Anya listened to him pitch the idea of pushing the pallets together and sharing all the blankets for extra warmth. She stared at the floor while he spoke willing herself not to smile. Her body reacted to his words awakening parts of her that responded with an aching throb. It filled her mind with thoughts about his strong arms being close enough to touch her. She knew it was wrong. She knew she shouldn’t enjoy these sensations, but she couldn’t help the way it affected her. She didn’t want it to stop.
She was so lost in her fantasies about being next to him, she wasn’t even aware he had finished explaining his plan until she heard him say, “I didn’t mean to upset you. We can keep everything as it’s been.”
“No,” she quickly told him. The word escaped Anya’s lips before she knew what she was saying. It rushed out so free and easily that it worried her how it may look. Daniel would be able to detect she wanted to be as near to him as possible.
He looked at her with surprise at first then a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth. The smile sent shockwaves through her.
‘Could he want to be closer to her as well?’ she hoped. It would be easy to learn for herself what was on his mind. She need only reach out to him, but that small gesture of touching him regardless of how innocently it may seem would only add to the risk of his discovering of how she felt. It couldn’t be chanced. “Your idea makes sense. We will need the extra warmth.”
Daniel appeared to be disappointed by her comments, but he soon smiled and carried on as though nothing had changed. They rearranged the pallets and laid down with Anya closest to the fire. This had been his spot since the first night. He could rise and tend the fire without disturbing her sleep. While they shared the same bed, he thought he would like having to move over her to get to the fire. Somewhere inside was the lingering fear that she already belonged to somebody and was not available to any man, but the longer she stayed with him, the more he saw her remaining with him permanently.
They laid down inches apart and draped the blankets over their bodies. Anya laid on her side facing him. She wanted to lie that way all night long where she could hear his heartbeat, but she could feel her body’s growing response to being so near him. Soon he would be able to notice how shallow and ragged her breath was becoming. Anya rolled over turning her back to him.
Daniel was frustrated when she turned away. He had been peeking out beneath closed eyes to see the outline of her face lit by the fire behind her. She moved again to get comfortable and bumped into him. His arm fell forward onto her side. When she didn’t move away, he draped it down over her midsection. He held his breath waiting to see what she would do. She leaned back relaxing into his chest. They fell asleep comforted by one another’s touch.
It had been a month since they first shared a bed. Even though the winter storm had long since passed, and many nights were nowhere near as freezing, they continued to sleep side by side. Anya would curl up into Daniel’s chest, and he would wrap his arms around her. During the day, not much had changed between them save for a few stolen caresses or lingering glances. Not on the surface at least.
Underneath, a passion was growing between them. They spent the better part of their days longing for each other, craving for more. Anya was always torn between her Element orders and her human emotions. Daniel fought off his own desires by reminding himself that regardless of what people thought when they looked at him, he had been raised to act like a gentleman. He didn’t want to take advantage of the woman he once believed to be a tree sprite.
One night in late January, it was unseasonably warm. The snow had been melting outside for days and was almost gone except for small patches that spent their days resting in the shade. It was warmer in the cabin, and Anya had taken to wearing her robes inside instead of the clothing Daniel had given her. They lied down much the same as they had been with Anya’s back pressed against Daniel’s bare chest, and his legs bent beneath hers.
Anya lay awake feeling Daniel’s eyes upon her as she did every night. She enjoyed this time of the day the most. It used to make her feel dizzy with physical excitement, but it had grown stale. She wanted more. Needed more. Tonight as his eyes took her in, she tugged gently on her robes exposing her breast. Her anticipation grew waiting to see how he would react.
He was admiring her as he always did by the light of the fire. His gaze drifted from her face to her neck and shoulders then down to where the robes covered her breasts except the material had shifted. One breast was almost completely uncovered. Daniel reached his hand up and grazed it softly without thinking, almost by impulse. He yanked his hand back immediately.
She felt it. She sensed every bit of his reaction. Anya could feel him looking at the supple curve of her breast. She could hear the quick intake of his breath. Mostly, she could feel his manhood hardening against the small of her back. Then he did something she wasn’t expecting. He reached for her. He barely touched her before removing his hand.
That brief touch sent tremors through her body. Her physical response was intense almost to the point of overwhelming her. She didn’t want it to end, and she wasn’t sure she’d have the nerve to manipulate this chance again if it wasn’t optimized tonight.
Anya reached down and grabbed his hand. She slowly ran it up her side and placed it on her breast letting it go. It worked. Daniel began caressing her. Anya moaned, and that was the last push that he needed.
He propped up on one elbow and leaned his body down over hers. His hand began to roam her body, and his lips pressed down on her mouth. Anya let him have full reign over her. She was giving herself to him tonight freely. She didn’t want to think about tomorrow. She certainly didn’t want to think about the Return and the punishment that awaited. She only wanted to think about how good it felt to be his and for him to be hers.
Anya awoke the next morning, and the cabin was empty. She knew Daniel would be in the barn doing chores, so she arose to fix breakfast. There was an achy soreness in her legs and her groin that reminded her of the bliss she experienced the night before. She sat up and tried several times to stand before succeeding. Walking wasn’t much easier. It was worth it. However long this recovery took, it was definitely worth it.
She went to the table to discover that the pan was already on the hearth. Daniel had started breakfast while she slept. Anya looked around wondering if he had already ate. ‘Did I sleep too long that he couldn’t wait?’ she thought. She sat down and began getting dressed. She would go help Daniel with his work since she overslept and put him behind. It was the least she could do.
Daniel happily walked in the door carrying a bouquet of braided evergreen. He handed it to her and kissed her cheek. “I searched everywhere, but I couldn’t find anything close to flowers to bring you.”
Anya inhaled their scent. She loved the earthly fragrances. “Thank you,” she beamed.
“Have you eaten?”
“No, I was going to come help you with chores.”
He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “No need. I’ve finished.”
Daniel knelt down in front of her and put his arms around her waist. He looked up into her eyes and told her, “I am so sorry. I did not know last night would be your first time. I would have never...”
She interrupted him. “Don’t you dare apologize. Last night was the most happiness I’ve ever experienced. Please don’t tell me you regret it.”
“How could I possibly regret loving you?”
Anya’s mouth fell open, and she didn’t know how to respond. Tears filled her eyes. She knew he was attracted to her. She had always known that, but she had been afraid to find out for herself how he truly felt. She didn’t want to learn he didn’t return her feelings.
“My beautiful Anya,” he told her, taking her hands into his, “my love for you grows stronger every day. I’ve no idea how you magically appeared in the woods near my home one cold autumn evening, but I am ever so thankful you did. If I had been aware that you had never known the love of a man befo
re, I would have been more thoughtful last night.”
She shook her head. She couldn’t speak without losing control of the tears that were trying to break free. “Last night was amazing. I wouldn’t change anything.”
“Let me show you.” He arose and lifted her effortlessly. Daniel kissed her forehead and carried her to the bed. He spent all day slowly kissing and caressing her entire body. He brought her to new heights over and over again until way into the night when they collapsed in each other’s arms utterly exhausted.
Spring was breaking in the countryside where Daniel lived. They were beginning preparations to make their way south. They had planned since the beginning that this would be when they would part ways. Both of them were aware that wouldn’t happen now, but neither of them mentioned it. Daniel still had to make the trip to sell his wares and buy supplies for the coming year, and Anya would accompany him. Even though neither of them had spoken about Anya staying with him, they both suspected it was what the other wanted.
Daniel had the cart loaded to head to the shore where they would boat over to the main country. They would leave in the morning. Anya was excited to see new places and meet new people, but she was also filled with a constant dread that hung overhead. The more she did that went against orders, the worse her punishment would become.
He checked and tightened the straps again as he had numerous times already. He looked up, his eyes wide filled with a new thought, “I bet you prefer living where it’s warm to this weather, don’t you?”
Anya was devastated. He was going to leave her behind. “What do you mean?” she asked, preparing herself for the answer that would break her heart.
“I mean we don’t have to come back here. If you are unhappy with the harsh winters, we could do my business then head farther south to the land where I come from.”
Her face slowly filled with delight. He wasn’t leaving her after all. He did want her with him still. She took a step toward him intending on wrapping her arms around his neck and smothering him with a kiss. Instead, she turned her head and vomited, nearly missing his feet.
Anya sunk to the ground wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She hadn’t been feeling ill until that moment. It wasn’t over yet. She could feel her stomach churning like a boat being rocked by a storm at sea.
“Well, if you hate sunshine that much, we can come back here. It makes no difference to me.” Daniel tried to make her feel better with a joke.
He reached down to help her up, but she batted his arm away. Round two was close at hand. He stood back and waited till she felt like it was safe to get up and enter their home. He walked alongside her. His arm that was wrapped tightly around her waist practically carried her inside. She felt so weak.
Anya sat at the table, and he brought her water and a rag to clean her face and hands. She cleaned herself up then sat perfectly still being cautious that any movement might make her sick again.
“Feeling better?” he asked.
“I’m not sure.”
“You should have told me you weren’t feeling well. You could’ve stayed inside to rest instead of helping me all morning.”
“I was feeling fine,” she insisted. “This was a surprise.”
Daniel drummed the table with his fingers and stroked his beard with his other hand. He appeared to be deep in thought, and Anya worried he was contemplating the problems associated with taking a sick woman along on his journey. A smile slowly broke out on his face. He let out a chuckle which made her look up at him.
“This is funny to you?” She immediately felt hurt again and wanted to cry. Tears were becoming as natural to her as breathing, and she felt helpless to stop the emotions overtaking her at every turn.
“I’m not laughing in jest, my beautiful tree sprite. It’s from happiness.”
“Happiness?” Anya was confused.
“I do believe you will soon make me a father.”
Anya gasped in shock. “You know?”
Daniel’s eyes widened at her accidental confession. “You mean you knew?”
She had known since the baby was conceived the first night they became one. She could feel the presence of life inside her getting stronger with each passing day, but how could Daniel have known she wondered.
“Yes, I knew.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, darling?”
“I didn’t know how.”
“How about by simply saying you’re pregnant?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Daniel’s laughter turned into a roar. He walked over and kissed the top of her head and rubbed her shoulders. “A little late now.”
“How did you figure it out?”
“You’re sick for no reason. It’s a common sign. Plus you have been trying not to cry over everything the last few days. Also a sign.”
“I have not,” she felt belittled. Even so, that simple truth was enough for the tears to well up again. Everything made her want to cry nowadays, both bad and good.
“Yes, you have, dear. I know when you’re upset even if I don’t mention it every time,” he said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Anya’s shoulders slumped, and she rested her head on the table. Until this moment, there had always been that one last chance no matter how miniscule that she would be able to part ways from him and finish her mission. Now that he knew about their baby there was no way she could force herself to leave the very man she couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from.
“Now what?” she asked softly.
Daniel grinned loudly. “Now, we have a baby,” he told her.
Chapter Five
Everleigh sat on the rail of Jackson’s front porch watching him throw a football in the air. They were waiting for his dad to get home with his pickup truck before they could leave. His dad had used it to haul off something that morning, but had been gone most of the day. They would have been halfway to Trinity by now if Jackson had been able to leave when she arrived.
“Just talk already,” he told her, still tossing the ball.
“What do you want to talk about?”
“How about whatever it is that’s bothering you.”
He knew her far too well. “I’m only wondering what’s keeping your dad.”
Jackson caught the ball and stood up to walk over to where she sat on the railing. “Have you met my dad?”
Everleigh laughed and took the football from him. She hopped off the rail and walked backwards away from him throwing the ball in the air as she went, taunting him.
Judd Montgomery was known for his uncanny ability to never be on time. “If I had known your dad was using your truck today, I wouldn’t have let my aunt borrow my car.”
He tried to snatch the football, but she was too fast. He threw his hands up. “Fine. Keep it.”
She shot him a challenging look then tossed the ball in the front yard. It was becoming annoying listening to the constant whack of the ball hitting his hands every two seconds. “What do you suppose is taking him so long?”
“Hard to say. He probably had other errands to run while he was gone and forgot to mention it,” he said, leaning on the rail. “He’s had a lot on his mind lately.”
Everleigh bit her lower lip. It was no surprise to learn something was bothering his dad. The approaching storm she saw in her grandma’s pendant was what she needed to talk to Jackson about, and she had hoped his dad might have mentioned something to him that would help her make heads or tails of what was coming. Jackson was a like a big kid who was easily distracted. Trying to have a serious conversation with him was almost impossible unless he was already focused on something important like driving.
“I wish you’d just come out and say it.”
“Say what?”
“I’ve been home for all of what? Two minutes? You called as soon as you knew I was here to plan a trip to Trinity that couldn’t wait. I can tell something’s up. You’ve been weird for weeks.”
“Have not!”
Jackso
n raised his hands as if to say he was done, “If you say so.”
She sat on the top step wishing Judd would just show up already, so they could leave. She needed Jackson’s undivided attention which was hard to do. That’s why she needed him stuck behind a steering wheel.
“Lee-Lee,” he said, sitting down next to her.
Everleigh rolled her eyes and groaned. “Don’t call me that.”
“What? It’s your name,” he joked, nudging her side with his elbow which made her smile. “Lee-Lee, I know something is bothering you. Is it the family that took over your house this summer?”
There was the sound of a vehicle approaching on the side street, and she waited hoping it would be Jackson’s truck. No such luck. “Alright,” she said, pulling her knee up onto the step to face him. “I will tell you, but boy...you need to focus.”
“Did you just call me a boy?”
“Did you just call me Lee-Lee?”
“That’s fair. What’s going on?”
Everleigh had been debating how to go about this since he told her he was coming home. After graduation from college in the spring, he had decided to stay in Trinity instead of returning to Fairview. Many times she wanted to confide in him about what she knew, but it would be unfair to do so with him out of town. All it would accomplish is putting her best friend in a position where he felt useless and unable to help her out. It was like her prayers had been answered when he called saying he’d be back at the end of July.
“Has your dad said anything to you?” she asked.
“About what?”
She shrugged. “Anything.”
“You mean other than when he asked me to come home because the world as we know it is ending? No. Nothing.”
“He told you that?” she gasped.
“No, I was kidding,” he laughed, but it was cut short. It was written on her face that what he had said hit close to home. “What’s going on, Everleigh?” his tone filled with alarm.
“I’m not exactly sure what it is yet. I had hoped your dad said something to you that might help me figure it out.”
Earth: The Elementals Book Two Page 5
