Broken Beauty (Faerie Believers 03)

Broken Beauty

Faerie Believer Novel 03

By

Kalcee Clornel

Broken Beauty

Kalcee Clornel

Copyright 2011 by Kalcee Clornel

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 Kalcee Clornel. All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author Kalcee Clornel.

All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Don’t miss out on the first two novels in the Faerie Believer Series by Kalcee Clornel:

Faerie Believers 01 - The Emerald Fae

Faerie Believers 02 - Ironic Hearts

Chapter One

Never Forget

Kathleen stood immobile as she watched the one she was in love with cause such violence that she was sure it had to be a dream, a nightmare. She cast her eyes downward, her unfocused gaze ignoring her torn jeans and blood-spattered shoes. The King of Tempest, the king of the darkest fey in Ireland, stood no more than a foot from her. Born from the righteous and just kingdom it was a cruel and unfair fate for him to have been forced into the crown of such a dire kingdom. Kathleen liked to think she understood him where few others did, but she did not understand him in that moment, not at all.

She had been drawn to King Kaevin from the moment they met, just a short of a year ago. They had encountered their share of obstacles and both had made mistakes, but they had found each other again. Kath had always wanted to believe Kaevin was not like the Tempest fey he ruled, but there was a small part of her that thought she could be wrong. There was one question that no one could seem to answer: why was Kaevin chosen by the Tempest Crown to rule the Tempest fey if he was not truly one of them? Whoever he was, he was not nearly as evil as he appeared to be and as he was trying to make her believe he was.

Kath stared hard around Kaevin, eyes still unfocused. She stared at the remains of slaughter strewn about the room, the blood on the walls and the ripped, dead bodies lying all around the room. She stared anywhere but at Kaevin, wishing more than anything that she hadn’t seen properly, that this was a cruel dream, a trick of her subconscious.

You did not have to do this, Kath whispered, ignoring what Kaevin had said only moments before. Acknowledging the words would make them real. You didn't have to kill them all. They were your own people, Tempest Fey or not.

They were my own people, Kaevin said in a dark tone that Kath did not recognise. That is why I had to do it. The one who lived will carry the tale and further disobedience from my court will be discouraged.

There are other ways to gain loyalty and obedience, Kath took heavy gasping breaths, trying to steady her shaking hands.

Not in my Court, Kathleen. You knew this. You know what the Tempest are. Did you think I would pardon their lives after attempting to attack you?

They were following orders!’ Kath cried. They didnae’ care if I lived or died, only that they were doing what they were told."

They chose the wrong person to take orders from, Kathleen, Kaevin replied in the same dark tone. Kathleen, I have never pretended to be a caring or understanding person and neither can I afford to be in the court that I live in.

Kath could not look at Kaevin, his earlier words echoing in her mind. She did not want to believe he had said them, and that he meant them."

Kathleen, he said again, uttering her name as though it meant nothing to him, his tone so different from the days when he spoke her name as though she was his whole world. You know who we are. You know what I am.

You’re different, Kath whispered, but she was no longer sure. He had just saved her life, but when she was not in danger any longer, and the fey that had attacked her retreated and surrendered, he had still killed them all mercilessly. He had ripped them to shreds before her very eyes, not caring if she was shocked or revolted by such violence.

I am no different, Kathleen, and you must not forget that. He moved closer, darkness flickering in his stormy eyes. He looked fierce and menacing, and Kath fought hard not to take a step backwards. I am done with you Kathleen. It was fun and it was, he licked his lips as though searching for the right word. Entertaining, he said with another dark smile, his hair falling across his eyes as he took in her expression. But it must come to an end now. I am bored with you. This was never anything but a scheme and an amusement.

Their relationship was an amusement? She had thought they were perfect together, Kaevin and Kathleen. What had gone wrong? She knew Kaevin, or she had thought she did, but the person standing before her looked like a stranger and she did not want to look at him. Kath took a step backwards but Kaevin’s hand darted forward and forced her to stay still. He gripped her shoulder and her chin tightly, forcing her to face him. She gasped and tried to pull away, but she could not do so without hurting herself. Kaevin laughed softly, as though amused.

I pretended to care about you to use you. Since your power cannot be used against fey, you are useless to me. I am sure of that now where I wasn't before. It is time to move on, naive lass. The only reason I do not kill you, is because you are the Believer. Your death would be a tad dangerous to the fey.

Why are you doing this? Kath whispered, looking into eyes she could not recognise. You’re scaring me. This is not you. I know you. I love you. I thought you felt the same. I know you did.

Something flickered in Kaevin’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant. Love, Kaevin scoffed, not releasing his grip. Our kind are not capable of love, little Kathleen, you should have known that. Did not everyone warn you? Were you not told to not trust me? You should have listened, Kathleen.

But...the bond, Kath could not understand how what they had could be a lie. There had to be a reason for why Kaevin was behaving the way he was, but she could not think of one. The Kaevin she knew would sooner die than hurt her in the slightest.

Kaevin leaned in close and whispered into her ear. The bond was to keep you mine.

No, Kath didn't believe it. The bond only works if both people want it to.

Yes I wanted it to work, but not because of actual feelings for you. Think about it Lass, did you think we were fated to be together, that we were one of those couples who star in their own fairytales and get their happily ever afters? I am the King of the Tempest fey, and I will wed a Tempest fey worthy of the Crown. You are neither fey nor worthy.

Kaevin? Keath Russmore, half fae and one of Kath’s best friends, walked into the room, giving the place a cursory glance. His face turned pale and his open and honest brown eyes flicked to Kaevin, his brows dropping in confusion as he took in the bodies strewn across the floor and the rough grip Kaevin held Kath in. What happened here? he asked in bewilderment. Kaevin what are you doing?

Kaevin let go of Kath so abruptly that she fell to her knees. He turned to face Keath, who was closing the distance between them quickly. Kaevin? he asked again.

And you! Kaevin said in an exasperated tone, a slight curve on his lips. Did you think you were my friend? I do not have any friends, and I am going to make sure I never will.

Kaevin, what are you doing? Keath asked, just as confused and uncomprehending as Kath.

Telling the truth, Kaevin shrugged. And it is the truth. You know that the fae cannot lie.

Keath came to an uncertain stop and Kath’s blood turned cold. It was true. Faeries did not lie. Keath brushed back his dark hair in distress and folded his arms over his leather jacket, his tall lithe frame tense. Kaevin, this does not make sense. You once told Kath how much you cared for her, and now you are trying to say that you don’t care at all? Either you lied then or you are lying now. But the most interesting thing is that there is a lie. If you could not lie, we would not be in this situation right now. Keath was always controlled and sensible, always thinking carefully. Kath wished she possessed his calm steady caution. When she was scared, her mind shut down and she could hardly think at all.

True, Kaevin conceded, in a tone so soft Kath couldn't be sure she had heard the word. I can get around the truth easily, Keath, and in any case, Kaevin said, louder this time. This little charade of the past year has come to an end. I will return to my kingdom, and you had better hope we will never cross paths again.

Keath stepped in front of Kaevin, forcing him to stop. "What are you doing?’ Keath asked again, quietly, his nose inches from Kaevin’s and his jaw tight. They were close to the same height, and though Kaevin was larger in muscle, Keath was just as strong. His voice was laced with anger and determination, he was not going to back down. Sometimes Keath could be controlled in the wrong way.

Remove yourself from my path, Russmore, or I will remove you myself.

Keath stood stubbornly where he was. I don’t believe you will hurt me. You are a friend, and this little performance you’ve put on is not enough to convince me to give up on you.

Kaevin stared at Keath for a long moment as Kath held her breath. Keath’s muscles where still tense and Kath knew he was afraid of the darkness she had seen in Kaevin’s eyes. I will not ask again, Kaevin said finally, in a hard voice.

Keath’s eyes narrowed in defiance and he stood firmly planted. He had to have seen the blow coming, but Kaevin moved so fast, so unexpectedly that he didn't have the time to react. Keath was hit so hard he was thrown several feet backward.

You think you know me? Kaevin growled, advancing on Keath. He moved slowly, watching as Keath struggled to his feet.

I do know you, Keath gasped, the breath knocked out of him. And nothing you do is going to make me turn against you. Of all the fae, you know you are the only one I trust.

His words enraged Kaevin and the king darted forward again. Keath was more prepared this time. He tried to defend himself, but doing so would mean hurting Kaevin, and just as Keath tried to throw his arms in front of him to push Kaevin away, a sharp pain wracked through him, drawing out a breathless scream.

Keath! Kath rushed forward, but there was nothing she could do. She could not hurt a faerie, the Believer power in her wouldn’t let her. And Keath could not hurt Kaevin, the bond of debt placed on him prevented him from hurting anyone he cared about. It was the way he had wanted it, but it had drawbacks.

Fool! Kaevin snarled down at him. "You still care about me?"

Keath gasped in pain and tried to stand. Kaevin kicked him in the chest, knocking him flat on his back. Kath rushed forward and placed herself between Kaevin and Keath. Keath was bloody and bruised and Kath was terrified for him.

Get out of my way, Kaevin ordered Kath. Now!

Kath refused to move. You cannae hurt Keath! she cried vehemently. Besides me, he be the only one who would die for you!

Kaevin appeared to grow angrier. What the hell is wrong with you two? Do you enjoy pain, do you enjoy being deceived?

Keath struggled to his feet, already healing, and Kath reached out to support him, not taking her eyes away from Kaevin. Kaevin’s eyes tightened a split second before he darted forward again, moving too fast for either of them to make a move against him. He slammed Keath up against the wall so hard and so violently that if Keath were human, he would not have survived. You need to forget about me, Kaevin growled. If you insist on bothering me again, I will not hesitate to kill you. His grip around Keath’s throat tightened and Keath choked, unable to answer.

Kaevin! Kath yelled. What are you doing? You still care, I know you do. You wouldna save my life if you didn't.

I wasn't trying to save your life, Kaevin bit back, his eyes still on Keath. I was punishing those who had gone against my orders, orders that you must not be harmed. They disobeyed. The punishment for such direct defiance has only one sentence in out Court and that is death. Saving your life was just an added bonus. It would be rather unfortunate if the Believer was killed and we fae had no one to kill hunters for us.

Keath struggled in Kaevin’s grasp and Kath realised that Keath couldn't breathe. Kaevin, you’re killing him!

He has shown me a lack of respect, Kaevin didn't ease the pressure in his grip. He defied an order of mine.

So what? Kath asked. Ye’d kill him for that?

T’is the way of our Court.

He’s not a part of your bloody court! Kath burst out. He has sworn no fealty to either court.

Yes, and t’is the only thing stopping me from killing him. Kaevin eased up on his grip and Keath began to cough and gasp. If he had sworn loyalty to me and defied me I would have killed him. If he had sworn loyalty to another kingdom and confronted me I would have killed him. But he belongs to no court. We will see how long that will last. The other court knows about him now, they will want him and they will try everything to make him theirs.

Let him go, Kath ordered, and she wondered how her voice could sound so steady when inside she was a shattered wreck. Kaevin’s betrayal and apparent deceit hit her hard in the gut and though she couldn't believe it a small part of thought Kaevin might be telling the truth. Kath shook her head. No. She would not believe it.

I will let him go this once. If I ever come across him again, I will kill him. You, Kathleen, I will hesitate to kill because you are the Believer. For Keath I will not hesitate, I need him for nothing. Kaevin released Keath, turned towards the doorway exit, and was gone in a blur. Keath landed on his knees. He doubled over, coughing and gasping for air and rubbing at his neck. Kath rushed over to him, gripping his shoulder tightly. Keath?

Keath took several more shuddering breaths before turning to look at her. She knew that look. It was the same look that was probably on her own face. She just lost the faerie she was sure she was in love with, and Keath had lost one of the only people he had trusted.

I’m fine, Keath told her finally, but the look in his eyes said otherwise. He looked shaken; his beautiful eyes so lost and hurt that Kath couldn't bear to look at them. Keath’s soft and doe-like eyes always expressed too much emotion. What about you? Keath asked quietly.

Kath sat beside him and put her head in her hands. I don’t know. I feel like I am in a nightmare that I should be waking up from any minute, but I don’t. The shock, it doesn’t feel real, but at the same time, it feels too real. Kath shook her head. I’m not making any sense.

I think you’re making sense, Keath said softly. He was silent for a long moment. What should we do now?

I don’t know. Where do we go from here? Do we keep living our lives? How do we do that?

Keath studied the floor in front of him, one of the few spots not splattered with blood. I don’t know. It feels like someone just died, only it’s worse. One of my most trusted friends almost killed me...I’m going to be having nightmares for weeks.

Kath nodded slowly. Me too. But I don’t think he would have killed you, Keath. Do you think he meant everything he said? Somehow, I just cannae believe it. I don’t believe that Kaevin has turned on us, I don’t believe a word of what he said.

"Whether we believe it or not, it is clear that he wants us to believe it and he’s willing to hurt us to make his point. As long as he wants to play it this way, we have to stay away from him."

Keath, do you know something? Kath asked. Is there a reason why Kaevin would do this?

Keath swallowed and looked away uneasily. Kath’s eyes widened. He did know something.

Keath, tell me! she demanded, shaking him slightly.

Damn, Keath muttered. I never could lie properly. There’s this crazy faerie from Tempest Court that wants you dead. Daera, I think her name is. Kaevin told his court he was dating you and you were the Believer, and Daera freaked. She lost it, said she would kill you. That’s probably why you were ambushed here. These fey must have been working for Daera.

Kath looked around the dim storage room they stood in. She had been walking past the building an hour earlier, on her way to the Grove pub, the favourite hang-out spot of Kath and her friends, when she had heard screams and noises coming from inside. It was a trap, but by the time she realised it she was outnumbered by faeries, half of whom she couldn’t touch. Kath could hurt dark fae, but not all Tempest fae were dark fae.

Where’s Katie? Kath asked. Katie was their best friend. Kath, Katie and Keath had become inseparable friends over the past year.

She’s with Crush, Keath answered. I think they’re at the beach. I forwarded your distress text to her, so she should be here soon.

At the beach at this hour, in this weather? Kath said in disbelief.

Keath shrugged. We go the beach at this hour, and even later sometimes.

Yes, but we go on patrols to kill hunters. Not to make out. Kath felt her face turn red and looked away quickly, hoping he hadn’t noticed and wanting to kick herself for her uncontrollable bodily reactions.

So you’ve never gone to the beach with, Keath stopped before he finished the question.

With Kaevin? Kath finished bitterly. No. We couldn't be risking people or fey seeing us together. We were a secret, remember? What about you and Ashley?

Keath shrugged, looking away uneasily. No. I haven’t seen her much lately, since she’s been hanging out with Raeshon. She seems to like the fey.

Raeshon? Kath frowned. What are they doing together? Raeshon was the Prince of the Forest Grove, and was hopelessly fae. He cared nothing for morals or ethics that humans did. He was a player, and tried to take advantage of every girl he came across, especially if they were human.

Kath had once been attracted to his unnatural beauty and oceanic eyes, but he had lost her trust the moment he broke the bond between Kath and Kaevin. The bond between Kath and Kaevin had been renewed, but Kath would never forgive Raeshon, or ever think of him as a friend again.

Keath went very still. They’ve just been hanging out.

Keath, we’re talking about Raeshon. When ever does he ‘hang out’ with a girl without getting what he wants from her?

Don’t say that, Keath said. I trust Ashley.

I don’t doubt that. It’s Raeshon I don’t trust. He’s a faerie; do you think she would be able to stand against his faerie charm? You know very well he likes using his charm. He tried it on me countless times, and she’s only human.

I can’t forbid her to spend time with him, Keath protested. I don’t own her. I would sound ridiculous and jealous. She will think I don’t trust her, and that’s not something she will be happy about.

Is she spending more time with him than with you? Kath asked bluntly.

Keath shut his eyes and Kath knew the answer. Then you have to assume they’re doing more than hanging out.

I don’t want to believe it, Keath grumbled. Keath liked to stay oblivious to things, Kath noticed. He always told the truth, but didn't like it being delivered to him. I don’t, he continued. And if you had suggested it at any other time I would have told you there was no way you were right, but after what just happened here, I’m having a little trouble believing anything is what I think it is.

I know what you mean, Kath said softly. She looked around again, and remembered where they were. She made a quick call to Keath’s father who was also her trainer. He had taught her how to fight and use her Believer powers. She gave him the address of the storage building and told him about the bodies. Carlow had contacts that could take care of the carnage and explain it to normal people. She wondered briefly if she thought of herself and her friends as abnormal. They were as far from normal as was possible.

Chapter Two

Avoidance

Let’s be getting out of here now, Kath said, holding out a hand to help Keath up. Keath took hold of her hand and let her help him up. Their hands lingered together longer than was necessary, and Kath couldn't control the tears that burned through her eyes. She let Keath wrap his arms around her shoulders and hold her while she cried. It was only a minute or so before she was all cried out and she instantly regretted it, knowing her eyes were most certainly red and her face puffy. She gathered herself with tremendous effort and stepped away from Keath.

You’ll be okay, Keath told her seriously, his brown eyes boring into hers. Let’s get to the Grove. I’ll text Katie to meet us there.

They walked towards the exit slowly, looking anywhere but at the carnage scattered over the floor. When they reached Keath’s Katana motorcycle, Keath handed her his helmet.

Kath shook her head. You use it.

Kath, we can stop pretending that either of us really needs this helmet. You have Believer strength, I have faerie strength.

"If you’re not wearing one, I’m certainly