Their Saving Grace: Leadville Series, #4

By K. J. Lavallee

Can three sisters and their fated mates survive the war?

The fate of the world rests on the McKenzie sisters' shoulders. Being thrust into a supernatural life they knew nothing of and being told they're the key to saving the world is a little jarring. But they're all up for the task, knowing if they fail the demons will consume everything they come across.

 

Stella has a son, and her son is about to go through a change no one expected. After that change happens, Byron's father shows up. The magic that links him to his son called to him. But can he be trusted not to take Byron away from all he knows and loves?

 

Can the brilliant minds of Vivian and Marcel uncover where Deseres is being kept and rescue her before it's too late?

 

When this war is done, who will be left standing? Who will die and who will lead the Clans into the future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. J. Lavallee
• Release date: Aug 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798224811434

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kallan

DECEMBER 31 ST.

Today is the day that my mating with Breena will be official. We have known one another for three years. Even though all of the mating signs were there, my mother—Aine, queen of the Fae—demanded that I give my mate time to get to know me and what the duties would entail if she were to become my mate, the future queen of the Fae.

I’ve told my mother repeatedly that the Gods would never have given me a weak mate. I knew from the moment I saw her kicking the asses of the two Fae males, who were trying to steal from her and possibly do much worse, that she would make a great queen. She held her own and had them eating dirt before I had the chance to yell halt. I went to her to give her aid, and that is when the bond solidified. I knew instantly that she was mine. Once we shook hands, the electricity that shot through my entire body told me I was not mistaken.

Something—the Gods themselves, probably—sent me into town that day. I don’t know what compelled me to visit her town, since we weren’t due to make rounds for another month, but this growing urgency that wouldn’t be abated led me there. Led me to her.

There was another instance when I had that same sense of urgency. It was eight, maybe nine years ago. I was compelled to go to a party with some of my human friends. I brought Fae drinks. I woke up with a naked human woman in bed, and another naked couple was on the couch.

I didn’t know the female that was in my bed. She intrigued me all night. She barely said two words to me until she started drinking the alcohol that makes even Fae black out. Our concoctions have magic tied into them, giving you what you want: a night of bliss.

There was something different about her, though. Like she wasn’t entirely human, maybe it was some gene that has been watered down by the generations of mating with humans. Some supernaturals do tend to find human companions and spend a few years with them. Until they don’t age, and their human does. It is hard to hide longevity. I have regretted that night with the intriguing woman since it happened. But something tells me it was destined to happen. Like the Gods have played a game, made their moves, and let the dice roll. Where they end is what worries me, even now.

In the Fae society, we are run by a king and queen. Their children are always next in line to rule, but not always the oldest. I’m the middle child, and I’m next in line because my power surpasses that of even my father, King Jareth, himself. He was the most powerful Fae alive. Until I came into my powers at the age of eight. That’s when we start getting our magic. It sends a shockwave through the tether that ties you to your kin. That lets them know their heir—or offspring, if they have multiple children—has finally been awoken. That is the term we use when you have come into your powers.

Usually, lower Fae have weaker power. Breena is what you call a lower Fae. Lower Fae are poor, and their magic is not as strong or powerful as the higher Fae. The lower Fae work for a living, and work rather hard for it. I have tried to change the way my parents view the lower Fae, but they say it’s how it’s supposed to be.

Breena has powerful magic. Far more powerful than a Fae of her ranks should have. That’s part of the reason she was able to disarm and take down the two Fae males attacking her. Her magic doesn’t match my own, but it is as powerful as regular higher Fae. Marrying her—and making it official that she’s my mate and my equal— will bring a lower Fae to the ranks of higher Fae. It never happens. But my parents, although not the nicest rulers, are not evil. They will not keep their son from his true mate. Even if she is from the streets.

Breena just turned two hundred and sixty-seven, something that surprised me. I am four hundred and had not had the chance to meet her until three years ago. Every time I went to her village, she was never there. Or never outside. Her being there when I was out walking that night is absolutely the Gods’ work.

Breena is my savior and a saint. She has brought the light back to my dull life. She sees things that I forgot to notice after years of my parents telling me it isn’t important. We are going to make our kingdom great, because of her. Because of where she grew up and how she lived. She wants to help her people, and I want to help them too. I want to be the King I envisioned myself becoming as a child. She will make me become him.

She also took everything that was thrown at her from my mother and father, as well as my siblings, and completed every task without complaint. My oldest sibling is Sereia. She was relieved when my power started to grow above hers. We have known since I was twelve that I would become the next ruler. Unless my younger brother’s power rivaled my own, which it didn’t. Duren has always been the child you see carrying books with him everywhere he goes. He’s the smartest man I know. Being around for three hundred and fifty-two years has given him plenty to learn about. Sereia and Duren were and are glad to be rid of the responsibility of being the next ruler. They know I will rule as I see fit, and they know I’m a decent person, even if I have to fake being anything but nice in front of our parents.

I finish putting on my suit jacket, making sure the sleeves fit correctly and are buttoned to perfection. I stand before the floor-length mirror and see a man I hope my mate will be happy and proud to marry. I have on a lilac-colored tie, which matches my mate’s dress perfectly. My black hair is short for my kind, stopping at my shoulders. I have the top tied back, leaving the bottom loose and adorned with jewels that make me feel like I’m being dressed to be displayed. Perhaps I am being displayed. The world needs to know their future king is marrying, and by the gods, I have to look my part for them too. My golden eyes sparkle in the light coming from the window. This is the best I’m going to get.

A knock sounds on the door. Enter, I say, as I use magic to ensure my suit stays looking pristine the entire night. I also use it to fix my hair, keeping the long strands away from my delicately pointed ears. It is custom in our world to decorate them for your mating or wedding. We don’t all find true mates, so a regular wedding is something that happens often. My ears are painted; I don’t use earrings, to my parents’ chagrin. I don’t like them. They hurt and tug on my sensitive skin.

Ah, you’re done. Good. Listen, you’re late, and we have to go. Now.

I glance down at the clock on the table beside my bed. I’m not late. Duren, have you lost your mind? I have twenty minutes left. I point to the clock.

Duren lets out a strangled laugh; it sounds more like a puppy being stepped on than a real laugh. Sorry. He snaps his fingers, and the clock changes to the correct time. Which, in fact, shows that I’m five minutes late. I curse at him. He cringes. I feel my magic trying to get out. I push it down. He’s not the enemy. He just pulled another stupid prank on me. When will he grow up and stop acting like a child? I muse.

Why, Duren? I demand when I finally have my magic under control.

I thought you would have a watch on and see the real time. You know, and think this was funny. He pauses at my angry expression. I had no idea you only use one clock! He throws his hands in the air as if it’s the stupidest thing he has ever heard.

Give me your hand, I demand.

He does. In a flash, I’m before the altar with a very angry mate, who throws her glare at my brother rather than me. Thank the Gods. I’m one of a handful who can actually teleport myself from one place to another in seconds. We call that flashing. Thankfully, my mate has the power, too.

Sorry. My fault, I lie. She knows it. But the others don’t. I’m constantly covering up for my brother’s pranks. She’s told me time and time again to stop taking the blame when he does something that negatively affects me. I’m still doing it. Guess her talks really help me see reason. I tell myself sarcastically.

I shake my head before we turn to the King, who, by tradition, is the one to marry off or complete the mating ceremony to the future heir of the throne. We will be doing both. Getting married and completing the mating bond. We have held off this long to do it before everyone, so the entire court knows she is my mate and not just a lesser Fae becoming queen. She is everything but that. She is the best of the best. Better than half of the higher Fae in our court; those stuck-up bastards only see the rest of our people as a means to an end. They do everything for us. Except for me. I have not had a servant since finding Breena. We take care of everything ourselves.

He starts speaking in our ancient tongue, and I tune him out, giving my attention to my mate. She is mesmerizing. Her long brown hair is braided up into a crown around her head, with a real tiara set atop it. Her teal eyes are shining brightly. She looks stunning in her floor-length silk dress. The lilac color suits her perfectly.

My father holds the rope that will entwine our fates together up so the crowd can see. I grasp Breena’s left hand with my own. The rope is cool on our skin, the magic within it pulsing against our entwined hands. The rope wraps around us, going from my elbow to hers. He speaks a few more words, prompting us to respond with I will and I do in the ancient language.

White-hot light scorches a trail from my hand into my heart, where I finally feel the emotions of my mate within. The sensation is enough to bring me to my knees in relief, but I force myself to stay standing. I send my mate the feelings I have tried to convey to her for the last three years. She smiles sweetly up at me, and her returning love fills my soul. My father finishes the ceremony, ending with us now being mated and husband and wife. I kiss her because I need to kiss her. To let the entire world see my love for her.

We leave the altar and head to the party that will last long into the next morning. Wedding and mating ceremonies usually don’t end until breakfast the next day.

I share dances with several members of the court, my sister and mother among them. Then, I spend the rest of the night dancing with my beautiful mate.

When we are both in need of a break, I leave her with my sister and head toward the table to get us some drinks. It's three in the morning, and the dancing and partying is still going full force.

I’m walking back to my mate, drinks in hand, when an echo of power thrums through me. I fall to my knees, spilling the blue drinks all over the floor and my clothes. I clutch at my chest. Oh, my Gods. Oh, my Gods. This can’t be. There is only one thing to cause this in me.

Breena is there in a instant. What is it?

I— I look at her. My mate. The woman I love. I think I have a child, one who has just awoken.

She opens her mouth to speak but gasps instead, clutching at her chest. I feel it, too.

Chapter 2

Ryujin

DECEMBER 27 TH.

My mate. She’s back. When her voice echoed through my mind, relief like nothing I have ever felt rushed through me. I fell to my knees and wept. I have missed her. This is the longest we have ever gone without seeing or speaking. I know we kept our mating hidden for the safety of our daughter because the boys died when they found out who they were, but we always kept that bond open. We always spoke daily and would meet up with each other at least once a week. Going twenty-seven years without hearing her sweet voice in my head was torture like I have never experienced. Never again. I will never be parted from her ever again.

Leadville, Colorado. I should have known. Which one of my granddaughters is mated to the Chieftain? That is the only reason they would all end up there. The Chieftain. From what I remember of his grandparents, they were good people. I know they raised him to be a good man, too. I pray my kin wouldn’t take shit from anyone, especially the men destined to be their mates.

Silas, get Edgar and Calvin on the phone. The three of you need to report to me, now, I say into the receiver.

As you wish, Chieftain. Silas hangs up, and I pace the space before my desk waiting for them to come to me.

Five minutes later, I hear a knock on my office door. Enter. I stop pacing and lean on my desk facing them as they enter the large office. To the right, behind a wall of all glass with a door that you can only access through my office, I have a large conference table. It is big enough to seat my top four, plus me, and has space for our mates as well, if needed. It can also be used when another Chieftain and his top four meet with us. I can make it larger to accommodate mates, if they all have them, but it is rare to have a Clan that has many mated pairs.

My desk is directly across from the door, with no windows in here at all. Not even in the meeting room. I don’t trust people, and I have been hunted for far too long to make a mistake as simple as having my office open for an attack.

They come and stand before me, arms clasped behind their backs, waiting for my orders. You three are the only ones who know of Ivy. I refrain from referring to her as my mate. I don’t want it out there until I am there with her and my kin to help protect them. They nod their heads, understanding. She has finally contacted me. Silas’s eyes widen. He knows what this means. He is the only one who knows what she has sacrificed in order to keep our family safe. He knows she has given me up and our bond to protect our granddaughter. He has been with me since before I concealed myself as the most powerful Dragon in history. We have been through thousands of years together. He is the only Dragon as long-lived as me. He is over two kiloyears of age, whereas I am just at three thousand. We fought with my father’s clan, tooth and nail, to win every battle. When I started showing signs of being stronger than my father, the tyrant who used us to gain all that we had, I hid it. Only Silas, my best friend, knew. We waited until my power could no longer be hidden from my father, then we attacked him. My men now follow me because I freed them of the man who cared only of himself. Their posture and response stems from training my father instilled in them. I don’t mind it too much. They know I’m not him. I’m strict, but I’m not vile like the man who didn’t deserve to be called Chieftain.

I leave in three hours. We fly to Leadville, Colorado. I’m taking Silas, my second, and Calvin, my fourth. I need to leave you, Edgar, here. As my third, you have more power over the rest of the Clan. You will be able to call on the power of the Chieftain if they get out of line. When we return, we will tell the Clan of what we have known for many years. I’m done hiding and pretending.

As you wish, Chieftain.

Grab what you can carry in your muzzle and be here before the three hours are up. Tell no one of what you are doing or where you are going. If they ask, you tell them we are out to meet with another Chieftain, that is all.

Are we actually meeting with another Chieftain? Calvin asks.

I smile. Of course, we are heading into Clan Frasier territory. I have to meet with Alexander Frasier in order to see Ivy.

His nod is his only response.

They take leave. I follow them out, heading to my own rooms to collect my bag. I have one ready to go at all times, never knowing when I will need it. I add an extra outfit to my bag. I cannot meet with the Chieftain without my finest attire. One powerful leader to another.

Ivy, my love. I’m going to be in Leadville in five hours. Silas and Calvin will be accompanying me. Please arrange a meeting with the Chieftain.

So soon? I thought we were going to meet tomorrow?

I know. I need to do something. I can’t stand being away from you, and knowing where you are and not going to you instantly is killing me. It will be late when we get there, but it is imperative that I meet with him first. He can have two other Dragons join him since I will be bringing two of my own.

Ry, my love. Stella is a Wolf. Her mate is a Wolf. Her sisters, Vivian and Imeria, will be there.

Who is mated to the Chieftain?

I feel her humor flow through the bond. You will see. The Gods knew what they were doing when they made them mates.

I grin and send an image of it down the bond. You are so lucky that I love you, mate. I will be there as soon as I can.

See you soon, mate. The bond closes, but not enough to cut off knowing she is alive. Not like we had to do when she volunteered to take over as Stella’s mother.

Everything is packed and ready. With nothing else to do, I head back to my office. I miss our mate, my Dragon says to me.

I know, I do too. This is the same conversation I have had with my Dragon since Ivy left us.

We need to go now.

Not yet. We will be leaving soon. Very soon. I promise him.

She needs us. I feel her pain.

I stop abruptly. Her pain. I’ve been too caught up in my own thoughts and feelings to sense her own coming through the bond. He pushes through, sending his own thoughts down the bond to her. Mate, we are coming. Please don’t cry.

I can’t help it, Dragon. I have missed so much. I haven’t been able to mourn our daughter. It hurts. To me, it’s like it was just yesterday.

I love that she can differentiate between me and my Dragon. She knows he is capable of having a conversation with me, and her if need be.

I hate that I did not take into consideration that she didn’t have the time to mourn our baby girl. Bringing back her memories brought it all back to life, causing the pain she had hidden to resurface. I will be there soon, Ivy. I send a caress down her face, wiping at her tears, through the bond.

Please hurry, mate. I hate that she is hurting and I didn’t realize it.

Thank you, Dragon.

There is no need to thank me. We both want our mate back. She wants us back, too. She has Demons to face, and we are too far away. We spent too long away from her. It isn’t easy to come back into the bond and know what feelings are yours and what is from her. I do. I know.

I expect nothing less from you, Dragon. We will leave now. As soon as the words are out there, the three men are knocking on the door to my office again.

I open it this time since I’m more than ready to be in the air heading to my mate. We have another hour before we were originally to leave. But thankfully my men know to rush.

We’re ready. The Clan knows that Edgar’s in charge, Silas says.

I nod at him. Edgar, keep your phone on you at all times. We may need you and the rest of the abled clan to fight. I will fill you in if it comes to that. If it doesn’t, you will know everything when we get back.

He nods. My mate wants to know everything that I do. I told her that you will tell them all when you get back. She isn’t happy with me. Edgar’s the only one mated besides me in this room. Silas and Calvin haven’t felt the need or desire to have a mate. Never once have they voiced it to me. I find it odd. It could be that their mates aren’t born yet, or they are out there and it isn’t time for them yet. Whatever the reason, it has kept them with me for this long. I will take it.

Sorry, Edgar. She is just going to have to wait. Tell her we are to speak with another clan. But don’t tell her more. Not yet. He nods at my words. Let’s roll out. My Dragon is not happy sitting still while Ivy is out there alone.

We march to the back yard, Edgar following to see us off. I shift, grab my bag in my teeth, and then shoot into the air. A second later, the two other Dragons are beside me. We fly in a triangle, the two of them taking up a flank on either side of me.

"Fly fast," I say to them, and urge my own Dragon to push with all his might.

He snorts at me. As if I wouldn’t fly like hell is on my heels to get to our mate?

Yeah, yeah. Calm your tits.

I don’t have tits. I am a Dragon. His outraged tone is hilarious. I laugh at him.

Let’s get to our Ivy.

Chapter 3

Alexander

My phone rings on the table beside the bed. I check the clock. It’s only nine. We just crawled into bed at eight. Vivian and I have been working ourselves to death, between training her Dragon to its fullest and then her magic. She’s determined to be ready for whatever is thrown at her. The vision we had, telling us that shit’s about to get real, didn’t make her any less intense. Imeria, Marcel, and Vivian have spent eight hours or more each day fighting, dodging magic being thrown at them, and learning how to kill as precisely as only Marcel knows.

We barely have enough energy left over to eat, let alone to do what everyone expects us to be doing in bed at eight pm.

Vivian shoots out of bed when the phone keeps ringing. I was hoping it would stop, but it went to voicemail and then started ringing again and again.

Something’s wrong, she says to me. Her hair’s a mess atop her head.

I answer the phone, Alex speaking.

Alex, it’s Ivy. Listen, you need to get Marcel, Stella, Imeria, and Jericho together. I have a Dragon coming into your territory, and it is imperative that he meets with you and the girls. He’s going to help us.

I don’t even know what to say to that. How does she have a Dragon coming? When? is all I get out.

She pauses. He will be here in an hour.

Shite. Okay. Thank you. Have him come here. I’ll get the others here.

Okay, thank you. She hangs up before I can comprehend what she just said.

Did she say she has a Dragon coming here? As if she knows many Dragons besides us? Vivian asks, startled by her sister's adopted mother.

Aye, she did. I blow out a breath of frustration. Do you think this is the other shoe dropping? I ask her. She’s already up and out of bed, calling Stella. I dial Jericho’s number, and he answers on the first ring.

Chieftain?

I need you and Imeria here, within the hour. We have a Dragon coming to meet us. He’s to be helping us.

Who is he?

Gods, I have no idea. Just get here. I’ll explain what I can when you do.

Vivian looks at me and answers my question from before I got on the phone. Yes, is all she says. This