Chosen Legacy (Book Five of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The character of Angel belongs to Aura MacKenzie. Thank you, Aura, for allowing me to use her. Also, there's some potentially triggering content involving talk and flashbacks of child abuse. Just a head's up. Enjoy the chapter!

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
MAEGUS
He was quite surprised by the arrival of a new Alliance member. That was because he knew her well and she was fully aware that he, Grayzee, and Branz were spies.

He found her with her arms wrapped around Gayzee's neck, sitting in his lap like she didn't have a care in the world. "Maegus, look who's blessed us with her presence," Grayzee said. "Angel's come to join the Alliance."

Maegus covered his shock well. "It's been a while, Lass," he said to the girl whose real name was definitely not Angel. He forced himself to think of her only as that so no one would suspect anything. "What are you doing here?"

Branz was glaring daggers at her, not because he hated her but because he loved her and was worried. "Angel" was his niece and Hezzo's granddaughter. Hezzo didn't keep track of his offspring. No one in the Circle did except for Hudzon. It was safer for the children if they didn't know their fathers. Hezzo had formed an attachment to his granddaughter, however, and he was going to be furious with her when he realized what she was up to.

"I decided to come play for the winning team," Angel replied casually.

"You might have called first, Lass," Maegus replied with a forced laugh. Whatever Angel was doing, she hadn't filled them in beforehand.

"Surprises are more fun." She smiled at him wickedly, playing the part of an evil Alliance member well.

"Welcome to the Alliance, Angel," Shaniece said politely. Maegus still wasn't sure what Shaniece's role in things was. It was clear to him the girl didn't have a shred of evil in her. She seemed to play hostess more than anything. A Campbell Sorceress was too powerful to sit around pouring tea and taking care of everyone else's basic needs. It made no sense.

"Thanks. So, when's the next party?" Angel asked lightly.

"Branz?" Grayzee asked. "What's on the agenda today?"

Branz glared at Grayzee as if to say, getting my niece out of your lap, for starters. Aloud, he said, "Oh, you know... Same old, same old. Wreak havoc all day, open bar all night."

"Sounds like fun," Angel replied with a smile.

Jezzeff eyed her skeptically, his suspicion clear, but when he spoke aloud, he was as charming and patient as ever. "It's always lovely to have new faces join our cause," he said. "Great Zell will be pleased."

The Witch glared at her before cheerfully saying, "Watch out for Jaybert. If memory serves, he rather enjoys mating with teenagers." She cackled as she added, "I'm just kidding! He doesn't pursue anyone in that way anymore. His love for his vizu is much too strong and enduring for him to waste his time on people." She skipped away merrily.

Bloody mental, that one, Maegus thought, shaking his head.

"So, Angel... Fancy a cup of tea?" Grayzee asked lightly.

The Alchemist and the Warlock eyed Angel suspiciously. "I suppose you'll be needing a room," the Alchemist said after a moment.

"Sure, for my stuff, but I'll probably spend most of my time with Grayzee," Angel replied.

Branz couldn't seem to keep the annoyance out of his eyes, so he stood up and said, "I've got an errand to run. See you all in a bit." He walked away.