The Golden Bell Read online

  The murmur died down. Azion considered her thoughtfully, and she had the sudden suspicion that he already knew about her mixed blood.

  “Interesting revelation, but to my mind it makes little difference. You’ve got our blood. As rare and impossible as that may seem, when combined with your susceptibility to the male charmer, it makes you our responsibility. I do not believe you will be happy here. Indeed, it’s clear that you’ve been miserable for some time. I move to extradite you to the Dark Lands.” One by one, the Elders voted to send her through the gate, sealing her fate.

  Her lips parted on a silent protest. They were crazy! She was not about to meekly go along, dumbly complying with their stupid decree. She knew nothing about the Dark Lands, only that it had a creepy name and was inhabited by a race of beings her father had warned her wouldn’t appreciate her existence. Gritting her teeth, she fought the urge to tell them where they could shove their verdict. The less she said, the less they would know of her plans.

  She wasn’t going to the Dark Lands.

  Azion’s eyes shifted inquiringly to her left.

  That brought Rain to her feet. Fists clenched, she gritted, “I’m twenty-two years old and past the need for a guardian.”

  “I accept the responsibility,” Fallon’s calm voice cut off her tirade.

  She whirled on him, within a fingernail of attacking him. “I don’t want you as my keeper, so why don’t you—”

  Azion cut her off this time. “Lord Fallon will be protecting you until such a time as you find a mate and he can hand the responsibility over. He will help you to get established and will see to your well being until you are settled. This is the will of the Council. Good luck, and good day.”

  Mute fury riveted her to the spot as the screen went blank. Ignoring Kirk and her new “guardian”, she stalked to the exit, whipped open the door, strode down the hall and slammed into her room. Locking the door, she threw herself on the bed and screamed into her pillow.

  “That went well.”

  Fallon shot Kirk an annoyed look and dropped into his office chair. He could see the hallway and Rain’s bedroom through his open study door.

  He hadn’t known she was a half-breed. It explained a lot, but made little impact on his decision to protect her, other than to make him more certain that she needed it. Elder Azion was right; she wasn’t happy here. No matter how she felt about the move, she was sure to have a better chance of survival in the Dark Lands.

  Retirement had been looming for some time, and he’d be glad to go home. Kirk was ready to replace him, and there few of them left on this side of gate to warrant Fallon’s continued presence. He had lands and duties in the Dark Lands, both of which had suffered his absence for over a decade. Dealing with one small woman wasn’t going to tax him.

  Toying with the latch on his laptop, he let his eyes wander over the shelves of books. The sun shown through the window Rain had almost leapt through, reflecting off the snow and illuminating the red velvet couch. Three moons rode the sky in the Dark Lands and the climate was tropical. He’d miss this place, but it had never held his heart like his home.

  He pictured Rain there and smiled. She’d probably attack the first shifted soldier she found, and since all males remained in their more powerful, mute form when on duty, she’d see one almost immediately. Growing up around humans might even have made her fearful. Frowning, he considered how long it would take her to become acclimated…

  CHAPTER 4

  It was still dark when Rain woke up, but that wasn’t unusual for Alaska. Sunrise wouldn’t happen until ten-something that morning. Growling at the dark, she flipped back the covers and hunted for her socks.

  She wanted to slap herself for her tantrum last night. Granted, for the last year she’d been hunted, sleep-deprived, half-starved and almost seduced by the bad guy, but that didn’t excuse her childish behavior. You’d think the last year would have pistol-whipped the remains of giddy youth out of her.

  She was going to the Dark Lands. She hated to admit it, yet there it was. With the entire bloody Council against her, the Cult’s deathwatch waiting for her to show her face and Fallon and Kirk babysitting, there was no way she was going to be able to run. Then there was the little matter of the trinket she carried…

  Rain slipped her hand into her frayed leather jacket and pulled out a red rubber ball. A lopsided smirk curved her lips as she peeled it apart at the seams and spilled the contents into her palm. As heavy as gold, the intricately carved metal ball slowly warmed in her palm. Topaz gems winked at her from their settings, inviting her to touch, to wake them from their slumber. Giving in, she held the device next to the bedside lamp, giving it just enough light to operate.

  With a hum, the device lifted from her palm and hovered, slowly rotating. The gems lit up, began their opening notes.

  Rain shivered as unearthly music, barely heard and intensely felt, vibrated in the air. Designed to physically pleasure the listener, the sounds shivered with the radiance of the aurora, seductively sweet. Piercing. Addictive.

  Rain shivered. She hadn’t meant to make the Bell. It was supposed to be a gate key, a door to the Dark Lands that would allow her to take a peek without being trapped. She realized too late that one actually had to go the Dark Lands before it could be set, which was problematic, since she’d had no intention of applying for her green card. By then she’d been addicted, unable to abandon her seductive little toy. The idea of it falling into another’s hands put her into a cold sweat.

  Her father had been killed for merely hinting that the Bell existed.

  Someone on the Council had committed murder to possess it, and if she weren’t careful, she’d be next. Stealing was the least a man could do with the gate at his disposal. Murder would child’s play if he could learn to set it. Imagine the devastation if the Bell fell in the hands of an assassin. She wasn’t blind to the potential disaster.

  Unfortunately, she couldn’t destroy it; physically couldn’t do it. Her nerves went weak every time she thought about smashing it…the thing had become her lover. The resonance bound even as it gave sweet pleasure, and like a puppet, she danced attendance. God forbid a man should ever have such sensual power over her.

  Shivering at the final whisper of notes, she closed her hand over the Bell. Breathing deeply, she sealed it in its hiding place and shoved it in her pocket. At least she had an out if things got ugly in the Dark Lands. No one would think to look for her here.

  It was time to go and face Fallon, and her future.

  “I’d rather drive.” Rain eyed the snow machine as Fallon strapped on his saddlebags and duffle. She knew how to drive one, but she had serious misgivings about letting him. He had that look that said he only had one speed—warp velocity. His full-face black helmet hid his face and his winter gear only emphasized his height. Kirk was just as bad, and together they made her feel like a round midget.

  Glowering at Kirk, who was strapping on his skis, she grumped, “The machine will bog down.” Not that she would mind the delay.

  “Not this one, baby.” Fallon’s eyes crinkled, though his grin was hidden. “We’ve added a few Dark Lands upgrades. Things are a little more advanced on the other side of the gate. Hop on.”

  Arms crossed, she eyed him and grudgingly gave in. No doubt his weight on the back would overbalance them should they go up any hills. Settling on back, she lightly grasped his waist, holding on with her legs by habit. She’d spent much of her childhood on snow machines and hated to ride double, preferring to be the one in control. It was no fun staring at the back of someone’s head, or in Fallon’s case, at his back. It blocked out a huge chunk of scenery, and if he hadn’t set the shocks stiff enough, guaranteed a jarring ride.

  Fallon took off slowly, and she was relieved he wasn’t novice enough to dig a hole by gunning it. The thought had no more crossed her mind when he opened throttle. Rain grunted and held on, rolling her eyes at Kirk’s whoop. The blinking idiot was going to find himself wrapped around
a tree and he was enjoying it.

  Frosted birches and snow cloaked spruce flashed by, giving Rain more enjoyment than she wanted to admit. It had been a long time since she’d rode, and Fallon proved a better driver than she’d suspected. He took jumps like a madman, laughing all the while, darting off into the powder now and then for the sheer thrill of it. Kirk shouted encouragement, unintelligible over the roar of wind and engine, but understood. Their pleasure caught under her armor, sinking into her blood until it sang, too. Were all men like this in the Dark Lands? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

  All too soon, the wild ride slowed. Disappointed, she looked around at the unassuming stand of birch, seeing nothing more interesting than a fleeing grouse. Fallon dismounted. Twisting on the seat, she watched Kirk dusting off snow. Fallon took off his helmet, tossing it to his friend, then stripped off his snowsuit, tossing it for sport, too. Kirk laughed and tossed it back. “Feeling the heat already?”

  Fallon grinned. “Know it.” He turned to Rain. “Take off the helmet and suit and follow me. I promise you’ll be more than warm enough in a minute.”

  Wary of his wicked grin, she slowly obeyed, glowering as the cold bit into her exposed skin.

  He unbuckled her duffle and slung it over his shoulder. “Leave the boots and gloves on; Kirk will get them later. There’s less for him to carry this way.” He held out his hand. “Ready, Dorothy?”

  “Careful, Toto. I might just make a coat out of you to keep from freezing out here.” Taking his hand so he could help her through the knee-deep snow, she followed, grimacing as powder worked its way down her boots. At least it was growing warmer.

  A shadow caught her eye, and she froze, staring at the unusually big tree to her right. Was that a wolf?

  Fallon tugged her on, and she noticed the snow thinning under the shadow of the trees. The warmth continued to build, and she looked up as the light dimmed, greened. Well, that explained it. The trees had grown huge, and their leaves blocked the sun…

  Rain stiffened and looked around. Redwoods. She was in a redwood forest. Ferns and moss provided a soft cushion on either side of the faint dirt path. Mushrooms the size of ottomans dotted the forest floor, adding splashes of red. A wolf-like creature wove in and out of the trees, a silent watcher to her personal drama. Rain just stood there, looking, ignoring the snow melting into her socks.

  Fallon smiled and handed her a pair of shoes, then slowly peeled off her gloves. “Welcome to the Dark Lands. We’ll pitch this stuff back through the gate, then I’ll take you up to the Citadel and introduce you around.”

  Dazed, she looked at him, blinked when she noticed him stripping off his sweater. Underneath was a black leather vest that buckled across his chest. A red embroidered Celtic knot decorated his left breast. She recognized the black pants from this morning, but she’d never seen the weapons belt he buckled on, or the gun in the low holster against his right thigh. A silver dagger hilt rode his left hip. She stared.

  He grinned. “Standard uniform, you’ll be seeing a lot of it. Come on, let’s go blow your mind.”

  He’d originally intended to take her straight to her quarters to settle in, and then slowly introduce her to his world. Seeing the wonder in her eyes changed his mind. Why not build on it? This magic, the mystique of stepping into an alien world that was now her own, this is what she needed. Let her first moments be full of pleasure and the rest of her days would be colored by it. Tossing aside his mental itinerary, he took her hand, threw her a grin, and headed for the path that led to the market.

  The path through the woods wasn’t long. Rain’s eyes lit up when she first caught sight of the colorful tents and booths nestled against the curve of the Citadel’s stonewall, facing the bay. Rows of merchants selling everything from produce and crafts to weapons and livestock greeted shoppers with cheerful invitations to try their wares. Women with baskets did the household shopping, haggling with shopkeepers as their children scurried around, ogling the goods. By the look on her face, Rain couldn’t wait to explore.

  Fallon grinned, congratulating himself on a great idea. All women loved to shop and this one was no exception.

  Rain was in awe of the colorful costumes and elaborate hairstyles of the local women. While the men seemed to prefer darker colors and simple pants and tunics, the women swept around in the full spectrum of the rainbow, in styles ranging from harem pants and cropped vests with tulip or full sleeves, to exotic robes and Grecian style gowns. The crowd wove around them, the packed sand under their feet muffling some of the noise as the scent of baked goods and savory delights filled the air. Butchers with their logs of hanging sausages and crocks of cured meats stood next to vendors with colorful jars of layered dried fruits and nuts, glass cases full of confections and rows of fat-bellied wine bottles. Several stands with steaming kettles and carved wooden boxes full of bread served customers in a pavilion-covered dining area, filling their wooden bowls full of something that smelled good. Dishwashers accepted the bowls and cups, keeping the area clean as diners left.

  “Yellow arches, eat your heart out,” Rain murmured, her mouth watering. Before she could ask what they were serving, the stall on her left captured her attention. She gasped. A beautiful jacket of wine-red velvet was displayed on a wooden mannequin, complete with matching choker and earrings. Cropped, close-fitted at the bust to hug a woman’s body, it fastened with a gold clasp between the breasts. The sleeves were full and made of a sheer, burgundy fabric with ruby and diamond crystal cuffs. At least she assumed the stones were crystal; she wouldn’t dare display real stones like that in an open market. A black silk sarong and gorgeous sash were tied around the mannequin’s hips, teasing the shopper with visions of trying it on.

  Rain took a deep breath and put it out of her head. Where would she wear it, even if she could afford it? Ignoring a tempting, embroidered gold and silver sheath displayed next to it, she lowered her gaze and tried not to drool over the jewelry in the case below. A vine necklace with marquise cut white crystals sparkled next to matching earrings displayed on black velvet. The rest of the jewelry was impressively designed, but nothing, in her opinion, matched that pretty set.

  She glanced at Fallon, found him near, yet conversing with another man as she window-shopped. He caught her eye, smiled, and waved her on. Since he seemed content, she was more than happy to keep looking.

  “Good morning. Would you like a manicure or a haircut?” an older woman with a hopeful smile greeted her as she moved to the next stall. Before Rain could decline, Fallon stepped forward and paid the woman.

  “Pamper her,” he told the shopkeeper. “My ward is being very patient with my preoccupation and deserves the reward.” Giving Rain a dazzling grin white enough to keep her blinking, he turned away and resumed his conversation.

  The shopkeeper’s eyes widened at the coins he’d set in her palm, and she beamed. “Come, dear, have a seat. My daughters and I will make you the loveliest girl in the Citadel.”

  Before Rain knew what was happening, she was seated in a comfortable chair and bombarded with questions about split ends, what color nail polish she preferred and how long it had been since she’d had a pedicure.

  “Er, never,” she admitted, trying to catch a glimpse of Fallon before the beautician tackled her ragged ends. It had been a long time since she’d been to a salon, and she’d never had three women hovering over her like the personal maids of some pampered duchess. It felt marvelous and novel, and was a far cry from how she’d expected the morning to go. The girls even massaged her hands and feet, which tickled but also felt great. When they finished painting pretty silver and gold designs on her nails, the elder woman handed her a fruit drink, then beckoned in a man with clothing cradled in his arms.

  “For you, milady, compliments of Lord Fallon,” he said, displaying his wares with a flourish. A midnight blue top similar to the red one she’d admired was draped over his arms. This one had short tulip sleeves and was embroidered with silver and gold and had a silver and cry
stal butterfly clasp.

  Her attendants “ooohed”.

  The man offered an apologetic bow. “We are very sorry the one you admired is not in your size, but we would be happy to have one made for you, or to offer you a look at our other inventory.”

  “Oh, this one is beautiful, but…” she looked around and tried to catch Fallon’s eye. He allowed her to hold it for a moment, smiled slightly, then turned his attention to the man he was speaking to, a different one than last time.

  Rolling her eyes at his generosity, she accepted the clothing with shy thanks, going behind the curtain in the back of the tent to change. There were even matching sandals. Wondering what she looked like, for she’d yet to see a mirror, she drew back the curtain.

  Fallon glanced at her and froze. Very slowly, he inhaled, his eyes wandering from her head to her feet. By the time they met hers again, they were a glowing, brilliant green.

  Beaming, the shopkeeper took her arm and pulled the breathless Rain in front of a full-length mirror. Rain gasped.

  That had to be her, but she couldn’t believe it. Her hair was prettily braided and swept up from her face in a princess’s coronet. She hadn’t paid much attention when the shopkeeper had applied makeup, other than enjoying the attention and praying she wouldn’t look like a clown when she was done. Instead, the woman had used a light hand to highlight and conceal, achieving an exotic, ethereal effect. Rain touched her rouged lips, startled by the jewel effect of her silver and gold nails. The girl in that mirror was lovely, and this had to be a dream.