Chapter 29
Needful Things
The bonfire that night was just as magnificent as the night before. Everyone was dancing around in celebration of the cure. Those that had been hospitalized for the blood vomit were suddenly better and able to eat again. There was joy and excitement in the air. I was tired and drained, having used the last of my magical energy on the evening’s festivities. I would need to rest to recharge. I had helped rejuvenate the men, and I knew my parents would not approve. Yet, as Mona had said, I would have to do things out of character. Then again, was this really out of character for me?
Wesley was attached to Miranda every time I turned around. She would whisper to him often, and he would nod his head and glance in my direction. I was apprehensive, he was to be delivered to me that night. A token of good faith from Miranda for the magic I had delivered. How was I going to handle having him near me again? What was I going to have to do to keep my secret hidden? I knew he had felt the electricity between us the day before. He had looked at me with recognition. He had to know that it was me behind the disguise.
She had cleaned him up and dressed him well. His hair was combed, his face freshly shaved. I knew we were nearing nineteen, but he looked as if he had aged five years. I turned my attention away from him and toward the crowd of celebrating men. Marshall was dancing in a circle with a young girl I could only assume was his sister.
John appeared beside me and held out his hand. I thought about it for a second and then let him lead me out to the dancers. He happily swung me in circles around the fire to the sounds of the fairy band. We danced for what felt like minutes but turned out to be hours. Out of breath and sweating, I took my seat on the log bench that I had claimed as my own.
“My Priestess,” Wesley said, his voice cracking. He had managed silently to come near me without me knowing. He had always been good at that, completely throwing my spidey senses off.
“Boy,” I said, acknowledging him. His closeness was making my heart pound. I wanted to throw myself into his arms and tell him it was me, but I knew I couldn’t.
“Lilly tells me I am to go with you tonight,” he said with remorse in his voice. It must have bothered him just a little to be handed over like a common concubine.
“Yes,” I said curtly. I stood up and took the boy’s hand in mine as I looked toward Miranda and her goblet of blood. She appeared content and nodded at me.
I led him through the tents to my own and took him inside. We were alone, but not alone enough for me to tell him my intentions. I pulled him toward the back of the tent and sat on the bed, crossing my ankles. I had to play my cards right, and I knew the only way he would recognize me was by physical touch.
He looked scared yet determined as he stood in front of me.
“Lilly tells me of your talent.” I smiled at him as coldly as I could muster. The demon blood in my body sang as it recognized the feeling running through my veins.
“I have dreamed of you, Priestess, for months now. My notebook is full of images of your face and the things that you are here to do.” He looked at me; his eyes dull, yet oh so blue.
“I heard your calls, and I am here now.” I stood up and hesitantly touched his face. His lips quivered as the electricity surged through us. “You tired?”
“I am always tired, Priestess,” he admitted as my hand ran down his throat and then his chest.
“Please lie down as if you intend to sleep.” I stepped away, so he had room to disrobe. I grabbed the folded nightgown from the top of the dresser and took to changing. I could feel his eyes on me as the shirt dropped to the ground, my lacey bra following suit. I put on the nightgown, and it hugged every curve, the plunging neckline revealing the curves of my breasts.
I crawled beneath the covers and waited for him to join me. “I won’t bite … hard,” I said as my thoughts kept jumping to images of our past. The nights we spent in each other’s arms. Then the last evening in which he told me to run. Yet, the way I was acting confused me.
“I can’t do this,” he said, his voice shaking.
“Do what?” I asked, placing my hands on the smooth sheets.
“My Priestess, I do apologize, I just cannot do this,” he said, his jaw clenched.
“And I shall ask you again. Do what?” I pushed my lips together in a narrow line.
“I would much rather die than be used like a common whore anymore,” he bit at me.
“So, you wish to remain faithful to your mistress?” I asked. My heart was aching; I thought he knew it was me — all that electricity.
“I didn’t say that.” He shook his head, looking down at me from where he stood.
“What are you saying, boy?” I asked, leaning back on the feather pillows. I just needed him in close proximity.
“I’m saying if I am to perform as a gesture of goodwill towards Miranda, then I would much rather you rip my heart out.” He sighed and sat down on the side of the bed. “Excuse my muttering, Priestess. I do not feel that I am the proper gift for someone of your stature. I would prefer to remain true to myself.”
“I can respect that,” I said, sitting up and crossing my legs.
“You can?” He looked at me, shocked.
“I’m not as heartless as everyone wants you to believe,” I laughed, touching his arm. The electric current surged through us, and he took a shallow breath.
“I do not believe you to be heartless at all,” he said, looking into my eyes.
“Please. I came here with one plan only to do another.” I shook my head and glanced toward the tent opening. I could not speak of the plan in detail, too many ears lingered around the walls. I could feel them, prying eyes, making sure that I was doing as believed.
“I cannot hurt her anymore,” he said quietly. I turned back toward him as his eyes began to glisten. There was so much pain in his soul. He had been broken and was trying to find a way to put himself back together.
“Hurt who?” I felt a sputter in my heart. I found myself praying it was me.
“I don’t even know if she loves me anymore.” He put his head in his hands.
“Who?” I asked curiously.
“The girl I hurt.” He shook his head from side to side.
“You know, if you just come out and say it, I will know what you are talking about,” I suggested.
“I left her behind. Just walked away from her.” His voice was shaking. He was on the verge of admitting something so profound, and yet I controlled every urge to hold him.
I sat up and put my hands on his back. He tensed at my touch. I ignored the electricity surging through me and wrapped my arms around the boy’s shoulders. It took him a moment, but he placed his hands on mine and squeezed them.
“Why do you comfort me?” he asked, keeping his face turned away from me.
“I was in love once,” I started. “I thought he was going to give me the world.”
“What happened?” he asked sniffing.
“He thought he was saving me from a fate like no other. He didn’t realize I was able to take care of the situation on my own. He traded his own life for mine,” I said softly.
“Da …” His head shot around and looked at me. The word didn’t make it out of his mouth.
“Shhhh.” I put my finger up to his lips and pointed to the outside of the tent. I knew something was there. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end.
“Darling Priestess. How are you able to make me feel so much better?” He pressed his lips together and shrugged. He had saved us from a horrible fate.
“Lay down, boy,” I demanded, softly pulling him onto the mattress with me. I listened to the sound of the beings outside my tent move away from the entrance.
“How is it possible that you came here?” he asked me. It was going to be challenging to keep my wits on this one, as the conversation had to be held in code.
“I received a calling of sorts. A pull to find a way to get here. Mona sent a vision to the Queen and her daughter in hopes t
hat they would accept me and my powers. I had no idea what I was going to be stepping into.” He touched my hand, and I felt comfortable.
“Can I ask you another question?” He leaned on his side and looked down at me. Every memory of him lying next to me flooded my vision.
“Of course, boy,” I laughed softly
“This man who sacrificed himself for you. Do you still love him?” His eyes were wild, and my heart raced. He needed confirmation. I didn’t blame him; it had been far too long since we had been together.
“I would be lying if I said that I haven’t felt for others in the time we have been apart. I have lost one to darkness and changed the memories of another. Everything that I have done since he left has been to keep other’s safe. That is why I am here. To save these people.” I yawned. As much as I wanted to have a conversation with him, I felt it best if we were silent. There would be more time for discussions the following morning.
“So, you do still love him?” He smiled. Some of the sparkles had come back into his eyes.
“I will always love him.” I frowned. The tension was thick in the air, I needed to feel him again.
I felt his lips brush mine, and I gasped. It felt as if it had been the longest time since I had felt his kiss. The kiss was sweet and long, as I twined my hands into his hair and pulled him closer to me.
Kissing Wesley was nothing like kissing Adam. With Wesley, it was a dark need, a deep pull. Animalistic if you want to call it that. I had to fight a need to possess him. With Adam, it was emotional. I could feel the beach on my feet. Smell the country air. Everything felt as if it was going to turn into rainbows if I touched it: two different boys, two different feelings. I fell asleep at some point with him watching over me.
While that night would have been perfect for transporting him out of the camp. I was held there by another need. I knew I needed to gain more of Miranda’s trust. I had to figure out an alternative method to get Wesley out because we would not be alone. I had to figure out how to save the others.
****
It was Marshall’s voice that woke me the next morning.
“Miss Prudence?” He touched my shoulder lightly, and my eyes shot open. He jumped back and looked at me.
“What is it, Marshall?” I asked, sitting up. Wesley was still sleeping beside me, his breathing shallow. I had a feeling this was the most sleep the boy had received in a long time.
“Ms. Lilly is requesting your presence in her tent,” he said, his voice stressed.
“Is everything ok?” I asked as I pushed the comforter to the side and grabbed my robe.
“I think so. She wasn’t mad or anything. Said she needed to speak with you.” He fidgeted nervously.
“Ok. I will go now.” I put on my slippers and walked out of the sheer sleeping room. “Marshall?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said.
“Keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn’t leave.” I pointed at the sleeping boy.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied as I left.
The sun was up, and the wind smelled of smoke and ash. I walked across the campsite with my slippered feet until I came upon Miranda’s tent. Stepping inside, I was stunned to see her sitting on her couch with a smile on her face.
“Marshall said you needed to see me. I thought it was important, so I came straight over.” I wrapped my arms around my shoulders.
“That silly boy. You had more than enough time to get dressed,” she laughed. “I wanted to talk to you about something that has come up.”
“Ok,” I said slowly, sitting down on the couch near her and wrapping the robe tighter around me.
“My mother has requested I come see her this evening.” She rolled her eyes.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” I tried to smile, but the look on her face told me it wasn’t a smart move.
“When my mother calls me to see her, it usually means she is upset about something. Do I not provide her with enough prisoners? Are my men not trained enough?” She put her hands to her head.
“Maybe it isn’t anything bad.” I have no idea why I decided to console her.
“The thing is this. I have to go. I usually leave John in charge when I’m out, but I have to take him with me.” She groaned. “I need someone I trust to watch things while I’m gone.”
“Who do you have in mind?” I asked.
“For a telepath, I figured you would know this by now,” she laughed.
“I try not to meddle in people’s heads for too long. If I push it too far, I wind up feeling things that I don’t want to feel,” I said as a cold chill ran up my back.
“I’ve heard that before. It has the potential of weakening your skills. How horrible that must be.” She shook her head back and forth, her red ponytail bobbing.
“Quite.” I looked at my nails and then back at her.
“Well, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to watch over the camp while I’m gone. You know – make sure that the guys don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.” She smiled.
“You trust me enough to allow me to be in charge?” I asked, putting my hand over my chest.
“Yes. You seem shocked,” she laughed.
“Well, I must admit, on some levels, yes I am. I have been on my own so long that I wonder if I can handle taking care of others,” I stated, a rush of excitement running through me.
“It’s not like you have to feed and change them. They know how to take care of themselves. I need a set of eyes to watch out for other things.” She motioned in the air.
“Other things?” I asked.
“There are reports that a band of about a hundred pureblooded creatures are heading this way. If they were to stumble upon the camp, I would need someone to assist in making them disappear.” She cracked an odd smile. Her statement was followed by several seconds of awkward silence. “I am famished. What about you?”
“Yeah, I could eat.” I looked at her while the thoughts were running through my head. Who were these purebloods of whom she spoke? Mona never said anything about there being a group of anything heading this way. The only idea that came to mind was the plan had changed. They must have had Shawn homing in on all my thoughts and actions without as much as a word.
“I almost forgot Wesley is in your tent. I suppose I will have to get things myself this time.” She winked at me.
“He was quite tired.” I stood to assist her.
“Marshall told me you two were up pretty late,” she grinned.
“Oh my, I hope we didn’t keep the boy up.” I placed my hand over my mouth in mock horror.
Miranda laughed. “I told you he was talented.”
I wondered what Marshall had told her. I had no idea when he had come into the tent that night. Whatever he had divulged to her was a lie. I had fallen asleep in Wesley’s arms before he ever came inside.
“So, will you do it?” she asked, pouring some of the left-over blood water into a glass.
“Of course,” I replied as she offered it to me. I looked at it and realized I had no choice. “Do you mind terribly if I run into town for a few hours this afternoon before you leave? I don’t mind the wilderness and all, but I’m a city girl, and I so desperately miss my heels.”
She looked at my feet and laughed.
“My mother said you were going to be an odd one. I will have Marshall escort you to your car. Same precautions as before, he will drive you into town.” She put her glass up in front of her. “Here’s to us.”
“Here’s to us,” I repeated. This was turning out to be far easier than I had anticipated. With Miranda and John gone, I could get the prisoners and the other men to safety.
****
“Hurry up, Miss Prudence,” Marshall said as he helped me over a large stump.
“I would love to hurry, Marshall, I just wish I knew where I was going.” I laughed as I felt his arms tight around my waist.
“You are in good hands. I promise not to drop you.” He led me another few feet, and I felt the smooth bo
dy of my Bentley. I ran my hands up the sides of the car. I could feel the dirt on my fingers.
“Remind me to stop at a car wash once we head back,” I stated, rubbing the dirt off on my jeans.
I heard the passenger door open, and Marshall helped me inside. He walked around and got in on the driver’s side of the car and turned on the ignition.
“I don’t get to do this often,” he laughed as he pulled out of the awkward parking spot.
“What do you mean?” I asked, wishing I could pull the blindfold off my face.
“I have not left the camp since I got here. To get to leave twice in one week, this is wonderful,” he said joyfully.
“Can I take this off yet?” I asked, reaching for the black cloth covering my eyes.
“Yeah, of course.” He put his foot on the gas, and we took off.
“Thank you,” I replied, blinking at the brightness of the sun.
“Miss Prudence, can I ask you something?” he asked as the road began to curve.
“Of course, Marshall, anything.” I closed my eyes. This boy’s driving was going to scare the piss out of me.
“When will they get here?” he asked me, and I was taken by surprise.
“Who?” I looked over at him.
“The group of purebloods.” He smiled at me.
“How did you know about that?” I asked him, raising my eyebrows.
“Miss Prudence, I am far more in tune with what is going on here than you think. Do you believe that the Reaper was getting to Wesley without a little help?” His eyes shot over at me. He was far from a dumb little boy. This man was as smart as a fox.
Wild Fire (Wardens Series Book 3) Page 27
