Enthrall

by Sandra R Neeley

  “But…”

  “But nothing. Eat your biscuit.”

  Scowling, Felicity lifted the biscuit to her mouth and took a bite. She chewed as she thoughtfully stared out of the window, thinking over Mamaie’s words.

  Mamaie allowed Felicity a few moments of silence while she ate her biscuit before addressing the subject again.

  When she handed Mamaie the empty cup, Mamaie said, “Well?”

  “Well, what?” Felicity asked.

  “Do you trust him?” Mamaie asked gently. “Do you believe Mr. Enthrall is good?”

  Felicity thought about it only for a second. “Yes. He is.”

  “Then it doesn't matter what you saw, now, does it?” Mamaie asked as she lifted the tray with the remnants of Felicity’s tea on it to take it back to the kitchen.

  “No, I guess not,” she answered weakly. “But…!”

  “But what, child?”

  “But what is he?” Felicity asked forcefully, concern and confusion written all over her face, her body twisted where she sat on the bed to better see Mamaie as she left her room.

  Mamaie laughed and laughed. “Open your eyes, child, he’s yours.”

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Enthrall ghosted into the darkness of his own living room. He walked silently the few steps into the kitchen and rummaged around in the kitchen drawer for the matches he kept there. He struck one and held it to the oil lamp, instantly throwing a warm glow around the room and into the adjoining living room. He smiled. Home. He loved being home. The only thing that would make him love it more was when Felicity would be there to share it with him.

  He walked out onto his porch and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds, feeling for anything out of place. All was peaceful. He sighed, grinned to himself and went back inside. He went around his home lighting the oil lamps in each of the rooms, his intention to let all who saw his home, and the light emanating from it, know that he was back for a little while at least. He took a piece of sarsaparilla root from the basket in his pantry and put it to boil on his stove. Just a few minutes and he’d have a cup of tea to enjoy in the peace and quiet. When it was done, he poured himself a cup and took a seat in his favorite rocker on his porch. Sipping and smiling, looking around at changes that had taken hold in the short time he’d been gone. True, he’d been back the night Rowan had released the Windigo, but he’d been rushed and left right away after Lore told him that Felicity was ill.

  He regarded the scorch marks on the ground between his and Destroy’s home.

  Just as he set his cup aside and prepared to walk out into the yard to inspect the marks more closely, the front door to Destroy’s home opened, and the Goyle himself walked out, calling to Enthrall.

  “Welcome home!”

  “Hello, Destroy.”

  “Rowan said she saw your lantern glow, so I came to investigate.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your keeping watch.”

  “Gotta make sure all is as it should be.”

  While Enthrall poked around the scorched ground, Destroy kept pace beside him.

  “Looks like an impressive fire took place here.”

  “Not exactly, it was lightning. Rowan called down the storms to cleanse Ata’halne. The lightning did its job well.”

  “Apparently.”

  Done poking around in the burned spots, Enthrall turned his attention to Destroy. “Is he well?”

  “Seems to be. I tracked him to Aubreigne’s home. She’s taken him in. Accepted responsibility for him. She didn’t let me see him personally, but then, I didn’t push very hard either.”

  Enthrall smiled. “She unnerves you, still.”

  Destroy didn’t even try to deny it. “Yes, she does. But not as much as before. Since I’ve mated, the pull isn’t as strong. Her voice is still a bit hypnotizing, but nothing I couldn’t resist.”

  “She’s very aware of it. It’s why she keeps to herself and shrouds her voice in whisper when she must interact.”

  Destroy nodded, “Yeah, I feel bad for her. Never knowing if someone loves you for who you are, or if they’re hypnotized by the very sound of your voice. And even further, worried the sound of your own voice may attract one that becomes so obsessed he hounds your every move in an effort to win you over.”

  Enthrall nodded. “Have you been back?”

  “No. Murder is hanging around her place. Often. So I haven’t been back. I told him to call me if I’m needed. It’s better this way. She feels threatened by my presence, but not by Murder’s.”

  “It’s because of their history. She knows he would never hurt her, nor become entranced by her.”

  Destroy brightened, his face clearly showing his change in emotions. “How is Felicity? Is she with you?” he asked, looking back at Enthrall’s home.

  “No. She’s back at Clara’s House. She’s holding her own. Mamaie’s made a concoction of herbs and other ingredients to try to boost her strength. I still don’t know if she’s aware of her illness. But I don’t sense any further decline at this point.”

  “Haven’t you claimed her yet? Wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

  Enthrall shrugged. “Presumably. But, I don’t believe she’d ever forgive me if I took that choice from her. I want to win her over. Have her choose me. Love me. Then offer her the choice.”

  “And if she chooses to die a human?”

  Enthrall shoved his hands in the pockets of his breeches. “You sound just like Mamaie.” He shrugged. “Hopefully, it’s something I’ll never have to face. For now, I’m hoping just to win her love and then go from there.”

  A female voice called from Destroy’s home. “Ribbons? I’m going to go ahead to bed. Okay?”

  Enthrall and Destroy both looked up to find Rowan leaning on the door jamb of Destroy’s front door. She was wearing a silken robe and was toying with the belt it was tied closed with.

  “Hello, Enthrall! Welcome home!” she called.

  “Hello, Rowan, thank you! It’s good to be here.”

  Destroy watched his woman standing in the doorway toying with the silken tie of her robe, the same one she allowed him to tie her hands with from time-to-time when they played in their bedroom. He licked his lips, and the fire in his eyes began to spark. “Enthrall, since you’re back for now, and my woman is standing there like that,” he paused, looking from Rowan to meet Enthrall’s amused gaze, “I’m going to leave you to it. I have better things to do at the moment.”

  Enthrall laughed, slapping him on the back. “I completely understand. Go get her, Destroy.”

  Destroy started toward Rowan, changing his walk to an actual stalk. “I’m coming for you, woman,” he growled low and deep.

  She feigned surprise. “I didn’t say you could come to bed. I said I was going to bed!” she teased, easing back into the house and allowing the door to swing gently closed.

  “You’re not going to bed either — at least not to sleep. You’re going to be awake for a while yet. If I have my way, you’ll be awake until the sun rises. And I will have my way!” Destroy stalked onto his porch, rushing through his front door and slamming it behind him.

  Enthrall heard the light footsteps echoing through the house as Rowan ran from Destroy, a squeal on her lips and the heavy footfalls of Destroy as he gave chase.

  Enthrall grinned, laughing again. A lot had changed — for the better. He hoped that soon he’d be able to bring his own bride back home to Whispers. And that she’d love the community, the place and the people as he did. He had no doubt they’d love her.

  He looked down at the burned mark in the grass again, and decided he needed to go visit this new member of his community. And to make sure that Aubreigne was well. He glanced up at the moon; it was too late to go calling on them tonight. He’d have to wait until morning. Looked like he’d be spending the night.

  Chapter 8

  Felicity sat on the end of her bed, wrapped in a quilt, her eyes glued to the grounds where she’d last seen Enthrall. She was determined t
o see him return, to assure herself of what she thought she’d seen. The shadows cast in the darkness by the moonlight played tricks on her eyes, making her think she was seeing things she wasn’t really seeing. And as the night wore on, she fought fatigue, refusing to give in to her yawns and watering eyes. Eventually, sleep claimed her, her dreams whisking her away to a fantasy world filled with mythological creatures, Enthrall standing strongest among them.

  The morning sun shining in her eyes let her know that she’d fallen asleep at some point, and she’d missed his return. Slowly she unfolded her long legs from the cocoon of the quilt she’d spent the night in and stood stretching her body again. Her neck was stiff, her knees aching from being curled in a ball and sleeping in such an uncomfortable position all night, but the ever present soreness near her lungs overshadowed them all. She inhaled a deep breath, which caused her to cough a little irritating cough and let it out slowly blowing through her lips. Slowly she repeated the action, and the cough thankfully didn’t come this time. It seemed to help her get a fuller breath when she breathed out slowly through her mouth. She hurried to wash her face, pull her hair back and pin it up, and put on a crisp, clean lady’s business suit. She’d be visiting the hospital this morning on Anna’s behalf and possibly would have additional stops to make dependent on what she learned at the hospital. She needed to look her best. She put a little lipstick on her lips and then smudged a bit on her cheekbones as well. She peeked in the mirror, satisfied with her preparations, she left her room and headed toward the kitchen for breakfast.

  She found herself hurrying down the hallway, anxious to see Enthrall. The reality of the night and the imaginary figures the shadows painted on the grasses and trees in the darkness had her convinced that it was just her imagination. He’d not disappeared before her eyes. She’d simply lost him in the shadows of the trees as he enjoyed the night air. Felicity nodded to herself, yes, that was it. Convinced of her deduction, she first went into the kitchen, knowing both she and Enthrall preferred to eat there, rather than the pretentious dining room. He was not there, there were no plates set. So she went through the swinging door into the dining room. There she found Anna and her children having breakfast with Gheorghe and Oksana.

  “Good morning,” Oksana called cheerily.

  “Good morning. How is everyone this morning?” Felicity asked, obviously distracted.

  “It’s a beautiful day. Have you been outside yet?” Oksana asked.

  “Not yet.” Felicity looked around the dining room once more. “I was hoping to speak with Enthrall. Has he already had breakfast?”

  “We haven’t seen him this morning. Maybe he’s sleeping in,” Gheorghe answered.

  “Maybe.” Felicity said, but she had a feeling he wasn’t there. He always rose much earlier than she did and was waiting for her when she came in for breakfast. “I think I’ll go check. He may want to go with me today.”

  Felicity went straight back to Enthrall’s room. She knocked on his door calling out, “Enthrall? Are you awake? Do you want to come to the hospital with me this morning?”

  There was no answer. She knocked several more times before finally opening his door. She peeked her head inside and looked around. No Enthrall. And his bed had not been slept in. She pushed the door fully open and went inside. She walked over to the window and peered out. His windows had the same view she did. Felicity turned back to his bed and walked over to it. She gently slid her fingertips across his pillow. Then she picked it up and held it to her face, inhaling his scent. Felicity let out a gentle moan, wrapping her arms around the pillow and pressing her head against it.

  “Guess he’s not here,” Mamaie called from just inside the doorway.

  Felicity tossed the pillow back onto the bed and spun to face Mamaie. “There you are! I couldn’t find you.”

  “And you thought I was in Mr. Enthrall’s room?”

  “Well, no. But I couldn’t find him either. Is he here?”

  “I haven’t seen him. But I’m sure he’ll be back, wherever he is. Come, let’s have our breakfast. I have some warm muffins I made for you this morning and some fresh sliced pears.”

  Felicity glanced around Enthrall’s room once more before nodding and walking out into the hall. “Okay. I was hoping to see him, but I have a lot to do today. I really need to get started.” As Felicity led the way down the hall, she didn't see Mamaie reach out and tug her bedroom door closed as they went by. Mamaie had been inside Felicity’s room, placing healing herbs beneath her mattress and adding flakes of Enthrall’s blood to the glass pitcher of drinking water kept at her bedside.

  “Like I said, he’ll be back.”

  “I hope so,” Felicity answered.

  “I know so.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because you are here, dear. And you are all he can see.”

  Felicity thought about Mamaie’s words, while she picked at her muffin and sipped the tea that Mamaie insisted she have at every meal and right before bed.

  “I think you’re mistaken, Mamaie. If he cared as you say, he wouldn’t keep secrets about who he is.”

  “With all your intelligence, you certainly don’t know a thing about men, do you?” Mamaie asked from the other side of the small kitchen table where they shared their breakfast.

  Felicity chuckled. Rather than be offended, she had to concede that Mamaie was onto something. “No, I really never took the time for the company of many men. I’m rather ignorant where men and relationships are concerned.”

  “Well, let me tell you, then. A man has a secret, he won’t tell you until he’s sure you’ll be okay with it.”

  “Really? Every time?”

  “Not every time, but certainly any time a man truly loves a woman. Until he’s sure she loves him back, it’s like pulling teeth to get him to open up. Like little boys. Secretive little boys. Fools if you ask me. The secrets are what make you fall in love. The little pieces that they won’t share with anyone but you. Those are the parts, the ones reserved just for you, that draw you to them.”

  Felicity smiled to herself, thinking that everything Enthrall did drew her to him. Nothing more than just a slight turn of his head, or a flare of his eyes, an upturn of the corner of his mouth and her entire body was zinging.

  “What’s that smile for?” Mamaie asked.

  “Nothing, just thinking.”

  “Of what?”

  Felicity didn’t answer, just smiled bigger.

  Suddenly, the swinging door leading into the dining room swung open and Anna stepped into the room, all smiles and a bundle of nerves. Her face flushed with excitement. “Miss Felicity? Are you ready to go? Mrs. Oksana has the kids outside distracting them, so we can go without too much fuss.”

  “Yes! Just let me get my briefcase, and I’ll join you in the carriage out front,” Felicity answered.

  Felicity looked at Mamaie, “I was hoping that Enthrall would join us, but we’re going to have to go ahead without him. If he comes back, please let him know where we are.”

  “I will. You go ahead now. And here, take this for a snack a little later.” Mamaie handed her another muffin wrapped in a cloth napkin. “Here’s one for Anna. Do not get them mixed up. Hers is different from yours.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll make sure.”

  Moments later, Mamaie stood on the front steps waving as Felicity and Anna headed off for their appointment with the hospital administrator. She closed the door behind her and went back to Felicity’s room, to finish placing herbs around it to ward off the sickness she believed she could fight without Felicity ever knowing.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Enthrall stretched his arms above his head, stretching his 6’4” frame off both ends of the sofa he reclined on. He’d decided to just rest on the sofa as sleeping without Felicity near had proved near impossible. He laid there for a moment listening to the sounds of the birds and the creatures awaking in the swamps surrounding his home. It had been so long since he’d spent any
length of time away from here, that he’d forgotten the sense of peace that had originally drawn him to this place. He stretched once more, then rose from the sofa and went to the bathroom to wash his face and get his day started. The sooner he took care of his people, the sooner he could get back to Felicity. He frowned at his own reflection in the mirror. He missed Felicity, wanted to be near her now — right now. But he was sad at the thought of leaving Whispers. He didn’t want to go back to the city. He reached a hand up and smeared away the steamy image of himself reflected in the mirror from the hot water flowing into the bathroom sink. Soon — soon she’d be here with him; then, he wouldn’t have to feel pulled between his mate and his home.

  He finished cleaning up and walked outside, pulling his door closed behind him. He could have just ghosted to Aubreigne’s home, but decided he’d rather walk. Take his time and enjoy the morning. He could also visit a few others along the way.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  “So, you see, Mr. Andersen, we are interested in setting up a program that would assist any of our ladies the opportunity to volunteer their time here, while at the same time learning skills that could be used to support themselves. Ultimately, that, of course, is the goal. To have them be able to support themselves and their children. To have a better life, provided by their own hands.”

  “I do like the idea. But one cannot just begin nursing. It takes training and education.”

  “Of course,” Felicity answered.

  “We do, however, always have need of volunteers.” Mr. Andersen sat back and tapped his fingertips together thoughtfully. “Perhaps we could speak with our head nurses about setting up training programs around the volunteer program. An entry into the field, so to speak.”