He gathered his rifle and his belongings and went to holster them onto his horse. He gasped, dropped his knapsack and ran to her as he lay on the ground near the trail.
Chapter Twenty
“Fawna bit her lower lip. Her long fingers dug down into her flesh to try and quiet the fire breathing into her wound. “I—I—I—I’m sorry Chaz, she stumbled. “I promised you I wouldn’t leave the cabin, but I heard a howl and I thought you might need help. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t talk, please don’t talk,” he cried. “You are so brave. I’ve got to get you back to the cabin.”
“I love you, Chaz,” she reached up and stroked his face with her hand. I just met you, but I felt like I’ve known you all my life. You’re the one I was always waiting for. Hoping for... I...I...”
Fawna went rigid before passing out. He scooped her in his arms and rushed her back into the cabin to tend to her wound. The gun had gone off when he dropped it fighting with Brock. It wounded her with the silver bullet meant to protect her from the beast inside him.
“If I lose her, I’ll never forgive myself,” he cried. He felt a queer, constricting ache under his heart. He placed her on the bed and examined the wound. It was bad. The silver bullets he’d had made were hollow point—bullets meant to expand and do more damage to the tissue. He meant to keep her from harm and now he was the one who’d cause the harm to come to her.
As he rushed to gather a bowl with water to wash the wound and a washcloth to place on her head, he couldn’t keep his tears from falling. He cursed his weakness for her, causing him to keep her with him instead of sending her back to the ranch.
He knelt down beside her, praying for her to be ok. Her pulse was so weak.“Oh, God, I can’t lose her.”
A bright circle of light entered the room. So bright, Chaz had to shield his eyes. Like the light of a thousand candles to the tenth power. The illumination grew. It became an incandescent vivid brillance. It took the shape of an ethereal being with long arctic white hair that floated around her—framing her delicate face. Chaz had heard tale of the Empathy Empress, but until now, he’d never laid eyes on her.
Tales of her beauty failed to capture the vision floating before him. Her face gleamed with softness and the tears that flowed down her cheeks froze upon her ivory skin like diamonds. Her big green eyes were full of instant understanding, as if she’d lived centuries seeing misunderstood aliens, giants ostracized as monsters, good witches burned at the stake and mankind feeding upon mankind. Her dress billowed as she floated, decorated with thousands of stars, pointed ones, round ones, bejeweled stars, ones that looked like flowers, stars made of many ringlets—each illuminated with a radiance so bright, her entire being glimmered.
“I’ve been waiting to feel your tears for a very long time, young man.”
Chaz Xanadu wiped his face, unaware until now that his tears were still streaming.
“I’ve killed her. I wanted only to protect her. I’ve failed her.”
“You haven’t killed her. Her wound is deep. But it will not be fatal. She is in the Empathy Slumber.
“Empathy Slumber. But that’s only for, for...”
“For Empathy Fairies. She is my daughter. She has powers she has taken care to hide from the world—powers she doesn’t understand—some she isn’t even aware of. I struck a bargain with her parents that I would never reveal her identity while she was in the Earth Realm.
“They didn’t want her to feel like she was different so they kept her adoption a secret. By agreeing to raise her, they helped me keep her from harm when her life was in danger. I promised I would never interfere until there came a time she would need my help. That time is now. Please. Let me reach her while she’s in her protective slumber. I promise all will be well. You are needed at the Cave of The Ancient Rippers. You have something they need.
He’d forgotten all about the heart he’d ripped from Brock’s souless chest. He had not failed his first mission. But if he lost his true love in the process—it would mean nothing. Sensing his feelings, she floated down and kissed him on the cheek.
“I have waited many years for true love to come to her. You have not broken your promise to her. Your actions have led her to her true destiny.”
When The Empathy Empress kissed him—he felt a warmth he’d never felt before. Like being inside a mother’s womb—safe and secure.
“Go, get the Ripper Case. I will send you to the Cave of The Ancients and once you have turned in your first kill, Rakawah Fee will send you safely back. He ran out to his horse to retrieve the encased heart—anxious to complete his mission and be back by Fawna’s side as soon as possible. He went back into the bedroom and The Empress of Empathy waved her wand—transporting him to The Cave of The Ancients. He left Crystal with Fawna—praying she could save her life.
Fawna felt like she was flying—soaring high above the clouds. When she looked down, she saw The Empress of Empathy floating among them. Fawna flew down and sat beside her. She was the most beautiful being she had ever laid eyes on. “I know you. Once when I was four years old and had a bad fever, my mom was kneeling on the side of my bed praying for you to not let me die. I thought I was dreaming when light flooded the room and you appeared. My mom thought I didn’t hear her—but I did—and I saw you.”
“I know, my dear. I’ve had the privilege of watching over you all your life. Your parents kept you from harm by taking you in. I owe your safety to them.”
“What harm?”
“When I was young myself, a stalker made my life unlivable. He sent threatening messages, called me relentlessly in the middle of the night, even killed my Lead Empathy Fairy Lieutenant. The scary thing about it is we didn’t know who he was. When he threatened to kill my family. I had to send you off to keep you safe. Fawna looked up and saw diamond tears trailing down her mother’s porcelain cheeks. Her sadness pierced Fawna’s heart.
“I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that horror. It must have been terrifying.”
“I had to go into hiding for many years. One of the most scary things about stalkers is they have an agenda that’s completely made up—yet it becomes reality for them. And having a stranger stalk you brings a level of paranoia that almost suspends your ability to live your life. It’s unnerving knowing anyone out there can be your stalker. Even with all my magical powers, it took me many years to solve this frightening mystery.”
“So you caught him.”
“Yes, my dear. But let’s not waste our precious time talking of things past. I’m sure you have questions for me about your magical powers.”
“Why do books appear out of nowhere when I’m in danger?”
“They don’t just appear when you’re in danger, my love.”
“As Empathy Fairies, we perform a small task that keeps the Seven Realms a little more balanced toward good and away from evil.
“You have power to make books materialize to guide you toward the good in your life. It is a skill that improves with practice. You simply have to believe in magic and always tell yourself—I believe in Magic. I will find the answers I seek.
“I believe in magic. I will find the answers I seek.” Fawna repeated.
“Yes. Always believe in magic.”
“But if the books were to guide me toward good, why did Things Are Not What They Seem appear after I’d married Stephen? He was already gay.
“Sometimes, my dear Fawna,” The Empathy Empress told her, reaching out to brush a raven lock behind Fawna’s ear, “you misinterpret who or what the book is meant for.”
Even though it appeared well before you met Brock—he was not at all what he seemed. Because the owner of The Mesa Flying School knew Brock’s parents, he did not do a background check on him. Brock had been in several relationships where he threatened girlfriends, and their families. He had two unsuccessful suicide attempts including suicide by cop, where he tried to get the police to kill him. He was bad news, but he’d already fell through many cracks before he met yo
u.”
Fawna absorbed what her mother had told her. She swallowed. “This magic thing is a little scary for me,” she admitted. “But it does explain why I’ve always wanted to become a pilot. Little did I know—I could already fly.”
“Before I had to whisk you away to safety, when you were very young, you’d soar among the trees. You loved watching Oscar blow white puffy clouds out of his pipe. Fawna couldn’t believe what she’d thought she’d only imagined actually happened. In Magic, you are in the Enchanted Realm. We are now in the FAE Realm.”
“What are the rest?”
“Alien, Animal, Monster, Ghost and Earth.”
“Wow. Finding out about Magic, New Mexico was one thing, but all this—there’s so much more. And I’m so thrilled to meet you—my mother. Now I have two.” She reached out and hugged her new mother and felt all the warmth she had been saving for her.
Fawna looked around. She didn’t even realize they had floated down from the cloud and were now floating in the Magic forest. Only it was different. Everything, the red rock mountains, the waterfalls, the trees that kissed the sky, the emerald colored grass were all illuminated. And there were rainbows glittering everywhere. Waterfalls that went down the mountain as well as up, zebras, peacocks and different types of birds, including the beautiful songbirds were rainbow-colored. And the rich red earth of Magic, glowed in the moonlight as if coated in neon. What Fawna thought were fireflies lighting up the realm were tiny fairies, flitting about sprinkling trails of neon fairy dust everywhere.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Marry me, Fawna. I’d like to feel you’re mine always. And as your husband I want to protect you. Let me be your hawk, your lion, your werelion, your protector. I want to spend a lifetime making you happy. “I’m a lucky guy.”
“Most bridegrooms are,” agreed Fawna.
He crushed Fawna to him with a groan. She pressed closer. “Tomorrow we can be married.” The Empathy Empress had completely healed Fawna. When she came back to the cabin and back into Chaz’s arms her questions had been answered. Best of all she knew he was her true love. She now knew when Alexandru’s Kiss practically fell into her lap on her way to the airport during the limousine ride, it was because she was about to meet Chaz Xanadu. He was the one she was meant to kiss.
The Empathy Empress wanted to let Fawna’s parents know that they’d found each other. She went to the cabin to get Fawna and Chaz— waved her wand and poof—they were in the home where Fawna grew up. Nell was also there to greet them. They embraced Fawna and The Empathy Empress. This time instead of forming into crystallized diamonds, the empress cried crystal tears shaped like hearts.
Fawna introduced them to Chaz and told them what all had happened. “Both Chaz and The Empathy Empress saved my life. Chaz and I are getting married tomorrow and we’d like you to be there. Mom and dad, I’d like both of you to walk me down the aisle alongside Crystal. And Nell, I’d like you to be my maid of honor.” They embraced and Fawna, Chaz and Crystal returned to the cabin. That night, Fawna’s family flew into Albuquerque where Fawan and Chaz had a sleek ebony limo waiting to drive them to the Magic forest.
She’d begun tapping into her feelings of empathy and trusting her instincts, knowing that as long as she believed in herself and the power of her magic, the books that materialized would give her the true answer.
On the day she was visiting the Magic Bridal Shop, she ran into Oscar who was positively giddy.
“What’s up, Fawna?” He asked, knowing she’d return the greeting and he could spill his good news.
“What’s up Oscar? Hello.” She looked eye-level and greeted the Mr. and Mrs. Redneck, who’d begged to stay with Oscar. They’d all become fast friends.
“I get to help The Fates send the plane passengers back to the Earth Realm the day after your wedding. We’re all so excited about your wedding, Fawna.”
“Thanks, me too. I can’t wait to see what kind of music you’ll play, Oscar.”
“Don’t worry, Fawna. I’ve got your playlist right here.” He patted his back pant pocket that held his iPhone. “Achy, Breaky Heart, Boogie Oggie Oggie, This is How We Do It—I’ve got them all—and all your slow songs too.”
“Sounds like you’ve got it handled, Oscar. Now, what’s this about you helping The Fates send the earthlings back to Paris?”
“Oh yeah—I almost forgot! I get to use my slingshot to shoot the plane back into The Earth Realm! They were going to put the plane onto the runway at the Albuquerque Airport, but there’d be too much explaining to do. Instead, The Fates are sending them back into the time warp, right before that bad guy took over the plane. They’ll all be safe. I’ve been practicing all day!”
“I’m sure you’ll do a great job Oscar. Well, I’ve got to get back to The Carson Castle. I’ve still got a lot of planning to do before the big day.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Oscar.” Fawna did the greeting she’d seen Oscar do with Chaz and the twins. Two snaps of her fingers and a quick shake of her hips from left to right.
“You got it goin’ on, Fawna,” he exclaimed returning her coolness greeting with two snaps of his huge fingers and jockeying his hips left to right.
“Wow, that’s so cool!” Said Mr. Redneck. “Can you show me that, Oscar?”
“Sure.”
Fawna looked back, laughing as Oscar was teaching them the moves.
She’d fallen in love with so many of the residents in Magic, but Oscar was one of her favorites. She looked forward to the wedding and the reception and dance afterward. She, The Fates, Tory and the other women in the town were going to get to dance with Oscar. Nonny and Topper took turns making one of them his size or vice versa so he could get some of his dance moves in between his DJ duties.
She was also thrilled that Robert Chavez had made a full recovery from the wounds he suffered at the hands of Brock Adams and would be able to attend the wedding. He was staying with the Carson family.
The Empathy Empress illuminated the FAE Realm in all its glory, allowing the residents of Magic along with the 200 passengers visiting the town to attend.
Troy was well enough to be Chaz’s best man. Nell was the maid of honor and Tory was the bridesmaid. Oscar did the town proud as the DJ, playing Tony Bennet’s slower version of Fly Me To The Moon as the couple’s solo dance. Chaz and Fawna took to the floor first, then everyone else joined in. All the Empathy Fairies and the Fairies of the Forest glittered up the sky.
It was the most magical thing any of them had ever seen. But there was even more to come. Once the celebration was over, Crystal brought the newlyweds to the center of the forest. “I have a special treat for both of you.” She hugged and kissed them, then touched the top of Fawna’s head with her incandescent wand turning Fawna into a flying fairy with glorious iridescent wings.
Then she touched the top of Chaz’s head and he became a magnificent sable colored hawk striped with wings of white and gold. “Fly to the moon my dears, a surprise awaits.” Chaz and Fawna took off, shooting towards the celestial body together. Once they arrived at their destination, they landed on the pure white chrysanthemum ring glimmering the moon. It was magnificent.
When their feet touched down on the cushion of the cluster, they transformed back into their human selves. Fawna ran a quarter of the way down the ring, delighting in the softness of the flowers as they touched her feet. Chaz laughed as he watched her run, dance then twirl. She was beautiful in all her naked glory. And the moonbeams gave her skin an illuminating glow. Chaz pulled her into his arms and while they danced on the marshmallow softness of the florets, Moon Dance by Van Morrison played from the tips of the blooms.
When the song ended, Chaz looked into her eyes. He grabbed her face and kissed her deep. She looked up at him. He was magnificently gorgeous. His glorious hair grew even thicker—resembling the mighty mane of the lion that roared with desire inside him. Desire for the woman he was about to make his mate forever.
He looked at Fawna with naked w
ant in his eyes. They took on a golden glow. He pulled her to him and began planting wanton—hungry kisses on her neck—feasting his eyes on her throbbing vein.
His fangs grew as he threw his head back and growled then bit into the honey-golden flesh of her neck. She gasped at the prick of pain, then drank in the ecstasy of his pure desire.
Instead of her blood bleeding red, it was iridescent—the mother-of-pearl color of fairy blood. It trickled down her body then onto the mums while he drank—giving the flowers that circled the moon a variegated glow. Chaz growled with pleasure at the taste of the sweet nectar. It was the most satisfying liquid he’d ever consumed. He had to all but force himself to pull back from his overwhelming need to drink her intoxicating blood.
His touch had her hypnotized. She grabbed Chaz’s muscled ass and enjoyed his caress while he drank. Then she moved her hands down to clasp them around his steely thighs. He grasped her about her shoulders then bit down hard on her flesh to mark her his forever. She cried out then moaned as he pressed closer to her.
He fondled her breasts with his huge hands, suckling her nipples with his moist and warm mouth—causing her to cry out. Then he searched her flesh and explored her mound with his fingers. He gently stroked her—making her dizzy with pleasure—then he scooped her up into his arms. Fawna straddled her creamy caramel thighs around him—moist with a raw ache to have him inside her.
And when he took her, she was almost taken aback at the size and hardness of him. He entered her forcefully then began grinding his hips—thrusting, as she wriggled her ass to match his movements. Never had she felt such pain mixed with utter rapture.
Flying Fawna Page 9
