Stone Cold Revenge: A Set in Stone Novel

By Jess Macallan

Stone Cold Revenge by Jess Macallan

Forced by her maniacal father, the king of the shadow elves, to live in his house and train to become his heir, newly minted princess of the paranormal Elleodora Fredricks doesn't think things could get much more complicated. On the outs with her gargoyle love interest, Jax, and confused about her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, MacLean the phoenix, Elle knows her fate decrees that her powers will manifest themselves in full on her twenty-eighth birthday, which is quickly approaching… With help from two long-lost family members, some long-forgotten memories, and even her long-gone mother, Elle discovers there's more to being part shadow elf than she ever knew. But will she be able to harness her unique abilities in time to take revenge on her enemies? For Elle, it's all in a day's work…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Jan 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781622668717

Book preview

STONE COLD

Revenge

set in stone

book two

Jess Macallan

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2012 by Jess Macallan. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

2614 South Timberline Road

Suite 109

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

Edited by Caroline Phipps and Stacy Abrams

Cover design by Brittany Marczak

Ebook ISBN 978-1-62266-871-7

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition January 2013

The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Taser, Cheshire Cat, Gandalf, Bruce Lee, Epsom salts, ibuprofen, Yoda, Stepford wife, Band-Aid, Fudgsicle, Folgers, Mack Trucks.

For my best friend, Sara.

Chapter One

Two weeks ago, the worst day of my life began with a double mocha.

Two weeks ago, I knew nothing.

I thought I was a normal woman, running a perfume shop in Seattle, mixing bath oils and body lotions while I lusted after my hot employee. And today? Let’s just say, I wish I could live that double mocha day over again, instead of doing what I have to do right now: move into a palace. A palace filled with shadow elves and hunters and other creatures that I had no idea existed when I spilled that double mocha…

…

The palace—more of a mansion, really—was in a private gated community overlooking the Puget Sound. The eleven-thousand-square-foot home sat on eight secluded acres. Nestled among trees and other multi-million-dollar homes, it reeked of wealth and excess.

I hated it. Always had. What child wants to live in a beautiful, cold museum? No running, no yelling, no fun. And those were only a few of the rules I’d grown up adhering to. My father, Jedren, was coercing me to move back in with him, using tactics that I’d only seen in Godfather movies. Thankfully, he’d agreed to let me live in the guesthouse. I refused to share that house of horrors with him. Being on the same property would be bad enough.

We were buzzed through the gate and pulled up in front of the main house a few moments later. The late October day was a little warmer than usual at sixty-three degrees, but still typically overcast. The gray skies were the perfect gloomy backdrop for the neoclassical-style monstrosity. The huge pillars gracing the entrance had always made me wonder if my father had built a monument to himself. He certainly had the arrogance of Zeus. I took a deep breath. Ready or not…

My best friend, Teryl, helped me unload the trunk. He’s an oracle who specializes in finding things or people. He’d suggested that he give me a ride and moral support today and I’d jumped on his proposition, because I never knew when his abilities would come in handy. We’d just shut the trunk when the front doors to the mansion opened. Elleodora, you’re late.

I stiffened but took a breath before turning around to face my father. We hadn’t spoken since he’d kidnapped me in Scotland. I still had nightmares about that creepy estate—worse than this one—and the torture I’d endured there at the hands of his bodyguard. All of it had led up to this moment. My father had the misguided idea that I’d actually want to be his heir and take over the empire he’d created under his business, Warlow Imports. Threatening my loved ones and beating me senseless had made it necessary for me to show up here today, compliant. But I had my own agenda. What I wanted to mutter was, I didn’t realize you were so eager to die. I would have come sooner. Instead, I didn’t breathe a word.

Jedren didn’t seem to expect a response. His long-suffering sigh was a perfect combination of drama and condescension. I should have known you would be late. But you’re a princess, and you need to start acting like it. Being punctual is a requirement. We made an agreement—don’t test me so soon. I believe I outlined the consequences quite clearly.

I heard Teryl suck in a sharp breath, and I turned around. Well, crap. This was going to get out of hand fast, and we hadn’t even made it through the front door.

It’s okay, I said softly, so only Teryl could hear. My father had proven time and again he wouldn’t hesitate to kill to get his way. Teryl’s fiancée Clio worked for Jedren and had recently become his latest pawn. Clio was also an oracle, but her power as a seer made her far more attractive to a shark like my father. I didn’t know how much she could predict, but I knew Jedren would take what he could get. I considered her his hostage, so I had to be more careful.

Maxim Bannon, Teryl’s older brother, walked down the front steps toward us. To say they shared bad blood was an understatement. Maxim worked for my father. Maybe worshipped my father would be a more appropriate description. He was Jedren’s personal oracle assistant.

Hello, Elleodora. Maxim’s tone dripped with contempt as he stood next to one of the giant pillars. I wondered if he was consciously or unconsciously mimicking my father’s posture. He’d learned the disdain from Jedren, but the posing was too much. Maxim couldn’t carry it off quite as well.

I turned my back on him, knowing it would get under his skin, and asked Teryl, Where did I put the list of stipulations?

Teryl reached for the folder in the back seat. Right here. He handed it to me with a flourish.

I rummaged around in my purse for a pen, slapped the folder on the side of the car, and added, I will only answer to Elle. I hated my full name. It had been used as an insult during my formative years. Plus, Elle fit my personality better. I recapped the pen and whispered, Maxim must be acting as my father’s gopher today. I watched Maxim out of the corner of my eye as he moved down the steps after an impatient gesture from my father. He stopped next to the trunk, eyeing my luggage as if he expected it to jump up and bite him.

More like his little bitch, Teryl muttered under his breath. Maxim was eight years Teryl’s senior. They’d never been close, but since Maxim had suggested Clio’s transfer to the London office, things had been even worse. I didn’t blame Teryl for being angry with him. I was, too.

Maxim must have heard because his eyes widened, and I thought his mouth would drop open in shock. But no, he had better control than that. He smoothed his tie and sneered at me, his comment for my ears alone. You won’t last a week.

My smile spread, wide and genuine, and I responded just as softly. A week? Aren’t you generous. Or maybe I should say, jealous. You can’t be his heir, no matter how much we all wish you were. And that was the one truth Maxim couldn’t handle. My father might have wiped many of my memories clean, but he’d left the ones I had of Maxim, which wasn’t a gift. For as long as Teryl and I have been friends, Maxim has been making our lives miserable. As an adult, I recognize his motivation for what it is—jealousy and a blind desire to climb over, plow through, or crush anyone who steps in the way of his quest for success. I used to think it was because of the money. My father had more than hundreds of people could ever spend in a lifetime.

Now I knew better.

Maxim wanted the power of my father’s crown. He had everything Jedren needed in an heir: ambition, a complete disregard for anyone else, and business savvy. The only thing he lacked was the right DNA. While not a shadow elf, Maxim wanted to rule.

I, on the other hand, didn’t want any of it. I wouldn’t wish these genes on anyone—so far they were nothing but trouble. Jedren’s assets were dirty. Covered in blood, death, torture, and any other bad karma you could think of.

Maxim’s face turned an interesting shade of red, then purple. Before he could spit out a response to my insult, my father lost his patience. He projected his voice perfectly from his lord-of-the manor position at the top of the stairs. Maxim, grab her bags. Take them to the guesthouse.

No thanks. I shook my head, still watching Maxim. I don’t trust him.

My father smoothed the lapel of his perfectly pressed three-piece suit, his silver hair impeccably groomed. Nothing was ever out of place with his appearance. Don’t be absurd. His eyes were frowning, but his face stayed smooth.

How did he manage not to have lines when he frowned? Women everywhere would love to learn that trick. I don’t trust him, I repeated. I don’t want him touching anything of mine.

Don’t flatter yourself, Maxim mumbled quietly, shooting me a venomous look. Nothing you’ve got is worth touching. He wasn’t quiet enough, though, because my father arched a single, silver brow at him. Maxim flushed and stumbled over an apology. I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. What a suck-up.

Jedren couldn’t care less if Maxim insulted me. He just hated it when someone stooped to vulgar behavior in public—and because we were standing outside of the house, in front of Teryl, it could be considered public. Plus, there were never fewer than four guards out front, not including the groundskeepers, kitchen staff, and hunters my father hired. I knew from past experience they all carried weapons, and most were trained in some form of martial arts. Ah, home sweet home.

I ignored Maxim’s sputtering and handed him the list of stipulations I’d created. I want this signed in blood by my father before I step one foot inside the guesthouse. Teryl will act as my witness. I was still learning how contract negotiations worked in a world inhabited by creatures I’d only recently found out existed.

Maxim obediently ascended the stairs to deliver the contract to the man he idolized. Without a word, my father took the sheet and read through it. He looked up after a minute, face impassive. You’re serious about these?

I nodded. I couldn’t tell what he thought—and I didn’t care, as long as he agreed. The list gave me a modicum of protection from losing another loved one or being attacked by any of the guards. It would be a welcome change from my childhood.

He sighed. I named you Elleodora. I won’t call you by a nickname. Your grandmother would be so displeased by the crude epithet. He said it with obvious distaste.

I’d figured he’d balk at that. I had to choose my battles wisely, and this war was just getting started. Conserving energy at this stage was critical, so I’d compromise. Then everyone else has to.

It’s hardly a businesslike stipulation, Maxim said, undoubtedly licking my father’s boots with his imitation disdain.

You call me Elleodora, and your fetching and carrying days will be over, Gopher Boy.

Stop. My father’s tone barely changed, but I could feel the air turn glacial with his irritation. As my assistant, he’ll be working with you to bring you up to speed on the business side of things. You two will be working together closely.

After a few seconds of shock, we both began protesting at once. My father held up his hand. Enough. I’ll sign your ridiculous list.

In blood, I reminded him. The thought of signing in blood was repugnant, but it was necessary to me. Blood, I’d recently learned, held power, and if I was signing a contract with the king of shadow elves, I wanted to have his blood signature as a guarantee. Jedren was a master at manipulating situations and finding loopholes. I could only hope this would minimize opportunities for him to do that. At least until I could kill him—and Luke.

Jedren’s left eye twitched at my interruption, but he went on smoothly. In blood, but I also have stipulations. Working with Maxim is one of them.

So far, so good. Maxim was a jerk, but if that was the worst of it, I could compromise.

And Luke will train you, he added. His pale eyes watched me carefully, gauging my reaction. Bastard. I clenched my fists. I wanted to rant at him, but we had an audience. If I lost control, who knew what he’d do? I wasn’t willing to take the risk—which I knew was what he was counting on. But training with Luke wasn’t going to happen. Ever. Just thinking about it caused my adrenaline to surge, and for a few seconds, I wavered between fight or flight.

No. I turned toward Teryl and picked up the nearest suitcase. I’m ready to leave. I took two steps toward the car.

If you think you are going to show up at my home and dictate to me, you are mistaken. You’ve forgotten your place.

I reached for the car door handle with shaking fingers. I wouldn’t back down. Not on this point. Choose your battles, I reminded myself. And this was one worth fighting.

Luke will train you to handle hunters and anyone else you might encounter.

I looked at my father over my shoulder. I’m going to kill Luke; I’m not going to work with him. Not for anything. I won’t compromise on that.

Jedren’s eyes gleamed with barely suppressed irritation.

Your father is disappointed in you. Luke’s voice came from directly behind me.

Rigid with fear, I looked to the stairs leading up toward the front door. They were only ten feet away, but if I tried to run, I’d never make it. The feet would stretch and yawn into what would seem like a mile, and Luke would catch me long before I hit the first step. I’d have far more bruises for my efforts than would be worth it.

I’d spoken out of turn at dinner. Two of my father’s business associates and their wives had been in attendance. I couldn’t remember quite what had happened—maybe I’d asked one of the women to pass the butter, or commented on her dress. What I did know was that after we’d seen his guests out to their cars, after we’d said our polite farewells and their chauffeurs had closed the car doors for them, my father had turned to me, face full of rage.

Luke had been waiting behind me. He always seemed to know when my father wanted me punished.

Luke’s grip on my arm was painful, as he half dragged, half shoved me into the house, toward the room reserved for my punishment. He pushed me into the chair, using more force than necessary. I didn’t resist. It rarely helped. I pressed the pads of my fingers against the bottom of the chair, hard enough to feel discomfort. Anything to keep me from passing out from fear. Luke wanted me to respond. If I did, he’d only hurt me more.

I think you need a permanent reminder of your place.

I bit my lower lip at his words, hard enough to make my eyes water. Don’t say a word; don’t make a sound, I reminded myself. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck, and I couldn’t stop my shudder of disgust.

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at art. What do you say, Princess? he whispered.

This time, I couldn’t utter a word. A whimper escaped when the dagger shredded the back of my shirt, exposing my shoulder blades. By the time he finished, I’d gouged the bottom of the chair with my fingernails. My throat was raw from screaming.

Luke’s satisfied sigh grated along my nerves. I hate to leave it unfinished, but it will have to do for now. We’ll wait for that to scar up

I couldn’t ignore the sharp pain along my shoulder blades, and I dropped my head to my chest and shook with silent sobs.

I buried the memory with some effort. I won’t train with Luke, now or ever. I knew Jedren didn’t take my death threat seriously, and that could work to my advantage. I had told him at our last meeting in Scotland that I’d kill them both—and he’d find out soon enough how serious I was. But in the meantime, I wouldn’t give Luke the chance to mark me again.

Jedren considered me for a moment. Shall we add that to your stipulations?

I couldn’t tell if he was mocking me or not, so I didn’t answer. I kept my hand on the door handle.

He sighed. "Very well. I will find someone else to train you. But you must be trained; I won’t negotiate on that. If you’re going to be my heir, you must be capable of running Warlow Imports. It’s a global corporation and you’re ill prepared to handle any of the divisions, let alone the entire company." He clasped his hands behind his back and waited for me to respond.

I stared up at my father. Suspicion made me hesitate. Why? What’s so important about the training? I had no idea if he meant knives, martial arts, or worse. In my youth, he’d had Luke torture me repeatedly because I wasn’t capable or worthy as his heir. What was going on? Who would train someone to fight after that someone had vowed to kill him?

Elleodora. Jedren emphasized my name. The bastard did it on purpose, knowing I hated it. You are my heir. I’m a powerful man. I have enemies.

Sheer willpower kept me from looking at Teryl. Enemies? Jedren was one of the most hated men I knew. To say he had enemies was like saying Hitler had suffered from mildly troubled thoughts.

Because of that, you’ll need to be adequately prepared for whatever situation might arise, he continued. You must defend yourself against physical as well as political and financial threats.

Okay, I didn’t like the sound of that. So as your heir, I take on your enemies?

We can’t be too careful. The estate is adequately protected, but I won’t have you unprepared. Now, shall we go sign this so you can move your things into the guesthouse? I’ve had the kitchen cook a dinner. He turned and walked into the house through the elegant but bulletproof French doors, not bothering to wait for my reply. The guards flanking the entrance lowered their heads in deference as he passed.

I looked at Teryl and shrugged. If Jedren was going to sign, I would, too. I touched the pendant at my neck for luck. I hadn’t taken it off since I got back from Scotland, and it bolstered my courage now. We followed my father up the steps, with Maxim grumbling behind us. Yeah, this was shaping up to be a really difficult day.

The grand foyer of my father’s home looked like a showcase, marble floors and walls decorated with priceless works of art, displayed to their best advantage so the wow factor grabbed you right as you walked in. I’d always found it pretentious and overwhelming. Plus, the fear that I’d break something had kept me from fully enjoying the magnificence. It was so perfect, visitors were instantly uncomfortable. Jedren knew how to wage psychological warfare from the moment guests stepped inside.

Give me my comfy little apartment with secondhand furniture any day. I’d take a home over wealth.

We wandered down the hallway, past the grand staircase and back to my father’s office. Adjacent to the two-story library full of numerous first-edition books, Jedren’s office was huge. Inside sat a conference table, his large desk—made from an incredible exotic wood—plush leather chairs, a big-screen television, two computers, and more antiques. Hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and relics filled the room.

Suddenly and foolishly, I wished I’d worn something besides my plain lavender cotton shirt and jeans—business casual would have been better suited to this meeting. I needed to remember to play the part, and dressing up even a little would have given me a confidence boost. My long dark hair was braided in an effort to tame the unruly waves, which was a step up from my normal ponytail. Seattle’s climate was hell on curly hair. At least I’d put on makeup and worn cute leather mules.

Teryl whistled under his breath, making me smile. I’d forgotten he’d never been in the grandiose office. When we’d played as kids, it had always been at my mother’s house—my real home. Over the top, isn’t it? I whispered.

He nodded with a faint frown, still trying to take it all in.

Jedren indicated we should take a seat at the conference table. An older gentleman was already there, waiting patiently with his hands resting on his lap. I watched him warily.

My attorney, Charles Janson, my father said, in answer to my unspoken question.

Er…hello, I replied, not sure what to make of having an attorney present. I wanted the contract binding with blood, but I hadn’t thought about the normal, human legalities.

The attorney stood and offered his hand. I shook it, still confused. Do I need an attorney too?

My father lifted the corner of his mouth in what I’m sure he intended to be a smile. No, Mr. Janson is fae. He’ll ensure the contracts are official and fair.

Fair? I doubted he knew what the word meant. However, I trusted Teryl to interpret the legalese for me.

I looked at Mr. Janson more closely as he sat back down. He didn’t look fae. I don’t know what I expected to see—wings, or sparkles shooting out of every orifice, maybe. Instead, he looked like a regular guy. I think something out of the ordinary would have made me feel more comfortable. Mr. Janson’s normalcy made it creepier somehow. He continued to sit patiently under my inspection.

If it will ease your concerns, the fae are neutral, so the contract is in both of your favors. Can I answer any questions? he asked in a polite, quiet voice.

Embarrassed to be caught staring so blatantly, I sat down. No, sorry. I’ve never seen a…uh…fae before.

Faery.

I blinked at him. What?

I am a faery, he explained in the same polite voice. I am fae, which references the group of us. Plural. By myself, I am a faery. Singular.

Um, okay. Grammar lessons from a faery. Great, thanks for clearing that up. I looked at Teryl, who winked. At least someone had a sense of humor.

The attorney nodded and smiled, as if pleased to be of assistance. I turned to my father, hoping to speed up the process and get out of here. You are holding my stipulations. What else needs to be signed?

Our contract. I had Mr. Janson draw one up for us. He handed me a stack of papers.

I glanced at Teryl, who watched Mr. Janson. Is that true? No way would I take my father’s word for it.

He met my gaze. Yeah, it should be fine. The fae are impartial, so they keep things fair. It’s a common practice. Here, let me look it over. He reached for the papers and scanned through them for a few minutes. I noticed Maxim had taken the seat next to my father and had a legal pad and pen at the ready. I had no idea how I’d tolerate working with him.

Teryl handed the papers back. Looks good to me.

Whom, exactly, do you work for, Teryl? Jedren asked in a mild voice. He sat back and crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. The last time I checked, you were on my payroll. Mild but pointed, the rebuff hit home.

Isn’t it my day off? Teryl asked, keeping his composure. Score one for Teryl.

He’s here as my friend, not as anyone’s employee, I countered.

Actually, that’s one of the things in the contract, Teryl said.

What are you talking about? If my father had fired him…

Teryl smiled, though it was strained around the edges. Your father wants to transfer me from his accounting department.

To where? If he shipped Teryl overseas, I’d walk out right now.

He wants to appoint me as your adviser.

My adviser. I looked at Jedren, who had an amused glint in his eyes. Jedren wouldn’t know humor if it slapped him in the face. Not once in my entire life had he done anything nice for me if it didn’t benefit himself.

Consider it an early birthday gift, Jedren said as I stared at him.

In six days’ time, I would turn twenty-eight. Two weeks ago, I had been looking forward to it. Now? It made me nervous. This birthday could prove to be my undoing. Mentally speaking.

My recent trip to Scotland was to find my fate. After learning my father was a shadow elf, I had also been told by Teryl that I had a fate written specifically for me. My father should have given it to me years ago but hadn’t for

Reviews for Stone Cold Revenge

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.Quick & Dirty: This book picks up where the last one leaves off with Elle planning to bring justice to her father’s victims. First though she has to learn to control her abilities with the help of some family she never knew she had and the men who have been by her side from the beginning. At the same time she must choose between her gargoyle love and her phoenix childhood love.Opening Sentence: Two weeks ago the worst day of my life started with a double mocha.The Review:This is the second book in the Set in Stone series and you can follow along without reading the first book but you miss getting to really know the characters if you read this one first. I recommend reading Stone Cold Seduction before reading this one. This story is about Elleodora Fredricks, a half shadow elf princess and half demi-god. Her father, Jedren, is a monster created accidently by her mother. To understand how this is possible you must read the story. He has forced Elle to move back to his house and become his heir by threatening the three men who are the closest people she has. Unfortunately for Jedren, Elle has a plan to stop him as soon as her powers develop. With the help of those three men she cares about and her long-lost uncle and godmother they just may be able to stop him and protect those who would become his next victims.In this book Elle has grown-up and changed a lot. In the first one she was having a hard time coping with learning about who she is. Now she has all her memories and is a much stronger person. Instead of being the weak cowardly type who lets her father make a victim out of her she is in control and ready to defeat him at all costs. She is finally starting to learn about all her powers and learning to control them. These come in handy throughout the book. At times you still want to yell at her and tell her to buck up and get with it before more people get hurt but at the same time you feel bad that she is the only one who can save them all.In Stone Cold Seduction Elle met or reunited with one of her two mates. No one else has ever had two mates and so they do not know how to help her, so she is on her own on figuring out who her true mate is. It could either be the dark, sexy, gargoyle, Jax or it could be the hot, phoenix, Maclean. Both men would give their lives to protect and make sure Elle is happy. Jax has only been in her life for a little while, or so she thinks and Maclean was her childhood sweetheart and fiancée. You must read this story to figure out which guy is mister right.I really liked the two new characters introduced in this story. The first one we meet is Elion, Elle’s uncle on her mom’s side. Elion is a god who wants to help her defeat her father, come into her powers, and keep her safe. The other new person is Elle’s godmother who ironically is a fairy. Luna is no ordinary fairy godmother though. She has spunk and has no problem putting Elle in her place. She is more like a “leprechaun on crack” than the little old lady fairy who grants your deepest wish though. I liked her character the most. Whenever Elle was having a pity party Luna would show up and straighten her out and bring her out of her funk. Even so she has a tender spot for Elle and just wants to see her safe from harm.I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. Unfortunately, Jess Macallan left us with another cliff hanger at the end. I hope this means she is working on the third book in this series and will have it out soon. I know I will be watching for it to see what happens between Elle, her father and the council who now wants to use Elle for their own purposes. I recommend both books in the Set in Stone series to anyone looking for a good supernatural action series.Notable Scene:“A warning this time would have been appreciated. Who are you?” He folded his arms in the same casual stance he’d had in the kitchen. “I’m Elion.” I waited. The seconds ticked by and he offered nothing else. I exhaled loudly. “Yeah, I heard MacLean say your name. That’s not what I meant. And he knew it.“I’m your uncle. You’re at my home. I can shift energy enough to move you here. And you’re here because I have to train you before you embarrass me.” He sounded like he was reading off the stocks from the morning’s newspaper. No inflection, no emotion.FTC Advisory: Entangled Publishing provided me with a copy of Stone Cold Revenge. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

STONE COLD REVENGE is a good middle book in a trilogy. When the story begins, Elle is just moving into the guest house at her father's estate as per their agreement. He wants to made her his heir and use her as a tool for whatever his purpose might be. Elle moves in because she is determined to kill him and his bullying torturer of an aide Luke. At the beginning I was worried because Elle had the will but not the skill needed to kill her father.As the story goes on Elle begins to develop the skills that will let her defeat her father. As she nears her 28th birthday, talents are starting to surface. Elle also gathers allies other than her best friend and oracle Terryl and her two mates MacLean who is a phoenix and Jax who is a gargoyle. Elle's decision between the two of them is made early as she commits to Jax who is her current love rather than MacLean who was her childhood hero and love. Elle discovers that she has an uncle Elion and a fairy godmother Luna who will help her as much as they can. Being gods, their help is considerable but so are the limits placed on them to assist her.Elle also learns more about her mother when she is given her diary. She learns more about how her father became the evil being who made her childhood one of terror and torture. Elle gains new powers but keeps the same snarky attitude that I came to love in the first book of this trilogy. I loved her banter with her very unconventional fairy godmother. I loved watching Elle mature through this story. I liked that she realized the costs of the gifts she was given. I look forward to the third book in this series because I really want to know how she will manage to defeat her father and claim her own power.