I shrugged. I didn’t have an answer, but his comment created more questions besides the obvious ones Kellen had already pointed out. If I had children, would this queen try to take them from me? I hadn’t even thought about kids, mostly because as a vampire, Logan couldn’t have any. But I wouldn’t let anyone take them from me if I did. I knew how it felt to grow up without loving parents. I wouldn’t do that to my own children.
“Why did Lily have a child with him?” Kellen asked. Apparently, his mind was just as unsettled as mine. “She didn’t want anyone to take her throne. Was it a mistake? Maybe she didn’t care, because everyone knows the fae won’t allow their children to stay here.” He rolled to his side and his eyes met mine, expecting answers. “It might explain why she claimed you were dead. She assumed your father took you to the fae kingdom.”
Kellen’s logic sort of made sense. Braden had also told me about the ritual that could take my immortality, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to share or if it was even true. Did everyone know there was a way to steal an immortal life? I had to assume not, or the fae would have huge targets on their heads. I shrugged and didn’t reply, pushing away the thought of immortality. There were too many people trying to kill me for it to really matter.
Kellen’s eyebrows rose and he rolled off the bed, drawing my attention. I could see all the little light bulbs popping on in his brain, but which ones? He paced towards the bathroom, then turned back.
“What have you thought of?” I asked.
“We… you cannot have children,” he said, running his fingers through his hair. “The fae queen will demand that we give them up.”
I sighed and looked away from him. It didn’t take him long to connect those dots. “Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it,” I suggested. I didn’t want to have this discussion, ever. I couldn’t stay with Kellen, regardless of how well we got along. Our fake engagement couldn’t lead to a fake marriage, too. The mage council needed to take over. It was the only way. If I was truly immortal, it would only add another layer of resentment to our tenuous relationship. Apparently, he hadn’t thought of that yet.
“I suppose you’re right,” he conceded. “We shouldn’t borrow trouble.”
“We already have enough to keep us busy,” I agreed, rolling off the bed and picking up my suitcase. “I’m getting ready for bed. I don’t want to look like a zombie in the morning.”
“Good idea.”
Chapter 3
Despite my exhaustion, I didn’t sleep well. Kellen didn’t either if his tossing and turning all night was any indication. The tiny bed made it impossible for either of us to avoid touching each other. I woke up with my back pressed against his side and my head on the arm wrapped around me. It was oddly comforting, especially after the time I’d spent with Braden. A lot could be said about being around people who actually liked me.
I gently pushed his arm away and stretched the aching muscles in my back and shoulders. “Oh, wow,” I grumbled. “That’s uncomfortable.”
“No kidding,” Kellen said as he sat up, sliding his legs off the bed.
I couldn’t help but stare at the defined muscles on his back. He’d been working out a lot. I blushed and sat up, turning my back to him.
“How long will we be at your uncle’s?” I asked as I stood and moved towards the bathroom.
“Hopefully, just for lunch,” he replied. “Then we can take the portal to London and confront William.”
I stopped at the edge of the bed. “Shit.”
Kellen looked up at me, blushed, and then looked away. “What?”
I looked down at the baggy t-shirt that almost reached my knees and shrugged. “I can’t use the portal.”
His head snapped up and he frowned. “What happened? It hurt you the other night, didn’t it?”
I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. Fear and guilt prevented me from telling him about my blood oath. “Remember when I told you Braden attacked me in Logan’s car?”
“Yes.”
I swallowed hard, remembering the taste of the vampire’s blood. “He forced his tongue down my throat and I bit it. I didn’t think about the consequences of swallowing his blood.”
“Wait. He forced you to kiss him?” Kellen asked, moving around to sit next to me. “What else did he do?”
“Well, he tried to kiss me, and I bit a hole in his tongue,” I replied, trying not to glare at him. “He didn’t do anything else. I stabbed him several times, then Logan’s erratic driving tossed him to the other side of the vehicle and…” I stopped and took a deep breath. “It’s irrelevant. The point is I swallowed his blood. According to Braden, his blood will linger in me for weeks, preventing me from using the portal.”
He stood, and I kept my eyes on my knees, not his bare back, as he walked away. Yeah, right. I’d spent way too much time in isolation as a teenage girl. The men currently in my life had no problem waltzing around showing off their bare chests. What was I supposed to do? Not look?
“Is your discomfort getting worse each time?” he asked, turning to face me at the bathroom door.
I nodded, trying not to look at the scars on his chest from his fight with the wolves. “Braden says the portal’s magic will recognize his blood regardless of our attempts to camouflage it.”
“How does he know so much about our portals?” Kellen asked, leaning against the wall.
“You know I didn’t tell him,” I replied, dropping my gaze from his extremely fit abs. “I only know enough to get me killed.” I wasn’t sure if I could share the information about my grandfather and Braden. Kellen wouldn’t see it as a good thing, and I was inclined to agree with him.
“I think I need to spend some time with him,” Kellen stated. I looked up, worried what I’d see in his eyes. Determination and anger. Yep. “He knows an awful lot about mages that he shouldn’t.”
“Braden will trade information,” I said, “but the cost is too high. Don’t go there with him.”
I stood and picked up my suitcase, avoiding the questioning look I got from my partner. He blocked my path to the bathroom, and I dropped my forehead on his chest.
“How do you think I found out about my father?” I asked. “My elementals only share when it’s convenient for them. I should’ve waited.”
“What do you owe him?” Kellen whispered, lifting my chin with his finger. The gesture was gentle, but his intense stare was not.
“Nothing you can give him,” I replied. “And please don’t ask again. I won’t tell you.”
“He wants sex from you?”
I laughed, causing his frown to deepen. “No.” I placed my hand on his bare chest and pulled my gaze from his. “Please don’t ask.”
He let me push him out of the way and I locked myself in the bathroom. The thought of saying it out loud made my stomach churn, but not as much as the giddiness that fluttered through me. My little shadow of darkness wanted to torture the vampire. What the hell was wrong with me?
I shivered and forced it to the back of my mind. I needed to be focused on meeting Kellen’s uncle, not all the things going wrong in my life.
When I opened the bathroom door a few minutes later, Kellen was on the phone talking in a language I didn’t understand. He’d already changed into dress pants and a button-down shirt, with no tie. He turned to me, his eyes drifting over my outfit. I picked a long skirt and matching shirt. A scarf hung over my arm. His gaze lingered on the scarf as he spoke again, shaking his head. Why was he so adamant about me not wearing it?
He pulled the cell phone from his ear and ended the call. “I’ve made plane reservations for us leaving here at two this afternoon,” he said, tossing his phone on the bed. “My uncle isn’t happy about our short stay, but there’s no avoiding it.” He closed his suitcase then glanced around the room. “He’s agreed to meet us for breakfast here in Alexandria. Are you ready?”
“Yep.”
“There’s no need for the scarf. No one will be offended if you don’t wear it,” he s
aid, crossing the room and picking up my luggage. “As soon as you pull that fabric over your head, it smothers the fiery woman you have become. Don’t hide who you are.”
Heat ran up my neck and swallowed my ears. I couldn’t respond to his compliment, so I avoided it. “And your uncle’s family?”
“Will be fine.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at one of the many towering buildings along the coastline. Kellen led me through a busy lobby to the elevators. We rode in silence all the way to the top floor. I tried not to twist my fingers around the scarf still hanging around my neck. I hadn’t pulled it over my head. Kellen’s words lingered; his admiration making me blush again.
The elevators opened into a small area with benches lining the walls. A young man in a black suit greeted us with a friendly smile.
“Welcome. Do you have a reservation?” he asked.
“We’re meeting my uncle, Fadil,” Kellen replied.
I glanced at my partner. His uncle was well known enough to just go by one name? Maybe he owned the restaurant. Or maybe Kellen looked exactly like his uncle.
“Of course, follow me,” the man said, stepping away from the low podium.
Kellen put his hand on my lower back and leaned towards me. “My uncle’s third son owns the restaurant,” he whispered, then pushed me forward.
That made sense. I followed our host through a large dining area set with elegant tables, all of which were empty. Had they opened the restaurant just for us? Surely not. I’d feel guilty if they had. However, my concerns fell away as we passed through an archway leading onto an open balcony.
Dozens of tables filled with guests covered the space, but my attention didn’t linger on them. It was drawn to the vast sea stretching out in front of us. Breathtaking didn’t really describe its beauty.
“Your first time seeing the Mediterranean?” the host asked.
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” I replied.
“Yes,” he agreed. “Follow me.”
I didn’t miss the admonition, but his smile softened it. I’d stopped in between two tables to gawk like a tourist. Rather than bring attention to my stupidity, I nodded.
“It’s okay, dear. I did the same thing,” an elderly woman at the table next to us said.
I smiled at her, then followed our guide. Kellen frequently nudged me forward as the sea continued to distract me. Despite the hum of voices surrounding me and numerous boats marring the water’s surface, it calmed me. Just like the training room at the Magister’s Palace.
We finally stopped at the far end of the balcony. A single table filled the corner, giving its occupants full view of the water regardless of where they sat. Two men stood from their seats as we approached, and our host quietly disappeared.
“Kellen, it’s good to see you.” An older gentleman with graying hair and well-trimmed beard stretched his hand across the table.
My partner shook it. “You as well, Uncle.”
The younger man shook hands with Kellen, then they both looked at me. Their smiles didn’t hide the tingle racing across my skin. Damn. I still hadn’t learned to do that.
“This is Alisandra, my partner and fiancé,” Kellen said. “My uncle, Fadil, and his son, Zahur.”
“It’s good to meet you,” I said, uncertain if I should offer a handshake or not, so I didn’t. They didn’t offer either.
“Please sit down,” Fadil requested. “I’ve ordered coffee, beid bel basturma, and ful medames.” He glanced at me and smiled again. “My son has found the perfect chef who excels at making ful.”
I wasn’t sure what answer he was looking for. He had to know I was completely ignorant of their culture and their food.
“You’ll love it,” Kellen said, saving me from answering.
“Thank you.” I smiled at him, making sure he knew I appreciated the save.
“You trust his judgment so easily?” Zahur asked, drawing my attention.
“Yes, he hasn’t disappointed me yet,” I replied. Kellen would feel the lie, but they wouldn’t.
Kellen’s uncle laughed and I blushed, knowing I must have said something wrong.
“Then he must take after his mother,” Fadil guffawed.
It felt like an insult, which meant it probably was. “If it strengthens our relationship, then I hardly see why it matters,” I said. “He has been a perfect gentleman and supportive partner. I’m lucky to have him.”
Fadil leaned back with his bellowing laugh, drawing the attention of several people around us.
“You see, my son, you cannot believe everything you hear.” He patted his son’s shoulder and Zahur frowned. Fadil leaned forward, then lowered his voice. “We were told you hated my nephew and had a vampire lover.”
I leaned forward and smiled. “Have you heard that I’m a half-breed? Half vampire and half fae?”
His eyes widened with his faltering smile.
“Have you also heard the one - this is my favorite by the way - that I’m really an elemental who chose to take human form permanently? I’m only here to punish the mage families for abandoning their quest to find partners for their children.”
Uncertainty made his smile fade completely, but I didn’t relent.
“I’ve also heard my mother didn’t conceive or give birth to me. I’m a treant, who chose to keep a human form so that I’m not imprisoned in the fae forest.” I leaned back and smiled. “All of which is ridiculous. I had a horrible childhood that I remember all too well. Up until your nephew found me, I knew nothing of magic. Please don’t believe everything you hear.”
A waiter arrived with our food, which smelled amazing. He set a small bowl of thick soup in front of me along with a plate full of eggs, shredded meat, and pita bread. Another waiter took his place and poured a dark, rich coffee for everyone.
After the wait staff left, both men looked at me, but I held Fadil’s gaze.
“You are not what I expected,” he said, picking up a piece of pita.
“I get that a lot.”
“The story about Prince Thomas?” Zahur asked.
I glanced out at the sea, ignoring the meal in front of me. I didn’t want to think about Thomas’ death and my actions leading to it. My partner saved me again, beginning his side of the story and how the prince’s guard ambushed him.
“I remember nothing until Alisandra found me in the dungeon,” he said. “Those memories are broken because of the concussion I sustained.” His fingers wrapped around mine on the table. “Had it not been for my partner, I wouldn’t be sitting with you today.”
I focused on the calming water, not Kellen’s words. Memories of his battered body tried to invade my serenity, and I struggled to keep them at bay. I refused to acknowledge the darkness pushing against me.
“Are you saying they beat you while you were unconscious?” Zahur asked.
“Yes,” Kellen answered.
An uncomfortable silence followed, and I continued to ignore my food.
“How did the prince die?” Fadil asked.
Kellen squeezed my hand, and I pulled my eyes from the sea.
“My wind elemental, um, contained Thomas and the two guards who were with him when I arrived,” I said, knowing I had to tell the story and hating it. I’d already decided to leave Braden out, which would ease some of my pain. “After I healed Kellen’s many wounds,” I continued, my lip curling despite my efforts to control it, “his earth elemental took him home to ensure his concussion was treated properly.” I looked back to the sea, pulling its calming warmth to me. “I wanted to kill Thomas after I realized my partner wasn’t given the opportunity to defend himself, but even I realized the king needed to see to his son’s misdeeds. Kellen’s fire elemental disagreed.”
Several gasps brought my gaze back to the table. Fadil choked down the food in his mouth, his eyes dancing between me and Kellen.
“He was burned to death?” he whispered.
I nodded. “Sort of. All that remained of the three
men was a pile of ash. They didn’t suffer; didn’t even have the opportunity to feel the pain.”
“You said the elementals did this,” Kellen’s uncle pressed. “Do you mean you did, um, attacked him using your magic?”
“Yes and no. I encouraged my elements to act against the prince, but I have no command over Kellen’s fire or earth. I had no say in his fire’s decision to kill Thomas,” I replied. “It’s no secret that I can speak to mine. They’ve shown themselves to many already.”
“Something I would love to witness,” Fadil mumbled. I suspected he didn’t want anyone to hear, so I didn’t respond.
“The king is having a funeral for his son in two days,” Zahur said. “How will he explain the absence of his son’s body?”
“I’m sure he’ll have a closed casket,” I replied. “Accusing me of mutilating…” I didn’t continue. I’d barely touched any of my food despite how good it was. Talking of death completely ruined my appetite. “I’m sorry. This isn’t good conversation during a meal.”
“I apologize for bringing it up prior to finishing our meal,” Zahur stated. “We’ll confront the king at his son’s funeral and prove your story.”
I glanced back to the sea and sighed. “I hate that it’s even necessary.”
Silence fell over our group as a waiter brought more coffee.
“Where will you go when you leave here?” Fadil asked when the waiter left.
“Sight-seeing,” Kellen replied. “It looks like my fiancé is falling in love with the sea.”
I turned and smiled at my partner. “I’d like that very much.”
Chapter 4
Kellen and I walked along the sandy beach just outside the restaurant, both of us holding our shoes in our hands. Though Kellen avoided the waves gently rolling back and forth, I didn’t. The ocean running over my toes and swirling around my ankles felt marvelous, and the desire to rush into the water and disappear was overwhelming.
Elemental's Domain Page 3
