that again," he said. He picked up his shirt and shrugged it on. "Even if it's just a test, don't tempt them. You will not hold me responsible for their actions."
"He did very well. He truly trusts you," she said.
"He trusts me, but not you or anyone else." He pulled on his jacket and looked at her. "What do I need to do to make sure I don't hurt anyone?"
"You need a fire mage to help harness all that fire. Luckily for you, I know one. I'll reach out to him tomorrow and get back to you. If he agrees to take you on, you will need to train for at least two weeks."
"Two weeks?" Mal asked. "And that's the short end of it?"
"Your lover is a very ancient creature who just realized he's really thirteen years old. His power is starting to manifest quickly. He's going to need training." Annaliese looked at him, sympathy flashing across her porcelain face. "I understand. Loving someone is the hardest thing in the world, but if you want a safe love, this needs to happen. He needs some training."
"If he disappears, what happens to the fae who are hunting him?" Donovan asked. "Will they continue killing to draw him out or will it dry up?"
"Do you know why they're hunting him religiously?"
"Is it because he's the firebird?" Ezra asked.
"Partly. Other than exploding and coming back to life, there's one thing the phoenix can do the thunderbird and War Eagle cannot."
With a well-manicured nail, she sliced her wrist open. Dark blood dripped instantly, darker than any human's. She looked at Mal just as she slammed her fist into Everett's abdomen. He grunted as he doubled over.
Mal jumped to his feet, clothes ripping as his body changed shape. Vicious growls ripped from his chest as he slid in between the fae and his lover. Everett leaned against his back, coughing to gather air into his lungs with his damaged diaphragm. His hand fisted in silky grey fur.
"Annaliese," Donovan demanded.
"The phoenix has a speciality no other has," she said. She showed her fingers. Two tears were beaded on the tips. She swiped them across the healing wound on her arm, and it instantly stitched together. "The tears will heal any wound."
Ezra straightened from his crouched position. He and Domino had taken up flanking positions behind Everett when Mal changed. They each had a hand on his arms in case they had to jerk him back into Astra. She would ferret him to safety while they fought.
"Is that why the other fae are hunting him?" Ezra asked. "Because of his tears?"
"If they control the firebird, the other two fall into line," Bastian added. He nodded at their formation. "The firebird was always the most powerful. It was the de facto leader. Get the firebird, get all three."
"Where's the War Eagle?" Donovan asked.
"Sequestered away in my realm. She's very impressionable right now," Annaliese replied. She rubbed her arm to clear most of the blood. "I will call the mage. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice. As for those hunting you, they will not stop. They may not kill anymore, but be prepared to be terrorized until Everett confronts them. It may get worse."
"We've lost one of our own," the Alpha spat. "I'll be damned if I lose another."
"Be prepared. The next two weeks will be a living hell. They know about Mal, and they will use him to force your hand. You will have a war; your pack versus Almain's fae."
A wolfy grin crossed Ezra's face. "Almain Dupree. I know exactly who that is."
"Good," Donovan agreed. "Everett will train and we will defend our home."
"I have one request." They all looked at Everett. He was sitting beside Mal with his arm draped across his shoulders. "Let me spend one day with him. Then I will go willingly."
Mal turned his big head and snuffled in his face. He was not for this. In fact he hated it with his whole being. He wanted to whisk Everett away and hid him from everyone. He couldn't because he knew his lover would not agree, not with knowing everything they'd just found out.
Annaliese nodded. "I will send Bastian for you at dusk the day after tomorrow. Be ready. You will benefit, but your body will be pushed to the extreme. And you, Malcolm," she turned her attention to the wolf,"I will overlook this display this one time. You were protecting what is yours, but I will not if future occurrences happen. Is that understood?"
"He understands," Donovan agreed. Mal did, even without his Alpha speaking for him. He'd reacted on instinct when she'd punched Everett.
The fae woman nodded and turned towards her people. "I will be in touch. I truly hope this works out well for you. You have the makings of a truly remarkable creature. We just have to hone your skills."
She inclined her head to Donovan. When he returned the favor, she and her people slipped away. Bastian remained as the lone sentry to make sure she was not followed.
"Not many have raised the mistress's ire in the way you have and lived to tell about it," he said. "You are very lucky or very dumb."
"People in love become very foolish," Donovan groused. Mal could smell his agitation. The whole situation was nerve wracking.
Bastian nodded. "We'll be in touch. Try to stay alive, eh?" He glanced back at Everett briefly then followed the path his brethern had taken, disappearing from sight.
Donovan slowly scouted their area before he turned back. Astra helped Everett to his feet as the Alpha looked down at his wolf. Mal dropped his head just as he was thumped on the nose. He snorted but wisely kept his head lowered.
"You could have gotten all of us killed with that little display. You're hell bent on protecting him, but by doing that almost cost me a valuable ally. You're lucky she took a liking to Everett," he scolded.
"That's a funny way of showing it," Domino groused.
"Everyone has their own thing." The Alpha sighed and scrubbed his face. "Let's go home. We're all tired and stressed. I've got to check in with Carver and Strictland. Everett needs to rest."
Everett shook off his keys when Astra offered them, opting to ride with Ezra again. Donovan and Domino rode together, the Alpha talking a mile a minute walking to the car. Mal took up the entire back seat, his anger permeating the confines of the car.
"Are you all right?" Ezra asked.
Everett glanced at him. "Define all right?"
"Point taken." He pulled out of the parking lot, easing onto the road gently. "What are you thinking?"
"That my life sucks right now." He picked at his fingers. "Do me a favor. Get them cleaned up and get the clubs back open. I'm going to put a call in to my attorney tomorrow and update my will and property needs."
Mal snapped at them from the backseat. Ezra cleared his throat. "Don't be an ass. He's doing what he thinks is best. You'd learn a lot from that."
The perturbed wolf let out a noise and tucked his head under his tail. Everett frowned at him but didn't say anything. He was quiet the rest of the ride home. All of it made Ezra wonder what exactly ran through Everett's head.