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26.

Ashley sat at one end of the couch and pulled Spencer in her lap. She wanted her right next to her as close as she could get her, because she wanted to keep a close eye on her. Spencer, had so many threats in the last week and she wanted to make sure she was at least arms reach away at all times, and closer when she could manage. And she could manage it now.

Spencer settled back onto Ashley's chest and put her head on her shoulder. She looked at Jax and said. "Why don't you tell us your story, then we'll ask questions."

Jax quirked his mouth. "That is not a simple or easy story to tell, but I will do my best."

Spencer noticed the way Christine and Sean took positions up in front of their mates, still unconvinced of his willingness to help.

Jax looked comfortable in the library, but no less determined to do his duty.

"I'll give you a brief introduction to demons." he began. "But first what do you know of demons?"

"What? You mean like that your blood thirsty killers who feed on living hearts?" Christine glowered. "That's what we had heard, until we had seen with our own eyes. That's what made us believers."

"Right." Jax said. "Our history is as long as the Fae history. And the creature you just described is a small portion of my kin."

He glanced toward sSpencer and almost smiled. "Historians describe wars from the point of view of the victors. Whether they are mortal or Fae, that is the way, and the histories of the Wars between the Fae and mine were so described to you."

Spencer nodded. "There are poems and stories about the war that all young ones are told. I've heard more than others, because my aunt keeps the library."

Jax nodded. "What did you hear?"

"The usual, that the demons resented the Fae for stepping in to defend the mortal realm from the demons and then you declared war on the Fae. It was long and bloody, in the end the Fae won, and the demons had to stay below until they got a direct invitation to come up. Which happened, humans forgot what demons had been like and they thought it would be fun to see them again."

"That's what I thought. Have all of you been taught this?"

Chelsea shrugged. "Yes, but I heard another version through a friend of mine, and she heard it through her mate, who is in a different pack. They ran into a demon who said that they used to be messengers between the different worlds. He stated that the wars started to keep the demons out of Faerie, not out of the human world."

Jax's eyebrow lifted. "I'm impressed. That's very close, but not the whole picture."

"What? Your version does?" Spencer asked defensively. "If you think the stories passed on to my people are bias, then don't you think yours would be to?"

"I agree, but if I tell my story, maybe we can get to the truth somewhere in the middle."

"Tell your story." Sean said in a wary tone.

"All beings lived together in above thousands of years ago. The Fae ruled in the greenest places they could find. Shifters hunted in the woods and fields. Humans scraped a living from hunting and gathering. My kind traveled freely bearing messages from one corner of the earth to the other. Magic flowed through it all. We all squabbled with each other, but there was no talk of war, until later. Humans started to multiply from a small minority to a larger percentage with the knowledge of livestock and growing food. They started to branch out to places that they never went before, and some of us got nervous."

Spencer listened in confusion, but she didn't interrupt.

"The Fae left first, and offered a place for the shifters. But they refused they had a tie to the land and the moon, and they could blend in with the humans. Demons were not welcome in Fae." His mouth quirked into a sad smile.

"The Fae decreed that demons were forbidden to pass their borders. This didn't sit well with my people We were messengers, we couldn't perform our duties if we couldn't cross the borders."

Spencer didn't answer and Jax didn't expect her to.

"We declared war, that much is true. It was a political war over our right to move freely between worlds unrestricted in the service of our cause."

Spencer wasn't the only one in the room with a few doubts.

"That's a nice faerie tale, but it doesn't explain why demons have fed on humans as well as shifters down through the centuries. Was that a misunderstanding?" Ashley asked

"Yes, they were actually." Jax said. "Because the killers you speak of weren't demons."

Christine growled something under her breath and Jax held up his hands.

"Let me finish, the fae lied, and the human fanatics kept it going. The human word for my kind in the beginning was 'daemon', which means 'spirit'. It basically described us as in between humans and gods, but not being either. That is what myself and those like me continue to be."

"You already said that the other demon was related to you." Spencer pointed out. "The 'fiends', aren't they just another kind of demon?"

"Yes, in the sense that the pixie at the gate who died is a Fae. There are similarities and then there are differences." He paused. "We have our good and our bad, just like everyone else. But below there is isolation, despair, pain, and bitterness. This changes individuals, especially the weaker ones, and it forms them into something unrecognizable. They become fiends, they have been twisted into a evil creature."

Christine still wasn't sure. "But you are not a fiend?"

Jax shook his head. "The fiends are a minority among us, one we try to keep under control."

"It looks like you could use some practice with that." Sean said as Chelsea snorted. "You think?"

Jax just shrugged. "They are clever like a wild animal, and it doesn't help that mortals invite them above. We have enough problems with them below, and we don't need to chase them above as well."

Ashley spoke up. "You mentioned before that you were performing your duty. Can I assume that you all spend time doing something other then delivering messages?"

"What messages do you suppose we have to carry? After we were banished, no one trusted us with their messages any longer. We built a society with leaders ,workers, and healers. The same as any other culture."

"You don't look like any of those to me." Ashley said.

"We have policemen or guards if you will. Some of us chase fiends Below, and some follow them above. You can call me a 'hunter'. I came here to find the ones that had been summoned, to either bring them back or destroy them."

"I vote destruction." Christine snapped, and it didn't look like anyone disagreed with her.

So they continued to talk and Christine and Sean filled Jax in on what had been going on with the fiends, and the summoners, ordering them to make the attacks look like a Other had done it. Then they went on to explain about the peace talks, between the Other, Humans, and the Fae.

"I see your point, that's a sticky situation.."

"We are more concerned with the escalation of the attacks by the demons... sorry 'fiends'." Ashley said.

"Escalation?"

"Yes, they attacked a full grown Lupine." Spencer interrupted.

"Yes, a member of my pack." growled Christine.

"We think it is trying to break free from the summoner, and after finding Clay's body I'm even more convinced of that." Her voice cracked on that last part and Ashley tightened her arms around Spencer.

"It makes sense. First human, then shifter, then Fae." Jax said as he nodded his head. "If your right, that's very bad news for you. For me it would make my job easier to find them. Just follow the trail of blood and guts."

Ashley turned her head towards Spencer, "I wonder if maybe he would now anything about the amulet or the signs left on the bodies."

The imp looked up at that and scowled. "I's nows lots. If the princess needs to nows anything else, shes can asks me, you...you...furry mortal girl."

"Princess?" Jax asked.

"Queen Paula is my aunt." Spencer replied.

Jax quirked and eyebrow and Spencer held up her hand. "It's not important right now. We need to find out what we can do about the fiends and who is summoning them."

"Show me the signs."

Spencer got a pen and paper and drew them for Jax.

Jax looked at the paper and swore. "You were right. They are being controlled by an amulet. One that was made before the wars. I didn't think any survived, you see we sought out all the amulets and destroyed them after the war."

"Why destroy them?" Ashley asked.

"Because the amulets are powered by death magic."

Spencer's eyes widened. "It's forbidden, I don't think the defense against the death magic is even taught anymore."

"There's a good reason for that." Chelsea broke in. "The last witch caught using it was centuries ago and she was executed very publicly."

Jax asked, "So, there is no possibility that a human is doing this?"

Chelsea snorted. "Witches have been practicing magic since before you guys were band from here, but we are a minority, humans in general are about as magical as an old lame duck."

"Death magic was banned in faerie as well. Nobody there could get away with it." Spencer said.

"It doesn't seem to be stopping someone from using it right now." Jax said.

Ashley jumped in. "How close are the fiends from breaking the hold of the amulet?"

"It looks like their just looking for the right power source, they just haven't found it yet." Jax said.

"What do they need?" Spencer asked.

"It's not a what, but a who." He looked at Spencer with his black eyes. "They need a particular blood."

Ashley tensed. "What kind of blood?"

"High Fae."

######################################################################

"That's why the fiend was ignoring Ashley at the park and was trying to get to me." Ashley tightened her hold on Spencer and growled.

"It's not going to get you, it would have to go through me first. But before that, we are going to find it and destroy it."

"I don't think that would work as long as the amulet is out there. Who ever is calling the fiends would just call new ones, and the new ones would still try to brake the control of the amulet." Jax turned towards Spencer. "If I were you, I'd head back to faerie as fast as my feet could carry me."

"The gates been sealed and nobody can get through. So as you can see...I can't go anywhere, I'm stuck here whether I like it or not." Spencer said

"Well then, we need to find the amulet and the summoner and put a stop to this." Sean said.

Chelsea rolled her eyes, "I wonder why we didn't think of that."

"You know what I meant." Sean glared at his mate. "There is another high fae in town. I don't think Author would be to happy to find out he's on the dinner list. Do you?"

Spencer's eyes widened. "I forgot. We have to warn him. I have to tell him whats going on."

Jax's head snapped up. "King Author is here? Right now, in this city?"

"He apparently came over for the talks, it sure surprised me. I guess he thought the humans would give him some leverage over my aunt." Spencer shrugged. "He didn't seem to know of anything going on."

"I don't think he told you the truth." Jax said.

"Why would you think that."

"The amulet. I should of said we destroyed all but one. We knew were it was and we didn't consider it a threat."

"Why?" Ashley asked, dreading the answer.

"It's been in the library at the Summer Palace, in Faerie."

27.

Spencer and Glen both had their mouths hanging opened. Nobody in the room uttered a sound until Spencer blurted, "That's impossible! The library is warded and guarded, nothing could get taken out with out Queen Paula's permission, and Author definitely would not receive it."

"What makes you think your uncle is not your aunt's equal in making and undoing wards. They were once married and know the others weakness." Jax said.

Spencer shook her head. "Let's say he got it. What would he do with it? The Fae and Demons are mortal enemies. Besides, what is he gonna gain from destroying the peace talks? They don't affect Faerie, we're separate from both worlds."

"I think it was just an excuse to come here and make an army of fiends." Jax said.

"An army? As more than one?" Ashley asked.

"Yes, the symbols Spencer sketched that the demons drew show that they were trying to destroy the amulet so that any fiend tied to it was free. The symbol roughly translated means 'host of fiends'. In other words an army."

Spencer went pale and lost focus. She could hear a low buzzing sound in her ears that faded so she could hear what Ashley was saying.

"I'm with Spencer, What does the Winter King of Fae need with an army of fiends? He's got his own army at home."

"Author needs a secret weapon to surprise the Summer Court. For the Summer Court and the Winter Court are too evenly matched." Spencer whispered, her voice and hands shaking. "He's always wanted to take over the Summer Court. He sealed the gate so nobody would try to warn Paula. He's planning a coup."

Ashley stared at Spencer. "What the hell are you talking about? Why would he invade his own world?"

Spencer jumped up off of Ashley's lap and started pacing. "He has always wanted to be High King of all of Faerie. That was a big reason why he married Aunt Paula to begin with. He wanted to unite both kingdoms then wrestle control from her and rule all of Faerie as the supreme ruler. He just didn't figure on Aunt Paula being stronger than he is. He wants one of his nieces and nephews to be his heir so that he can use them as a bargaining chip, and if that fails as a hostage against Paula." Spencer took a breath. "He doesn't understand that Faerie is more important to Aunt Paula, than a few unruly nieces and nephews."

"Your uncle is smart enough to realize that he needs to build his army here so that your aunt won't know what hit her when he hits her." Jax said.

"But how would he get them into Faerie, its warded against demons." Spencer asked

"The amulet. It's death magic, very powerful. All he would need is one powerful death and he could break the wards, so that they could slip through unnoticed." Jax replied.

"We need to warn my Aunt."

Jax shook his head. "As you said the gate is blocked. Every death the fiends do strengthens your uncle's wards on the gate, so we need to destroy the wards he has in place."

"So we just let him attack with no warning?"

"No, I didn't mean that. We need to find Author and get the amulet back. Then we gain control of the fiends and send them back Below. That takes away your uncle's secret army so there won't be an invasion."

"Right." Ashley growled out.

"I know were my uncle is." Spencer said, "If you can think of a way to get the amulet, I'll take you to him."

Jax grinned with malice. "I'll think of something."

###############################################################

"This is the dumbest plan to ever been thought of." Grumbled Ashley. "It's not going to work."

The plan they came up with was hair brained at best. It could result in all of their deaths or dismemberment.

"It will be fine." Spencer said trying to sound confident even though she was nervous herself.

Ashley just grunted and thought. 'One of these days I'm gonna have to tell her she can't lie to her mate and her mate not know the difference'

Spencer kept on. "Besides with Christine, Raife, Sean, and Chelsea in the car behind us, plus us three I think we'll be able to get the amulet back no problem."

"We need to get the amulet with out destroying it." Jax said "If it's destroyed the demons will be free to feed."

"I wish you would of stayed behind and waited for us." Ashley said while starring into Spencer's eyes. "You haven't been able to replenish your magics since the park and I don't like you going in there defenseless."

"I'm not. I got you and Glen." Spencer smiled at Ashley.

Ashley's stomach tightened.

"We need her to get us in" Jax said.

Ashley opened her mouth to protest but the car came to a stop. As she looked out the window she said, "This is it."

Spencer looked up to the entrance. "Where's the doorman?"

Ashley had an uneasy feeling. "Some buildings switch to security guards at night. Maybe this is one of them." All though she didn't think so.

Sean arrived with the others. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing, necessarily." Spencer said. "I was just wondering where the doorman was."

"If you notice anything else out of place, let me know." Jax said.

They went through the door to the lobby, nobody was around. It was as silent and cold as a crypt. Ashley felt the hackles on the back of her neck stand to attention. "I don't like this." She said.

Christine glanced at Ashley. "Is something else wrong?"

"No." Ashley admitted. "It just feels to quite."

"Well that's not a bad sign as fiends aren't known for being quite." Jaxsaid.

Spencer led the way to the elevators and pushed the up button. She waited for the doors to open to take a step forward then she froze. "I think this counts as out of place." She pointed to a pool of blood on the floor of the elevator.

28.

Spencer was trying to fight the urge to panic. She stopped, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she was trying to keep up a brave front for Ashley. She had seen so much blood in the last week that she didn't know how much more she could take before she hit her breaking point.

"It's blood." Ashley said as she inhaled and let it out and swore. "It's human. Spencer you should go back to the car. Christine call the pack."

"No, I was just startled, I'm not going." Spencer stood up straight and squared her shoulders.

"Damn it, Princess" Ashley growled.

"No!" Spencer looked Ashley in the eyes. "I'm staying. Author won't talk to you unless I'm there."

Raife shook his head. "Someone was killed here. Someone needs to check that everyone else in the hotel is alright, or if they need help."

Christine glared at him. "It sure as hell won't be you." The alpha growled.

"Than you can come with, my big strong female protector, because this little man won't be leaving a building of defenseless humans to defend themselves against the fiends."

Chelsea cut in trying to defuse the situation. "We'll call the pack. It's to big just for us to search. Okay?"

"Fine." agreed Sean. "You and Raife can wait in the lobby for them and direct the search." Raife took a breath to argue when Sean continued. "If anyone comes down you may have to help them by altering their memory from a demon attack to something less vile, say... a gas leak." He looked at them both when Christine started to object and he cut her off. "Who else better than my lovely wife whose a witch and Raife a first rate sorcerer."

Chelsea threw her mate a dirty look. She shook her head, what else could she do, what he said made sense. "Fine.", she snapped. "But don't think I won't know if something goes wrong, and I won't be staying down here if it does."

"Goes double for me." Raife jumped in as he crossed his arms over his chest glaring at his own mate.

"Understood." The alpha mumbled.

Spencer stepped the rest of the way in the elevator avoiding the blood. Glen looked out of the bag and looked at the blood. "Ew, messy."

Ashley stomped in behind her grumbling something about her mate being the only one in real danger and everyone else gets to stay safe. She glared at everyone.

Spencer just knew she was gonna get a lecture when she got home.

When the elevator doors opened on the top floor she hurried to get out, tripping on her own feet. The floor didn't look like it had when they were here before. All the doors had been ripped off their hinges, or it could have been the blood on the walls, or the smell of death. She didn't like it, not one bit.

Ashley grabbed her and pushed her back into the elevator. "They've already killed everything on this floor including Author. We need to get back to the club and call in reinforcements. We're going to need more than just the pack." Ashley pressed her cell phone into Spencer's hand. "Go back to the lobby and let them know what is going on, and tell them to get more patrols out now. We'll see if anyone survived." She looked back an Spencer was just standing there. "Now!" she shouted.

"Why would she leave when she just arrived, Miss Davies?"

Ashley spun around and saw Author in his hotel doorway with the gold amulet around his neck on a chain. His clothes and face were splotched with blood and he didn't seem to care.

"I'm very much alive, as you can see." Author continued. "I'm more than a match for some filthy demons." He stepped back and waved them in. " Won't you please come in and see what I've done with the place."

Spencer recoiled at the sinister, cold, mad, reptilian look in Author's eyes. She blinked as Ashley stepped in front of her and broke the spell that she was under.

"If it's anything like out here, you might what to hire a new decorator." Spencer said in a firmer voice than she felt.

Author chuckled. "No, I wanted to give it that personal touch. Come in, I insist."

Turning Author disappeared into the apartment.

"There's no way come hell or high water that your stepping foot into that apartment." Ashley said her hands clenching so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Christine snorted. "He might as well painted the word 'trap' in blood over the door."

Spencer grabbed one of Ashley's balled fist. "Did you see the amulet around his neck? He has it, and we have to get it."

"I think..." Jax hesitated. "Ashley may be right, Princess. Your uncle will be high on the power of the amulet from all this killing, and he will be more than dangerous. You need to go to the car and call for backup."

Before Spencer could try to argue there was a loud boom and the hallway shook. The next thing Spencer knew the walls in the hallway separating her uncle's room from them was gone. Author was standing in the middle of the sitting room with his arms out at his sides.

"You seemed reluctant to come in, so I thought I would break down a few barriers. Please bring your friends with you. The more the merrier."

Spencer was horrified, all around the open area were dead bodies, battered and broken. She could hear the others around her cursing. She had a hot flush of anger rise up in her.

"You are a monster," Spencer hissed. "Weren't the deaths enough already? Do humans mean so little to you? Why didn't you go after Paula yourself? What, afraid she'll beat your ass again, like she's been doing for centuries?"

Author's eyes flashed and Ashley moved in front of Spencer to shield her from her uncle.

"I always considered you a clever girl." Author said as he moved closer. "But if you haven't figured out my plan yet then I've given you to much credit."

Spencer sneered at him. "I know all about your plan for Faerie, and that your the one that blocked the gate. But, I'm looking around and I don't see an army of demons. All I see is a pathetic excuse for a king and the ones who are going to stop him."

Author threw his head back and laughed. "Foolish child, you amuse me. I think I'll keep you in chains for a thousand years until I grow bored and let you die. Do you really think you, two puppies,a kitten, and a swordsman can stop me?"

The alpha and beta both growled and Sean hissed as he took another step closer. Jax withdrew his sword from his scabbard.

"You're only one man uncle and your army isn't here."

"I have a army at my disposal and I have just feasted little girl. The power from each and every kill is in this amulet. I can summon a army like you've never seen. Oh, to see the look on your aunt's face when she realizes what her long held peace treaty has wrought."

"You won't get the chance to summon that army." Jax said with a firm voice.

Author turned on him with a sneer. "What? You think you a girl and some mongrels can defeat me?"

"These mongrels have teeth and claws." Sean hissed as he proceeded to change. Beside him Christine growled her agreement as she changed.

"What? Am I suppose to be afraid?" Author asked. "I have no fear of you or the warrior. No fae can be slain by silver."

Jax grinned "My blade is steel with enough iron to spill your blood." He said as a swirled his blade.

He lunged forward with out a word and went straight for the fae's throat. Before it reached him, Author, raised his hand and sent a ball of energy that impacted with Jax's chest flinging him into the bookcase in another room.

Author turned towards Spencer. "See my dear, you can't hurt me. So why not give up this futile attempt, and stop wasting my time."

"I don't see it as a waste of time, but an investment in the future."

"What future? You have no future." Author sneered. "I was upset when you first arrived, because I knew that the blood of a High Fae could break the hold on the demons and give them their freedom. Then I got to thinking if them killing you got their freedom, then me killing you for the amulet would make me invincible. I would like to see your aunt's face when she finds out." With his eyes gleaming he held out his hand towards Spencer. "Come, the least I could do is give you a painless death."

He didn't have time to blink as Ashley jumped towards him and shifted in mid jump landing on him howling in outrage. Christine was next angling for his throat. But, his arm came up and stopped Christine, she still managed to tear the tendons and muscle in the arm.

Author screamed in outrage and sent a spell into Ashley's side, she yelped a loud painful sound and fell to her side panting heavily. Cursing Author aimed a second spell at Christine and sent her sprawling to the floor. Author kicked her savagely in the head.

"Mongrel beast!" he screamed as he cupped his injured arm to his chest. "I'll have both your hides for carpets," he said as he looked towards Spencer. "when I'm finished with you."

Author reached out for Spencer and grabbed only air.

Spencer felt herself being shoved to the side. The king screaming in outrage sent a spell towards the were jaguar, but Sean was to nimble and moved out of the way. Cursing Author grabbed the amulet around his neck and murmured a spell. He blinked away only to reappear behind Spencer and grab her and blink away once again, just as Ashley pushed to her feet to attack again.

They materialize in what use to be a spare room across the way.

Spencer looked down and her blood froze in her veins. She was in a circle painted of blood with similar signs at the center and the cardinal directions. On top of the glyph in the center of the circle laid a knife with a cold iron blade with a wooden handle.

Iron was the only metal capable of killing a fae. When she saw it she started to struggle in her uncle's arms.

"Don't fight!" He shouted. "I can make your death painful, little girl." He sneered as he dragged her to the middle of the circle.

Spencer noticed that Ashley and Jax were both up and looked dazed. She didn't think they would be able to get to her in time. Then she noticed Sean sneaking up on her uncle, she had to buy some time and keep away from the center until one of them reached her.

She curled her fingers and raked them across her uncle's injured arm. He swore and slapped her but he didn't let go.

She started screaming and kicking with all she had. She didn't want to die. She had a mate! She had to teach her wolf that she couldn't just tell her what she could and couldn't do. She wanted to make love with her mate in faerie. She wasn't ready to die. She couldn't die.

"Ashley!" she screamed in panic. "Help!"

Spencer screeched when Author yanked her towards him and punched her in the stomach. She released what air was in her lungs and then she was free. She didn't know what happened, she landed hard on her back and shoulder. She fought the urge to vomit as she brought her injured arm up to her chest.

"Ashley," she panted, blinking she tried to regain her vision as she lifted her head. She saw Christine, Sean, and Jax beating against an invisible barrier as her uncle dumped Ashley in the middle of the circle.

"We can't get in!" Jax shouted as he and the others continued to beat at the barrier.

Spencer struggled to her feet and looked at her uncle. He looked like a twisted mirror image of herself cradling his arm to his chest. He reached for the blade with his good arm. Spencer tried frantically to summon the energy from within to cast a spell any spell. It was no use.

Cursing and sobbing she scraped up what little energy was left in the building around her. It wasn't much, but maybe, just maybe it would be enough to get her through the barrier.

She threw herself forward. Her uncle's magic burned her like fire trying to get through the protection spell she cast around herself, but she ignored it.

As she broke into the circle her uncle turned his rage on her lunging for her with the knife. She spun and dodged yelling for Ashley.

"Ashley! Ashley! You have to get up! Please get up! You have to move!"

"She's not going anywhere," Author sneered at her as he lunged again. "And neither are you." He almost got her that time. "It will be nice to see you die with your pet."

Ashley lifted her head weakly off the ground, it was enough to distract Spencer and her uncle swiped the blade across her leg.

Crying out, she fell to her knees next to Ashley. She had never been wounded by iron before and it was pure agony. She was griped in it's icy tendrils that wrapped around her leg. She could hear the others yelling out. Everything slowed down and out of the corner of her eye she could see the smug look on her uncle's face. She looked towards Ashley and could almost hear her say, ' I Love You, Princess.' and she felt the warmth of her embrace around her taking all the pain away and filling her with love.

'I love you Spencer, My Mate.'

Maybe she was hallucinating, maybe she wasn't even saying that in her mind, it didn't matter for she knew that those were the words in Ashley's heart. They were the same in hers and she hoped Ashley could see them as well.

'I love you too, Ashley Davies, My Faell, My Mate.'

Out of the corner of her eye she saw her uncle raise his arm with the knife. She closed her eyes and braced for the blow, the blow that never came.

She felt a building of magics circle her, stronger than any magic she had ever felt before, stronger than the magic of passion, it burned hot. It filled every little crevice in her and she stood faster than a blink of an eye, while everything else around her seemed to be moving at half speed.

She heard Author roar in triumph, and Ashley's agonizing scream. She lifted her hand and a spark of light shot fourth and impacted in the center of Author's chest, it tore right threw him as if he was made of paper. His roar of triumph turned into screaming pain and rage. His body was engulfed in a blinding white light, just before it covered his face he looked her in the eye, then it flared more brightly and he fell dead.

Shaking, Spencer reached for Ashley before she realized her shoulder was just fine. She looked down at her leg and saw the slice in her pants but the skin underneath was intact, she started to smile.

She could still feel the power running through her so she laid her hands an Ashley to mend her broken bones and tissue. Ashley looked at her in surprise and she smiled at her.

She didn't wait for Spencer's hands to leave her body before shifting into her human form.

"What? How did you do that?" She threw out as she took Spencer into a bone crushing hug. "You said you used up all your power."

Spencer shrugged and leaned forward and kissed her. "I got more."

Outside the circle Jax laughed. "What else could work against blood magic?" he asked. "Clever little faerie."

Spencer laughed and shook her head. "I'm not so clever. I was expecting to die" She looked at Ashley and kissed her again, as she pulled back she smiled. "Turns out passion isn't the only thing that gives me magic." She placed her hand on Ashley's cheek. "Love works a whole lot better."

29.

They found Glen pinned to the floor by a bookcase. Once they got it off the little guy he started talking immediately. Everyone was in to good a mood to correct him when he told Chelsea and Raife the details, which he embellished just slightly. Like when he said that he jumped onto Author's back and held him still so that Missy Spencer could smack him with her love whammy.

They all just laughed.

"I wouldn't of stood a chance without Ashley and the rest of you there." Spencer said from her position on Ashley's lap on the sofa at the club's library. "And Glen, of course." She said as she winked at the imp. "I'm just glad it's over."

"Aren't we all?" Sean looked at Jax. "I think we all owe you a debt as well as an apology."

Chelsea shot her husband a look. "Some of us have nothing to apologize for, because we didn't assume some one from Below was bad."

"No apologies required. I didn't do much tonight, and I still have my duty to perform. I need to see if all of the fiends Author summoned have returned below and if they haven't then I need to hunt them."

Christine looked at Jax and said. "If you need any help, all you have to do is ask."

"Did I mention I'm gonna take some vacation time in the future? So I'm afraid I won't be able to help." Ashley grinned as she tightened her hold on Spencer.

Christine looked at her with a twinkle in her eye. "Here I was going to let you take over the protection at the peace talks."

"Right, like I have nothing better to do, than watch a bunch of political speak, mumbo jumbo from a bunch of pansies. Sorry but..." She looked at Spencer and smirked. "I've got much better things to do with my time."

"Don't we all." mumbled Christine.

Sean growled out "Don't worry old girl." As he stretched his legs out in front of him grinning. "I believe you will be getting a vacation before the year is out."

Spencer looked at Sean in astonishment. "Honest, the talks are going that well?"

"Very." Sean said as he looked around at everyone. "We signed the first agreement and as you all know the first hurdle is always the hardest."

"Well, congratulations." Spencer said and meaning it.

"Stop inflating his ego, this took a lot of hard work from a lot of individuals, not just my husband." Chelsea said as she squeezed Sean's knee. "So where are you going for your vacation?"

"We got in touch with Aunt Paula and she wants to meet Ashley. So it looks like we're going to Faerie."

Spencer said grinning.

"I'm allergic to palaces." Ashley grinned.

"I told my aunt I didn't want anything to do with the faerie courts and if she wanted to reward us for taking care of Author for her she could give me a lifetime supply of faerie wine to take care of the pesky difference in life spans, that we have to deal with. Fae only get tipsy when we drink it, but mortals get extended longevity." Spencer said as she intertwined her fingers with Ashley. "As for my right to Author's throne, he had plenty nieces and nephews, let them duke it out. I don't want it." She looked at Jax. "Aunt Paula, said if you need any help, to call her."

"I only ask that you continue to keep myself and the fiends concealed from the humans. It will make my life easier if they know nothing."

Sean sighed. "I'll try, but it's only a matter of time before the humans realize they have more to deal with than vampires and shape-shifters."

Jax shrugged. "I'll take what time I can get. At least I can go down below and warn my people that we should prepare for the humans finding out about us."

"Trust me, when I say that there are some things you can never prepare for, humans are one of them." Christine scowled her opinion of the human side of the talks clear.

Spencer laughed and looked her mate in the eyes and laughed.

Ashley grinned, "I'll second that, but some things take you by surprise."

"And sometimes those are the very best things in life." Spencer said as she drew Ashley in for a kiss.

The End?