Cut Off: Rogues Shifter Series Book 7

By Gayle Parness

Young Adult paranormal fantasy. An empty bed, a threatening note, and a solemn delegation from Faerie can only mean one thing: Garrett's been kidnapped and Charlie's in danger. In order to keep her son safe and rescue her mate, Jackie is forced to make some unpopular decisions, confronting long time allies who want to cut her out of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the people she cares about are fighting their own battles. Garrett is getting a close-up view of just how Queen Fionna is running things at the Faerie Court, and it's not a pretty sight. Sixteen-year-old Charlie is steamed at his mother for sending him away and not including him in the effort to rescue his dad. However, his demon trainer, Isaiah, is determined to keep him busy and working hard. Of course, Charlie has some plans of his own.

And at the Fae court, Lord Kennet is working on a scheme that just might bring his family back together, whether they want it or not.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gayle Parness
• Release date: Jan 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311567321

Gayle Parness

Gayle was surprised when she first discovered how much she enjoyed writing. She began eight years ago after reading a popular paranormal romance series and thinking, I’d like to do that too. Since then, she’s indie published fifteen books with many more on the way, writing paranormal fantasy/paranormal romance under Gayle Parness and spicy paranormal romance/urban fantasy and hot contemporary romance under her pen name Marie Booth.Besides writing books, Gayle’s a musical theatre geek, a Disney parks maniac, a lover of pasta, pizza, and pinot noir, and is owned by a black cat with big bones named Stealth. She’s raised two amazing daughters who bring her great joy every day and hopes to take some time off to travel really soon. As soon as she finishes that next book...She can’t write a word without music playing in the background so if you ever bump into her, she’ll probably have her earbuds in, listening either to music or an audiobook. You may have to shout to get her attention. :)Audiobook news: All nine Rogues Shifter Series books are currently available on Audible, ibooks, Amazon, and many other vendors: Narrated by Reba BuhrNext on my writing agenda: In Demand: Rogues Shifter Series: Book 10, releasing spring, 2022Thanks for reading!GayleSign up for my newsletter to get all the latest info on my new releases and to have the opportunity to win books, audiobooks, swag and other fun prizes.Newsletter Signup:Website: https://www.gayleparness.comFB: http://facebook.com/gayleparness-authorTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/gayleparnessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayleparnessauthor/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5165431.Gayle_ParnessBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gayle-parnessPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/GayleParnessWattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/GayleParnessAuthorConnect to my evil twin, Marie Booth, for LGBTQ+ Paranormal Romance, M/F Contemporary Romance & M/F Urban Fantasy.https://www.mariebooth.com

Book preview

Cut Off

Rogues Shifter Series Book 7

GAYLE PARNESS

1

Garrett

No light. No scents. No sounds.

Nothing brushed against my skin—not clothing, bindings or even a whisper of wind. Although I sensed I was still in solid form, my body refused to obey the commands of my mind. My brain broadcast blink, yet no sensation occurred where I imagined my eyes to be. If my fingers clenched, I didn’t feel the muscles move or the joints bend. My mouth could not enlist the help of lungs or vocal cords to call for help.

I listened for seconds or hours or weeks. My heart hadn’t beat since the day I was turned, but I should still hear…something. Only silence – powerful in its suffocating presence.

Was I standing up or lying down? Perhaps I hung suspended from a ceiling? No way to know. Sensory deprivation at its worst.

My mind seemed intact as I delved into my last memory. Before dawn, I’d curled my body around Jackie's as she drifted off to sleep, her lovely scent and steady breathing comforting me as only she could. When she was deeply asleep, I'd moved away so my much cooler skin temperature wouldn't chill her, then closed my eyes and allowed my resting phase to take over.

Frustration roared through my unresponsive flesh. I had no memory of how I came to be in this state. Had I been drugged into hallucination or could this be death? Was I now a spirit judged soulless and banished to a universe of nothing but my own thoughts to keep me company? My mind and memories were all that remained. How long before I went mad?

I tried to connect to the magic of the ley lines, but I was blocked. I reached out to my love with my mind, but our precious link was severed.

There was nothing.

Nothing but the hunger. The thirst.

2

Jackie

My eyes sprung open, my instincts sensing danger. I sat, throwing the blankets away from my body and pushing the remote to open the shades, simultaneously pulling in magic so I was prepared for whatever might come. But the mid-day light illuminated more than just the room.

Garrett wasn't beside me.

Lord Caelen appeared by the window on the right, his expression grim. He must have information. Garrett was gone. Not dead, though. Not dead, but somehow not in my world. Which left only Faerie or the Demon Realm, neither scenario good. I rubbed my arms, shivering, my heart empty in a way I hadn't felt since before Garrett and I'd first shared blood over sixteen years ago.

Jacqueline. Caelen's face was grave, pale. I opened my mouth to respond but couldn't speak. I've received news.

Aedus appeared next, then Liam. Three fae gods were standing in my bedroom. Any other time, I might have laughed, teasing them about already being taken, thank you very much, but not today.

The bedroom I shared with Garrett wasn't a fit place for this sort of discussion. In the kitchen, please. Two minutes. Short phrases were all I could manage. I splashed water on my face, then dressed in clothes I could move easily in, adding soft boots and finally, my arcane dagger, its sheath fastened to my belt. If we were going to war, I would be ready. A moment later, I was in the kitchen standing across the table from Caelen, too wound up to sit. Tell me.

A few minutes ago, a body was delivered to our ceremonial field. He was a young fae, only one hundred and sixty years old. His name was Jerill. One of Cascade’s children. Caelen's voice cracked as his knuckles whitened on the chair back.

I’m so sorry.

He sucked in a long breath before continuing. In his satchel he carried a note from my sister, Fionna, the queen. I will translate.

---

Brother,

I hope you enjoy your gift. Your spy won’t be reporting back to you about my court ever again. Another life you’ve wasted.

Your undead ally is held prisoner. If Jacqueline wishes to take him safely home, she and her son Charles will accompany you to court. Charles will be exchanged for the vampire and will stay at court with his true father, our brother, Kennet. Charles will be housed in the royal wing and will continue his training as a magic user.

You, Charles and Jacqueline will attend me in the throne room at eventide three days hence. The exchange will take place there. You will encourage the cheetah to obey me in this, or the Sidhe of Cascade will lose more of its people. I do not make idle threats.

The cheetah’s mate will be held unharmed and released upon your arrival, no later than the appointed time.

Fionna

---

I had no words. As my friends waited for me to find my voice, my hand went automatically to the handle of my dagger, my other hand clenching and unclenching by my side. Somehow my heart continued to beat and my lungs took in air, but nothing made sense.

Lightheaded, I leaned against the wall for support. I must have looked shaky, because Liam took the lines to get to my side, then led me to a chair. With a gentle hand on my shoulder he urged me to sit. He asked in his most soothing voice, Do you need water? I shook my head. Where's Charlie?

The microwave clock read just before noon. He spent last night at Kyle and Peter’s with Jay and Grady. He should be at the movies with Aislin and his two friends. I was surprised my brain worked well enough to figure that out and communicate it so clearly.

I'll have Aislin bring them back, Liam said.

No! That was louder than I'd intended. I needed to get a grip.

The fae stared at me in shock. He is in danger, Aedus said.

I shook my head and held up a hand. He has Aislin and no one knows where he is. First we need to make a plan.

Caelen answered, his tone clipped. There is nothing to discuss.

Really? I bit my lip before I said more. Although Caelen had little to do with his twin sister, the queen, I couldn't help but feel he should have somehow prevented this from happening. How did she get past our wards? I asked.

I can only guess. Fionna is foolish enough to use the spell that stops time. When she does, she's able to slip between wards. The spell takes a great deal of her energy, so she will need a few days to return to full strength.

Why didn't she kidnap me instead of Garrett? I was sleeping right next to him.

Fionna is impulsive and lacking in common sense. I am guessing she came for Charles, and when she saw he was not here, had to devise another scheme on the spur of the moment. She chose to leave one of you behind to escort him to court. Lord Caelen frowned. She must have thought you'd be more malleable than Garrett, more easily influenced by me. He didn’t bother to hide his look of exasperation. She knows nothing of your stubborn determination.

I ignored the jibe, especially since it wasn't far off the mark. How do we get Garrett back and keep Charlie safe from Fionna?

We will take Charles to Cascade where he will be protected. Then we will do what has to be done to bring Garrett home.

And what specifically has to be done? He was being way too vague for my liking.

Diplomatic procedures you needn't concern yourself with.

Huh. Caelen was used to giving orders, but I wasn't used to taking a back seat.

Aedus began to pace. We'll do all we can to get Garrett home soon. The tall fae's eyes were streaked with an angry gold. I knew how he felt. Garrett was his friend, plus the young fae's death was an enormous loss to their sidhe. Like his father, he must be taking the attack personally. His deep voice rumbled through the room. Jacqueline, please bring Charlie home now so we can take him to safety. Cascade is the only option. You may accompany him, of course. Philly and I would welcome the two of you into our home. He smiled, the warmth in his eyes urging me to agree.

I smiled back to reassure them that I wasn't going to collapse in a lump on the floor, even though that's what I felt like doing. Liam had brought me coffee, so I took a sip and forced myself to think about this logically, the way Garrett would.

If Charlie and I stayed in Faerie, I'd be giving them complete control. I'd be handing over my son to the fae, a friendlier set, but still the fae. I would have no power there, unlike Fionna, who'd already proven she was capable of breaching Cascade's wards as easily as mine.

I sent my question to Liam, whose hand rested again on my shoulder, Do you agree with them?

Liam was a rare friend. We were always honest with each other, brutally at times. I knew what he'd say before I heard his response. "If you feel he can be kept safe from Naberia, take him to Isaiah. Cascade is no longer secure from the queen's vengeance."

That advice would cost him. His father and brother would be furious, but in my heart, I knew it was the same advice Garrett would have offered up, even though he was no friend to Isaiah. I kept my face frozen and nodded toward Caelen with respect. Thank you for sharing your council. I'm very sorry about the young male who was murdered. I'll need to take care of a few things, then I'd like to meet again later, if that would be acceptable. I had no doubt Aedus would be pounding on my door as soon as he heard what I'd done.

Before they had a chance to respond, I flashed out to the movie theatre to retrieve Charlie and take him to the Demon Realm. I sure hoped Isaiah would welcome the invasion.

3

Kennet

Fionna was pacing, tossing aside her long blonde hair each time she reversed direction. The train of her scarlet gown flowed dramatically in her wake as she swept back and forth across the stretch of floor below the stairs leading to the dais. Perched there were two elaborate thrones, hand carved from the finest woods and metals, glistening with an ambient magic left behind by several powerful monarchs. Fionna had never been interested in the history this room embodied. When she sat on the throne at all, it was only to ensure that all eyes were pointed in her direction.

As soon as she noticed my arrival, she asked, Do you think they've read the note?

Yes. We'll have a reply from Caelen soon, no doubt. I lowered my body into the chair usually occupied by the queen's consort and stretched out my legs. They still troubled me from my time spent as Isaiah's prisoner in the Demon Realm sixteen years ago.

Fionna noticed me rubbing my knee. Do you still not heal?

The pain has lessened.

Isaiah should be drawn and quartered, she snapped.

He exploited an old injury. Do you recall how I would sometimes limp as a child? After Father left court, my mother became quite proficient in the use of the cane, targeting the back of my knees. Korwyn was close to death on two occasions. She blamed us for Father's departure.

Father was at fault. He made my lady mother angry as well.

Saying that Queen Aine was angry was the understatement of the ages.

Unlike most fae, our father, Finvarra, was fertile beyond imagining, impregnating the queen within weeks of his coming into power. After Caelen and Fionna were born, the queen discovered she was unable to bear more children. She magnanimously sent Finvarra out to impregnate other females so that the court, which had been decimated by many battles, would be reinvigorated with new life. Each chosen female gave birth to at least one child, my mother to two.

Problems arose when Finvarra revisited these females and their children, perhaps because he loved them as he loved his queen. Aine's time alone with him grew shorter, a situation she abhorred, but she was a queen with incredible power and knew just how to solve this dilemma. She proclaimed the females to be traitors and murdered them by her own hand. It was quick and clean and done in secret. Father could do naught for the dead, except to make sure no other fae died because of her madness.

Because my mother was ill from iron poisoning, she was spared, hanging on to her ugly life until just after my sixteenth birthday. No one at court besides myself knew of her final hours, and it would remain so.

Fionna twisted her mouth in disgust. You should not allow ancient memories to distract you from our plan to bring Charles to court. Your mother is long dead. She waved her hand dismissively.

Queen Aine left you without a backward glance.

She winced at my dig, then tightened her mouth. Perhaps your mother was right. Perhaps you were to blame.

I was ten years old when Finvarra went back to Queen Aine, my sister only eight. Fionna smoothed her perfect hair in the gilt mirror, ignoring me. My voice grew louder. Aine was losing her sanity. She killed female fae in violent rages brought on by jealousy. She was turning her gaze toward the children of those unions, including me and my sister. Father took her away to protect us.

Caelen and I were in no danger. We were the children of both the king and queen. She crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes appearing black in the glow of fae light.

Queen Aine might have one day considered even you as competition for Finvarra's attention.

Ironically, every fae at court had wanted the king's attention. Finvarra was generous and kind to his subjects, ruling his people with intelligence and honor. He was a warrior so skilled he could cut down dozens of attacking unseelie without incurring a single wound, and an artist so masterful, he could bring everyone to tears with a sweetly sung song.

But those weren't his only talents.

If the former king wished to unleash his unique magic, Finvarra could cast a magnetic spell onto whomever he chose, even an entire group. Under this charismatic sorcery, we wanted to please him, needed to please him, begged him to allow us to please him. Fae with bloodlines as long as his, who had always prided themselves on their dignity, would sometimes fall at his feet in rapture when he spoke to them. We would compete to make him smile, that gleam more radiant to us than a dozen suns. His females made him smile most often, but Queen Aine had not smiled to see it.

It was only later that I understood the true nature of the power he wielded, since, of all his children, I had inherited a similar gift myself, one much more suited to my temperament. I had no interest in gaining followers who would throw themselves at my feet in adoration. Instead I breached their shields, entered their minds to take away free will. Controlling their bodies as their minds lay imprisoned.

The last day I'd spoken to him had been in this very room. Each moment was branded into my soul, the pain still real.

---

Father, why are you sad? Father was usually in a jovial mood when he was with me, although lately, that had changed.

The queen and I are leaving the Faerie Court. We journey to Tir Na NOg.

May Korwyn and I go with you? My ten-year-old self had stretched out a hand, attempting to grasp his arm.

He stepped away. No. It is a place only suited for the ancient among us. You have your entire life to live.

When will you return?

I cannot say. Perhaps never.

Dread crawled along my spine, icy and sharp. Can Korwyn and I live with one of our half siblings?

No, son. Lillias—your mother needs you. Lillias was the pet name he gave my mother. Unlike the other females he'd chosen to take to his bed, he'd visited her so often, he'd impregnated her twice. My sister's birth might have been the final straw to rip apart the queen's indulgence.

Mother treats us badly. She is unwell. A lone tear dripped onto my tunic.

Try to be grateful that she still lives. He lifted my chin and smiled his most radiant smile. My knees wobbled at the gift he'd given me. If you are an obedient young male you will be loved and treated gently.

But Father...

I love all my children, and always will. Take care of Korwyn and my sweet Lillias.

---

Fionna finally stopped her pacing and glanced toward the double doors that marked the entrance to the hall. Where is your captain? He should have reported to me long before now.

He reports to me, sister.

You...

Forgive me, but as queen, you should not concern yourself with field reports delivered by common warriors. This male has a rough nature. His face is deeply scarred and he lacks the courtly finesse you are accustomed to. As is my duty, I will report to you personally as soon as I hear from him.

Hmph. Very well. I will check on the vampire. She left and I sighed with relief. Fionna could be exhausting to a degree known only to mothers of very young children.

A serving girl entered and bowed, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground. Lord, your captain has arrived.

The female had light hair like Jacqueline, her skin so pale it was practically transparent. Send him. And bring wine.

Yes, lord.

My captain, a slim male with a face scarred in battle, met my gaze without fear, an unusual occurrence at court. Most had first-hand knowledge of my predilections, and so spent time in my presence staring at their feet. I'd chosen this particular male for the task he'd performed because he did not seem to fear me, nor any other fae. Or rather, he did not fear death. Perhaps he felt dead already, the horrible burn on his face lessening his chances to find a mate. We fae were obsessed with the continuance of our race, our fortune in this regard having not been in our favor for some time, Finvarra's seed notwithstanding.

From his ragged appearance I could guess that he'd come to me before bathing. Fionna would have found this to be the height of disrespect, however I appreciated his courage and common sense. The information he brought was more important than following a courtly protocol that made no sense in this circumstance. I smiled, thinking about the serving girl and her more typical behavior. It was always easier to converse with someone who answered your questions without mumbling, shaking or talking to the floor.

It went as planned? I asked. I was still seated, the rest having done wonders for my knees.

Yes, Lord Kennet.

Continue.

The Cascade male was guarding the border and not expecting an attack. Your instructions gave me easy access, enabling me to deliver the body to the field, then get out again quickly.

The serving girl brought wine, pouring it with a shaking hand. When she started to leave, I said. Return to me when the warrior leaves.

She stopped, her hands clenching in the folds of her dress. Yes, lord.

Throughout my brief conversation with the girl, the captain stood at stiff attention, a perfect soldier. I invited him to sit and share wine, but he refused, having lived under Fionna too long to take any generosity at face value. My royal half-sister enjoyed playing games with those who displeased her. I did not have the patience for that, preferring more direct methods. Caelen and the other elders will be more careful in the future, captain. He is arrogant, but not a fool.

Yes, lord.

The queen will wait for Cascade to respond to her message. Be ready to leave again as soon as it arrives.

Yes, Lord Kennet. The damaged male dissolved, perhaps to eat and rest in his small quarters. I rose and walked the few feet to the throne my father had occupied all those years ago. I lowered my body into the ornate chair, smoothing my fingers over the exquisitely carved arms, enjoying the view from the higher platform. None of the current queen's sycophants would dare say anything against my sitting here, particularly because I was the most powerful male at court.

The mongrel serving girl had returned.

More wine. The decanter was half full and I could easily have poured my own, but I wanted to enjoy her terror as she poured it for me. She knew instinctively she might not survive what I'd expect of her today.

The lithe female trembled as she replaced my goblet on the small table beside the throne. She would have been beautiful if she’d had access to her magic and enough to eat. Fionna drained most of the court mongrels' magic, leaving them barely enough to survive. Full-bloods were also required to contribute a portion of their magic to prepare for the war, at least that was what Fionna told them. It kept them weak and under her control. I was one of the few she left intact along with our personal guards. No reason to take chances.

Do you need anything else, lord? The servant was two feet away, but I could barely make out her whispered words.

I took a long sip, drawing out her torture. Yes. Kneel here. I pointed to the floor in front of the throne. She stared at her feet as she shuffled and knelt where I'd indicated. She trembled so violently I thought she might collapse, but then, I was indeed a creature to be feared.

I had inherited my birth father's telepathic powers at the age of sixteen. The gift brought me sweet revenge on my mother and continued to serve me in many unexpected ways. Fionna would soon bow to my will, as would others at court. Charles had the gift as well and would learn to use his inheritance as I have. Together we would control Faerie. What young man would turn away from such power? And if he did, I had ways to encourage him to follow my instructions.

My thoughts flew to Jacqueline. Had she panicked when she found her mate had been taken? Caelen must have told her of the note. I’d be seeing her soon.

I locked gazes with the mongrel kneeling before me and thrust my will into her mind without kindness, taking over her body and guiding her as I wished. Her terror was still present, but if she pleased me well, she could become a favorite. Sighing, I relaxed into Father's throne, imagining what else the mongrel could endure today to please me.

4

Garrett

My senses returned as the scent and feel of a filthy wooden floor wrinkled my suddenly responsive nose. Although it was still dark, my keen eyes had no trouble adjusting to the dimness. I was sprawled face down, unbound and dumped without care. I forced my body into a sitting position, then stood and stretched out my stiff muscles, not feeling any ill effects from whatever spell had been used. Grateful for the relative freedom, I began to pace around the small room, automatically searching for an avenue of escape.

The mild stomach cramps were a relief, informing me I'd been here for less than a day. I knew all the symptoms of blood deprivation by heart, having been starved half a dozen times by Eleanor, my long dead maker. There was one main difference. Where in the past I could access magic to dampen the pain, here I was blocked from using that skill. I sighed, knowing I was in for some difficult days if this imprisonment went on for long without my being able to relieve the hunger.

Fae light lit up the room with a warmth opposite in mood to the female who appeared a heartbeat later. Dressed in a golden gown that shimmered with jewels, Fionna smirked as she took in my more vulnerable state. Her gaze slowly traversed my entire body, spending a few longer moments on my bare chest. Dressed only in sweatpants, my usual resting-phase attire, I felt like a horse at auction.

I stood in place and waited for Queen Fionna to speak first, hoping she'd give me some information I could use.

She spoke in Seelie Fae, a language I could understand and speak fairly well. I see Jacqueline has excellent taste in males. Are you hungry? she teased, tossing back her long golden locks with an arrogant flick of her head. She knew I hadn't fed today.

I ignored her question. Why am I here?

I will bring you a snack. Someone sweet.

I don't take blood. I didn't mention that Jackie was the exception.

She tilted her head and frowned. That is ridiculous. How do you feed?

Seeing no reason to lie, I told her, I can take energy from shifters by touching them.

Her frown became a scowl. That will not be entertaining at all. You are the first vampire I have allowed at court and I was so hoping that witnessing you attend to your needs would cause some excitement among my people. She ran a hand over her hip, smoothing out her gown and showing off her lithe figure. The centuries can grow dull.

I'm afraid I'll be disappointing you and your followers. I made every effort to keep my tone neutral and non-confrontational. I wasn't an idiot. She could kill me with a snap of her fingers.

When your hunger becomes too much to bear, you will take whom I offer. We have no shifters here. She said the word shifters as if it were abhorrent to consider having them at court.

I won't feed from innocents.

We will see how long your morals hold as your body begins to starve.

The room darkened and I fell to the floor, returned to my former state. Sadly, I was no wiser as to why I was brought here. Surely it wasn't for entertainment purposes as she'd hinted. If that were the case, she could have taken any vampire.

Without stimulus, time slowed. I focused my mind on warm memories of Jackie and Charlie, doing all I could to stay sane and ignore the gnawing pain.

---

We were in the living room. Charlie, only three and a half, giggled from his seat on the couch. Mommy, you can't dance good.

I'm trying to learn. It's hard.

S okay, 'cause you fight really good. Fighting's more 'portant than dancing. As usual, Robin Hoportantod was carefully placed beside him on the couch, open to an illustration of Robin fighting with Little John in the river.

Not at a wedding, Jackie sighed. Friends were having their mating ceremony soon and Jackie was practicing with me.

She was fighting my lead. I pulled her closer to my body, her lean muscles molding to mine perfectly. Relax. You're having trouble giving up control.

Duh. She rolled her eyes. I raised an eyebrow. We were trying to break Charlie of that same habit. This partner stuff doesn't come naturally to me.

I grinned. Kind of late to tell me that, don't you think?

She whacked my shoulder. You know what I mean.

I tucked a clump of hair behind her ear, then kissed the perfect line of her jaw. "There are times when you allow me to take