Moonlight Mist: A Limited Edition Collection of Fantasy & Paranormal)

by Nicole Morgan

  Jeff called that evening. Of course, he wanted to know how the date went. Hallie told him it wasn’t any of his business. He asked if he could come over the following evening. She wasn’t in the mood to sleep with Jeff at the moment. If they were alone in the apartment, he would expect it. Hallie suggested dinner instead.

  Chapter Four

  Faolin

  Fall was just around the corner, and all Faolin managed to do with Hallie was go on a date once a week. Sure they kissed and cuddled, but she was still dating Jeff. The only consolation was that Jeff seemed to have the same problem. Faolin was fairly certain the other man was intimate with Hallie before he arrived. At least he made Jeff take a step or two backward.

  This wasn’t enough though he needed real progress. He needed Jeff out of the picture. How he was going to accomplish that feat was a different matter though. Faolin tried every tactic he could. It was like Hallie was resistant to his charms. She seemed content to date both of them. Perhaps, if he pushed Jeff though, he would sabotage himself. Jeff was coming to Hallie’s this afternoon. He smiled with the mischievous thoughts running through his head.

  It wouldn’t take much. Jeff was controlling and driven by his career. If he thought Hallie was going to mess with his perfect picture of life, he’d walk away. The first and easiest thing to take away was his sense of control over Hallie. It was slipping already now that she was dating Faolin. Then he could convince Jeff the Hallie would interfere with his career. Mortals were so simple.

  Hallie

  August was one of Hallie’s favorite months at work. The photo shoots they did now would feature in the October magazines. That meant Hallie’s holiday season started early and she had two of each. It also meant Sharon organized the annual Halloween party to get the season started.

  It was one of the few work parties Hallie enjoyed. She’d gone with Jeff the last two years. He hated it Dressing up and being silly wasn’t Jeff’s style. That’s why when Liam called to invite her she was ecstatic. He said Sharon insisted he come. Hallie smiled. Sharon was still trying to get Liam to model for them.

  The Saturday afternoon before the party Liam called and told Hallie he was picking her up. He wouldn’t say where he was taking her or why just that he hoped she didn’t have plans for the day. He came to her door with her costume in hand. It was in a dark zippered bag so Hallie still had no idea what he’d picked out for her. She asked if she should take anything with her, but he merely shook his head. Hallie locked the door, and they were off.

  Liam drove them into a nicer part of town and pulled into valet parking of a ritzy looking shopping plaza. Hallie was helped out of the car by the valet before Liam came to her side of the car with her costume still in hand. He headed directly for a salon. Hallie groaned inwardly, she hated salons. He pulled her right up to the counter and spoke to the girl.

  “Ginger, this is Hallie. I’ve already told Heather how I want her hair done, she gets a facial and makeup too. This is her costume don’t let her peek until it’s time to dress.”

  “You’re really not going to let me see?”

  “Where’s the fun in that?” He grinned and snatched a kiss “I’ll be back to pick you up in time for the party.” He handed off her costume to Ginger and left.

  “He’s cute.” Ginger commented leaning over the counter to watch him leave.

  “Yeah lucky for him too.” Hallie grumped.

  “Hallie, I’m Heather I’ll take good care of you.” A woman said as she came out from the back.

  Hallie relaxed in the chair all afternoon thinking that perhaps being pampered at a salon wasn’t so bad. One woman gave her a facial while another gave her a manicure, it wouldn’t last, but it was nice not to have ink and chalk under her nails. Then they started on her hair and makeup. Her hair got pulled into some gorgeous updo that still managed to be simple. The few strands that escaped were gently curled. Her makeup was finished, and a thick antique gold chain was laid through her hair and across her brow.

  Heather took her to a changing room where her costume waited and unzipped the bag. It was an emerald green dress right out of a renaissance fair. Hallie couldn’t believe Liam was expecting her to wear it. But Heather looked at the dress with longing and urged Hallie to put it on. Hallie asked for some privacy and took off her salon smock.

  Liam arrived at the salon promptly at six in t-shirt and jeans. Hallie wanted to smack him. “I have to wear this, and you’re in jeans?”

  “My costume’s in the car.” He said defensively.

  They went through a drive-thru for a quick snack on the way and ate in the car in the parking lot. Hallie didn’t want anyone to see her until Liam was dressed too. He let her drive to the party so he could change in the back seat. The thought scared Hallie to death. She didn’t drive very often especially not in the city and Liam said he borrowed the car. Liam merely rolled his eyes and got into the back seat. At a red light, she watched in the rearview mirror as Liam pulled off his shirt. “Green Light Hallie.” He chided her. From then on she kept her eyes on the road.

  When she pulled up to the hotel, Liam got out of the back seat on the passenger side and came around to the driver’s side to open her door. He was dressed in a Scottish kilt, white lace-up shirt with the sleeves rolled partially up, bracers on his forearms, and some kind of cape wrapped around him. He looked like he’d stepped off the set of Braveheart. He smiled flashing white teeth. “I have a sword too.”

  “So you’re a Scottish warrior, and I’m what?”

  “My Queen.” Hallie couldn’t help but blush at his compliment.

  “Aren’t you afraid they’ll make fun of you for wearing a kilt?”

  “No, I can get away with it. My sword is bigger.” He was grinning again, and Hallie was blushing.

  There was no need to worry though somehow the costume fit him and no one gave him grief. The men from the loading crew pat him on the back just like his teammates on the field did. The girls all batted their eyes at him. His costume choice for Hallie too was just as much a statement to everyone as it was to her. There was no mistaking the fact that they were together that night and he intended it to stay that way for quite some time. Hallie liked the thought, but she didn’t like that he was marking his territory like a dog.

  The party was a huge affair Sharon had decorations, music, food, and alcohol. Hallie and Liam danced for a long time, but Hallie drank some of the punch and shouldn’t have it was alcoholic as well. Midnight rolled around Liam told her it was time to go. Hallie insisted on another drink, but he adamantly refused and carried her out. Hallie was pissed the whole way home, but Liam turned on the radio and rolled down the window. By the time they reached the apartment, she felt better. He parked the car and walked her to her door.

  Jenny was still at her boyfriend's and would probably be there until early that morning. Hallie apologized to Liam and asked him to come in. He hesitated a moment then followed Hallie inside. He went right to the fridge and got a bottle of water for Hallie. She rolled her eyes but drank some just the same. She sat down on the couch, and he sat beside her.

  “Liam, what gave you this idea?”

  “It’s part of my family history.” He shrugged.

  “I like it.” Hallie reached up and ran her fingers through his hair then kissed him. He kissed her back pulling her closer.

  His eyes shot open when she ran a hand under his kilt and up most of his thigh. “Hallie,”

  “I just wanted to see if you were wearing shorts.” She teased.

  “I think I should go.”

  “But why?”

  “Hallie I want us to be together. Just us, not you and me and you and Jeff. Besides, you’re still buzzed. I’m not going to take advantage of you. We’ll talk about this in the morning.” He left Hallie alone in her room.

  Hallie lay awake most of the night thinking. She hated the idea of deciding between Jeff and Liam. Mainly because one was the safe choice and the other wasn’t. Liam was almost too good to be true, a
nd that scared Hallie. What if he broke her heart, what if he left, what if he didn’t. It was too much to think about. Yet the choice was easy when it came down to it.

  Hallie called Jeff the next morning. She put it as gently as she could that she was picking Liam. She felt horrible, but she really didn’t want to string him along. Jeff was quiet like he’d seen it coming. He merely thanked her for the honesty and hung up.

  Shortly before lunch, Liam knocked on Hallie’s door looking a little upset. Hallie let him in and offered him a seat. He paced instead. “Hallie you know I care for you, but this isn’t fair. I can’t ask this of you.”

  “What Liam?” he continued to pace in silence “Liam, I broke up with Jeff this morning. Now, what can’t you ask of me?”

  He stopped pacing and sat down “I wanted so bad to ask you to do so last night, but it wasn’t right. I was going to break it off with you.”

  “Well, I’m glad I stopped you.” Hallie smiled, he was too good to be true. She kissed him, and he gave in as he did the night before.

  “Gross, I don’t want to see that first thing in the morning,” Jenny complained as she came out of her room.

  Faolin

  There was a small sense of triumph at knowing Hallie chose him. He needed more though, he needed her. The wait was starting to wear on him. Now that Jeff was out of the picture he hoped Hallie was willing to move forward. There was one way to find out and Faolin intended to try.

  Friday evening Faolin took Hallie out for dinner. She was happy to see him after a long week at work. She appreciated the flowers he brought as well. Most women did whether they were mortal or Fae. He listened as she talked about work. Sharon was pressuring her again to get him to be in their pictures. He understood the woman’s obsession. King Oberon would kill him though if he continued to risk exposure.

  After dinner, they went for a walk in the park. It was the perfect night. The air was cool. The moon was almost full. Hallie cuddled in close. It sent warmth through his body. It had been a long time since a woman did that to him.

  Faolin stopped walking and pulled Hallie close. She wrapped her arms around him staring up into his eyes. He felt like he could drown in the depths of those blue pools. Mercifully she closed her eyes as he bent to kiss her. With Hallie, it was always warm and tender. Affection radiated from her. Tonight there was more. Desire was there as well. She pulled him closer, and he deepened their kiss. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth. Suddenly Hallie tore herself away with a slight laugh.

  “Maybe we should go somewhere more private,” Hallie suggested.

  That was fine by Faolin. He resisted creating a portal and walked with her tucked into his arm the whole way back. She played with his fingers kissing the tips now and then. It was enough to remind Faolin she wanted him. By the time they reached his apartment his pants were uncomfortably tight from Hallie’s teasing.

  As soon as Faolin closed the door, he pinned Hallie to the wall with his body. His mouth covered hers and he felt the tension in her body rise. She wanted this as badly as he did. Hallie’s tongue slid into his mouth before she withdrew and bit his lip slightly. The lass was intent to drive him mad with desire. One of her small hands found its way under his shirt and ran over the muscles of his chest and abdomen. Hallie smiled against his lips. Faolin grabbed her ass and pulled her closer.

  Hallie giggled slightly at Faolin’s forcefulness. It was the wrong move. The sound spurred his actions. If she liked that he could do so much more. Faolin picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He tossed her on the bed then pulled off his shirt. Hallie lay back watching. She smiled with appreciation. Then he took off his pants, and she sat up a little. Faolin grinned. If that got her attention, he couldn’t wait to see what she did next.

  Faolin dropped his boxer briefs and stepped out of them. Hallie was on her knees on the bed staring up at him again. Damn those eyes. Faolin could lose himself in them forever. He kissed her a long moment enjoying her lips before moving down to her jaw line then her neck. Hallie moaned a little. Faolin found the edge of her shirt and took it off for her.

  Hallie pulled Faolin close kissing his chest, then down his abdomen. Each spot her lips touched lit him on fire. Then Hallie sat on the edge of the bed. Faolin was confused, that is until Hallie leaned forward and took his cock in her mouth. It was an unexpected surprise that made Faolin nearly lose control at the first touch. Her tongue ran up one side and back down the other. It made Faolin gasp with pleasure. Hallie smiled at him pleased. Her left hand gently massaged his balls. Liam’s only thought was how stupid Jeff was not to fight harder for her. Then her tongue flicked the tip of his shaft, and all thought left completely.

  Hallie

  Hallie loved pleasuring Liam. His shaft in her hand was warm and hard. It responded to her touch and made Liam moan in delight. She could do that all night just to see him happy. It wasn’t what he had in mind though. Liam enjoyed Hallie’s talents until he was nearly overwhelmed then he told her to lay back.

  Liam unclasped her bra. Hallie slid out of it, eager to shed the extra layer. His lips found her nipple giving it a gentle tug before he sucked on her breast gently. Hallie sighed in appreciation as Liam’s hands moved down her body. Every touch was an aphrodisiac. Liam removed her skirt and panties in one motion. It made Hallie laugh a little. Liam growled as he licked her inner thigh. He obviously didn’t think her response appropriate.

  Liam took both Hallie’s thighs and placed them over his shoulders. The first touch of his tongue to her core made her jump in anticipation. The second was one long stroke that pulled her off the bed with it. The third focused on her nub and didn’t let up until she was ready to scream from the attention. Anything more at the point would make her tumble into ecstasy. Liam ran his thumb over her nub circling it gently before his tongue found its way inside her. The sudden heat and pressure was more than she could bear. Hallie cried out as the first wave of pleasure took her.

  Liam was smiling down at her waiting for permission to continue. Hallie’s brain was fuzzy at the moment. She wasn’t sure how many times she said yes. Liam pulled her into a kiss as he pushed inside her. He was bigger than she was used to and Hallie gasped involuntarily. Liam was worried he hurt her. She promised him that wasn’t the case. The small break was enough to let her body adjust though.

  Hallie moved first. Liam grinned that cocky boyish grin. Then he picked Hallie up. The new angle sent shivers through Hallie with every movement. Hallie had no idea sex could be this way. Her next orgasm was building already. Another few strokes and she would tip once more. Hallie cried out as the wave swept over her once more.

  When she began to move Liam sat on the bed. Hallie wasn’t sure why at first. Then she realized it was another new angle that felt amazing. All Jeff ever wanted was missionary. Liam, for the most part, sat back letting Hallie do as she wanted only guiding here and there. She saw the changes in his expression when she did things Liam liked. Hallie focused on those. In a short time, she had him panting as hard as she was. She was near coming again but so was Liam. Hallie did everything she could to bring him pleasure. She switched angles slightly at the end and Hallie’s whole body spasmed with her orgasm. Liam came too, lost in her euphoria.

  Afterward, they both lay on the bed catching their breath. Halie smiled at Liam. She couldn’t remember the last time she had sex that incredible or if she ever had. Liam, on the other hand, smiled adoringly at her a moment before getting up. He went into the bathroom with his underwear and came out a few minutes later partially dressed. The cocky grin was back. Hallie wasn’t sure what to think, something was bothering him. Hallie went home that night confused.

  Faolin

  Faolin felt his heart warm as soon as Hallie lay breathless in his arms. He would have done anything she’d asked at that moment. The desire was there once more to tell Hallie his true name. If he did Hallie really could make him do any number of things. He never told a mortal his true name. He hadn’t had the desire to either
not since she died.

  Thoughts of her urged Faolin out of bed and brought him back to reality. He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. He wouldn’t commit himself to a mortal so easily. Yet seeing Hallie there in his bed it was hard to deny his feelings. That was the woman he’d left Underhill for. Now she was his for the taking, and he hesitated.

  Hallie left as soon as she was decent. It made Faolin feel like an ass. He’d have to make it up to her a different night. First, he had to figure out what he wanted. He couldn’t do that here in the mortal realm. Faolin needed Taise, and his guardian was in Under hill. He called the gateway, then stepped through to home.

  Taise was always happy to see him. The white wolf circled his legs eagerly sensing Faolin’s need for closeness. It calmed his thoughts, bringing clarity. Faolin wasn’t sure he liked everything he found in that stillness though. There was a good reason he’d been alone for five centuries.

  Faolin poured himself a drink then sat in his favorite chair. So much time had passed, yet sadness still threatened to swallow him from time to time. Taise put his head on Faolin’s lap. His guardian always had the same message. ‘Just breathe,’ Faolin knew it all too well. He drank his wine down and took a few deep breaths until the sadness was manageable once more.

  Taise caught the fleeting image of Hallie in Faolin’s thoughts. The guardian perked up. He knew her face from their encounter in Underhill. His tail wagged slightly. Faolin grumbled. Of course, the beastie would like Hallie. They were both conspiring against him.

  Faolin didn’t really have to think about what he wanted, his heart already knew. He followed Hallie to the mortal realm for a reason. He was only faltering now because he was scared. Taise lifted his head studying Faolin. He gave the wolf a scratch behind the ear. Then got out of his chair. He had to make things right with Hallie. Faolin made an ass out of himself now he had to go beg her forgiveness. He sighed as he formed the portal and stepped through.