by Alisha Basso
“Yes, please, celebrate.”
She left laughing, a spring in her step. I turned a suspicious eye toward Lucian.
“So, my handsome friend, how long have you known that Gavyn was married? Would this have anything to do with your sudden change of heart?”
He looked so guilty, I almost laughed out loud. “Of course not, and I only found out about it a couple of hours ago.”
I smiled to myself, he was too much.
The conversation stayed comfortable. Ann chatted animatedly with Tobias, his smiles and small touches revealing his pleasure at her company. We all ate happily, stuffing ourselves with strange meats and fruits, steaming vegetables and savory sauces. Everything was wonderful. Then, after what seemed like several hours, the room began to slowly empty. The few women that were present pared off with their mates. No doubt, they were all retiring after a long day of excitement.
“What a meal,” Ann said, yawning theatrically. “Grace, I’m so tired. Where are we going to sleep, do you think?” She was asking me but her eyes were all for Tobias.
I put my hand over my mouth to hide my smile. It would seem the old Ann was back in full force. She was never one to let an opportunity pass her by, and by the look of mixed shock and pleasure radiating from Tobias, this was a quality he might benefit from.
I turned to Gavyn. “It seems we’re all a bit tired. May I ask where we’ll be sleeping tonight?
He pulled his gaze reluctantly from Andrea. “We have prepared chambers for you.” His eyes focused above my right shoulder for a moment. “Well, it would seem that you will have more room in your cottage.”
I turned to see Tobias and Ann walking hand in hand across the room and out the main doors. “Well, I guess they hit it off,” I said nervously, hoping they wouldn’t think Ann was a huge tart.
Gavyn smiled. “She honors us with her choice to bed one of our men. I am very pleased.”
“Oh... You are?”
“Absolutely, she is a strong woman. Her blood will mix with ours. Their children will be strong.”
“Children? Whoa now. I don’t think Ann wants to get married.”
He frowned at me. “She is willing to mate with him. She will be told what that means before she is touched. Do not fret, she will be fine. We do not believe in using trickery in our desperation to reproduce.”
“I’m sorry if I offended you. I just know Ann, and Tobias is quite a looker. It would be just like her to want to taste the goods with no strings attached. Don’t get me wrong. Ann is a wonderful person. In fact, she is the best person I know, but our world is, I’m sorry to say, a bit different in relationships than yours.”
I thought about that, and then back to what Ann said at the bath. She dreamed of this place as a girl, and said she could live here.
“Then again,” I said, “maybe she knows exactly what she’s doing.”
“I’m sure she does.” Lucian’s voice came from behind me. “She was spellbound during dinner. She seemed to forget everything that happened to her so far. She didn’t speak of any of it. She just kept asking him questions about his life here. I think she might want to stay. That is if we’re ever offered the opportunity to leave.”
“Well, my friend,” Gavyn stood with Andrea rising to her feet beside him. “It will all work out for the best. Even with Grace’s help, we will still be woefully short of females. Ann is more than welcome to join our people. Now, if you will follow me, I will escort you to your chambers.”
THIRTY TWO
We left the large hall along with the last remaining guests. Walking slowly behind Gavyn, Lucian grasped my hand. He could be a jealous pain in the ass, but he was definitely great when it came to giving comfort.
“What are you thinking?” he asked softly.
“Your hand is soft, I like it.” Looking up at his handsome profile, I was really thinking that this was the kind of man a woman kept, one that would stay by your side, protect you and love you with a singular intensity that would make your head spin.
“You’re frowning which means your thoughts are on more than the simple softness of my hands.”
“I don’t know,” I breathed. “I guess it’s because my life has been thrown into a blender and I can’t identify the pieces. So many things are confusing. You, Gavyn, his cause, Ann the elf mommy and oh yeah, my embodiment of a mystical and powerful species thought long extinct. Now, may I ask you what you’re thinking?”
“Point taken. I guess what I wanted to know is if you’re okay. You seem to be doing pretty well. I mean, from the horrors of Seth’s torture and the threat of the Council. Well, now doesn’t it seem to be part of a different life? A different time? I remember everything perfectly, of course, but something’s gone. I’m no longer afraid for us all.”
“We’re not safe yet. Don’t forget Gavyn still possesses the ring. If things go bad, we might just wish for the tortures of Seth’s coven.”
“I would never wish for that, no matter how foul things might turn in this strange land. I would never wish to return. And after meeting Chloe, Eden and Ael, who will always remain there, ready to play their sick games. No, thank you.”
“Ael is dead. His ashes are probably clogging Seth’s Hoover right about now.”
“Dead?” Lucian paused on the path, his eyes huge and hopeful. “How? When?”
“Dead, very dead. I staked his undead ass with a piece of broken picture frame just before we rode to your rescue.” I smiled sweetly, as if I had just shared my best shortcake recipe. The thought of that bastard being wiped from the face of the earth made me giddy.
Lucian began walking again, his steps quicker now as his excitement grew.
“This is fantastic! I can’t believe you killed him. I mean, I admit seeing you pump Chloe’s full of lead was a surprise, but rendering one of them to ash is very impressive. You could have been killed, you know.”
We rounded a bend in the path and stopped a few feet from Gavyn and Andrea. The house they prepared for us was beautiful. The white rounded walls were covered in a soft growth of velvety foliage that made it look homey and inviting.
“This will be your home for the remainder of your stay. There are three sleeping chambers within. If you will follow me, I will show you around.”
He walked inside the cheery orb.
“This is the main dining room.” he said as we entered a large room furnished with a long dining table and padded wooden benches. “All of your meals will be prepared for you, unless you wish to join some of my people who prefer to dine together in the Great Hall.”
“This is lovely, Gavyn, thank you,” I said, admiring the artwork carved into the walls. Pictures of mermaids frolicking in silver pools were painted with such care and skill they almost seemed alive. Holy crap, mermaids? I didn’t even want to ask.
“These doors open to the sleeping chambers.” He pointed to three doors, each designated to one of the three walls surrounding the dining room.
“You will find a separate closet in each to take care of any of your personal needs. Now, if you do not mind, my mate and I will take our leave. Please enjoy your rest and we will see you with the morning sun.”
Andrea placed her hand on Gavyn’s arm and turned to me. “I sincerely thank you, Grace. You have no idea how happy you have made us all. For the first time, we will lay our heads to rest with hope in our hearts.” With her parting words, they departed, leaving Lucian and me staring at the closed door.
“Are you sleepy? Or do you feel like talking for a while?” Lucian looked a little wound-up. I guess sweet sleep would have to wait a little longer.
“I wouldn’t mind talking for a while,” I said. “It might do my mind some good to unload. But first, I need to take this headgear off.”
I walked toward the door in the middle of the round room. It opened to a small, feminine suite. A large canopy bed draped with white fabric and thin vines occupied most of the room.
A slender chair sat in the corner, taking up almost no spa
ce, and next to that, was a long twisting pole that held several candles. They were the only sources of light, but surprisingly, the room was bright. The rest of the space was simple, offering no dressers or mirrors. It screamed temporary.
I opened the only other door in the room to what I assumed was the bathroom. A small basin filled with water hung on the wall next to a round silver seat. The seat was open in the center like your everyday toilet; however, this one had fast flowing water that continuously swirled down. This was the toilet, I hoped, or I’d have some serious explaining to do tomorrow.
I helped myself to the comfy seat and then washed my hands in the basin. I sighed after noticing that this room was mirror-less as well.
I had two choices. Either I trudge back outside to the main bathing room and take this cumbersome thing off there, or ask Lucian to help me.
Hoping to sound calm and unflustered, I hollered his name.
He entered the room faster than I expected. He must have been sitting at the table just outside the door.
“Sorry, but this room was intended for a less elaborately coiffed female. I’m afraid I’m going to need your help in getting all this off.” I sat nervously on the bed.
His eyes held heat. His legs brushed against mine as he moved closer. My breath left me slowly, moisture rushing to my palms.
“I only need help with my hair. My clothes are staying put.”
His lip quirked. “I know what you meant.” he said softly.
His fingers went to my hair and he slowly worked the twists and curls loose from the silver headpiece. I sat still. My body felt warm, but small chills ran along my spine as his fingers moved deftly through my long locks. My breathing deepened, and I could almost hear my heart.
He was so close, his legs pressed against me. I held my breath as he bent closer to untie a difficult loop and I closed my eyes. My body’s reaction to such a simple thing was embarrassing. I only hoped he couldn’t sense what he was doing to me. He straightened, lifting the ornament off my head, and placing it on the chair by the bed.
I ran my fingers through my hair, rubbing my scalp to ease the slight soreness.
He sat on the bed next to me. His hands once again attending to my head. He slid his fingers into my hair, massaging the sore areas on my scalp. My head fell back, my mouth open, I let a moan of pleasure escape my throat.
“God, that’s great.” I admitted.
“You were all but harnessed to that thing. I can see why you wanted it off.” He rubbed my neck, his short nails grazing the sensitive skin behind my head.
“If you keep this up, I’ll be a puddle on the bed.” The reaction to his body’s closeness was magnified by the scent of his skin and the feel of his nails lightly scratching my skin. I had to stop him or he would put me in an even more confusing position. We needed to figure things out, not complicate them.
I rolled off the side, evading his hands. “Thank you, I feel better now. I couldn’t have extracted myself from that thing without you.” I tried to smile away the sexual tension that was threatening to choke me.
Lucian seemed to enjoy my obvious unease.
“I’m happy to help. You know I’d do anything for you, Grace.” He leaned over. Pulling his soft boots off, he lay them on the floor next to the bed. “You don’t mind if we talk in here, do you? The benches out there aren’t very comfortable.” He scooted his large form back until his shoulders sunk into the pillow. I watched him, my mouth dry and slack.
I shook myself from my shocked stupor. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, this is where I’m going to sleep.”
“Are you afraid I might jump you in the night? Or are you afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?” His smile was boyish and wolfish at once.
“Both, I imagine. But if you’re strong enough, then I am too.” I folded the long panels that formed the skirt of my gown, trying in vain to cover as much of myself as I could. The chest, however, well, it was so skimpy, it covered little else than my nipples.
He watched me adjust myself awkwardly. I could tell he was amused by my efforts at modesty.
“I don’t see a change of clothing in here, and it’s obvious you’re uncomfortable. Here.” He pulled his shirt over his head in one swift movement and handed it to me.
“You can use this. It will cover you much better than that dress, and then maybe we can relax and actually talk.”
I stared at his chest. Yeah, now I could relax. Strong pecs and hard muscle dusted with downy blond hairs. My eyes were glued. I had been around him shirtless more times than I could count, but seeing his bare chest, in the privacy of a bedroom was a totally new feeling. I sensed his power, not to mention his maleness.
I hopped off the bed, turned on my heel and bolted for the small bathroom, shutting it behind me I leaned against the door.
Get a hold of yourself! I mentally chided. What is wrong with you? I placed the silver and blue tunic on the floor and went to the basin. Splashing water on my neck and cheeks to cool my racing blood, I released the clasp that held the gown on and it fell in a pool at my feet. I stood for a moment in nothing but a white silken pair of panties.
The tunic was soft and still warm from the heat of Lucian’s body. His scent filled me as I pulled it over my head, making my head swim. I was beginning to think they put something in the water.
I hadn’t been this randy since Seth invoked the ring to get me in bed. Only this, well, this was a pure attraction, a natural attraction. I stood for a moment, trying to collect myself. I blotted my chest and face with the discarded dress and opened the door.
He lay on the bed, his feet and chest bared. He wore only a low-slung pair of soft black pants. His strong body looked comfortable and at home. None of my frustration appeared on him. He was completely at ease.
“Better?” he asked calmly.
“Yes, thank you again. You’re my knight in shining armor tonight. I would be a mess without you.” I was more of a mess with him. I walked to the bed, curling my legs under me as I sat. “So, let’s talk.” I said, my voice cracking a little.
He sat up, his expression suddenly serious.
Great, I was in for a blow.
“I know you went through hell with Seth. I know he forced you to do things,” his voice broke a fraction. “I also know you had little choice.” He leaned closer, taking my hand in his he continued. “I look at you and I see a beautiful fragile woman. A woman, who needs to be cared for, protected. But then, you prove to be something else entirely. You’re smart, very smart. You think quickly on your feet and you are loyal to your friends. You can take care of yourself.” He released my hand. “I know that now. And before we continue with our talk, I want to apologize for any and all of my prejudiced assumptions. I was being unfair and selfish.”
I stared at him, torn between hugging him and kicking him in the ass. “Lucian, please, you did no more or less than any man would have done. It’s okay.”
“It’s just that I want to be there for you, I want you to turn to me before any other man. I can’t explain it.” He cleared his throat, “Grace, I need to ask you something. It’s for my piece of mind and you don’t have to answer me if you choose not to, but, when you were with Seth, were you ever attracted to him? Were you ever willing? Chloe and Eden said you were. They said your moans would wake the undead. They tried to torment me with tales of your bed play. They said you willingly let him feed from you. Then, the night of the party, when I saw you covered in vampire bites everywhere, I went mad inside. I wanted to kill Seth. I hated you.”
He was sitting well away from me now, moving back as the memories spilled from his lips. I crawled forward, touching his leg. “Lucian, you should know by now that anything those monsters said were lies. They wanted to hurt you. My God! Seth wanted to kill you!”
He looked hopeful, but I pressed on. “But, in answer to your questions, at first, no. He had to use the ring to make me touch him. It was shocking. He’s a vampire. A creature I believed to
be pure myth.”
I scooted closer to him, I knew this next part was not going to please him, but I wasn’t going to lie to him now. I had no reason.
“Well,” I began, “at first, he scared me, but at the same time he protected me. I was confused. I knew I had to get you and Ann out. I had to cooperate with him and I couldn’t get at the ring. Then there was the sex. I was under the power of the ring, but he knew I was already drawn to him. He used that to turn my lust against me and in the end, I went to him willingly. He was a passionate lover. He made me feel things I have never felt with any mortal man.”
I saw him flinch, and his pain prickled across my skin. But I would not apologize for it. “I regret many things, Lucian, but I can’t regret being human, nor needing a man. I guess that was my one betrayal.”
He looked stricken. His eyes were unblinking and a shadow crossed over his face. “Tell me, how you finally got away?” his voice was soft, and his bland tone did little to hide his pain.
“I was locked in his room,” I said. “The Council decided Seth was too attached to me. I was a distraction that needed removal. They planned to transport me to some far off place. I knew if they had succeeded, I’d never be able to help you. So, I hid a large marble bust under his bed, and when he came back, I acted like I was falling apart and I cried. Seth came to comfort me and when his head was lowered, I smashed his face in with the bust. Then I staked Ael. But, that asshole managed to tear my shoulder apart before he finally fell. Thank goodness, Gavyn had the power to heal, or Ael’s last attack would have been fatal.” I stared blindly, my memories filling me. “I killed Thorak too. I stabbed him in the groin then blew his head off with a ’44 Magnum.” I could still feel the slippery gray matter pelting my face and arms. The putrid smell and the fleshy chunks that slid off my skin made an indelible impression on my memory.
“I had to get you out. I had to do whatever needed to be done. You can pass judgment if you want to, but I did what I had to do and I won’t apologize for it, not to you or anyone. Now, Seth is angrier than ever. He knows I went with Gavyn. I’m sure after what I did to him and his people, he’ll want me even more. I can make a pretty good bet if he ever gets his hands on me again, it won’t be sex and diamonds, but torture and death.”
