Iceas' Victory

By Felicia Rogers

Born magic. Never warned.

Iceas Lachlan thought her biggest problem was getting a date for the high school dance. Her neighbor, Brendan Donovan, captain of the football team and utterly gorgeous, the guy she’s crushed on forever, has suddenly become irritatingly protective and won’t let anyone date her. And since he won’t ask her out himself, that kinda crimps having any fun, and even though she really likes him, Iceas is just about fed up.

When her father gets wind of the situation, he forces Brendan to ask her out, which is humiliating. It’s bad when Brendan stands her up for their date and she’s forced to make do with his friend, Malcolm, but then without warning, her father collapses in agony, and her mother won’t let Iceas call for an ambulance. Instead, Mom entrusts his care to Brendan’s parents... as if there’s something different about her father, something strange that a doctor or hospital couldn’t cure. Her parents finally admit there are some family secrets they’ve never told her.

And considering her new, bizarre dreams, Iceas can’t help wondering if she didn’t inherit some of her family’s weirdness. She isn't so sure Brendan is ready to protect her against things she can’t even imagine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dingbat Publishing
• Release date: Nov 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781940520940

Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers born and raised in the southern part of the United States is a Christian wife and mother, with a side interest-- writing. She won the Celebrate the Season Contest by Solstice Publishing in Sept. 2010 allowing her first novella, "The Holiday Truce" to be published. Since then she has published more than fifteen novels and novellas.

Book preview

Prologue

What do you seek?

Salvation. His answer was a weak whisper.

What do you seek?

Stronger now. Salvation!

What do you seek?

"Salvation!"

For who?

The world!

The walls reverberated with the power of the words.

Rocks drilled indentions in the soft skin of his knees. The Master hovered above him, his tongue clicking, his robe swirling across the uneven ground. The air stank when he spoke. You seek salvation — the power over death? The power over your enemies?

I seek to do your will only. He kept his head bowed.

The hood covering the Master’s face did nothing to hide his snarl as his hands connected in a thunderous clap. Excellent.

Jude gulped. What had he just committed to?

Mara whistled as she vacuumed. The trill of the phone interrupted. She grabbed the receiver and wedged it against her shoulder as she wound the vacuum cord around the base. Hello?

Yes, I’m trying to reach Mara Hess.

Well, you’ve found her. I was Mara Hess, but now I’m Mara Lachlan. How may I help you?

A maniacal snicker poured over the phone line. Ah, you can help me. You see, I know who you are. And I know where you come from. What I don’t know is why you’re here?

What? She struggled to keep fear from her voice as she massaged her rounded belly.

Don’t play coy. It doesn’t matter, you know. None of it matters. Not Chase’s power, or Maddie’s inheritance, your superhuman abilities, or the little ones on the way. None of it. All that matters is I know who and what you are, and soon the world will, as well.

The line went dead, and Mara fell to her knees and cried.

Chapter One

Seventeen years later…

Brendan Donovan pretended to peer inside his open locker. First period had yet to start and the hallway teemed with people. Locker doors opened and closed like rapid-fire gunshots. Feet shuffled, stomped, and skipped. This was high school — senior year. He was almost finished. He couldn’t wait. Once he was done with school, he was going to get as far away from Coal Creek as possible. He might travel to the west coast and become a fisherman. He didn’t care, just as long as he wasn’t here.

He peered around the door. Myriad faces passed. It was hard to believe so many varieties existed. Jocks, preps, geeks, Goths, surfers, and the unclassified, all under one roof. By some miracle, the building still stood.

Hey, dude, what are you staring at?

The voice called over the racket from far away. A sigh parted his lips. Malcolm was notorious for interrupting a good thinking session.

Nothing in particular. Brendan grabbed his books and slammed the locker closed. Take that, noisemakers.

Malcolm approached through the crowd, but he wasn’t alone. John and Matt strolled beside him, occasionally snapping their fingers and winking at a cute girl. Brendan would have rolled his eyes at their antics, but they probably wouldn’t notice.

The four of them had been friends since kindergarten. They’d been in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, played football, and hung out together since time began. They even lived in the same neighborhood in the sleepy community of Coal Creek, where nothing exciting ever happened. Which was why he wanted to leave. There had to be more to life than this place.

Malcolm thumped against the row of lockers. What are your plans for tonight? The guys and I thought about heading over to the lake. This is like the last weekend of summer and I don’t want to waste it.

Brendan shrugged. School had begun only a week ago and he already had a semester-long project looming over his head. If he started now, he might have it done by Christmas. Unfortunately, Malcolm and the others would understand if he skipped the lake for a family event or for a girl, but never for homework.

His friends continued to stare at him. He swallowed. He’d just tell them the truth. If they didn’t like it, so be it.

But before he could say a word, Malcolm stood straighter, whistled, and clapped. Dino-mite!

John groaned. Not again.

What? Malcolm opened his hands like he was confused.

Matt slapped his forehead. Isn’t it obvious? You’ve been watching Retro TV again.

"Or TV Land on Nick at Night," John added, head bobbing to music only he could hear.

"Yeah, good ole J.J. from Good Times is awesome." Malcolm spun on his toe, the way the actor, Jimmie Walker, once had on the show.

Brendan could no longer resist their antics. He raised his hand. Great, we know he’s behaving like an old TV actor, but why?

That’s why. Malcolm grabbed Brendan’s head and angled it to where he’d been staring. Now do you see? Just look at her. He released Brendan and flowed his hands up and down in the shape of an hourglass.

No clue. Brendan cocked his brow and stared at the other two for assistance.

Matt shrugged. Don’t look at me. I don’t know what he’s talking about.

Not a what, but a who. John, don’t you see her? The voluptuous black-haired beauty? She’s standing right down there. Am I going to have to stand next to her and hold my arms out like Vanna White?

John and Matt shared a quizzical look.

Malcolm’s hand flew upward. "You guys are hopeless. Vanna has only been on Wheel of Fortune for like ever."

What is he talking about? asked John.

Matt shrugged. His classic move. Brendan should record how many times he did that per day, as if he were trying to get into the Guinness book of world records...

Brendan forced down his irritation. Malcolm, back to the girl. We still don’t know who you’re talking about.

His hands rose again, mimicking the shape of the girl’s frame. It’s that girl right there, with the long black hair, and the umm, and you know, and look at the tight—

Brendan stared in the direction Malcolm pointed. Heat flushed his cheeks and he fisted his hands at his sides. His heart beat faster and faster. Before he knew what he was doing, he grabbed Malcolm by the collar and shoved him against the lockers. His teeth hurt as he clenched his jaw. You need to shut up.

Malcolm crossed his hands over his face. Whoa, man. I didn’t mean any offense. The girl is fine. Who is she?

Brendan couldn’t believe he was saying it, but he was. That’s Iceas!

Malcolm’s head shook violently. What? No way. You’re kidding.

Turnabout was fair play. Brendan grasped Malcolm’s head and swung his face around. Look. That is Iceas.

Wow! What happened to her? She didn’t look like that before summer break. She must have been swallowed by a Victoria’s Secret model.

John and Matt narrowed their eyes toward the girl’s end of the hall. A stream of drool slipped down Malcolm’s chin.

Brendan tried to control his temper, he really did. But with a forceful shove, he sent all three of his friends into the row of metal lockers, and the sound echoed along the hall. Was everyone watching? He didn’t care. Let them see. No matter if they were friends, they weren’t going to ogle Iceas like a piece of meat. She was like a sister to him.

Malcolm broke free and straightened his T-shirt. Man, I was paying her a compliment.

Yeah, you should back off and let the man ogle. John’s grin spread broadly across his face as he tried to look over Brendan’s shoulder — in Iceas’ direction.

Brendan’s chest rose and fell as his breathing grew heavier and heavier. The hallway blurred. Shoes tapping on the glossy tile floor, fingers drumming on books, someone chewing their nails — the sounds rushed into his ears. Then the room spun. Horrified, he leaned sideways and reached out to steady himself.

Hey, guys. How have you been? It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.

Just as suddenly as the weird feelings began, they ended. And then she was there. Iceas. Malcolm, Matt, and John kept their eyes trained on him and their mouths shut. Which was a good thing. He didn’t want to have to hurt them.

Iceas drew her brows downward. Hey, Brendan, you okay?

He shook his head, forcing a weak smile to his lips. Yeah, I’m fine. He paused. How about you? What have you been up to all summer?

She lifted a toned and tanned shoulder. Nothing much. I’ve been at summer camp helping children, like usual.

Iceas Lachlan, the literal girl next door. She was seventeen and, like him, a senior at Coal Creek High School. Five foot seven, with long black hair and dark lashes covering blue eyes that shone brighter than any sapphire. At the moment, her plump rosy lips moved, but Brendan heard nothing. Her beauty consumed his mind. She might be like a sister to him, but he wasn’t blind. She had changed over the summer, and he hadn’t noticed, even though she lived next door. Hadn’t she just said she’d been at camp most of the time? It didn’t matter; he was noticing now. And she was more beautiful than ever.

That was the bell. I’ll see you guys later. Iceas waved as she walked away.

Matt nudged him. "Man, where were you? You looked a million miles away. Iceas was talking and you just like zoned out. I think she just gave up and moved on."

What did she say? Brendan raked a hand through his hair and wished he could hide in a hole. He’d fussed at his friends for staring at her and then he’d done the exact same thing. Admittedly he thought of her more than any piece of meat; she was more like prime rib, but still.

Malcolm slapped Brendan’s back. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, bud, but we better get to class before we’re late.

Brendan followed his friends to homeroom. This is going to be an interesting year.

I saw you talking to Brendan this morning.

Iceas stopped outside the classroom door and cringed. She hadn’t even made it to homeroom and Janice was already on her case.

Plastering a fake smile on her face, Iceas turned on her heel. Janice, how good to see you. How was summer vacation?

It was decent. I spent the whole summer at my dad’s beach house.

Janice Russo was five-ten with muscular arms and the facial features of a model. She was also the biggest bully in school and she just happened to have a crush on Brendan. Whether the boy was aware of it or not, Janice and he had a thing and no one was allowed to disrupt it.

Iceas feigned interest as Janice prattled on. She’d edged closer to the classroom door, but she’d yet to make it inside. Just a few more steps and she’d be there, safe within the confines.

Hey, Janice! Dudley Wainwright, an annoying rich kid who played softball, lifted his hand in greeting.

Janice stopped talking midsentence and abandoned Iceas for Dudley. Iceas wasted no time. She slipped inside the classroom and rushed to her seat, careful to pick a desk surrounded by other people. If Janice wanted to attack her, then she would be forced to do so with witnesses.

Iceas lowered her head to the desk and counted the carvings. Starting at the doorway, moans and groans rent the air and traveled toward her. She lifted her eyes a fraction. Janice walked the aisle flicking people’s ears, but then she stopped abruptly, staring. She must have noticed that Iceas was covered on all sides and she couldn’t get to her without kicking someone out of their chair.

Iceas again lowered her head to the desk and prayed the teacher wasn’t late. This is going to be an interesting year.

Chapter Two

The air in the car was stifling; the leather seats seared his flesh. Tie loosened, he settled his head on the head rest. There were days when he missed the open sky and this was one of them. To soar through the clouds and enjoy the wind ruffling his hair was indescribable. But it hadn’t happened in years. The desire was still there but his body seemed unable.

The motor rumbled to life as he turned the key in the ignition. Dougal Lachlan was going home to his wife and daughter. As the owner of a construction company, he set his own hours, most of which were long and grueling.

Unnaturally long years of life had given him wealth, as well as a unique perspective on building. An amateur architect, his designs and style were sought the world round.

The wheel responded to the barest of touches. But when he glanced over, the rearview mirror revealed a new wrinkle. Signs of aging were becoming more pronounced the longer he went without morphing. So far the changes made him more distinguished, giving him an air of sincerity. But how long could the aging continue before his body disintegrated altogether?

He looked away from the mirror and back toward the road. He couldn’t wait to see Mara. Just the sight of her made him feel better. She would greet him with a warm smile and a tight embrace. Tantalizing food aromas would waft throughout the house. His mouth salivated already.

Dougal entered the subdivision and drove to the dead end. The cul-de-sac held only two houses. Both were large white farmhouses with wraparound porches and picket fences. In the back were two separate yards. His contained a large in-ground swimming pool, the other just a back yard filled with grass and flowers.

The tires of his luxury car hit the concrete drive and the garage door rose. Inside, the light automatically winked on. He cut the engine and slowly got out. The door to the kitchen stood open, a smiling Mara peering at him. He opened his arms and she snuggled in. He planted a peck on her cheek. The melancholy was leaving already.

You’re home early.

Yeah, I was missing the family and since I’m the boss… He stopped and shrugged, avoiding her direct gaze. If there was a problem, he’d tell her later. She didn’t need to worry unnecessarily. He was doing enough of that for the both of them.

Her lips twitched and she placed her hand on her jutted hip. You finally decided to take advantage?

He nodded. Exactly. He peered over her shoulder and into the kitchen. The bright yellow room with pale blonde cabinets was as inviting as always. Is Iceas home yet?

No. I think she had an after-school meeting. Is something wrong? She relaxed her posture, but there was a tenseness to her mouth. Did she know he was hiding something from her?

Why would anything be wrong? He made himself smile and ignore the pain shooting across his chest. It was nothing to worry about. Just age, that was all.

You just seem… different.

Mara, can I go inside now? This briefcase is heavy. He’d snapped at her. He hadn’t meant to, but he had. Why did she have to question him now, of all times? He just wanted to get inside, set down his briefcase, and hug his lovely daughter — when she got home. That didn’t seem like too much to ask.

She moved aside and he passed. The briefcase slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor, tottering to a standstill. The case landed on a shiny spot. That was where it rested every evening, every day.

Dougal, is everything okay? And don’t lie to me.

Rubbing his hand across his stubbled chin, he glanced out the kitchen window and into the driveway. A little red car screeched to a halt, the engine cut off, and loud music silenced. Iceas skipped from the car, her head bopping back and forth, her fingers snapping to an imaginary beat. The tiny car fit her perfectly. It had been his gift to her on her sixteenth birthday.

Dougal, I’m still waiting.

How could he explain what he was feeling? She wouldn’t understand. He didn’t understand.

The front door creaked open. Iceas smiled and it reached all the way to her eyes, and from there to his. She was his pride and joy. The reason he didn’t mind settling down. She winked, flashing her blue eyes. Most people noted their color and depth, but never considered it as anything more than good luck and great genes. Supernatural qualities possessed by his offspring were apparently hidden to the natural eye. While only one-fourth human, the child before him resembled the race one hundred percent.

Fear coursed through him. How long could her good fortune last? Forever? Somehow, he doubted it.

Mara’s hand touched his back. He jerked. His muscles were as tight as a bow. He couldn’t deal with this right now. There were too many other things on his mind.

When will supper be ready?

Mara didn’t act hurt, but she probably was. In about an hour.

Call for me then.

Her displeasure was palpable. He’d been able to decipher her feelings for a while. However, lately even that was getting harder.

Before she could repeat her earlier question about his health, he escaped to his office. Safely inside, he leaned against the wooden door. His chest rose and fell abnormally. The air grew thick and he staggered to the faux leather couch and collapsed. Stars and dots of white light flashed before his eyes, closed or open.

In all his years, he’d never been ill. Sickness and infirmity had never plagued him. But as he lay there, tightness again gripped his chest and a fresh rush of trepidation ran over him. He’d known things were about to change; he just hadn’t realized they’d be this soon.

And worst of all, he’d forgotten to hug Iceas…

Chase Donovan used a rag to wipe the sweat from his face. It was a beautiful, warm late-August day in Coal Creek and he was using the weather to his full advantage.

He pulled the trigger on the sprayer and sent a fresh wave of stain toward the deck. Birds tweeted excitedly as they raced past. The sound of Maddie’s contented humming filtered through the open kitchen window. Chase didn’t need to think about it to know he was finally at peace.

A car door slammed. Chase peered around the back of the house. Brendan. Every day the boy seemed to grow larger. Broad of shoulder and narrow in hip, he’d made a perfect addition to the Coal Creek High football team. His penchant for aggressive behavior had been an added plus.

I’m home, echoed through the house and outside.

Maddie’s humming stopped. She was probably greeting Brendan like she always did, with a hug.

Chase dropped the sprayer, gathered up his extra supplies, cleaned up his mess, and headed to the workshop. Inside the dusty building, memories of his father’s workshop flooded him. His brothers had scattered across the country and started their own lives; his father had passed on, as had his mother, but he’d never forgotten the times he’d helped out in the workshop and banged his finger, or built something useless but creative. Then there were the later memories, of mysterious journals and personal changes.

Those earlier times of Maddie’s peril rarely entered his mind of late. The need to change seemed to have ended once the I do’s were spoken. Chase enjoyed the normalcy of his new life. Being an engineer for a local plant and participating in town activities helped. Other than keeping his family safe, nothing was as important as just being normal.

Threats… he found himself staring at his nearest neighbor’s home. Dougal had been acting strange lately, at least stranger than usual. With increased frequency he spoke of past times. Always there was a glory and type of honor associated with his tales. Chase was tired of hearing the repetitive stories, but he wouldn’t ask Dougal to stop. The man had no one else to talk to. Sure, there was Mara. Bless her heart; she’d probably heard more than he ever had.

Chase closed the workshop door. The loud click reverberated in his head, like a strange echo. The smells of dinner wafted from the house. Pork chops, baked beans, and boiled corn. He frowned. Heightened sense of smell had been one of his previous abilities, and not something he’d experienced in years.

Shaking away a sudden gnawing fear that twisted his gut, he whistled as he walked through the back door. Maddie was at the stove, pulling the meat from the oven. A pretty pink apron was tied around her waist. She was a nurse, but whenever she wasn’t working a shift, she loved to cook.

Oh, there you are. I wondered if you’d finished. She laid the hot pan on the kitchen island.

Not exactly, but I’m happy to come in and eat. He smiled. He would never grow tired of her cooking or watching her be domestic. He loved the normalcy of it.

Maddie slapped him playfully on the arm. I bet.

Chase eased closer and wrapped his arms around Maddie’s waist. He buried his face in her hair. You used the special shampoo.

"I used my only shampoo."

Uh-huh, sure you did. He loved the smell of strawberries and she knew it. He nuzzled her neck.

Chase, Brendan is upstairs.

So? It isn’t like he hasn’t seen his parents hug before.

This seems like more than hugging.

He laughed, reached around, and grabbed a roll off a tray. Funny… he hadn’t smelled them.

Maddie slapped his hand. You’ll ruin your dinner.

He laughed and took a seat at the kitchen island. Normalcy. He loved it.

Chapter Three

The pain in Dougal’s chest was growing unbearable. He could hear Mara moving around in the kitchen. Taking pans out, putting them on the counter, setting the table. His little housewife was so perfect. He’d offered to send her to any college or university in the States, but she had refused. She wanted to stay at home with their daughter. He’d supported that. He understood. She’d been raised in an entirely different time period. Besides, people might notice the oddities if she were in an educational setting.

Pain shot between his shoulder blades, and he writhed on the couch trying to catch his breath. If he called out, either Mara or Iceas would come. Both would be worried. He couldn’t blame them; he was worried. The pain had been increasing over the last couple of days. He’d researched the symptoms, but refused to believe that he could be having a heart attack. How could someone only half human suffer such a detestable event?

The pain shot through him again. He couldn’t stall any longer. He needed help.

"Help. The word hurt. Too quiet. He tried again, louder. Help…"

The door parted. Dad? Iceas stood in the doorway, her face pale.

He attempted a smile but was sure he failed and it was more like a grimace. She didn’t move, her eyes opening wider, but he needed her to. He licked his lips. Iceas, get—

She dove into the room and grabbed the cordless phone off his desk. The tones for 9-1-1 filled the study. He couldn’t let her do that. He couldn’t go to the hospital.

He lifted his hand off his chest. "Don’t…"

Tears filled her eyes. Dad, we need an ambulance. Don’t worry, I’ll get one here. She dialed again.

"No…" The strain of talking was almost more than he could stand.

A swift intake of breath from the door. Dougal? What is going on in here? Mara glanced at Iceas, still clutching the phone.

Don’t worry, Mom. I’m calling for an ambulance. He’ll be okay. He’ll be okay. Iceas trembled and shook. He wanted to go to her, offer comfort, but he couldn’t. He’d never felt so helpless.

Mara fell at his side, her hand cupping his face. Dougal?

He opened his mouth, but the pain was too intense. Couldn’t she see it in his eyes? He needed help, but not from doctors.

Iceas, put down the phone and get Maddie. Mara’s voice was sure and strong. She’d read his mind.

Iceas held the phone, her finger poised to dial again. Was there something wrong with the telephone line? Are you sure?

Yes. Do as I said.

Iceas ran. Mara held his free hand and squeezed. The pain was worse than anything he’d ever experienced. Worse than being run through with a sword or being clawed by a black gryphon. Darkness waited to take him; he blinked, trying to keep it at bay.

Mara squeezed his hand harder. Hold on, honey. Just hold on.

Iceas ran out the front door, not even bothering to close it. She jumped off the four porch steps, ran through the inch-high grass, jumped the hedge in a single leap, and stuck her landing in Brendan’s yard. Maddie — her parents wanted her to get Maddie. Mrs. Donovan had been in her life for as long as she could remember. She was a nurse, a good nurse, but would she really be able to help Dad? If nothing else, she would be quicker than an ambulance.

She didn’t bother to knock. She twisted the knob and raced into the entryway. She could smell food; rolls, she smelled rolls. Maddie’s hand-made throw rugs shifted under her feet as she ran through the hallway. The house looked identical to hers on the outside, but the interior layout was different. Maddie didn’t like open concept, so the dining and kitchen were closed to the living room. Hopefully they wouldn’t think she was an intruder.

In the cozy kitchen, Chase sat across from Maddie and ripped apart a roll. He stopped with a piece midway to his mouth, staring at her, a strange knowing in his eyes.

Aunt Maddie! Aunt Maddie! Come quick! I think Dad is having a heart attack!