Light of Fae (Book 4 in the Mackenzie Chronicles Series)

By KD Jones

***Adult Readers Only***

Have you ever had a dream where two planets collide and the ending result was total annihilation of everything you know and love? Mack and her friends in Portland Maine are about to find out, except that it’s not colliding planets but the strands that hold the portal between human and Fae worlds that will be tested.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KD Jones
• Release date: Jun 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781943738175

KD Jones

KD Jones has been a huge fan of both romance novels and science fiction novels since she was 16 years old. Her favorite television shows growing up were Star Trek and Doctor Who. When not writing, she can usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book, working on her hobby of photography, or spending time with her family.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The rumble of the engine between my legs vibrated through my entire body. I leaned left, then right, as I took one turn after another. I loved my new Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle. It was an impulse buy, but I didn’t regret my decision. The freedom I felt every time I took my baby out for a ride was priceless. My senses were more alive than ever.

Part of that was due to all the Fae Magic practice I was doing with Cosmo. The elemental magic came to me readily and naturally. Sometimes I didn’t even have to think about which fae magic I wanted to use. The magic seemed in sync with me, giving me what I needed. I’m no expert fae magic user by any stretch of the word, but I’m getting there.

Even while riding on my Harley, I sense the path as the wind moved and maneuvered, weaving around and through, picking up a faster pace. My vision seemed to improve a bit as well. Suddenly an SUV pulled out of the left lane and I saw it, sensed it, and moved around out of its way. Bad Ass!

Five minutes later I pulled into the parking lot in front of the police department, sliding in right next to Ethan, who was leaning against his muscle car. I smiled as a little of my dust floated his way. He so deserved it. I grinned as he dusted off his leather jacket.

Whoever sold you this bike should turn himself in for endangering the people of Portland, he grouched in between coughs.

Turning off the bike, I removed my helmet and swung my leg over the side to dismount. You’re just jealous that my ride is cooler than yours.

He snorted. Winter is coming and you will eat your words along with the icicles, begging me to drive you in what you lovingly refer to as my muscle car.

The sexual innuendo was not lost on me. With his sexy, deep masculine voice, it made my panties damp. But I shook off those lusty feelings. Recently Ethan pursued me. When I gave into my feelings for him, he literally ghosted the almost relationship. I decided I would not keep doing this constant start and stop with him. I deserved a man who wanted me more than anything.

I hung my helmet on my handlebars and turned around and found his dark, intriguing eyes looking me up and down. The desire was undeniable, causing my heart to skip a beat. Nope, I would not fall for this again. I ignored him and began walking toward the steps leading up to the police station.

So why did we get called in on our day off?

Ethan shrugged his shoulders and took easy steps next to me. Damn his long legs. I had to shuffle a little harder so that he didn’t pass me.

I’m sure that it has something to do with Portland’s crime boss.

We really need to come up with a name for this guy. What about Kingpin? I suggested.

That’s been done.

He opened the door and let me enter first, giving his own suggestions. The Don? Big Boss? Darth Lord?

I snorted. He’s not Zorro, anyone can be a Big Boss and Star Wars? Seriously?

The smile he gave me was dazzling. I tripped over my own feet. I guess we’ll have to keep looking for his actual name.

Guess so, I agreed.

We both walked past our desks and headed to the main conference room that our police task force had unofficially claimed. The Portland Police Department set up a task force to investigate a string of different crimes that linked to a syndicate here in Portland. The crimes involved were a range of theft from mall shops, fencing stolen goods, and most recent murder of one member of the syndicate. Every day we find a crime that is linked to the syndicate. It seems we’re getting closer to finding the leader of these crimes, then we lose our footing and start over. It was frustrating.

The door to the conference room was open, so we entered and took our seats. The rest of the task force was already there. Captain Evans took the lead. The others on the team included twin surfer body builders aka weapons specialists Jack and Joe Cole, Communications Specialist Officer Theo Court, Narcotics Undercover Specialist and Karate Kid look-alike Detective Ray Gifford, and ex-thief IT Specialist Amara Sinclair. Their Captain was not pleased with their delayed arrival.

Now that Cross and Valentine have graced us with their presence, let’s get started, Captain growled out.

Was it me, or was Ethan and I always the last to show up? We need to improve on our punctuality. I hated having all eyes on me. I gave everyone an apologetic smile, then I wiggled in my seat to get comfortable.

Amara nodded, her curly, bright red curls bobbing around. On it, Cap! She clicked her iPad and images hovered just above the conference table. The title of one of the white board images said ‘Search for Portland’s Godfather’.

Ethan leaned over and whispered, Sometimes the obvious is best.

I know, right? whispering back. I glanced down at the table and caught Amara giving me a wink. She was a handful, and it made me wonder if it was because she was a redhead or because she was a sprite. As a redhead myself, I think it’s a combination of both.

By the way, the entire task force is full of paranormals of some sort. Ethan’s a werewolf. Theo was a Selkie seal shifter. Pretty sure that Captain Evans and the Cole twins were some kind of cat shifters because of their thick mane of hair and slanted eyes. Ray was an odd one. He looked young, but there were times he changed his appearance as a chameleon shifter. Then here I was, part human and part fae. But not only part fae, I had royal fucking fae blood, which meant I had more powers than most half fae that lived in the human realm. I was caught between a human realm and a fae realm. I was too different for the humans to accept, and the full fae considered my human blood tainted.

Amara pulled up a virtual map over the conference table. On her iPad, she used a digital pen and circled areas on the map. She typed so quickly; it looked like a blur until she stopped, then everything came into focus.

There are three shopping centers that all have had merchandise taken directly from their delivery trucks. Portland has had four banks hit in the last six months, including the robbery that Mack and Ethan had investigated a few months ago. Other cases that happened around the same time as these robberies included several pawn shops selling the same goods reported stolen.

Do we have an idea where the money for the stolen goods is going? Officer Theo asked.

The pawn shop reports cash exchanges, Captain Evans replied. He gave Amara a nod to continue.

It doesn’t end there. Just last week there has been a surge in illegal drugs being confiscated at several high schools.

Why would we think the drugs are linked to anything? Mack asked.

It might not have seemed that way had we not received a tip that one of the drug dealers also offered an iPhone that was one of the stolen merchandise from the shopping centers, Amara told us.

Is it a coincidence? Det. Jack Cole asked.

It might be, but it’s a lead. Ray, we’re going to send you to one of the high schools.

I snorted. How many schools have you infiltrated now? Ten? Fifteen?

Ray grumbled, Too many.

Captain Evans cleared his throat. You might not find it too funny, Valentine. You’re going to the other school in question.

What? No way! I protested.

This time, Ethan chuckled. It’s not the first time you’ve played jailbait.

I glared at him. Watch it, fur ball.

The kids busted with the drugs said that the dealer’s first name is Carlos, Amara said typing the name on her iPad, then it appeared on the map by the schools.

Two different schools, two different kids, same dealer? Ethan asked.

Captain Evans nodded his head. That’s what it looks like.

It’s the best we got right now. We have enrolled both of you. Amara will give you your new identities.

Amara slid one folder across the table to Ray and another as she passed to Ethan, who opened it without letting me do it first. Your new name is Daisy Vale, seventeen, your parents are going through a divorce and your GPA is a 3.0.

I reached for the folder and jerked it out of his hands. Daisy? I look nothing like a Daisy.

At least you have a good GPA. I’m Duncan Station, a loner who is barely keeping a GPA of 1.75.

I smiled at Ray. Wish we were going to the same school. We might have been able to hang out as friends.

Ray winked at me. Nice thought, but I think Daisy is way too smart and too hot for Duncan.

Mack gave him a flirty smile. Maybe if Duncan stood outside in the rain with a boombox, it might sway Daisy.

Oh… I loved that movie, Amara said.

Ethan growled next to me and we all glanced his way. His cheeks reddened a little, but he didn’t comment.

The captain gave out his orders. Amara, set up Valentine and Gifford with two way listening devices. No weapons. Both schools have metal detectors. Cross will be outside of the school while Valentine is on the inside. I need a volunteer to assist Gifford.

I’ll do it, Officer Theo Court said.

Great. Cole twins, I want you to go to the pawnshops that had been selling the stolen goods.

Amara, continue monitoring for the money from the banks that were robbed. It has to show up at some point.

I’m all over it like sauce on ribs, Amara said, waving her digital pen in the air like a sword.

I leaned closer to Ethan to whisper, I’m suddenly hungry.

Me too, he responded.

Only when he said it, it didn’t sound like he was talking about food. The thought of his other hunger sent shivers down my body. His natural sexiness was just not fair. My body ached for him, but I had to fight those feelings. Didn’t I?

School starts tomorrow. Go get your prep work done.

Everyone stood up at once and left the conference room. I had a sense of uneasiness. Something was coming, and it wasn’t good. Cosmo thought that I may have some kind of premonition, but I haven’t truly been able to tap into that just yet. I can only handle one fae ability at a time.

Chapter 2

Later that Day

I am so not looking forward to this, I grumbled, walking out of a shop.

Oh, hush. You’re going to be so darn cute. I guarantee you’ll have a date for prom within the week, the tall brunette next to me said.

I glared at my best friend, Claire Donovan. She had agreed to help me pick out high school clothing. Fifteen minutes into the first shop, I realized this had been a big mistake. I was going to go with smart conservative Daisy. Claire picked out the naughty schoolgirl, Daisy. We argued before settling on a cross between them both. I would wear a type of school uniform with a shorter than preferred skirt, but she picked out mid thigh high leggings and Mary Jane high heels.

If I bend over, I might get arrested for indecent exposure, I complained.

Claire laughed. Honey, if you bend over in that outfit you’ll give those boys a heart attack.

Right, so no bending over.

Claire rubbed her chin in a thoughtful gesture. I wonder how Ethan will handle your little makeover.

I snorted. I don’t care what he thinks.

There’s been no talk about your relationship?

I snorted. There’s no relationship other than us being partners.

Why can’t the two of you break through your issues and make pretty fur babies for me to spoil. Auntie Claire needs this.

Auntie Claire can concentrate on her own man candy and make some fae human babies herself. Auntie Mack is planning on taking her favorite niece or nephew on a motorcycle ride.

Claire blushed as she turned to walk toward her car. I smiled. So, how are things going between you and young Officer Mark Williams?

Pretty good. He’s handling my fae heritage like its nothing, but that’s because he hasn’t really had to be face to face with it. I keep expecting my granny to do something magical in front of him and he’ll panic. I don’t want to lose him.

It hit me. You’re falling in love with him!

Claire blushed, but she didn’t deny it. Just a little.

I smiled with genuine happiness for my friend. Mark was a sweet guy, and he was head over heels for Claire. After her last disastrous relationship, she deserved the best. I’m happy for you, truly.

It’s not like he’s proposed, but we’ve been dating a while and I think we’re ready for the next step.

We stopped to lean against her car and I asked, You two haven’t done the nasty yet? When she shook her head, I almost dropped my bags.

Why the hell not?

Claire looked around, making sure no one was listening. She needn’t have bothered. There were only a few people on the sidewalk, and they had already passed us by.

We make out like crazy, but every time things get hot and heavy, he stops.

It took a moment for me to form words. "He stops? Just… stops?"

It has to be me. I’m not sexy enough or something.

I reached over and punched her arm. Stop being so ridiculous. You are the hottest thing around Portland. He’s probably just shy and is taking it slow so that he’s not pressuring you.

If he takes it any slower, I’ll be eighty before he makes a move.

I laughed, and she did too. She relaxed a little more. I appreciate how sweet he is, but I want him so bad I can’t stand it.

I rubbed a hand over my chin like an evil cartoon character plotting his genius plan. Then you’ll have to take the bull by the horns and show him you’re ready.

"How? I’ve