Protecting Shaylee

by Elle Christensen

  “What should be him?” I ask, my voice full of confusion.

  Aden winks at me, but ignores my question and returns to his station at the window. I look to my aunt with a raised brow, expecting answers, but she just shakes her head and whispers, “In time. Beautiful. In time.” At this point, I’m getting a little annoyed at all the cryptic conversation. I can’t keep the irritation from coming out in a huff as I turn on my heel and return to the kitchen.

  My mother sends me back out with a tray laden with tea cups and a steaming pot of English Breakfast—my favorite. My three best friends arrive and we sit down to chat for a while. Throughout the conversation, their eyes keep straying to Aden. Not that I blame them. Cassidy and Julie’s expressions are of awe because, lets be honest, Aden is gorgeous. We met in college, so they have no clue as to who he is. Brenna, however, has been my best friend since we were five years old. She was the one I went to with my broken heart, crying over Aden for weeks. I built a wall around my heart, numbing myself in an attempt to assuage the pain from the hole he left in my life. She remembers what that did to me, and I can see the questions and worry in her eyes.

  All I can do is shrug. I have no idea why he has shown up here. Aden doesn’t lie—ever. So, there is some truth to wanting to see me on my birthday. I can feel the stirrings of of hope inside me. Really, Shaylee? Because hoping worked out so well for you the last time? And the time before that? And…do you see where I’m going here? I mentally give myself a good, hard slap back to reality and immediately squash those feelings down.

  Mom comes out front the kitchen and announces that dinner is ready so we all shuffle into the dining room. She points out our seating arrangements and I inwardly cringe when I see that she put me next to Aden. Being in close proximity to his sexy body is so not what I need right now. I start for the kitchen, to help bring out the food, and give Brenna a meaningful glance. “Brenna, you want to give me a hand?” I ask. She scurries over, and we make our way to the pantry to avoid my mom walking in on our conversation. At the last minute, I realize how stupid it was to choose this room. The memories wash over me and suddenly, I grow wet and I can feel my pulse between my legs as desire swirls in my bloodstream. Ugh! Get a grip on your raging hormones, you hussy!

  Brenna eyes my suddenly heated cheeks and gives me a knowing look before she rolls her eyes. “What’s he doing here, Shaylee?” her voice is laced with irritation. I’m not surprised. She’s still pretty pissed at the way Aden left me.

  “I have no freaking clue. He said he wanted to see me on my birthday.”

  Brenna looks skeptical. “That’s it? That can’t be all.”

  I shake my head. “Aden doesn’t lie, Brenna,” I state emphatically. “That is clearly part of his reason for being here.” I run my fingers through my hair and blow out a frustrated breath. “Although, I can’t imagine why he has suddenly decided that I am worth his time. There’s obviously another reason”—my eyes narrow—“and I think my mother and aunt know what it is.”

  Brenna sighs deeply. “Well, if your mom invited him, there isn’t much you can do about it.” She grabs my hand and squeezed it. “Just please promise me that you won’t let him back into your heart. I can’t stand to see you broken like that again. Promise me, Shaylee.”

  As much as I hate to admit it, I know I can’t make that promise. The truth is, Aden has never left my heart, but I am determined not to let him break the shell I’ve built around it. “I don’t think he’s here to woo me, Brenna.” I let sarcasm ooze from my words. “He clearly didn’t want to be with me two years ago; I don’t see why anything would have changed. He’s not one to make the same mistake twice.” I inwardly wince at the vocal acknowledgment that he views what happened between us as a mistake.

  Brenna nods, seeming to accept my words, and we return to the kitchen, grabbing some random things to make it appear as though we’d stepped out for a reason other than our little powwow. When I reach my seat, Aden stands and pulls out my chair. I give him a small smile of thanks, and once I’m seated, I tell the girl smitten girl sighing inside of me, to shut the fuck up.

  The conversation during dinner revolves around our plans for Christmas break. A lot of the girls in our circle have decided to go in together on a house in upstate New York, and ski the holidays away. I would never desert my family for Christmas, but I intend to join them a few days later for New Year’s. I studiously avoid sending any looks Aden’s way. But, for most of the meal, I can feel his burning gaze burning on me. My mom stands up to get my cake, and I jump up to help, grateful for an excuse to get away from Aden for few moments and regroup. Unfortunately, Mom is adamant that the birthday girl have her cake brought to her, and she scolds me back into my seat.

  Aden leans back in his seat and casually drapes his arm across the back of my chair. He is deep in conversation with my aunt, who is sitting at the end of the table to his right. I begin to scoot forward in my seat, to avoid any accidental contact with him, when I’m stopped short. Aden’s hand is lightly gripping my hair and he tugs softly to keep me from moving. I turn to glare at him, but the effect is ruined because it’s directed at the back of his head since he is still talking to my Aunt Rhoslyn. Mashing my lips together with displeasure, I face forward again, my body tight with frustration. Then, his hand wanders down to my neck and starts kneading the tight muscles there. I can feel myself melting into his touch; the warmth from his fingers starting to spread. It sizzles under my skin and when it reaches, my now damp, underwear, I squirm uncomfortably in my seat. The whole situation is incredibly bizarre and I’m suddenly exhausted from the effort to keep my distance and protect myself, while attempting to figure out what the hell is going on!

  We finish dessert, open gifts, and finally, the night comes to a close. I hug each of my friends and send them on their way, before turning to say goodbye to Aunt Rhoslyn. I expect her to be in the entry, putting on her coat, but instead, I find her sitting in the den with Mom and Aden. Aunt Rhoslyn and my mom are seated next to each other on the couch below a big picture window that overlooks one of the few big backyards in the city. Aden is sprawled on the love seat across from them. As I enter the room, all three look up at me and their conversation comes to a sudden halt. They are staring at me like they are expecting me to sprout wings or something.

  When did I enter the damn Twilight zone?

  “Have a seat, sweetie,” Mom speaks up first and as I glance around at each of their faces, their solemn expressions make me wary. I walk toward a recliner but stop when I notice it’s piled with presents. The other is in the same condition and realize I have no other choice but to sit next to Aden. Just peachy. I make my way over there and perch on the edge, leaning away from him, with my elbow on the arm rest.

  I look at my mother expectantly, but she just nods toward Aden and gives him her full attention. I switch my focus to him an eyebrow raised in question. He smirks at me for a moment before his face smooths and turns serious.

  “Shaylee, I haven’t had time to prepare for this, so I’m sorry if I don’t handle it in the best way. I wasn’t given this assignment, until the last minute.” He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “Normally, we’d have more time to ease you into this information, but for some reason, you’ve attracted attention to yourself and we need to get you somewhere safe.”

  Attention? What the hell? “I don’t understand.”

  “The thing is…” He looks toward my mother for a moment and when she doesn’t jump in, he sighs and turns back to me. “There are things that you don’t know and…” he trails off once again.

  “Aden, just spit it out, would you?” I snap. “You’re giving me a freaking headache.” This time, he’s the one who raises a brow.

  “Alright, I’ll just say it.” He takes a deep breath and blows it out with a whoosh. “You’re only half human, Shaylee.”

  Say what??

  My mind is spinning at his words—they make absolutely no sense.

  “You’re also h
alf faery.”

  I stare at him for a moment as rage begins to fill me. Before I can think better of it, I pull my hand back and send it flying.

  Chapter Four

  Aden

  Damn it!

  Caught off guard, my head rears back slightly at the force of the blow and the sound of the slap reverberates in the silent room. I’m speechless with shock but I also can’t help admiring her strength. She packs a hell of a punch. Shaylee has jumped to her feet and is staring me down with fire in her eyes. I understand confusion at the situation, but I am taken aback by the level of fury and disgust on her beautiful face. I glance to her mother and aunt, but they are frozen, staring at Shaylee with wide eyes and dropped jaws.

  “Are you mocking me, Aden? I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I won’t put up with it. I won’t let you disrespect my Dad by turning his beliefs and stories into a joke,” her voice is calm, monotone. “I want you to leave.”

  “Shaylee,” Violet says softly. The look on her face is one of understanding, and I feel relief that somebody knows what the hell is going on. At the sound of her voice, Shaylee whirls towards around. When she sees the look on Violet’s face, her anger begins to fade and is replaced by a bone-deep sadness.

  “You knew?” her voice is confused and coated in despair. “I don’t understand, Mom. Why would you let him ridicule Dad?” Suddenly, it becomes clear where I went wrong. Shaylee had grown up with her dad telling her stories of the Fae. Stories she believed, until Orin died, and she became convinced that they were concocted in his imagination . . . told for her amusement. She didn’t realize that Orin had been preparing her. He told her the stories so that the knowledge would be ingrained in her and, hopefully, when she was told the truth after her marking, she would find it easier to believe . . . to transition.

  I don’t wait for Violet to intercede. I decide to take back control of the situation. She needs to trust me. She needs to have faith in the things I tell her and not rely on believing it because of her mother’s conviction. If she doesn’t completely trust me, then I won’t be able to convince her of one other truth. One I know she isn’t ready to hear, so I’ll keep it to myself, for now.

  “Shaylee, have I ever lied to you?” I ask calmly.

  She turns back to me, and I can see her thinking. I know her mind has wandered to her birthday, when I agreed to meet her in her room. I stress my point. “Have I ever lied to you?”

  “No.” Her eyes narrow in annoyance, but she admits to the truth.

  “I would never tarnish your father’s memory, baby.” She stiffens at the nickname, but I don’t give a shit. She’ll get used to it.

  “I loved him like a father, too.” Her shoulders slump as her anger completely deflates, leaving her with only sadness. I pat the couch next to me, “Please sit, and let me explain.” I can hear the urgency in my own voice. I need to make her understand. I need her to trust me. From the moment I saw her again, I knew the council had been correct. We were fated. You shouldn’t be surprised, dumbass. I knew it when I left, but for some reason, I talked myself out of it once I’d put distance between us. Now I feel the pull, the need to be near her, to touch her. I hadn’t been able to keep my hands off of her all night, and—I inwardly grinned—I particularly enjoyed her reaction. She is still attracted to me, even though she doesn’t want to be. And that’s just too damn bad.

  She seems to consider my words for a moment, and then decides to let me speak my piece and sits on the far side of the couch. I fight the instinct to haul her over next to me, knowing she needs time to process it all. Once it appears that she is calm and open to listening, Violet and Rhoslyn quietly move to the kitchen.

  “I need you to hear me out before you flip and hit me again, alright?” I see a slight lifting of one corner of her mouth, and want to breathe a small sigh that she has calmed enough to listen.

  “The things your father told you were true.” I put up my hand in a stop gesture when she opens her mouth to speak. I can see the mutinous expression creeping into her eyes. “You promised you’d listen.” She harrumphs, but doesn’t speak.

  “Your dad was trying to prepare you for today. The day when you would find out who and what you truly are. If you’d heard the stories, especially from him, he hoped it would be easier for you to accept it.” I can’t keep the sorrow from my voice, “Of course, he intended to be here for this.” I sidestep my emotion and continue on before she decides to stop listening.

  “We keep our realm a secret from the humans to preserve our way of life.” I look at her pointedly, “Humans are too volatile, too unpredictable. To be blunt, they cannot be trusted.” I repeat my last words, emphasizing their importance. “They cannot be trusted.” I don’t wait for her to respond before continuing. “Your comprehension of the Fae world was limited, and it’s too big of a risk to trust our secret to a child. So, we wait until you are marked to tell you the truth.”

  “While we are all protectors by nature and the Mie'Lorvor are our guards. We protect the Faeland, and those living in the human realm.” I can see the word register with her, the meaning somewhat clear. “You’re surprised that you know what it means, right?” She just nods. I’m not sure if I should be worried about her silence. Shaylee has issues sitting still for long periods of time, much less sitting and listening with patience. I’m wondering if there is an explosion on the horizon. But, I don’t have the time to dwell on it. “When you turned twenty-one, you were marked. Basically, all of your Fae genetics, for lack of a better term, wake up. The language will come to you; you won’t have to learn it. The magic will as well, but you’ll have to learn how to use it.” I stop and wait to see if she is following me. She is still calm, so I give her a chance to speak.

  Her brow furrows for a moment. “Marked? What does that mean?” she asks.

  “Mostly, it’s just the term we use to describe what happens when you turn twenty-one. You’re able to access your Fae magic and others are able to detect it.” She raises an eyebrow at me and I have to stifle a laugh at her show of attitude. There’s my Shaylee.

  “We’ll come back to others. For now, explain what you meant by ‘mostly’ a term.”

  “You do have a literal mark somewhere on your body.” I can’t help the wolfish grin that splits my face when I think of how fun it’s going to be finding that mark. I shift a little in my seat trying to relieve some of the pressure from my, suddenly, very snug pants. Shaylee gives me an annoyed look, clearly aware of where my mind has wandered. I just wink at her.

  “I don’t have a mark, Aden. You’ll just have to take my word for it, since you’ll never have the opportunity to look for it.” There is ice in her tone, but it doesn’t faze me. I am well aware of my ability to make her melt.

  “You’ll only see it after today, baby. It wasn’t there before. Look, we can get to that later. I have more to tell you,” I inform. She sits back, gesturing for me to continue. “Since you are half human, you cannot enter Rien, the Fae Realm, until you are marked. For whatever reason, the magic simply won’t work and it cloaks your family as well, keeping you off the radar, so to speak. That’s why you grew up in the human realm. Your dad chose to stay with you and your mother. But, when you turned twenty-one, your parents intended to take you to Rien.”

  “My mother can go there but I can’t?”

  “Well, yes, until you were marked. Although, once she is there, she will not be able to leave. You have enough Fae blood that you are free to move in and out of the realms.”

  “So, Dad never went back after he met my mom?” Her face softens and I know she’s thinking about how her dad had been hopelessly in love with her mother.

  “He was going to take her there eventually. But, by not going back, even for a visit, he was able to age with her.” I realize I’ve jumped ahead as soon as the words leave my mouth.

  “He what?” Shaylee is looking at me intently, and then I see the realization on her face. “You’ve never aged. In all the years I’
ve known you. I just thought you had really good genes.” The wheels are spinning in her head. “You’re not—you won’t die?”

  I nod slowly, watching for her reaction. To my surprise she seems to take it in stride. “If we spend enough time outside of our realm, our immortality diminishes.” I gesture back to her aunt, “Some, like Rhosalyn, have made the choice to make the break permanent. Especially if they’ve found the one they are fated with here.” I wince inwardly; I didn’t want to bring up the issue of the fates yet. So, I rush on, hoping she won’t dwell on that statement. “Shaylee, there are so many things that you will learn, but right now, we only have time for me to explain a few last things ,and then we need to go.”

  Shaylee scoots back on the couch, retreating from my words. “I’m not going anywhere, Aden. For crying out loud, I need time to process this all, to decide if I even believe you.”

  “Baby, we don’t have time. You’ve been marked and I’ve got to get you to Rien where you’ll be safe until you’re properly trained.” I grab her hand in mine and squeeze it lightly. When she tugs it back, I keep a firm hold on it. “Shaylee, don’t think I won’t drag your ass out of here to keep you safe.”

  She tugs a little harder and this time I let go. “Safe from what, Aden? Evil elves? Wicked witches? Black River werewolves? Give me a break. A few days isn’t going to matter.”

  I roll my eyes at her sarcasm, but let it go. Today is not the day to get into the other species in the Fae realm. I debate whether to tell her what I’ve noticed all day. Someone is watching the house. I don’t know how they found her so quickly; they must have known already and were waiting for her birthday. I only consider for a moment, I know she can handle it and hopefully, it’ll get her moving so we can get the hell out of here. “You’re already on their radar, baby. You’re being watched.”

  She stiffens and I see awareness creeping into her eyes. She noticed. Good, her instincts are already sharpening. “You felt it today?” I ask.