The Dark Pretender

by Nikki Jefford

  The tears I held back felt like they were flowing inward, clogging up my throat. I took a large swig of lemonade and struggled to swallow past the lump embedded in my throat.

  “What are we in for tonight?” Arli asked, pressing his arms over the table.

  “Dancing, drinking, gaming—all the fun stuff,” Helio answered.

  “Think you can win back what you lost last night?” Vocla asked with a snort.

  Arli glared at Vocla. “Ilrune got lucky.”

  “Five silvers lucky.” Vocla laughed.

  I set my tankard down and played with the smooth teardrop-shaped turquoise pendant hanging around my neck from a long silver chain. I’d bought it on a vacation to Mexico in the mortal realm with my parents, Aunt Mel, Uncle Ryo, Uncle Lyklor, and my cousins. I wondered what kind of fun they were getting into at the solar eclipse festival. What new sights were they seeing? Which new foods were they tasting?

  Fresh tears flooded my eyes—the kind that refused to stay back. I blinked them away, then cleared my throat.

  “Perhaps tonight I will earn my own silvers if Miss Naedove is still up for campaigne. I am feeling lucky today.” I was feeling no such thing, but my words made Helio’s face light up with glee.

  “My golden arrow is back. Show Arli how it’s done.”

  Arli scowled, which made Helio laugh.

  The males kept up their grating banter. All the while, I toyed with my piece of turquoise, wishing I was with my family. I thought they’d never leave. By the time their chairs scraped back, I was so lost in misery I hardly noticed them departing until Helio bent down and kissed my forehead. His cheeks were rosy from drinking. He had on the boyish smile that had once fooled me.

  “You took my breath away earlier.” He even sounded reverent, as though truly in awe of me.

  Recalling the way Alok’s fingers had brought me to orgasm, I was able to flash Helio an assertive smile.

  “I will take it away again tonight in my ballerina ballgown,” I said with a flirty tone. “I’ve been saving it as a surprise for the right evening. Today feels special.” Especially since I intended to leave Amberhill during the ball and never look back. My grin widened.

  Helio raked his eyes over me. He moistened his lips. “Tell me your courses have ended.”

  “They have.”

  He smirked. “Tonight then, Fraya.”

  As soon as he left, I went to my room and selected the darkest, most practical gown I’d packed for the trip to Goldendale. In a basket, I placed a pair of sturdy leather shoes, a small purse filled with coins, and the folded-up gown, then pulled dried flowers from a vase and arranged them on top. Once the arrangement looked pretty, I looped my arm around the basket, checked my reflection in the mirror, and left my room.

  Strolling at an even gait, I made my way to the carriage house. Taking care that the coast was clear, I unlatched the door and entered the dim outbuilding filled with carriages. The variety ranged from simple to elegant. Neighboring elves had taken open carriages while guests from afar, like me, had arrived in comfortable enclosed carriages. Father had insisted I take our best chariot, with its blue wool-and-silk upholstery and painted wood interior. Excluding the windows, everything inside was padded and cozy.

  Seeing that familiar piece of home pulled at my heartstrings, giving me a small burst of hope. I hurried over to the carriage, set down my basket, and ran my hand along the lancewood shaft. I still had to leave it behind, but at least it would give me a familiar place to change after I left the ball. I planned to ditch the gown for the travel dress and walk away while everyone was drunk, dancing, and gaming. I’d make my way to the nearest inn, where I’d hire a coach or buy myself a horse if there was one to be had. I’d rather be holding the reins when I made my escape.

  The squeak of the latch from outside the carriage house door made me whip around, readying a lie for whichever servant was about to happen upon me. There was no reason for the staff to bother with the carriages during the week. I was already frowning with irritation. I couldn’t seem to get a single second to myself this week.

  It wasn’t a servant who entered and latched the door behind him, but Alok.

  I fisted the turquoise pendant below my breasts and squeezed tightly. “Did you follow me?” I demanded.

  Alok put his hands inside his pockets, then took them back out. “Yes,” he said, stepping forward. “I’m sorry about earlier.”

  I had said I couldn’t hate him. That was before he’d so callously teased my senses only to leave me waiting. Maybe he’d done me a favor, because I hated him now.

  “Save your apologies, Alok. I really don’t give a fig.”

  He walked over, frowning. “Are you going somewhere?”

  I snorted. “Right now? I wish.” I turned away from him to place my palm against the carriage. “This is my family’s.”

  “It’s nice,” Alok said stiffly.

  I’d been given so many advantages, only to end up in this bitter place. I was ready to leave the past behind, including Alok—or so I told myself. He’d blown it big time. I wouldn’t let him toy with me again.

  Loosening my hold on my pendant, I faced him with a straight spine and my head lifted high in the air. “You’ve made your apology. Now leave me alone.”

  Alok’s dark eyebrows drew in. “What are you doing in here?”

  “None of your business. Why are you asking me?” I folded my arms, not waiting for an answer—not wanting one. “I’m leaving tonight. I wish I was leaving right now.” My chest heaved. “I can’t wait to be away from this place. From Helio. From you!” I yelled.

  Alok’s eyes widened as if he’d been struck. The whites of his teeth flashed in the dim outbuilding as he snarled. His hand shot out. I dove to the side, thinking he would grab me, but it was the handle of the carriage door he tore open. Then he did seize me. He spun me around and pushed me into the carriage by my bottom, climbing in over me as I crawled over the plush narrow space between benches. Once clear of the door, Alok closed us inside together.

  I heard the sound of cloth tearing before my skirt was flipped over my back. My traitorous body sagged beneath his weight, already drenched in welcoming invitation to be taken right there on the floor of my family’s carriage. My mouth was in on the treachery, a moan ripping from my lips at the press of Alok’s shaft against my sex. The tip of him pushed at my entrance, then paused. When he entered me, a million stars exploded, plunging me into darkness and ecstasy.

  The carriage rocked precariously on its axles as Alok thrust inside me. There was nothing to hold on to—no blankets or pillows. I couldn’t even grasp at Alok. He had me trapped between the benches with his body arched over my back and his cock embedded deep inside me. I rocked back, egging him on. When I shoved rearward, he growled and tore my sleeves down my arms, freeing my breasts. They swayed with the wagon, forward and back.

  Outside, the wheels creaked as though the carriage was in motion. A tempest gathered below my belly. I wanted to flip around and wrench Alok’s jacket off, but I was trapped beneath his rocking hips. Every time he thrust forward, bolts of lightning raced through my veins. The pleased sounds I made stimulated his fervor. His hands left my hips to cup my bare breasts. I mewled as I felt the firm grip of his fingers on my sensitive skin.

  “Sky above,” Alok rasped.

  As far as I was concerned, the sky had no place here. We had entered a universe of our own. It was dark, but it was our own sacred space where we could be one. I should have balked at the thought of having an Elmray on my back—a faerie—a traitor between my legs, dominating me, body and soul. All that faded into the expanse until it was just Alok and me, joined by destiny. Against all odds, we’d met—a girl and a boy from two entirely different realms. Despite all obstacles, we’d been reunited.

  I felt like I was going supernova before my first orgasm hit me. Alok pulled out, turned me around, and entered me again.

  Inky hair spilled past pale cheekbones and over broad shoulders. His
eyes blazed with hunger. His beauty left me speechless. As he rocked against me, I stared into his eyes, transfixed.

  Alok pinned my wrists over my head, quickening his pace until I was panting again. The carriage shook all around us. Several times, I worried Alok would tip it clean over.

  There wasn’t even a sheen of sweat on his brow. He looked like he could go for days.

  After bringing me to my next orgasm, I pleaded with him. “Please, Alok. Please.” My body was a limp sack beneath him, warm and satiated. Now I needed him to take me fully. I lifted my hips. “Take me,” I demanded as my back rose off the floor. I raked my nails down his back.

  Alok’s nostrils flared. With a growl, he gripped my hips and drove into me, hips pumping with more speed than I could fathom. His body gave a violent jerk that wrenched his head back with a guttural moan right before he emptied inside of me.

  Alok was still twitching when he collapsed over me. I pushed at his chest until he pulled away with a wince.

  “Sorry.”

  I pulled the straps of my dress back over my shoulders, then lifted myself onto the bench, smoothing my skirt over my knees. Alok adjusted his pants and took the seat opposite. The windows were fogged over, reminding of misty mornings in Pinemist.

  Unable to help myself, I grinned and said, “Lovely day for a ride, don’t you think?”

  Alok gave a chuckle before sobering up. He shook his head, gaze intent on mine. “Fraya—”

  “Don’t worry about it.” I grabbed the turquoise pendant and rubbed it between my thumb and pointer fingers, suddenly unable to meet his eyes.

  “Fraya,” he said again, getting onto his knees in front of me, gazing up. My adrenaline spiked. “I don’t know how to live without you.”

  His anguished words tore through my chest, straight to my heart. Tears fell down my cheeks.

  “I don’t want us to be apart,” I cried. I pulled his lips to mine, then wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him until we were gasping for breath.

  My bruised lips slid down Alok’s neck. I buried my face in his chest, holding on to him tightly. I inhaled his scent with its faint trace of winter pine and the muffled stench that still lingered. I didn’t care. I didn’t want to let go.

  Alok’s arms were shaking. “I have nothing to offer you, Fraya. No currency. No connections. No home.”

  “I don’t care,” I said stubbornly.

  He shook his head sadly. “An orphan and now an exile. I suppose my life was doomed from the moment of conception.”

  “Don’t say that. Everything that happened brought us together. Or am I part of your cursed existence?” I challenged.

  “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “Are you sure about that?” I ran my fingers over his arm—the one I’d shot when we were teenagers.

  “I’d take a thousand arrows for you.”

  Normally, a comment like that would pierce my heart, but when Alok looked at me the way he did, it felt like the whole world had been swallowed by his gaze. It was hard to think of anything else.

  “I mean it,” Alok said. “You had every right to shoot me. I was an idiot.”

  “You don’t still secretly covet the crown?”

  “I never did. Not really. My mom said it was my duty to avenge my father. I just wish I could do it all over—find a way to win you some other way.”

  “Well, a crown would not have worked.” I huffed. “You’re such a fool, Alok Elmray. You won me over from the very start just by being you.” Alok’s mouth opened and closed. He gazed at me a moment longer before pulling me against him. Every time Alok kissed me, he brought me back to life. “Don’t go back to Faerie,” I gasped.

  “What?” Alok’s eyes widened.

  “Don’t leave at the end of the week. Stay in the elven realm with me.” The possibility made me feel giddy.

  Alok kept staring at me in disbelief. “How would that even work?”

  “We’ll find a way to make it work.”

  “What about your father? He’d gut me for sure.”

  “Let me handle my dad.”

  “And Ryo and Lyklor?”

  I pushed my hair back. “I’ll talk to them, too. Ryo’s your uncle. We just need to convince him you were young and stupid.”

  Alok frowned. “I threatened his family.”

  “Emphasis on young and stupid.”

  Alok shook his head. “He’ll never forgive me, and I don’t blame him.”

  “Well, he’s gonna have to. He and everyone else, because I never stopped loving you, and I won’t lose you again.”

  Alok lifted himself off the ground and sat beside me, taking my hand, lacing our fingers together. My heart felt full to bursting. This could work. We could be together. We could overcome the shadows of the past and find happiness.

  “I never stopped loving you, either,” Alok said softly. “I wish it were as easy as simply apologizing to your family.” Nothing about this situation was easy, but it was doable. I wanted to shake him. “Right now, I think the most important thing is getting you away from Helio Moongold. How can I help?”

  “Got it covered,” I said with a grin. “I have a change of clothes in the basket outside the carriage. After Helio and I dance, I’ll invite him to my room, where I’ll blow the sleeping dust over him.” I gave Alok a grateful pat on the leg before continuing. “Then I’ll make a final appearance in the ballroom before slipping away to the carriage house, changing, and sneaking off by the light of the moon. I estimate a little over an hour’s walk to the nearest inn. There I will procure transportation to Pinemist.”

  Alok squeezed my hand. “I hate that plan.”

  “Inviting Helio back to my room?” I nodded my understanding. That part made me cringe, but I’d have him knocked out in no time.

  “And walking alone in the dark—all of it,” Alok said.

  I shrugged. “This region is known for being safe, especially if I have a dark-haired Fae for an escort.” I leaned against Alok. “Come with me.”

  He glanced down at his feet, at the spot where we’d coupled, and hesitated. “What about my sister?”

  “Bring her with us. Ryo should meet her—so should the twins. You’re all family. Maybe her presence will soften up my uncle. I’m sure if we explain the situation to Aunt Mel, she won’t be so cruel as to send you back to your mother.”

  During the short time my aunt had been trapped with Alok’s parents, she’d acquired a deep loathing for them both—especially for Oreal.

  Alok sat up. “I will escort you to Pinemist. I can teleport back to Frostweather from there.”

  “Or stay with me.” I squeezed his hand.

  Alok squeezed back twice. I repeated the motion, drawing a smile from his lips.

  “My sister will need to come with us. After Helio wakes up and discovers that you and I have both left Amberhill, it won’t take long to put two and two together. I can’t leave Reyna behind.”

  I nodded. “It’s settled.”

  “I’m taking you home,” Alok said firmly. “I’ve never been to Pinemist, or I could open a direct portal there.”

  “Did you ever travel near Pinemist?” I asked, curious if he had ever come close to seeking me out over the years.

  Alok shook his head. “We stayed as far away from there as we could to avoid running into my uncle—or your dad.”

  Oh, well. The journey would give me more time to convince Alok to stay—time to work up the courage to tell him I was pregnant. Would the news of another male’s child in my womb drive him away or bring out his protective instincts?

  I wanted to trust Alok, but I still remembered his sneering words back at Dahlquist Castle telling me that Lulu wasn’t his real mother. How would he feel about a child that wasn’t his?

  I pulled my hand free from Alok’s to clutch my stomach. “You should leave first, in case anyone is outside,” I said.

  Alok folded his hands in his lap. “I’ll wait for you to leave first, then meet up
later.”

  “Like last time?” I snorted.

  “I’m sorry about that. My sister stopped me and was going to follow me to your room if I didn’t accompany her riding.” Alok tugged at his hair and sighed in exasperation.

  Reyna wasn’t going to be happy when she found out we were leaving the party together early. At least her concern for her brother would keep her in line.

  “You go first this time,” I insisted. “Then I will find you later.”

  Alok rubbed his chin. He took his time exiting the carriage. After stepping out, he paused outside the door and looked over his shoulder. “Be careful.”

  I nodded. “I will.”

  After Alok left, I closed the door and sank back into the cushioned bench, allowing myself a moment to remain cocooned in my family’s carriage. It was the first place I’d felt secure since arriving at Amberhill. My body still pulsed with pleasure, and my heart swelled with hope. I stayed behind, giving Alok plenty of time to return to the manor.

  But when I stepped out of the carriage house, I found Taine waiting, leaning against the outer wall, beside the door. He tossed a green apple into the air and caught it. Tossed and caught. The moment our eyes met, his lips lifted into an eager grin. “Jackpot.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Fraya

  My heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

  “What are you talking about?” I demanded. Maybe he hadn’t seen Alok leaving. I very much doubted it. But it still didn’t mean anything. Taine had no idea what had occurred inside. He could only assume.

  Taine pushed off the wall, bit into the apple, and tossed it over his shoulder into the grass. I glared at him. “I bet Vocla that you and the prince would be fucking before the week was up.”

  I scowled. “You’re insane. I hate that Fae bastard.” Good thing I could lie. I wasn’t about to let Orange Head here ruin all our plans by ratting us out.

  Taine smirked. “You hate Helio, and you let him fuck you.” When my jaw dropped, Taine laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. Everyone knows that your heart will always belong to Conall. I think even Helio knows it and doesn’t care. But he will care that you’re spreading your legs for one of his guests.”