Faolin knocked on Hallie’s door. It was still early in the mortal realm. He hoped she was awake. Her roommate Jenny answered. She shook her head and said Hallie was mad at him. Faolin showed her the flowers and theatre tickets he bought. Jenny softened. She opened the door wider letting him in.
Hallie was in her room just getting up. She looked beautiful all mussed from sleep. He sat on the bed beside her. She looked at him irritated and told him to go away. Faolin handed her the flowers and tickets. “I’m sorry Hallie, I behaved poorly last night. I was hurt in the past and worried that it would happen again. I pulled away, and I shouldn’t have.”
Hallie threw her arms around him, “Liam, I would never hurt you.” She kissed him gently showing him that he was forgiven.
Chapter Five
Hallie
Hallie thought she must be crazy for agreeing to meet Liam’s family so early in their relationship. They’d only been dating two months when Liam told her he had to see them for a bit. Of course, he waited until she was snuggled in his arms after another intense session of lovemaking. Liam could ask just about anything of her at that time. Hallie sighed. She was hopeless. Liam was too good to be true and she felt it the most when she laid in his arms like that. What did she ever do to deserve him?
Liam left for the UK nearly three weeks ago. Now Hallie was lost after getting through customs at the airport in London. She was just looking for someone not rushing around to give her directions to the train station when she saw a man holding a sign with her name on it. He was dressed in a black suit and tie. She could only guess that he was some sort of driver. When she introduced herself, he said that he had her train ticket and would take her to the station. All they were waiting on were her bags. Hallie told him the carousel number, and they marched off through the airport.
Hallie slept on the train ride. The man next to her was nice enough to wake her at her stop. He even helped her with her bag. Hallie thanked him profusely. He only smiled. She stepped off the train and saw nothing, but Liam. As soon as he saw her, he rushed down the platform to meet her. He pulled her into a heated kiss then let her go saying he missed her. He took her bag in hand and her hand in the other. Hallie couldn’t help, but notice he was dressed a little nicer than normal. He wore an off-white long sleeve sweater, with a black sports coat over the top and dark jeans. Hallie was glad that she’d dressed nicely even though she’d spent all day traveling.
They climbed into a black Landrover, and Liam drove them far into the countryside. It was well past dark when they pulled up to an old manor house that was reminiscent of a castle. “My uncle’s retreat.” Was all Liam said as he got out. He opened the door for Hallie, but let a servant get her bags. Hallie groaned. She should have guessed by the size of the house he had servants.
He took her hand and led her inside. “Maybe I should freshen up first,” Hallie suggested.
“I had a feeling you’d say that there is a dress on your bed. The third door, top of the stairs. Just follow Marvin.”
Hallie closed the door to her room and looked around. There was a four-poster bed with pink and gold covers. A lounge chair that matched, an ornately carved armoire waiting for her clothes and a marble dressing table. A door on the far side led into a private bathroom. The dress on the bed was burgundy silk with a scoop neck and long sleeves. There were shoes at the foot of the bed that matched perfectly.
Hallie came downstairs 15 minutes later refreshed and wearing the dress Liam bought for her. He waited at the foot of the stairs, but his uncle was still absent. She took his hand as he whispered how beautiful she looked.
“Is it too late to go home? I’m so nervous.”
“He’ll love you because I do,” Liam told her.
Hallie stopped it was the first time he said he loved her. “You love me?”
“Of course I do.”
“I love you too.” He kissed her, and all her nerves disappeared.
A gentle clearing of the throat pulled them both out of the moment. Liam let Hallie go and took her hand instead. “This must be your Hallie.”
Hallie was riveted by the man who stood before her. He was tall with a broad chest, his face was more angular, and his hair looked like dried wheat. His eyes were deep forest green. He was handsome, but he looked nothing like Liam.
“My but she is pretty. Quite a vision I must say.” A woman spoke, and Hallie turned. She was more beautiful than any model that Hallie ever saw, with her long limbs and perfect curves. Her hair was honey colored like Liam’s, but her eyes gave away their relationship. Hallie would have guessed mother before aunt, but she looked too young.
“Hallie this is my uncle Ron and my aunt Anya.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Hallie offered her hand. His uncle kissed it lightly as Liam had done at their first meeting.
“Charmed” was all Anya would say. Hallie let her hand fall. “Dinner is waiting.” She turned and slinked out of the room. Her black dress was backless to the waist.
Hallie leaned in close to Liam as they walked “Your aunt hates me.”
“No she wants me to be happy and until she’s sure you’ll make me happy she’s undecided.”
“She’s your family, not your uncle.”
“My mother’s sister. But my uncle and I were very close at one point in time.” Hallie nodded not asking what had caused the rift.
Faolin
Faolin gave Hallie her own room while she was visiting his Uncle’s home. He didn’t want to presume too much. It wasn’t surprising though when she slipped into his room after the house quieted down. Hallie always had a way of lighting his fire. After months apart though her touch was like an inferno. He hated having to return to Underhill even for that short amount of time. Being away from her was torture.
All of Faolin’s attention was focused on Hallie that night. He lavished every affection on her. Faolin brought her to the brink of ecstasy over and over before they both tumbled over the edge together. Hallie lay in his arms afterward content and beautiful. Faolin brushed the stray hairs from her cheek enjoying the fleeting moment.
With a slight growl of frustration, Faolin eased out of bed. He pulled on his pants and went downstairs. His aunt and uncle would still be awake. He found them in the library by the fire enjoying a glass of wine. His aunt studied him a moment, however, it was his uncle who spoke.
“I’m glad to hear the mortal pleases you.” His uncle smiled half laughing.
Faolin knew it meant they heard at least part of their lovemaking. At the moment he didn’t care. “She pleases me more than any woman has in centuries, uncle.”
His uncle stopped smiling, and his aunt set down her wine. “Can it be true?” his aunt asked studying him.
“Faolin I forbid…” His uncle started.
“Don’t, I beg you. When is the last time I asked anything of you?” Faolin asked his uncle.
His uncle snarled, “At least 300 years.” He let out a heavy breath. “It’s too soon Faolin.”
“At least grant me permission to pursue it.” Faolin offered his hand.
“You know the rules.” His uncle warned.
“Better than anyone” his aunt volunteered.
His uncle took Faolin’s hand “Agreed. I Faolin of Underhill swear that I will abide by the rules while pursuing Hallie O'Neil.”
“Honor and Magic bind thee.” His uncle said formally.
Faolin felt the magic sweep over him. There was no going back now.
Hallie
Hallie watched Liam all morning for some sign, anything that would show her if there was a problem. Liam was happy though. He looked more alive if that was possible. She wasn’t sure what was going on or why. Part of her wanted to know, part of her still feared she’d wake up from this dream. When Liam suggested they go horseback riding Hallie actually pinched herself. It hurt, and she assumed she was awake.
Liam helped her onto the horse and showed her how to use the reins. Hallie went slowly. She was too afraid of falling o
ff to go any faster than a walk. Liam rode beside her patiently guiding and encouraging her. It was too much Hallie kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Where did you go last night?” Hallie blurted out.
Liam stopped, and Hallie’s horse stopped too. He stared at her moment. “I went to speak to my aunt and uncle. What’s this about Hallie? You’ve been acting odd all morning.”
“It’s nothing Liam,” Hallie swore. He stared at her and Hallie couldn’t take it. He was irresistible. “I don’t deserve this Liam, the vacation, the mansion, the clothes, you.”
“You deserve everything I have to give and more Hallie. You brought me back to life.” Liam reached across the divide and pulled Hallie close. He kissed her until her heart raced and her breath was ragged. Finally, Liam pulled away smiling. “I told you I love you, Hallie. I will do everything it takes to prove it to you.” Hallie nodded still stunned by their kiss. Liam laughed a little as he kicked his horse to a walk.
His aunt and uncle came riding through the field a short while later at a breakneck pace. They stopped when they saw them, and his aunt requested to be alone with Hallie. Those piercing blue eyes stared into Hallie’s. She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t refuse either. Liam and his uncle took off on their horses just as reckless as his aunt and uncle had been.
“My nephew cares a great deal about you.” Hallie nodded. “This is not an easy thing for him.”
“I love him.”
“Good I hope you always remember that this will not be easy. Things never are for him.” Hallie looked around the grounds here and thought of his life of ease at school. She couldn’t imagine things being hard for Liam. “His uncle and I have granted him time off to do as he pleases, but he will have to return home soon. You will have to choose if you want to be with him or the others you love.”
“But…”
“You will understand soon enough. My husband and I must return to our duties and will be leaving tonight I hope you enjoy our retreat.”
“Thank you,” they rode in silence back to the barn.
Hallie and Liam spent the rest of the week as tourists. He took her shopping and to the nicest restaurants. They found tourist traps to get lost in and historical sites to explore. The day before they were to leave they took the train into London and saw a few sites there. Liam rented them a lavish room and they made love in the huge bed the whole night. Hallie never felt more spoiled.
Faolin
Faolin didn’t wait long after returning to New York to ask Hallie to move in with him. She wasn’t convinced at first. Hallie was quite the pessimist. She was perpetually worried that Faolin was going to dump her. It took Jenny and him to persuade her. Once the idea settled in though, she seemed rather excited.
Living with a woman in the 15th century was one thing. They had their cookware gowns, and herbal remedies, but modern women were a whole other realm. Hallie had boxes of clothes and shoes. Another box was labeled bathroom while another was labeled towels. How many things did one woman need in the bathroom? Then came the kitchen items. Faolin didn’t even want to know what Hallie brought with her. She seemed shocked at how bare his cupboards were though. Hallie made an offhand comment as she started unpacking a box.
Faolin shrugged. He went into the bedroom and found the bed piled over with clothes waiting to be hung. Faolin didn’t even have a place to relax. At the moment he longed to run his fingers through Taise’s fur. He missed that small comfort. For now, Hallie would have to be enough. Faolin started hanging the clothes up in the closet for her.
That night when Hallie lay snuggled in his arms, Faolin kissed the top of her head. She smiled up at him with a tender ‘I love you.’ It made the headaches of the day worthwhile. She fell asleep shortly afterward. He held her closer enjoying every moment. Faolin waited so long for a woman like Hallie. Now that he found her he was never letting her go.
A week after they moved in together Hallie insisted they drive to New Jersey. It was Thanksgiving, and her mother invited them to spend it with her. Faolin had no idea what to expect he never had to meet a woman’s parents before. He didn’t understand this holiday either. Faolin hated the unknown, yet he kept venturing into it for Hallie.
Farrah O’Neil lived in a small wooden house outside the city limits. The yard was tidy, and flowers surrounded the tree out front. The house was well kept aside from needing a fresh coat of paint. When Hallie stepped on the porch a board squeaked making her smile.
“I’m home,” Hallie said cheerily, “Come in and meet my mom. She’s going to love you.”
Faolin wasn’t so sure. Hallie really was leading a wolf to the lambs. Her mother was in the kitchen humming as she cooked. She was a slender woman with slim hips and small chest. Her hair was lighter, and her eyes were a cool grey. Aside from the structure of her face she and Hallie looked nothing alike. Then Farrah smiled. He felt her warmth. That’s where Hallie got it from. Farrah O’Neil was magnetic just like her daughter. Faolin was suddenly grateful that they came. A weekend surrounded by two balls of warmth would chase away any homesickness.
Hallie’s mother wiped her hands on her apron. She smiled warmly “You must be Liam, I’ve heard a lot about you. Hadleigh you never said he was so tall and handsome.”
Faolin swore he heard Farrah call Hallie by a different name but Hallie brushed right past it. “Mom, stop, I told you what he looked like. I even sent you a picture.”
Her mother laughed, “You can’t be so serious all the time Hadleigh.”
“Mom, Hallie, please you know I hate Hadleigh.” She argued.
“I gave birth to you, and I named you.” Her mother argued then looked at Faolin. “Which do you prefer?”
“I learned a long time ago not to get between mother and daughter.” Faolin backed out.
Farrah smiled, “Smart man, your father would have liked him. Can you cook Liam?” Farrah handed him a knife and pointed him to a pile of vegetables.
That evening after dinner Faolin snuggled on the couch with Hallie. He wanted to ask about her name but almost dreaded it. Names were a powerful tool for the Fae. Knowing a mortal's full name gave them the ability to cast spells and manipulate them. Faolin would never harm Hallie. He wanted to know who she really was. For the Fae names told all.
Faolin kissed her neck, and she snuggled into it. “Why didn’t you ever tell me your name was Hadleigh?”
“Because I hate it. I was hoping you never found out.” Hallie laughed a little.
He kissed the side of her jaw. “I like it, I love everything about you. Besides the rest of your life is a long time to hide your real name.”
Hallie sat up straighter. “The rest of my life?”
“I’m never letting you go, Hallie. I told you, I love you.” Faolin kissed her neck then her lips. She relaxed again.
“You’ll run away when you hear the whole train wreck my parents named me.” Hallie teased.
Faolin shook his head and smiled, “Try me.”
“Hadleigh Aoife O’Neil, my father was Irish. He came here when he was a kid and never wanted to lose his roots. My mom is mostly English and named me after her nana.”
“It’s beautiful, like you.”
“What about you Liam Martin?” Hallie half teased.
Faolin shrugged. The urge to tell her everything returned. This time his vow held him back. Magic and honor prevented him from saying anything. “Just a name they favored.” That much was true his father heard one of the mortals call another by the name Liam and like the sound of it. Fae never received true names that way though. Faolin earned his when Taise became his guardian. It was always a mystery that more of his people didn’t guess his true name. Then again he received his later in life than most.
“Are you alright, Liam?” Hallie asked.
“Just lost in a memory, sorry.”
Hallie
Hallie wondered where Liam went when he got that far off look in his eyes. He was too young to look so haunted. What could he possibly h
ave seen? Liam was a mystery to her. As much as she loved him, he never talked about his past. All she knew about him was his parents died, and he was raised by his aunt and uncle. He lived and worked like anyone just trying to get by yet he came from money. Hallie asked questions here and there. All Liam would say though was that he and his uncle got into a fight. It seemed to be the root of most of things with Liam.
Eventually, Hallie let it drop. Liam would tell her when he was ready. For now, she enjoyed whatever he would give her. Right now that was Thanksgiving with her mom. They always made too much food then ate it for a week afterward. Liam never asked why. He was the perfect gentleman as he cooked beside them all morning.
That evening when they crawled into bed Hallie kissed Liam. Then she held him close for a long time. “I love you, thanks for a wonderful day.”
Liam smiled warmly, “I told you I would do anything for you. This was easy. Your mother is a lovely woman. You don’t look much like her though.”
“I look like my father,” Hallie assured him. She reached across him for the picture on the nightstand. Her father held her in his arms on the beach smiling broadly for the camera. Hallie had his eyes, his smile, his hair, and even his dimples. Only the shape of her face was her mother. Her reflection was a constant reminder of him. “He died when I was seven in a car crash. I remember he used to sing to me. It was usually songs from the radio.” Hallie smiled at Liam. “Mom said he wanted me to have this.” Hallie held out her pendant. It’s not the prettiest thing to look at, but it was his.” Hallie looked at Liam suddenly sad.
“I’m sorry Hallie,” Liam kissed her gently.
Hallie drifted off to sleep in Liam’s arms that night. She dreamed the most pleasant dreams. Although Hallie didn’t quite remember them when she woke the next morning they reminded her of the fantasies she had during her panic attacks. There was a beautiful castle, an orchard, and a huge white wolf. The wolf should have scared her, she felt safe with it though, protected almost. When she told Liam the following morning, he didn’t think it odd at all.
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