The Claire Wiche Chronicles Volumes 4-5: The Claire Wiche Chronicles

ONE

"Zachariah Wiche!"

Zach froze, steps away from freedom. He knew better than to try and escape now. That was his mom’s I know what you did and you aren’t getting away with it voice. He searched frantically through the last few days, trying to figure out just what he’d done—and his memory snagged on one incident.

Small, really—Mom didn’t need to go off because he found something. Again. Something he shouldn’t have been able to find . . .

Okay—maybe she does have a right to be mad.

Turning toward the approaching footsteps, he let out his breath and braced himself. Mom didn’t disappoint.

Claire Wiche may have been only a little over five feet tall, but she could knock down his ten inch height advantage with a single look.

Mom—

Not yet. She paced in front of him—not easy in the small entry of their house. With a sigh, she stopped, touched his cheek. How did you see the watch, Zach?

Shrugging, he stared down at his feet. I just did. When Mr. Reed mentioned it at the shop, I just—knew. I’m sorry, Mom, but it was so important to him. And not finding it leaves me—feeling weird.

Doubled over in pain was more like it, but he didn’t want to give her something else to worry about. He was scared enough for both of them.

What aren’t you telling me, Zach.

Jeez, she was spooky sometimes. He swallowed, fought to keep his voice from cracking.

Nothing.

She shook her head. You are more transparent than Annie. Moving to him, she brushed hair off his forehead, and he knew she felt the sweat at his hairline. Talk to me, sweetheart. I know you’re scared. I don’t want you to ever think you have to deal with this alone.

Mom . . . Zach focused on the amethyst heart she wore. The heart he gave her for Christmas. It glowed, like it did the first time she put it on. He traced the simple line of it with his gaze, and gradually, the stinging behind his eyes faded. Have I always been like this?

She let out a gasp, tried to cover it. Hunching his shoulders, he forced himself to meet her eyes, knowing she’d have the look again. The concerned but not going to tell him what he desperately needed to know look.

He didn’t remember anything—not even a stray memory, not since he woke up on the cold, damp grass behind a huge house, Mom leaning over him. He didn’t even recognize her. But she said yes when he asked, and he felt—connected.

A connection that seemed to grow stronger every day.

He knew she was mad—it was the reason he’d been trying to sneak out in the first place. Now fear tickled the back of his throat. Her fear. For him. Mom?

Zach. She took his hand. He stared at it, to keep from seeing the fear in her eyes. Stared at the raw scar across her left wrist, cutting the gold triquetra tattoo in half. What happened to you—it changed you, in ways I don’t know yet. We’re both learning as we go, and you have to trust me, to tell me what is going on with you—

Why doesn’t anyone here know me? The question burst out before he could stop it. But he had to know, had to understand why people who’d known her for years looked at him like they’d never seen him before—

Because you weren’t with me long. I chose you, Zach, to be part of my life. She brushed hair off his forehead. Please be patient with me; I’m new at this. With a smile she let him go. Now run away to wherever you were headed before I stopped you. Dinner’s at seven.

Okay.

He slipped out the door, and leaned against the outside wall, shaking. Mom had lied to him. He couldn’t figure out what part of her story was lie and what wasn’t, but he knew, as sure as the dread fisting in his gut, she was hiding something from him.

Something monumental.

*

Claire watched her son leave, then sagged against the door, her hands trembling.

He knows.

Maybe not the truth, but he knew something was wrong—about him, about how long he had been part of her life. She hoped she would have more time to figure out what to tell him, how much to tell him about who he was, what he had been.

How could she explain he was a fallen angel? That she gave him her grace in order to allow him to become mortal?

Oh, Annie—I could really use your straight up way of thinking right now.

But Annie was gone, on a well-deserved holiday with Eric, hopefully relaxing, recovering from the last few months. They would be joining her in a few days, but she really needed to talk now.

Simon—

She pushed the thought out of her mind, her heart already aching at just his name. Nothing she could say would erase the simple fact that she was a fallen angel turned demon. No matter how far she had come from demon to human, or that she now was the proud owner of a soul, he would never forgive her origins.

And Marcus—Marcus would listen, quiet and thoughtful, then tell her what he always told her. She would know what to do.

The problem was she had no idea.

TWO

Annie Sullivan leaned against the windowsill, staring at the view their hotel room offered of the town’s waterfront stores. Rain dumped on the usual bustle of lively locals and bug-eyed day trippers. Buckets of rain. She let out a sigh. Okay—whose idea was it to come to England in March?

Her fiancé, Eric Malone, moved behind her and wrapped both arms around her waist. That would be you, blondie. Wanting to get away from everything familiar, seeing another country, new scenery, blah blah—

Keep going, handsome, and see who doesn’t get any tonight. He leaned in, kissed the scar where her right earlobe used to be, knowing how sensitive it was. Annie sucked in her breath, and turned around to face him. That is not fair play.

And neither is this. With a smile he leaned in and kissed her until her knees refused to hold her up. Eric just tightened his grip on her, whispered against her lips. Surrendering already?

I’m just getting started. She twisted her hands into the front of his sweater, then slowly kissed her way down his throat, tasting him at every stop. The low moan he let out had her smiling.

God—Annie, you’re killing me here.

Then I guess I should stop. He hauled her back when she started to move away. She let out a burst of laughter. Or not.

Eric kept moving until the big bed caught them. They fell, sinking into the thick feather duvet, and rolled until Eric was on top of her. With a tenderness that caught in her throat, he framed her face.

I love you, Annie. I never thought, or hoped I would feel like this, about anyone. He laid his forehead against hers. You saved me, when I didn’t deserve it. Have I ever thanked you?

Every time you smile, handsome. She brushed his lips with her fingers, traced the lines of his face. That beautiful face. Marry me, Eric.

He smiled. I asked you first.

I mean here. Here, in this place, where magic is so alive I feel like I can touch it.

He leaned back, studying her. You never mention magic to me. In fact, you avoid it, like you’re ashamed.

I know it’s something you’d rather not—

You’re wrong. She blinked at him, startled by the intensity of his voice. It’s a big part of the reason I’m attracted to you. I thought you were uncomfortable talking about it, especially after Claire gave hers up to Zach. Eric rolled off her and sat, taking her with him. I will be happy to listen to every detail, whenever you need an ear.

She let out her breath, the weight on her heart she’d ignored for so long falling away. Okay.

Good. His smile told her he knew she was shell shocked by his announcement. Now—where were we?

What?

The wedding. Here.

Right. She shook her head. You really threw me with the whole magic thing. So, what do you think? Claire and Zach will already be here. I talked her into coming, and that was not an easy argument to win, especially by email. Marcus can come, if he makes an issue of it. She pushed wild blonde curls off her face, a horrible thought flaring in her mind. If you think I’m the big wedding, poufy dress kind of girl, get that image out of your head. Immediately. Please.

That produced a smile. I never—well, the wedding part, yes. I figured you would want friends—

Claire’s my best friend, my family. They’re all I need. Except you—I’ll need you there. For the whole groom thing. She jumped off the bed, energized by the idea. I need to talk to Claire—what time is it in California—

Annie. Eric caught her as she ran past the bed again, pulled her down. Take a minute.

I want to—

This is a big day, for both of us. He touched her sapphire engagement ring, and blue light coiled around his finger. That never gets old. Annie studied him as he watched her power dance over his skin, still surprised by his easy acceptance. Now, back to our regularly scheduled attempt at a conversation. I don’t want you to rush this, Annie. I know how you get when an idea jumps you. This time, sit, take a minute, talk to me.

She took a deep breath, never thinking about how he would feel—or if he’d even want to marry her here. Hell, anywhere, the way she had been running over his life, demanding it be all about her. I never asked what you want. It’s your day as much as mine. Taking his hand, she twined their fingers together. Tell me what you want.

You, sweetheart. Tears burned her eyes. Eric tugged at her hand and she climbed into his lap, pressing her face against his shoulder. He rubbed her back, his hand warm through the thin cotton of her shirt. And what I want is for you to have amazing memories of our wedding day. If that’s here, with a handful of people—then I’m good with it. His fingers slid into her hair. Make up that flexible mind of yours, blondie, and I’m with you.

She took a shaky breath, gave herself a few seconds to pull it together before she met his eyes. The best memories I’ve made since my parents died have been here, with you. I want this place to be part of our next big step.

Okay, then. He touched her lips, smiling. Now, go email Claire, before you burst.

Annie gave him a noisy kiss, and danced across the hotel room, already writing the email in her head. She couldn’t wait for the reply.

THREE

Marcus knocked on the back door, not surprised when Claire jerked it open almost before he finished. He had felt her turmoil across town; it drew him here, even when he knew the cause. The boy.

Need a shoulder, sweet?

Marcus. She let out a sigh, then opened the door wide. Come in. I was reading an email from Annie. I just need to send her a reply. He followed her into the living room. Her laptop sat on the coffee table. Lowering herself to the sofa, she started typing, her fingers nimble on the keyboard. Marcus always admired the contradictions—former demon, fallen angel, successful business woman. How do you feel about England?

A bit damp for my taste, he said. A smile tugged at her lips, easing some of the strain. What is Annie up to now?

Making plans. The smile appeared, lighting up her face. Sounds like they’re having a good time.

And you are pleased for them.

It’s been a rough few months. Most of it due to me. Claire looked down, red laced brown hair swinging forward to hide her face from him. She deserves some peace. Both of them do.

Claire. Marcus sat beside her, wanting to touch her, to comfort her. He had not earned the right. Not yet. Maybe not ever, if the boy had anything to say about the matter. Annie loves you. And she would be the first to jump down your throat for taking the blame on yourself. She lifted her head, such raw pain in those blue eyes he could not stop himself. He slipped one arm around her waist, pulled her into his side. And I would be cheering her on.

Marcus—

Hush. He cupped her chin, leaned in to kiss her forehead. You’ve earned a bit of that peace yourself. So, he settled against the back of the sofa, took her with him. How is Zach?

Shaking her head, she smiled up at him. Are you asking because you know that’s what I want to hear, or because you really want to know?

Truth—a bit of both. Marcus ran one hand down her hair, his fingers tangling in the waves that brushed her shoulders. He turned your life upside down, Claire. I am simply trying to find my place in it. If I still have a place.

She stood, putting distance between them. Pain twisted around his heart.

Zach is my priority right now. He has to be—we have to get past this, find our equilibrium—

What happened, Claire?

She hugged herself, meeting his eyes. His power is starting to manifest, and he’s asking questions. Questions I don’t know how to answer.

You will find the words, sweet, when you need to.

How do you know?

Marcus smiled. You always do. She closed her eyes. He had not seen her so vulnerable, not since he found her locked in a jail cell, wounded and alone. And alive, when she should have been walking Hell with Azazel. Claire. He waited until she looked at him. What you are building with Zach—it takes time—

You think I don’t know that? There was the spark, the temper he had been on the wrong end of more often than he liked. We are less than six months in, and I already feel like I’m failing him—

She cut herself off, turned to the window. Marcus stood, braced himself for rejection, and moved to her side. I told you I wanted to be part of what you are creating with Zach. I still want that, Claire. I want you.

Zach is part of the deal. Anger edged her voice. He expected it, but not the grief that cut over it, that darkened her eyes when she looked up at him. And he has to be part of the decision. Right now, he would vote no. With a sigh, she rubbed her face, stepped away from him. I haven’t told him about you, but he deserves to know who his mother is in love with before he makes that decision.

You are not his mother, Claire.

Cold fury slapped him.

Another word in that direction, and you will never again step foot in this house, or our lives. The amethyst heart at her throat threw off the power she claimed she no longer had, sparks of white and gold. The moment I agreed to help him, gave him my grace to help him fall, he became my responsibility. And I love him, Marcus. The fury died, her power smoothing out. In my heart, he is my son. As much as I love you, that will never change.

Marcus felt her slipping away. The panic all but choked him. Claire—I need time.

She sighed, as if she had been waiting for his confession. And I need you. But Zach needs me, too. He is first on every list, Marcus. Once you understand that, you’ll be ready to—

She let out a gasp when he yanked her forward. His lips cut it off, kissing her with all the need, and the desperation he felt. He could not lose her—not again.

Expecting a fight, he trapped her in his arms. Instead she pressed herself against him, her hands sliding up his chest. With a low moan he pulled her off her feet, desperate to feel every inch of her—

Mom!

Zach’s voice echoed through the house, followed by the slam of the back door.

Claire pushed away, hands going to the shirt he had already started to unbutton. Her gaze flew up to him, surprise flaring across her face. Along with the beginning of a smile. She rebuttoned her shirt, smoothed both hands over her skirt, met Zach at the doorway to the living room. Hi, sweetheart. Marcus is here.

Yeah. His gaze swung past her, irritation in the blue eyes. I saw his car out back. When’s dinner?

Not much longer. There are some apples on the counter if you’re hungry. And Annie sent an email from England, she said, speaking after him as he disappeared into the kitchen. With an interesting invitation. I’ll tell you about it at dinner. With a quiet sigh she turned to face Marcus. I would invite you, but I doubt it would be a pleasant meal.

Understood. He moved to the front door, wanting to pound something, just to relieve the ache. I am not giving up, Claire. He raised his voice, knowing the boy would be eavesdropping. I love you, and in my world, that means forever.

She paled. Marcus—

Are you busy tomorrow night?

The change of subject startled her. Blinking, she shook her head. Just the usual workday.

Good. He opened the door. I would like to take you out to dinner.

Out. Like a date.

A smile tugged at her lips. Damn her charm, he wanted to kiss her until she couldn’t stand upright. Exactly like a date. I will come for you at seven.

Before she could refuse he stepped outside and closed the door between them.

It had been centuries, but he would romance her, and that stubborn boy. He was Jinn, after all.

Charm was his stock and trade.

FOUR

"Morning. Eric kissed Annie’s cheek, sat at the small table in their hotel room and lifted the cover off his plate. Room service?"

Rain. Again. She rustled the newspaper, smiling over at him. I felt like taking the day off from slogging through puddles and staring at drenched ruins.

Laughing, he picked up his fork, sampled the eggs. She watched his eyes glaze over. You had them put cheese in. Will you marry me?

A man so easy to please? In a heartbeat. She smiled as she rummaged for the front section. Her smile faded, anger grabbing her as she read the headline. Oh, hell no.

Annie. Eric dropped his fork, started to get up. What—

She turned the paper until he could read the headline. More vandalism at the local standing stones. This time they damaged one of the stones. Damn it—I hate people who think they can violate places like that. Don’t they know— She cut herself off as nausea burned her throat—quickly followed by the sudden, vile need to throw up.

Clapping one hand over her mouth, she dropped the paper and ran for the bathroom.

Eric followed her, crouched behind her, supporting her until she slumped against the toilet. Here. He handed her a glass of water, then leaned forward and flushed, taking the glass out of her shaking fingers. Let’s get you off this cold floor.

Picking her up, he carried her back out to their room, laid her on the rumpled bed. She felt clammy, shivering even though she wore a heavy robe. Eric grabbed the throw off the end of the bed and tucked it around her.

Talk to me, blondie. He brushed damp hair off her forehead, worry almost hiding the fear in his blue eyes. This isn’t the first time, is it?

Bad fish was the first time. Her throat felt raw. And I had more fish for breakfast. Stupid me. She smiled—or tried to. By the look on his face, she failed. I’m okay. I already feel better. Just—seeing the desecration of such a sacred place. I guess it got to me.

I’m going to the grocery down the street, get you some crackers, some ginger ale if they have it. Stay right here.

He brushed his lips across her forehead, pulling on his jacket as he headed for the door. Unlike her, he always dressed before breakfast. Habit, he once told her. He’d been interrupted one time too many with an emergency in his vet clinic, and getting dressed took precious time.

Annie watched him leave, then let out a shaky breath. She hated throwing up. Twice in one week was like torture.

No more fish for her.

FIVE

Claire changed her outfit for the third time, and hated it just as much as the first two.

It would have to do. She only had enough time to change her earrings and freshen the little makeup she did wear before Marcus arrived.

Lowering herself to the bed, she pressed one hand against her stomach, feeling ill. Why am I terrified? It is Marcus—and I know him too well to fall for his brand of charm.

The thought didn’t comfort her.

Mom? Zach stood in her doorway, six feet of nervous. Are you okay?

Fine, sweetie. It’s just dinner. She ran those words through her head, like a mantra. Just dinner—not a life-changing experience. Just dinner. Looking closer, she saw the concern he tried to hide. Are you okay?

One foot kicked at the floor, his sock sliding across the hardwood. Just as she decided he wouldn’t answer the words burst out of him. I don’t like that man! He looked up at her through the curtain of golden brown hair that brushed his shoulders. I don’t trust him.

Oh, Zach. Claire crossed the bedroom and pulled him into her arms, rubbing his back. I know this is hard for you. But I do trust him, and he has proven himself trustworthy, despite his reputation.

Ha! He jerked away, stabbing his finger in the air. He has a reputation—and you’re going out with him?

With a sigh, she moved to her dresser, picked up the clear quartz drops she chose to wear—to help keep her centered. She would need the boost. There will be a time, Zach, when you bring home a girl I am not fond of; but I will trust your judgment, because I know you have a good head on your shoulders. All I ask is for the same consideration. Turning around, she met his eyes, saw what she expected was behind all the bluster—he was scared. Come here.

Dragging his feet, he obeyed, but he didn’t object or pull away when she wrapped her arm around his waist. What?

No one will ever replace you. Not in my heart, not in my life. Do you understand? He stared at her, tears she rarely saw filling his eyes. You are my son, Zachariah Wiche. I didn’t know how lonely my life was until you became part of it. She kissed his cheek, slid her free hand into his hair when he laid his head on her shoulder. Now, I want you to take total advantage of having the house to yourself. I bought some snacks, and a couple of Lily’s roast beef sandwiches are in the fridge.

Mom—two sandwiches? You don’t want me to save you any? The hopeful tone—that he hoped she would say no—made her laugh.

It’s all for you. Along with a movie or three of your choice from on demand. Remember—I pay the bill, so don’t go crazy.

Thank you! He nearly smothered her with his enthusiastic hug. I’m going to go check the new releases! Claire chuckled as he dashed out of her room—and halted mid step when he barreled back in, hugging her. I love you, Mom.

She was thankful he disappeared again, so he couldn’t see the tears spilling down her cheeks.

It was the first time he said he loved her.

*

Marcus laid his hand over hers, long fingers brushing the edge of her scarred tattoo. Claire swallowed, meeting his gaze across the table. The sounds of the busy restaurant faded.

He looked incredible tonight, black curls framing his face, spilling over the shoulders of his midnight blue suit. The scar on his left cheek—a memento