Free rogue shifter 06 - torn apart by gayle parness Page A

Linn seems to have set her sights on him."
    "He's five!" I looked at the three fae and they all shrugged. "I hope Linn doesn't take after her great-grandfather, Finn...whatever his name was." I'd been told he'd been quite a philanderer, fathering seven full-blood fae children by five different females. The queen and Caelen were the eldest and only children of Queen Aine.
    "His name is Finvarra. He still lives with Queen Aine,—somewhere outside of our own time. He's Charlie's grandfather as well as Linn's great-grandfather." Aedus turned back to Liam. "Father will not stop until you are home with us."
    "Grady is mostly human. He should be raised here." At 1500, Liam seemed to be embracing the stubborn side of his nature.
    "Kellaine needs to spend more time in Faerie. A day every two weeks isn't enough. You must see it." Aedus' tone had turned serious. "It's one thing for you and Grady, but Kellaine is full-blood fae. And why haven't you two ...?"
    Philly placed her hand on Aedus' and gave him a pointed look. He shrugged and smiled at his brother. "I do not mean to sound like Father. But after seeing her last night, I'm concerned for her health."
    Liam glanced at me so I nodded. "She looks pale and didn't seem to have her usual spark."
    Liam relaxed back into his chair and sighed. "It's true she's not always well, but she won't go to Faerie without Grady and me." We all remained quiet. "I've been selfish. I shouldn't allow my disagreement with father to put her health at risk."
    Philladre said, "Come for a month and stay with us. The three of you can visit with her family and our family and she can revive herself. Your father cannot object to your spending time in our home."
    "I'll discuss it with her tonight. Thank you."
    Aedus turned to me and said softly, "Jacqueline, Father told me about Kennet." He held his gaze on mine as he waited for an explanation. Aedus was third in line to the throne of Faerie, so when Aedus focused his attention on you, it was hard not to respond.
    "What about Kennet?" Liam asked, looking at me curiously. "Something else happened besides him showing up with the odd gift?"
    "I'm not allowed to tell you."
    Aedus replied. "Father read everything from Kennet's mind and then gave me a brief synopsis." I bit my lip and scowled, feeling trapped. "Please, Jackie."
    "I was forced to make a blood agreement with him when Charlie was born." Not wanting to go through the details again, I turned to Aedus. "Could you explain, please?"
    After hearing the information, Liam leaned forward. "Jacqueline, this arrangement with Kennet is dangerous."
    I wondered what their reaction would be when Isaiah showed up later today. "Trust me. It's going to get worse." I put my plate in the sink. "Please excuse me, I need to shower. Feel free to stay as long as you like."
    I beat a hasty retreat. A chicken shit move, I know, but there was absolutely nothing I was allowed to say regarding my agreement with Isaiah, and I really didn't have the energy to argue with Liam about Kennet. Garrett was resting, Charlie was with Farrell and I needed some time to myself.
    Walking into the bathroom, I headed toward the shower, then stopped when I passed the enormous tub that could probably fit four with no problem. Hmmm. Maybe my mood would improve if I pampered myself just a little and soaked in a tub of warm water scented with soothing bath oils. My mouth was already curving up at the corners, even though I hadn't yet opened the tap. Yep, this was just what I needed.
    Several minutes later I stretched out under the fragrant bubbles and allowed my mind to imagine vacations with Garrett in Paris or London or even better, some exotic island with swaying palm trees and a secluded cottage on the beach. He'd probably like that, only he'd still have to rest for most of the daylight hours. I suppose even soaking up the sun would get boring without someone to keep me company. Nope, Paris or London would be better. I could go to museums or shops and