Rise: Peacekeeper's Harmony, #3

By Maggie M Lily

I was officially the Peacekeeper of legend. I had mental bindings to every single beast affinity in the world to prove it.
Now, if I could just find my pants…

My brothers were back to thinking I had an easy lot in life. They weren't wrong. It would be a sweet gig. Sianna would be Overlord. I would be Peacekeeper. We'd have our shared love bonds.
Well. Maybe.
Sigh.
Many beast affinities, including my ex-girlfriend, won't follow Sianna as a leader.
After attacking my family, my circle, and random bystanders, it was clear the opposition didn't mind collateral damage. If they wouldn't come at us directly, we needed to unite the splintered shifter populations and force action.
Could we navigate the politics and negotiations while still holding tight to what mattered?
One thing was certain: I wouldn't give up the love binding again. Not for anything—even if the bindings meant a difficult leadership transition. If the shifters wanted a fight, they'd get one.
Rise is the jaw-dropping conclusion of the Peacekeeper's Harmony series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maggie M Lily
• Release date: May 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223431534

Book preview

ONE

A CHARACTER INDEX CAN BE FOUND AT THE BACK OF THIS NOVEL.

LUKE

Rise, Sianna commanded one last time. We have work to do, Peacekeeper.

And just like that, the wolf form disappeared. I crouched, naked as the day I was born, in front of a few hundred people.

GAH! I covered the twig and berries with my hands.

"Ha! Yeah! Go ahead! Pretend like you need both hands for that," Jake jeered from the edge of the arena.

I glared at him as I scampered to the sidelines to find my clothes. Where? Where are my clothes! This is not funny!

William, Sam, and Jake disagreed. They were having a grand old time laughing at me. Even Adaline, the sweet Mistress Life, seemed to hide a grin behind her hand. At least Micah had enough decency to walk away before breaking out into laughter.

Do the waddle again! Will demanded. Why did you walk like a duck on the way over here?

Clothes! I yelled. I need clothes!

They just laughed.

A shirt and pants fell from the higher tiers of the arena seating. I looked up. Some random guy was standing there in his undershirt and boxers.

Go commando, Peacekeeper. I’m not walking out of here naked.

Thank you! I yelled, diving into the clothes.

Brothers are assholes! the guy yelled back, laughing.

Well, this is not nearly as much fun, Sam complained, pulling my clothes out of nowhere.

What? Where were they? I asked, confused. He’d pulled them from thin air.

He paused, looking at me. Do you really want to know? Get dressed so I can give that dude back his clothes. I hate that all these people would literally give you the clothes off their backs. You don’t need their clothes! This ruins our fun!

You’re just pissed you don’t have hordes of adoring fans! I argued.

You’re right, Sam agreed, glaring at me. "Somehow you get to be Peace and a benevolent, loving benefactor to these people while I’m the evil Walker. I hate you right now."

I rolled my eyes. We were back to my brothers thinking my life was easy.

They weren’t wrong. I had a sweet gig now that I’d figured out how to use my energy and had a girlfriend. I was downright giddy about that turn of events. Sianna got to be Overlord, I got to be me, and we got to have our love bindings. My situation was further improved by having underwear. It was a banner evening.

He left? Nate Junior strolled on out of here? I asked, looking around the arena.

Sam said to let him go. Will shrugged. He left with about a quarter of the crowd.

I looked at my middle brother. Really?

It’s better this way. He’s a moron. Let’s let the moron lead the opposition to Sianna’s leadership. If someone smart takes over, we might actually have to think about how to resolve this.

I sighed. Okay. How do we resolve this? And did you know Jen was going to drive things forward?

Sam nodded. I asked her to do it. Sitting around waiting for something to happen was going to get annoying. We need to wrap this shit up. There are babies coming.

William’s wife, Emma, was nine months pregnant with twins. According to Sam, the twins would arrive in a little over two weeks.

You think we’re going to resolve eons of misogynistic behavior in two and a half weeks?

No. Sam looked at me like I was stupid. I think we’ll finish fighting open opposition in about two weeks. You have years of work ahead of you to break the affinities of that level of... obtuseness.

Oh, good. Thanks for the vocabulary word. I rolled my eyes again, looking around for Sianna.

Jen found me first. You don’t listen at all, do you?

I wanted to listen. I really did. But there were these kids and then it was a whole thing... I grinned. There was no heat to her words, and she wasn’t carrying a purse. I’d be fine.

Good boy, she said, reaching up to kiss my cheek. I’ve been trying to help those beast affinity kids for generations. Literally. I didn’t know it was something you could fix. It doesn’t seem like it’s a mental thing.

No, it’s not, I agreed. Their life energy gets knotted.

Jen scrunched up her face, turning to Adaline. Can you fix that? I can’t fix that.

Adaline shook her head. I think I might be able to fix it if I work at it. He does it easily. Naturally. Will you look at Darla’s brother’s mind? Adaline had changed subjects without warning.

Jen’s eyes narrowed. Can I light Darla’s brother on fire after looking at his mind? Darla’s entire family deserves a sneak preview of hell.

I didn’t know why, but the words caught me off guard and cracked me up. I bent at the waist, laughing hysterically. Sorry! I gasped. Sorry. I think it was the tone of voice. So blasé.

Jen glared at me.

It’s like with Sam. You forget what he is, what he knows, and then he says something that reminds you. How long have you known about Darla’s family? I asked.

Don’t compare me to Sam. That’s gross. He’s... Sam. He’s nosey and goes looking for shit. It all pours into my brain—I don’t have a choice. I knew her family was terrible the first time I touched her hand. They’re truly terrible, you know? The very worst sort of beast affinities. Her unconditional love is that much more remarkable given her start in this world. Why are you asking me about her brother, Adaline?

He’s with us in the cornfields, Adaline replied.

Jen turned suddenly to grab Sam by the ear. What the fuck is wrong with you?

What’d I do? Sam squealed. Why do people keep grabbing my ears? They’re attached for a reason!

Your uncle? Jen asked.

Stop twisting! Stop! That’s not my fault. I tossed him Outside. Mom made me go get him.

Of course she did, Samuel. She’s Darla. You weren’t supposed to do it, though.

She told me to! Sam yelled again. She glared! We scared the crap out of him after Luke fixed his brain. Micah said he was okay!

MICAH! Jen roared over the crowd.

I wondered if she’d forgotten she could use mental communication. After a moment, I decided not. Jen was deliberate. If she was yelling, she was doing it to prove a point.

We all would answer to her summons. She wanted the affinities to know it.

She glared at me. Also, yelling just makes me feel better. Don’t be an asshole! You know I can hear your thoughts.

I thought of my girlfriend and how I wished we weren’t in an arena with hundreds of people.

Well, that’s just sweet, she cooed at me. You’re stuck for a while, though, lover boy. Your lady is being blessed and praised, one by one, by every person here.

What do you need? Micah asked, coming up behind Jen. I want to monitor the crowds.

Darla’s brother? Jen demanded.

Micah nodded. Genuine redemption and caring. He has overcome his poor decisions. His brain is not right, though. Peace removed decades of emotional and behavioral ties. Dennis loses track of time and reality now.

Jen scrunched up her nose. Fine. Go watch the crowd. I’ll come over tomorrow.

No, Sam barked. No. Come stay at the compound. Nate Junior will fault you for this.

She stared at him. Do you really think Junior and his band of idiots can get within one hundred yards of me?

Sam’s eyes went vacant for a moment. I don’t know. I can’t find you. I told you. But they’ll try to light your apartment building on fire at some point.

Jen’s mouth dropped open. Seriously?

Yes. I told you. Well, maybe you weren’t here. But I told them. Junior’s not smart.

Junior’s dumb as a box of rocks, Jen agreed. The two other surviving boys from Nathaniel’s entourage are not strong or smart. I doubt they have a horse in this race. They came here because Nathaniel made them do it. Maybe they’ll go back to Europe and wait for the whole thing to shake out before picking a side. They just want someone - anyone - to pay the bills. They don’t care about the other shit.

What about Daniel? I asked.

Daniel is Daniel. She smiled fondly at the thought, eyes going to where Daniel stood over his father’s remains. He seemed to be stomping the remaining pieces to bits. "He’s too good to be one of Nate’s. His lack of vices is his biggest vice. I’d like him to be a little more selfish. He’d be a happier person if he acted in his own interest a little more.

"There are a few more offshoots like him. Over the years, a lot of Nathaniel’s kids parted ways and went off to live their own lives. I haven’t kept track of them. I bet Edgar has though. What’s the story, Sam? Why can’t I go home? I don’t want to stay with Will and Emma. You got screwed on that construction. The walls are super thin."

Sam frowned. You could stay with me.

Jen snorted. No.

Why?

Absolutely not.

Why? We’re friends.

Don’t pull out the puppy-dog eyes! No. I’m not staying with you. I’ll end up sucked into your weird dreamscapes and futures. That shit is exhausting. No. I hate being near you when you sleep.

Sam blinked. Really?

Yes. Absolutely. I hated it when you slept at the office. No. I’m not staying with you. I’m not staying in a house near you. No. If I can’t go home, I’ll go... somewhere else.

Where? Sam asked, eyes narrowed.

I don’t know, but not with you. I’ll stay with Edgar.

Edgar’s not staying here. Sam disagreed.

We can put the wards up now, Adaline offered, voice quiet in the crowded space. It’s just barely dark now, Sam.

No. He made a face like he was sucking on a lemon. I messed that up. We should have done it yesterday. I didn’t think about it. But we shouldn’t go out there now. There might be people. We’ll come back tomorrow. Tonight, everyone stays in the cornfields with us. Luke, go tell Edgar and the gang to pack their shit.

Jen shook with silent laughter. Please start referring to the beast affinity elders as ‘Edgar and the gang.’ Please. It will make my life better.

I pulled a face at Jen. They’d find it charming from me. They want me to be happy.

I hate that you’re right, she admitted. Do it. Just once. For me? Please?

I don’t understand why she’s laughing, Godwin repeated for the third time. We are a group of people that stand with Edgar. ‘Edgar and the gang’ is not incorrect. This is a lovely room.

Thank you. My mother smiled, looking around the big room as if it was new.

My Uncle Dennis was staring at John, confused. I know you, right?

John sighed, eyes cutting to my mother. He bowed formally to her but didn’t speak.

My brother applauds your generous heart, Godwin said in translation. Neither he nor I would have been as tolerant in your place. We’re also surprised to find him so... functional. You did fine work, Peacekeeper. I’m not certain my father or Jude could have left him so intact.

It’s a great big mess of unconnected segments, Jen muttered under her breath. Come here, Dennis. Sit. Luke, night-night time.

Dennis was zonked out in the wingback chair on the far side of the room before his ass landed in the seat.

Thanks. Jen grinned at me. I can make them sleep, but not without dreams. His formative stuff is mush. Really anything before he was twenty. He left home, huh? His chemistry is a little off. Maybe some depression?

Seems like, Darla agreed. He lost his wife. I’d like him to go home to his girls, but I can’t send him home if he keeps forgetting what year it is.

Yeah, Jen breathed. Let’s see. William, I want that chair.

Will dutifully jumped up from his spot on the floor by Emma’s feet to move the chair for Jen.

Edgar smiled. The sight was far less gruesome since he’d showered before we left the estate. It seems the world always awaits her pleasure.

Hush. Jen grinned at him. And you’re welcome.

I am in your debt, Edgar acknowledged, still smiling. We were at an impasse, debating how to make Nathaniel move before he garnered too much support. Now, we’re divided, but it could be worse. Someone other than Junior could be leading the opposition to Sianna as leader.

Thank the evil Walker, Jen murmured, now immersed in my uncle’s thoughts. I’m busy.

The room fell silent, waiting for Sam’s response.

You take that back, Sam mumbled, expression downtrodden. I’m not evil.

Then stop thinking of yourself like that, Jen chided, eyes still closed. You are creating the needed change, Samuel. There is no shame in what you are.

Sam sighed, watching her with glowing eyes. I hope so.

So, war? William asked, breaking up the trailing silence. For real? I thought we were going all hard-core last week. Then we got back here, and everyone was playing nice, except for the weird uncle stuff. Don’t leave family here again. Anyway, what do you know, Sam?

Sam shrugged, finally turning his head from Jen. I can never find Jen. I can find things around her, but not her. Past or future.

John grunted in surprise. Or maybe understanding. I couldn’t be sure, but something passed between Sam and him.

Okay, but we’re talking about war now. You said war, Will prodded Sam.

Yeah. I’m not sure where we are. They need to make a move first. That will help.

What kind of move? Sianna asked, voice wary. I am not surprised my brother refused my leadership, but I do not believe he would hurt innocents.

Daniel made a small sound of disagreement. He’s not Elias to torture and maim, but his instincts are more animal than human. He’s cornered now.

He’s not cornered, Sam disagreed. We made no move against him and let him leave on his own terms.

His options are to accept Sianna as Overlord or claim the title on his own. He’d have to face her in challenge. He knows he can’t win, Daniel replied before turning to me. Peacekeeper, I am grateful for your intervention. He attempted to order me out of the arena this evening.

Sianna made a small sound of laughter. He could not order you if you did not allow it, Daniel.

My mouth dropped open as realization dawned. Not everyone that left with him tonight left of their own accord. I exhaled in relief as a different type of dread settled upon me.

Why? Why does that bring such relief and still more anxiety? Sianna asked, reaching her hand into the neckline of my shirt to touch my skin. I felt the energy cycle between us, releasing the pressure that was building behind my eyes.

She sat on the couch with Emma and Matilda while William, Jake, and I sat on the floor. The big room had tons of seating, but there were a lot of people in the room. No one wanted to be near Jen and Dennis while she was mucking around in his head.

I silently wished someone would crack a joke about Sianna pawing around inside my clothes. I didn’t want to admit what I’d felt.

Lucas? Sianna asked, responding to my dread.

Candy was in the arena. When the bindings hit me, I felt her binding of familial love and friendship clearly. She was there, close by. She was gone by the time I was back to myself. Maybe she just left to be out of the way. But maybe they took her? Maybe she’s in danger.

I’m pretty sure she left with them, Luke, Charlie said quietly from where he stood by the fireplace. She would not accept Sianna as Overlord. She waited with me, still trying to convince me I was meant to lead.

I dropped my head into my hands, rubbing my eyes. Yeah. It aligned with the emotions radiating from her when the binding hit.

She’ll come around, Daniel said, tone flat. She hasn’t fully considered what this means. But I agree with Charlie. She left on her own. She sent her goodbye to me as she departed. There was no request for assistance. Wherever she is, it’s by her own choice.

You will make excuses for her poor judgement forever, Sianna accused, eyes narrowed.

Daniel smiled. I hope so.

Sianna’s eyebrows shot up.

I hope it’s poor judgement in the moment and not a deliberately malicious choice. She isn’t the person I believed her to be if she can’t see beyond your bickering matches for the betterment of all. Tonight was a shock. The morning will change things. Daniel’s smile fell as he spoke, but his tone remained hopeful.

John sighed. The depth of expression in the non-verbal communication made me laugh out loud.

That was an impressive sigh. It said, ‘Candy is frustrating.’ And ‘Daniel is too good for the likes of us.’ And also, ‘where is the whiskey?’ I climbed up from my place on the floor to open the liquor cabinet.

Your connections are coming online, Godwin noted. You didn’t get that from a sigh.

John’s little smile of agreement was near identical to Sam’s. I glared at my middle brother. Tell me again about you having a friend.

I have a friend, Sam said, shrugging. Tonight, we stay behind the wards. Tomorrow, we’ll see what happened with the estate.

What do you mean? There are families there. Children. They were staying until the weekend. Edgar’s voice had an unusual sharpness. You will take me back there now if they are in danger.

No, Sam replied, ignoring the sharpness. I won’t. You need to stay here.

Samuel, Adaline whispered, the word expressing her displeasure.

They’re fine, Edgar. Sam was trying not to roll his eyes as he spoke. Property damage maybe. Nothing irreparable. I wouldn’t have left people there if I thought there was a significant chance of danger. Your presence would escalate things. Again, Junior’s issues have to do with the positions of leadership—specifically the Overlord. He’s not interested in hurting other affinities. He just doesn’t want to take orders from his little sister. I don’t understand it. I take orders from my little sister all the time. I know the pecking order in our family. Sianna’s been around for over a hundred years. He should understand the way of things by now.

I could feel Sianna’s amusement as she suppressed her laughter. I wished she’d be freer with her joy.

Anyway, they’ll try to come here. They can’t cross the wards, not even the outermost wards before the guardhouse.

Nate has a bird form. Godwin accepted his whiskey with a nod of thanks.

Sianna snorted. He has a bird form but cannot fly for more than ten feet. He’s too stupid to figure out how wings work with air currents.

Adaline shook her head. Flying won’t help him cross the ward, regardless of distance or height. I drew it.

Can you feel him? Edgar asked me. Can you find the binding to him? I’ve allowed mine to erode over the years.

I can, John whispered as he shook his head. Anger and confusion. No direction. Feels betrayed. His eyes stopped on Charlie. Danger.

It was Charlie’s turn to snort with cynical laughter. That’s fine. Ellie’s home. Let him stop by and meet my wife.

John shook his head again, eyes still on Charlie.

My parents? Charlie asked.

John nodded.

Sighing, Charlie climbed to his feet and pulled his cellphone out of his pocket. Sam, you’ll play taxi for us?

I don’t believe for a second that Candy would let them go after your parents! I interjected, appalled. She might not be happy with Sianna, but she would not be a part of that!

Charlie stared at me. Luke, tonight she hopped on board with the guys that would see her forcefully impregnated for her genetics. Do you think they give a flying fuck how she feels about their temper tantrum activities?

No sense risking it, Sam agreed, his voice soft with regret. I discounted it, but maybe I should not have. You think they’re specifically angry with Charlie?

John looked at Godwin.

Whatever the mental communication was, Godwin’s generally happy temperament visibly deflated. They blame Charlie for this. John thinks they’ll strike first to hurt him.

We’ll take my parents to my place, Charlie said to Sam, all business. I’m going home. There are neighbors who can’t protect themselves from this.

Sam didn’t argue. Candy might come home to you tonight. That happens in some futures.

Kind of counting on it, Charlie muttered, walking out of the room to make his call.

Sam’s eyes cut to me. Some futures. Not most.

My sorrow and regret were overshadowed by Daniel’s pain. He accepted Sam’s words as likely truth, but somehow held on to hope that Candy would do what was right.

I’m going to take Charlie to his parents and then to his house, Sam said, eyes on Godwin and John. You’ll stay with Adaline and me tonight?

The two brothers nodded in unison. Somehow, Sam hanging out with John made the hairs on my arms rise. I could tell I wasn’t the only one disturbed by the notion.

There are a lot of available rooms with the family, William said, shifting uncomfortably.

Our guest rooms are all fresh, Matilda added, eyes shifting between Jake and Sam. Emma’s friend will stay with us when the babies are born. We’re ready for company.

"Peacekeeper, may I stay at your home?" Daniel asked in my mind. Otherwise, I will go with Lady Light.

You’ll stay with me, Daniel, I said aloud. There’s plenty of room.

I will stand watch tonight with the others, Sianna said, eyes on her brother.

You’re still exhausted, Daniel disagreed. I’ll monitor. Those standing guard in the fields are within the ward line. They are safe enough to sound the alarm if it’s needed.

We should tell them to go home, William disagreed. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt standing some ceremonial line of protection for Luke.

Every beast affinity in the room scowled at him.

It is not ceremony. They are each trackers or fighters. Do not diminish their value, Sianna snapped.

I would rather insult them than see them killed in the crossfire, Will argued. We’re plenty capable of taking care of our own defenses. Matilda can’t go out there and light everything on fire if she has to worry about bystanders and critters.

Daniel frowned. The fire will burn on intent. Those who mean no harm will not be injured.

I have no idea how to do that, Matilda admitted, eyebrows raised at Daniel. Can you teach me?

He nodded. Yes. Absolutely. Tomorrow though.

Daniel, what is your Name? Samuel asked, voice rumbling with the smallest hint of power.

I jumped. I thought you were taking Charlie to his parents.

He’s still on the phone. Daniel, do you know it now?

Daniel hesitated, something uncomfortable rolling around in his mind. Not now, he said finally. I’d like to wait, okay?

Sam’s eyes went vacant for a moment before he nodded. It’s a good Name. I like it for you. It’s a big Name for someone so unassuming.

Daniel’s mind rolled uncomfortably again. He knew what his empowered name was, and he wasn’t particularly happy with it. Sometimes our biggest emotions are shown in quiet acts.

Sam sighed. To know the truth of things and still look for better in the world around you, to see people as they are and continue to share your true self so freely, knowing you might be rejected… I can’t fathom it. I don’t know how you can go through life like that.

It hurts sometimes, Daniel admitted with a shrug. But I’d rather hold on to the optimism. I can’t be anyone other than who I am. I would rather risk the pain than miss the opportunity.

This sounds eerily close to hope, Beth said, eyes narrowed.

Sam shook his head. It’s not the same.

Let’s go, Sam! Charlie yelled from the hallway.

TWO

As we left my parents’ house, a wave of exhaustion hit hard enough to make me stagger. Sianna was there, propping me up, before I realized what had happened.

Tired, I mumbled.

The adrenaline is fading, Daniel said, his voice quiet and soothing. You transformed tonight. It was the first time?

I nodded.

And all the bindings hit, Sianna added. You feel all the bindings now, correct?

Yes. I dragged my feet as