Page 44 of Anger

“Shellshocked is a good word to use,” Lanie said.

“I can imagine. And how do you feel about us continuing as bodyguards?” Ranson questioned.

“Selfish. You are obviously leaders in this community, and yet you’re playing security guard to me. I feel you both could be using your time better,” Lanie answered honestly.

Ranson held her gaze. “We know who Alainen is. The question is, do you?”

“What do you mean?” Lanie sought puzzled.

“The Hunters are led by a secret group of leaders. Some think they are families who’ve been in on it from the beginning. But… that is not true. The Hunters have a… let’s say, boss. We don’t know his identity. But under him are those who run the Hunters. The Five, as they are called. Alainen is one of the Five. He is second to one person only. If Alainen says jump off a cliff, they obey instantly,” Ranson explained gently.

“No, that can’t be. Alainen became bitter when he discovered what happened to me,” Lanie denied.

“That is a false narrative you’ve believed for thousands of years. Alainen met that day to kill you. Whatever he said to you was lies.”

“God’s Protectors can’t lie!” Lanie exclaimed.

“Says who?” Griffin challenged, joining them.

“Were you aware that Alainen had been questioned by his commander about his relationship with you, and he’d denied it? Several months later, he was interviewed again and blamed you for seducing him. A case was being built against you by Alainen and his squad commander,” Griffin said gently.

Lanie reared back in her chair. “That can’t be true! Alainen shouldn’t have been able to lie! What do you mean, build a case?”

“They were going to argue you were defective and had seduced him. They planned to argue for termination and for you to be stripped of your God’s Protector powers. Alainen was going to ask for you to be forcefully turned human and banished,” Tisiphone answered.

“No!” Lanie exclaimed, shoving her chair backwards and rising to her feet. “He said he loved me!”

“Alainen was twisted. He lied to everyone. Whoever was behind our great betrayal had got to Alainen a long time beforehand,” Hydra informed her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Pandora did not do what she did by choice. She was forced into it. Whoever it was has something over Pandora that stops her spilling the truth. Pandora is also protecting someone. There is more to the story than Pandora being curious. Who the hell gave her such a powerful spell that we did not even sense her? Pandora didn’t have powers at the time!” Chimera explained.

“This is all too much. Please, I want to go home and think. I need…” Lanie broke off and looked guiltily at them.

“You need those who’ve been with you solidly for the last two centuries. We understand, Lanie. Go with our blessing. When you return to your human life, Mac and Ranson will be waiting. Should you wish to converse with us, call Mac. He can mind speak us,” Tisiphone replied.

“Thank you.”

“Lanie, come. I’ll open a portal for you,” Mac offered, holding out his hand.

Lanie nodded and took it. Then she turned back and hugged those at the table.

“You’re all in my heart,” she murmured and then left before she broke down.

Mac was quiet as he steered her through the city to the platform. Once they arrived, he drew her close and cupped her face.

“This has been a day of shocks for you. Know this. Ranson and I are loyal to you. We will always protect you. When you need me, call. I shall hear,” Mac said and kissed her gently.

Then he opened a portal and ushered Lanie through. The last thing she saw was his crooked smile and him sending a wink.

???

Lanie lay in her bed at the castle. Beside her were Sela and Liadun, who were offering silent comfort. She had been gone nearly two weeks during her short visit to Refuge. She’d explained in great detail everything she’d seen and heard, and the castle’s inhabitants were in shock. All except Andie, who listened and then took herself off.

“Andie didn’t confirm or deny what Chimera said,” Lanie muttered.

“No. I’ve thought for many centuries now that there was more to Pandora’s story than we knew. She was human, although beloved by God. Yet she is one of the most powerful beings alive today. How could a human have become so formidable?” Liadun questioned.

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