Fae Blood, The Kenzie Chronicles Book Two

By Genavie Castle

Two heartwrenching secrets - An unbridled mage - And a vile project

Kenzie had never been so in love as the day Stellan and Caid had marked her; finally, she was theirs, and they were hers. Nothing could come between them. Or, so, Kenzie thought. But, just a few days after they marked her, she discovered vital information they

• Language: English
• Publisher: Castle Publications
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962047074

Book preview

Chapter 2

Stellan

I was lying on the floor in the corridor, physically and mentally stunned. My mate, the love of my life, who was all of a hundred and ten pounds had just kicked my ass. Deep down, I was freaking proud of her. We deserved much worse.

My brother was on the floor next to me, shaking his head. Seeing him like that was fucking funny. If my face wasn’t sore, I’d laugh my ass off.

She had physically thrown us out of her place. And I thought I couldn’t love her more. I sat up and grimaced. If my dick wasn’t in so much pain, I might have had a hard on.

Dad came out of the penthouse next door. Sons? Is there anything I can do to help make amends with your mate?

Shit, I forgot he was still here. Of course, he’d heard the entire fight with his shifter hearing. Or perhaps one of the pack mates had filled him in. Either way it didn’t matter. These rambling thoughts in my head weren’t the least bit important right now.

We got this, Caid answered and wiped the blood away from his nose while he struggled to sit up. That was the first bloody nose he’s ever had in his life.

Dad looked over at me with one eyebrow raised and I gave him a thumbs up.

Collect yourselves and get in here. You may want to give her some space, Dad said.

No, no, we can fix this. Caid slowly got to his feet.

I think she made herself clear, Dad countered.

Yep, he’d heard the whole exchange.

We know her, Dad, and she loves us. We’ll work through this, I said, still sitting on the floor.

Alright, you know where to find me when you’re ready to lick your wounds. He went inside the penthouse the pack rented and shut the door behind him.

I grunted and ran a hand over my torso. I was sure she’d broken a rib. And ruined my manhood.

Caid was not faring any better. He extended a hand to help me up and I groaned.

Fuck me. He stared at Kenzie’s demolished door.

We stood there, dumbstruck for a minute. There was a huge hole in the door. Pieces of shattered wood were strewn about on the floor, along with the door handle. Kenzie had made that hole . . . with our bodies. She was so sexy when she was pissed.

Is it weird that I’m horny right now? Caid voiced my thoughts.

I tore off the remnants of the doorframe that was dangling over the top. The whole thing needed to be replaced anyway.

The living room was destroyed. The television and shelving that Caid had been thrown into was shattered. That had to hurt. My brother rubbed on his shoulder, and he grimaced as if recalling what had happened to him.

The artwork that used to be on the opposite wall was on the floor, the frame broken in pieces. That explained my bruised ribs.

The carnage was impressive, but none of it compared to the cracked glass in the floor-to-ceiling window. Beneath it, the leather loveseat had been smashed to pieces. Glad she hadn’t thrown us out the window. That would have sucked.

Caid and I walked up to the fractured glass. It needed to be fixed before the crack spread. I spun around to take in the damages and sighed. We needed to make amends with Kenzie first.

This is awesome, Caid said.

She’s awesome, I corrected. Her skill and power were impressive.

I fucking love her, he added.

Me too, I both smiled and grimaced.

Caid laughed and winced and I chuckled. Yeah, we both had busted lips and busted balls. Our girl was a bad-ass.

Laughing sent a sharp pain to my rib cage. I lifted up my shirt and ran a finger over the black and blue skin. No wonder it hurt to laugh, to breathe.

My brother and I would heal quickly, but this ass kicking was long overdue and well-deserved. If I wasn’t mistaken, our magic was healing slow right now, on purpose. My wolf was sitting smugly back and letting me suffer this alone. Asshole.

Shall we? I said to Caid. We needed to beg forgiveness from our mate.

Time to face the music. He adjusted his dick. I hope she doesn’t kick my dick again.

I started upstairs with Caid behind me. I’d heard her stomp up to her room and slam the door while we were laid out.

The door was locked, of course. I fully expected my brother to pick the lock as it was one of his many skills, but he didn’t. He just slumped on the wall.

My magic is not healing me right now. I’m spent. He leaned on the wall for support.

Fucker. He was hurt but not that hurt. He was just being a baby right now.

I kicked the door open because, well, everything needed to be fixed in here anyway. What was one more thing?

I peered inside bracing myself for an attack. Kenzie?

She wasn’t on the bed. We checked the bathroom, not there either. Next, we looked in the closet, only to find it empty.

Kenzie! Caid called out. He rushed out to the bedroom again and checked under the bed. Frantic, he paced back and forth calling her name.

Panic also had me in its grasp, but I needed to focus.

Quiet! I can’t focus. I could smell her everywhere, but that was not helpful. It was her heartbeat, strong and steady, that gave me hope.

She’s not in any of the guest rooms. Caid had used his vamp speed to search the place.

She’s here. She has to be. I went back into the big closet. We could easily see behind the clothes and on the floors. She was little but she wouldn’t fit in a dresser drawer.

Here! Caid prodded something along the back wall.

When I got closer, her heartbeat grew louder. She was behind the wall. What the fuck?

Kenzie, open up! Caid pounded on the wall.

We ran our hands on the walls and looked for a trip switch. Nothing.

This isn’t funny, sweetness, open the fucking door, I shouted.

No answer. She didn’t stir.

I think she passed out, I told Caid.

He started pounding on the wall and called her name.

Desperation seized me, and I got on the floor and felt a draft. Caid kneeled beside me. There was a room back there.

Love, I know you’re mad, but you’re freaking us out. Please just answer so that we know you’re okay, Caid said.

I pushed against the wall, and Caid followed my lead. Nothing happened. I gathered my strength and punched the wall. A little dry wall crumbled to the floor. Solid concrete stood between us and our mate. How the fuck were we supposed to get through that?

We moved the clothes and shoes that were nearest to that side of the wall. I pulled out a pair of red heels and brushed up against something.

The door opened. Kenzie lay sprawled out on the floor, an empty bottle in her hand.

No! Kenzie? My stomach knotted, I knelt beside her and pressed my ear to her chest. Thankfully, her heart was beating. What the hell did she take?

A restorative tonic. Caid handed me a piece of paper. I sighed in relief after reading her handwritten notes.

Fuck me. I sat my tired ass down.

Caid picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

I looked around at the impressive armory. There were guns, knives, her potions, tactical gear, and cash. Our girl was full of surprises.

Caid returned to the vault. She’s definitely a merc.

She okay? I asked, still sitting on the floor.

Yeah, magic drain. Looks like she took the tonic, but it may take a while to work. Caid continued to analyze the contents of the vault.

She’s got a lot of magic. I’m in awe. By all of this. I waved my hand around.

Where’d you find the switch? he asked me.

The red shoes. I got up and showed him.

Caid pressed the trip switch. The light went out and the door closed. The hidden passageway was completely concealed.

He let out a low whistle. She sure is amazing.

We left the closet and lay down next to her on the bed. Fatigue hit me hard and I could feel my brother’s exhaustion. Our injuries were healing now, but the real pain, the heartbreak started. We wronged her. With the blood bond that we now shared, we both felt the pain and exhaustion she was experiencing.

Do you think she’ll forgive us? Caid asked in a tired voice.

I shrugged. I’m hoping beating us up helped get the pain and frustration out of her system.

She’d forgive us. She had to.

We were supposed to have left for Northern California by now but fuck it. Our mate comes first. Always. Besides, Dad was here, and he would direct the pack to where they needed to go.

Caid and I must’ve fallen asleep because when I woke it was late afternoon. Caid was not in bed, but I could hear him moving around downstairs.

Kenzie was still sleeping. Her magic drain freaked me out. I really wanted to fix this for her but I couldn’t. She needed to train to get stronger. She was powerful but, the cost of using her gifts was too much. I traced her forehead, her cheeks, and nose. I ran a finger on her lips, and she moved a bit closer to me.

I held my breath for a moment and waited.

She didn’t move again so I kissed her lightly on the lips and she moaned softly.

I love you, Kenz, I murmured against her mouth.

Caid appeared at the foot of the bed and whispered, She still asleep?

I nodded. Yeah.

We should clean up the place. He focused on the broken bedroom door.

Yeah, we should. I’ll call for a mender. I scratched the stubble on my chin.

Dad’s been around. He wants to have dinner with us.

I don’t want to leave her. I planned on staying with her till she woke.

He said he’d have food delivered and come here, Caid said as he left the room.

I gave Kenzie another hug then gently released her and got out of bed. A couple of weeks ago, The Majestic hired a group of menders to fix the penthouse next door. I saved the guy’s number in my phone and called him to come take care of Kenzie’s place.

The menders arrived, and they went to work, no questions asked. It took them a few hours, but they were quiet and efficient. After they left, the front door and the master bedroom door were brand new and fortified. The window had been replaced. All the debris had been cleaned up and we ordered a new television and chair. Those would arrive in a day or two. Menders were expensive but it was worth it. My pack, The Pack Republic of Texas, had plenty of money. We weren’t worried about the cost. It was the very least we could do for her.

Food had been delivered at the same time the menders cleared out. Dad, Caid, and I sat down to eat in Kenzie’s kitchen. I didn’t have much of an appetite but my wolf needed to feed.

You two have responsibilities to take care of, Dad said in his stern fatherly voice.

I’m not leaving until she wakes, Dad. I held his gaze.

I know, I don’t expect you to. But I do expect you to stay in touch with your pack. Make other arrangements to carry out your mission. He leaned back and casually crossed his hands behind his head.

He was talking about the pack members that were supposed to go up to Northern California with us to handle the A1Labs situation. JT, Warren, and Jason were staying next door tonight until Caid and I were ready to go.

I hope you sent that bitch Sandy home on a bus, Caid muttered.

Sandy is gone. And if you two know what’s good for you, don’t mention her name again. Dad’s shoulders shuddered. He must’ve heard our mate threaten to shove her dagger up our asses. That would make any man come to heel.

I vowed to never mention or even think her name ever again. All in all, Dad was right about the mission. But still, I wasn’t leaving Kenzie’s side until we fixed this mess with her.

I sensed Kenzie had woken up. She was in the bathroom. Caid realized she was awake as well and we both ran upstairs.

Hi, love. Caid approached her.

How are you feeling, sweetness? Can I get you anything? I kept my tone as soothing as I could manage.

Why are you here? She backed away from us.

My heart broke again.

Kenzie, please, let’s talk. Caid held out his hand.

She ignored him and went back to the bed.

We both climbed in beside her. She got up and pointed to the door. I want you both to leave.

I cleared my throat. Can we talk about this, Kenz? We have to resolve this.

No. Not right now. She hugged her body. I’m tired. You have more important things to do, I’m sure. I thought you’d be gone by now.

Both Caid and I got off the bed and approached her slowly. We wanted to be forgiven. We wanted to stay. We wanted this shit to be over with.

She sent another wave of magic and knocked us back. Her magic was much weaker this time. Her body was still healing. My protective instincts kicked in. I wanted to take care of her. I could transfer pack magic to her that would help her heal, but she didn’t want to be anywhere near me.

My brother and I looked at each other. We had to give her space. For now.

Caid tried to kiss her, but she turned her head. He was crushed. He hung his head and left the room.

I took a chance and grabbed her hand and held it tightly. She tried to pull away from me, but I refused to let her go. Thankfully, she didn’t attempt to kick me in the balls. I held her hand and placed it to my lips. After a moment, she met my gaze. A tear escaped down the side of her face. I had caused that, and I wanted to kill myself for hurting her.

She swiped her free hand across her face, but more tears flowed. Just go, Stel. Give me time.

I crushed her against me and sighed. You are mine forever, Kenzie. I’m not letting go. If you need space, I can give a little. But this is not over. Do you understand me?

She sobbed against my chest, and I felt like shit.

Caid returned and pressed his body into her back. I love you, I love you, I love you, he whispered in her ear.

After a few minutes of sobbing, she pulled free. I need to sleep. Please go.

She looked so sad and so frail. It hurt but I had to respect her request.

Okay, we’ll be right downstairs. Caid released her, and I did the same.

She shooed us out and closed the door behind us.

I leaned on it, willing her to come back out, but she didn’t. Sweetness.

Please leave. Take care of things wherever you’re going and I’ll be in touch, she said from the other side of the door.

I could tell she was pressed up against it. Her voice was soft but Caid and I could hear her loud and clear.

No. Not going to happen, love. We will wait forever if that’s what it takes, Caid said.

You must. Goodbye, Stellan. Goodbye, Caid. Her footsteps moved away from the door.

Our father had come up behind us. Come, sons, give her space. He motioned to the stairs, his gaze compassionate. She’ll come around.

Caid and I silently followed him downstairs. Both of us were stunned. What if she never wanted to see us again?

She’ll see us again, right, Dad? Caid asked, reading my mind.

It may take some time, son. She’s hurting, but your bond is strong. He glanced over his shoulder at us as we walked down the stairs.

Dad, I . . . We cannot live without her, I said.

I know, I know. That is normal for any mark. But you two bonded with her before the mark. I could feel it when I landed in this city. The effects of bonding were already in place. If it wasn’t, I would’ve requested that you delay marking her. But the bond was formed, and the mark was more of a formality by then. The mark makes things more intense, our wise father said.

I wish I could tell you differently but this rift between you three will hurt all of you. Your children are on their way. You will find love and comfort as fathers. But you will mourn the loss of Kenzie forever, unless you three can figure out how to make this work. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to face us.

Any advice? I asked sullenly. I refused to accept losing Kenzie. There must be a way to make this work.

Sons, you made a monumental mistake. She probably would’ve accepted you both, despite having children on the way with other women. But, you chose not to tell her about these things first. Now you’re asking her to make plenty of exceptions. What would you do if the situation were reversed? What would you want to rebuild trust and assure your love? Think about it. Give her some space, complete your mission. And call your mother. She’s better at all this. For now, let Kenzie rest, he said with a small smile.

I looked up toward Kenzie’s bedroom and vowed to make things work, no matter the cost.

Chapter 3

Kenzie

Betrayal was a bitch. It felt like they had torn my heart out of my chest and raked a thousand hot knives over it. The pain was so excruciating, I was having an out of body experience, floundering in the ether trying to find my way back. The guys weren’t exaggerating when they said leaving things the way we did would be painful.

Despite using so much of my magic, I didn’t feel drained. The tonic must’ve helped. Still, after I’d sent Stel and Caid away, I couldn’t sleep. I replayed the situation in my head, wondering what I could have done differently. Although, it hadn’t been an easy road for us since we met, I wouldn’t change a thing and that made the current situation a million times worse.

The guys said they would be downstairs, but I was not ready to face them. I lay there in bed, unable to sleep, so I scooped my phone off the nightstand.

I explained things to Tris via text. He wanted to talk, but I didn’t want the brothers to hear my conversation. We promised to talk tomorrow.

I tossed and turned, dozing for short periods. After waking up for the millionth time, I decided to go outside.

As I opened the door, darkness and silence greeted me. I took a few steps down the hall to check the guest rooms and found both Caid and Stel, fast asleep.

I retraced my steps to my room, gathered my tote bag and packed my tablet and laptop. Then I grabbed my purse and dagger, jotted down a note to the guys and tip-toed downstairs.

Aside from the broken television and the missing love seat, the living room bore no traces of damages from this morning. It was almost as if nothing happened. Hmmm . . . they must’ve hired menders.

The front door was also brand new. They had fixed everything. That was nice of them. But I needed a new key, so I added a PS to my note.

I closed the door softly and called the elevator. As soon as it arrived, I rushed in, not noticing someone enter the elevator behind me until he spoke.

May I ride down with you? a male voice said.

I jumped. Son of a beyotch!

Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Alpha Reese tightened his smile to hide his amusement.

Mr. Reese! Oh my god, you almost gave me a heart attack. I placed a hand on my chest, willing my racing heart rate to slow down.

He chuckled. Apologies. Sneaking out? And please call me Joseph, or Dad.

A lump was constricting my throat, so I nodded.

Join me for breakfast? I heard they have the best waffles at Drummans. He gave me a small smile.

I’m not all that hungry, I lied, as the elevator stopped and the door opened. I hadn’t eaten all day, but I wasn’t in the mood for company.

I understand. Walk with me then, for just a moment. He took my tote bag out of my hand when we got out of the elevator, forcing me to follow.

I wasn’t in the mood to argue, so I said nothing and accompanied him to Drummans, with the intention of leaving him there.

We didn’t speak as we walked toward the restaurant. His presence was comforting for some reason. It must be a dad thing. As a child, I always felt safer around my father. I was experiencing the same emotion at the moment with Alpha Reese.

I’m sorry for how things have played out between you and my sons. They didn’t handle things properly and I blame myself for this, he finally said.

I shook my head. How could you possibly blame yourself for this?

We arrived at Drummans and I was contemplating my escape. But I had to get my bag first.

It’s a long story. He turned to address the waitress. Two, please.

Mackenzie. He motioned for me to walk before him.

Sighing, I acquiesced. I didn’t want to be there, but a part of me was curious. We sat down and the waitress took our order.

The Alpha ordered enough food to feed a village. Shifters and their huge appetites. Mine wasn’t what it normally was. My stomach was in knots, and nothing on the menu looked appetizing so I ordered a glass of water. We sat across from one another in comfortable silence. It was nice not having to talk but also having company.

Once the food arrived, Alpha Reese placed a plate of jalapeño bacon and a huge stack of banana pancakes with coconut syrup in front of me. The smell was divine. How did he know this was my favorite?

I texted my sons, Alpha said to me. Were they right?

I nodded, still pissed at them and also wishing they were here. I hated having contradicting feelings.

When did you text them? I pushed the pancakes around on my plate with my fork.

Before you got into the elevator, he said between bites.

I laid my fork down, ready to bolt.

Don’t worry, I told them to stay put. Please eat. You haven’t eaten all day. He pointed at my plate.

I decided to eat my feelings and dug in.

Did Caid tell you how he became my son? he asked.

I dabbed my mouth with my napkin and nodded. Yes, his biological mother came to you for help, needing refuge while she was pregnant with him. She became friends with your wife, who was also pregnant. She died after labor. You and your wife claimed him as your own, and you raised him alongside your son as twin brothers.

True, all of it. It wasn’t as simple though. Isabelle, Caid’s biological mother, was on the run. Her lover, Caid’s sire is a powerful ancient. He didn’t know Isabelle was with child when she left Europe. She hid her pregnancy and found us. She didn’t want her son to be raised by him; he is a mean-spirited vamp. For most supes, offspring is rare, cherished. Conception is very difficult, and if it does happen, the birthing often has dire consequences. I think she knew she wasn’t going to make it. She and my wife became fast friends, and I believe they had planned out the adoption part. You’ll have to ask my wife for those details. She is going to love you. He paused with a thoughtful look.

I got off track; forgive me. Caid’s existence could not be kept a secret forever. At ten years old, his sire came to the ranch, and threatened to take him from us. Caid is ours; we weren’t going to give him up for anything. If his sire was a decent person, I’d have considered visitation rights. When he came, we were prepared to take him on. He wasn’t prepared to take us on, however. But to keep the peace, we made two concessions, promises. One was allowing Caid to decide if he wanted to spend time with his sire. The other was for him to sire another day walker. This is where the arrangement talks started. We wanted to keep the peace and we wanted to also have an ally if needed.

I absorbed what he was saying, but I still felt betrayed by my mates.

Before you think ill of me, Kenzie, this was over a hundred years ago. It wasn’t until six months ago that this topic was brought up. The intended was someone that agreed to the situation as long as she could choose who would raise the child if she did not live. Like I mentioned, birthing for some supes often has dire consequences. Sebastian, Caid’s sire, paid her family a considerable amount of money and the arrangement was made. He said with finality as though it was nothing more than a business deal.

Hold on. I set my fork down on my plate. Are you saying that you and his sire agreed to use Caid as some sort of stud service? Like a thoroughbred horse?

My magic flared hot. I didn’t like that Caid was being used in such barbaric way.

Now, now, Kenzie, calm yourself, The Alpha said in an authoritative voice. Caid chose the arrangement.

He wanted this. I said in a soft voice and paused to think over the situation. My magic simmered down. If Caid had agreed to it, he had to have a good reason. Why had he kept it from me? I shook my head in dismay.

My wife and I have always fantasized about having an heir. Stel is my beta, and perhaps we instilled that fantasy into both our boys. He looked off into space as though considering what he could have done differently.

You couldn’t have known they’d meet me, of all people. Someone that couldn’t provide them with an heir.

No, but as a father, I had hoped that I raised them to make better decisions. The way they handled things is inexcusable, Kenzie. I am sorry that you have been hurt and have to deal with this mess. It can’t be easy and won’t get any easier with babies coming. But I know my boys, and I know that they are completely in love with you. And as Alpha, I know the bond you three share is strong. I can feel it. The whole pack can. His gaze softened.

He was trying to take the burden of my situation with his sons by shifting the blame from them to him. Alpha Reese was a good father and a kind man.

What does that mean? The part about the pack being able to sense our bond? I asked.

As the Alpha, I have a bond with everyone in the pack. It’s like a string that holds us all together. When a pack mate marks another, that string splits and that other person joins. When the three of you joined, it was like the three of you created a cocoon, a huge ball tying you all together. It’s not a bad thing. It’s an intense thing. He shrugged.

There’s so much I don’t know. I made a hasty decision and it’s blowing up in my face. I’m confused, but I also love them wholeheartedly. Plus, there’s the betrayal. They kept something significant from me. I don’t think I can ever trust them, I said honestly.

Trust is earned. Love you have in spades. He had kind, fatherly eyes. It will be hard, but you have our support. My wife and I are delighted to welcome you into our family.

It was surprising to me that he was so open and welcoming. I was also curious of what their mom thought of the whole situation. Your wife already knows about everything that has happened today?

Of course, we talk all the time, he said with a smile. Oh and by the way, I am utterly impressed. No one has ever thrown either of my sons out on their asses. He