Free Ruffle My Feathers (The Seven - Book 2) by Ciana Stone Page A

their power to cure. At least by some of their compatriots. Augustus could make him and as a Vampire he would be healed and immortal. And consider the power of the Fae. Eldric Whitehorse, the newly appointed Fae Council person has the ability. As does Gabriel of the Archangels. And yet, no one has offered such a thing – the one thing you want more than all else."
    "That's not true."
    "Oh but it is. Nevaeh, let me ask you… have you been seduced by someone of The Seven?"
    "Of course not!"
    "Really? There is not a male among them who has flirted with you, tried to become your friend or lover?"
    A sick kernel of doubt formed in Nevaeh's gut. Gabriel. No, that can't be true. He wouldn't do that.
    "It's not necessary to answer me, but be honest with yourself Nevaeh. Augustus and his inner circle are brilliant, calculating, and ambitious. They seek to overthrow the Council and usurp power so that they can destroy the peace accord and rule Earth."
    "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard."
    "Is it now? Then explain why they are the ones against having the portal between worlds reopened? Why are they against the Seven returning home from whence we came? If the Seven returned home, humanity would not face any threat from them. Why would anyone want to prevent that?"
    "I don't know. I don't know anything about any of that. I just know that – that they're not bad people and – and if they could do what you say then they would."
    Elysia shook her head. "Sadly you are wrong."
    "Oh, then prove it."
    "Very well."
    "Excuse me?"
    "I will prove it. I personally do not have the power to permanently cure your father, but I do have enough to give him temporary respite."
    "Meaning?"
    "Meaning that I can restore him to health for a few hours."
    "That's just not possible."
    "It is. Please, let me prove it. Let me prove to you that I'm not your enemy and that I was protecting you by taking you from the Vampire Queen's estate. If I can do that, will you help me prevent Augustus and his kind from starting a war that will see millions die? Neveah we have to stop this. Too many lives are at stake."
    "That sounds … overly dramatic."
    "But true. Let me show you what I can do and when you see and believe I promise you that I will enlist other Fae so that our combined power can cure your father. If we can do that, then I will ask for your help again. Will you at least let me try?"
    "Let's say I said yes. What would you do?"
    "I would call and book two tickets on the next flight to Orlando."
    Nevaeh considered it. Chances were, Elysia was full of shit, but if she went along and was able to get on a plane and get home, she'd be able to ditch the bitch and call Layla and tell her what happened.
    "Okay, fine. Do it."
    "Thank you, Nevaeh. You won't be disappointed."
    "That remains to be seen."
    "And seen it will be." Elysia pulled a cell phone from the pocket of her slacks and placed a call on speakerphone, booking two first class tickets on the next flight to Orlando. They had an hour to get to the airport to make that flight.
    She ended the call and stood. "Are you ready?"
    Neveah stood as well. "You have no idea."
    "Then let us depart." She pulled out her phone and made another call as she made her way into the apartment. "Please have the car brought around immediately. We are on our way down."
    Nevaeh remained silent and followed Elysia to the door. If she suspected they were not headed for the airport, she was going to bolt. If they were going to the airport, then she'd play along.
    Why? Because despite her desire to believe that Layla, Augustus and more importantly, Gabriel, had been genuine with her, if there was a chance in a million that someone on this planet had the ability to cure her father, she had to follow through. He might not be important to the world, but he was the most important person in the world to her.
    *****
    Gabriel landed beside the front porch of his house to find Severin sitting in one of the porch chairs waiting.
    "Thanks