Shattered (Mists of the Fae Book 9)

by Jaime Marks

  “I know, I’m sorry. I just…” She shook her head not even knowing how to explain this.

  He took one good look at her and sighed before sitting beside her on the tub. “Come on. Come here and tell your fratyn what’s wrong. You look like hell, sis.”

  “I have a killer headache and my mind feels like jelly. I can’t think,” she conceded as tears ran down her face. “I don’t know what to do.”

  He chuckled shaking his head. “Sooner or later you’ll learn to just come to us instead of hiding like this. You only hurt yourself and earn my gemyn’s whip.”

  She shivered but it wasn’t in fear. She actually really enjoyed Byryn’s whip. Any hope of losing herself in the joys of fantasy washed away as nausea from her near migraine rolled through her.

  “Come on Star, open up, at least to me and Astryn before you make yourself sick,” he reasoned. “I can’t help you if I can’t sense you to ease your pain.”

  She nodded hesitantly and slowly lowered the blocks between them, granting herself some minor relief. Kyle’s essence washed over her and the pain in her head began to alleviate as he stroked her head and back. She cherished the time they spent together and the way he cared for her. It filled a hole in her that losing her Father and learning the truth of who he was created.

  He pulled back in shock a minute studying her as their minds reconnected. “Relax soryia, just rest on me and let me sort this out a minute,” he commanded sliding his hand over her stomach. After a few seconds he kissed her temple and pulled away. “You need to go to him. Blocking like this isn’t healthy for you right now and he’s likely going to discipline you hardcore for stressing yourself out like this.”

  She looked up at him. “Then I’m right.”

  “I didn’t say that,” he smirked. “Now, go see your Daddy or I’ll discipline you myself and turn you over to him bound and ready.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Then…I’m not?”

  “I didn’t say that either. I said go. Now, soryia. He’s in the sitting room.”

  She pouted a minute but reluctantly got up and did as he asked. There was no point in arguing with him. He’d follow through on his threats and she wouldn’t be any closer to getting the answers she wanted. Besides, she was tired and sick of trying to maintain the block.

  Byryn looked up as she entered. “Where have you been hiding, baby girl? Seems like we need to have another talk about blocking your Daddy and your fratyn.”

  She blew out a breath. “I’m sorry, Daddy. Sometimes I just need to sort out my own head before I talk to you about things. I don’t always understand certain things and I like knowing what’s going on before I bother you with it.” She shrugged really wishing he would just take control right now so she didn’t have to think anymore. She couldn’t handle this.

  He squinted at her a moment allowing his eyes to roam freely over her body. “Sit,” he commanded, motioning beside him as he waited for her to obey. “Is this about Wytheryn?”

  “No. I understand the reasons this had to happen and trust you to handle it, Byryn. I’ll help you anyway I can, you know that,” she offered, hesitating as she searched for the right words. “This is more…personal...between the two of us.”

  His eyes narrowed at her words. “Then I suggest you stop blocking me. Now, Staryana.”

  She released the last of the blocks she was holding, nearly falling back against the couch from the sheer relief of it. Blocking any one of the four of them was difficult, but Byryn was the worst and honestly he was so much better at all this than she was.

  A small smile hinted at his lips, but he was angry with her for hiding, so he kept on his ‘sir face’ as she’d taken to calling it. “Come here. Let me see, baby.” She slid over and he pulled her into his lap as he slid his hand over her belly. “You’ve been stressing over this all morning?”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to add to everything you’re already dealing with if I was wrong…” She hesitated, “Am I?”

  He turned her to face him with a playful smile. “I don’t know. Maybe I should make you wait for the answer since you waited to come to me about this.”

  “Please don’t. I know you’re mad, but it’s seriously been driving me nuts. I mean, I should know what the hell my own body feels like. I’m smart enough to figure this out and…” She started to rant but he slid a figure over her lips.

  “Shhh, relax baby girl. It’s alright. You’re probably just feeling a bit hormonal,” he spoke softly as a broad smiled graced his lips, “because yes, you carry our young in your womb. I can sense it.”

  Tears streamed down her face. She was a ball of emotions. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have waited. I love you so much, and I know I should never hide from you, but I just didn’t know if you’d be ok with this right now. I’m not trying to replace your son. I didn’t even…”

  He cut her off with a kiss. “Easy baby,” he chuckled. “You really did work yourself into a knot over this, didn’t you? I know you didn’t plan this. I told you it would happen when and if it was meant to. I love you, baby girl, and you’re giving me the greatest gift.” Byryn kissed her again softly whispering, “Thank you.” Then slid her off his lap. “But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for blocking me.”

  “Or me,” Kyle added as he and Astryn entered the sitting room.

  She came rushing over and wrapped her in her arms. “Congratulations.”

  Star kissed her softly. “Thanks, but…you ok with this? We kind of live together and everything. We literally do everything together.”

  She nodded. “Yeah. It’ll be weird to have you going through this when I’m not, but I figure it just means you’ll know how to help me when I’m with young.”

  Star kissed her again. “And you know I always will.”

  Kyle took them both by the hands. “Come on. We’re going to walk to the lounge while Byryn gets Wytheryn. I want to be there before they are.”

  “Walk?” Star asked in confusion.

  “Walk,” Byryn reiterated leaning down to kiss her. “As of right now you’re no longer allowed to mist in the realm yourself and Kyle’s much better than he was, but he’s not comfortable misting you while you’re with young yet. We’ll work on it later so it’s not an issue.”

  “Nope, so we’re walking. That way you can get your mind set for what you’re going to tell our Fathers in case we can’t locate the Shade before the ceremony tonight, since one of them will have to mist you.”

  “Shit,” she mumbled and they all laughed. “Oh hush. You won’t think it’s funny if my Dad tries to kill Byryn.”

  Kyle laughed, “I highly doubt it’ll go that far. You’re bound now.”

  Byryn pulled her to standing and smacked her firmly on the ass. “Get going, brightness. We’ll handle your Dads together after I get there.”

  She sighed but let Kyle wrap an arm around her as he guided her to the door. “Stay close, ok? I know I’m being paranoid, but this is new and there’s still a major threat in the realm.”

  “Yes fratyn,” she replied patiently enjoying the closeness with her brother.

  He kissed her head. “Good girl. I know we’re annoying you already, but get used to it.”

  She smiled a little. She actually didn’t mind when they pampered or fussed over her. It gave her a reason to be bratty sometimes though, and she liked that too. The consequences were generally pretty fun. She pouted realizing that they were probably going to need to tone down on their punishments and playtime.

  “Oh, don’t you worry about that, baby girl. Daddy can be very creative to get you what you need and I’m sure your fratyn has a few tricks up his sleeve too,” Byryn whispered through her mind as his essence wrapped around her.

  As if to emphasize the statement Kyle cracked her ass hard twice. She went to pull away feeling a bit irritated that he’d basically spanked her in the hall but he held her fast.

  “Behave, soryia, or I’ll do it again, hard enough to make you cry ou
t. We wouldn’t want anyone to hear you.”

  “No sir,” she ground out.

  He pulled closer and leaned next to her ear. “Pull a stunt like that again, blocking us to the point that you’re sick, and I’ll spank you in front of our Father. I don’t need to hurt you physically to punish you, soryia. I can humiliate you and fuck with your mind just as easily,” he taunted.

  “Yes sir.” Unfortunately he had a point. She’d taken it too far and she knew better than to push that limit. Kyle might seem like he was being harsh, but he was right and she knew if he had to teach her a lesson to get it through her thick head he would.

  She sighed contently as he kept her close but turned to talk to Astryn. She loved the closeness and comfort she had with the three of them. There really wasn’t any reason to panic and hide like she had. If she wasn’t ready to talk to Byryn, she could’ve come to Kyle, or even Astryn, and they would have been there for her. She didn’t know why she kept running when things got confusing or stressful.

  A soft kiss to her temple pulled her back from her thoughts. “Because that’s how you got by for so long, soryia. You thought you were either crazy or evil so you learned to hide it all to protect yourself. Once the truth came out you didn’t know how to deal with it, but you’ve got us now. It’ll take time, but you’ll learn.”

  She hoped so. It was getting harder and harder to block them even for a short time and now she was going to be a Mom. Well technically she already was, but Kylion was four, and aside from his tendency to sneak off he really made taking care of him easy. Now she was going to have a tiny little baby relying on her. A broad smile spread across her lips as the reality of the situation set in. They were having a baby.

  Chapter 13

  Wytheryn sat her back on the bed and slid the gown he’d chosen over head, helping her adjust it. It was a silver satin number that traced her curves, tempting him to follow the lines with his hands. He fought the urge and instead studied her closely.

  “I should comb your hair,” he murmured thoughtfully, wondering if he could. He’d never groomed a female before. Alayne’s hair was long like hers, but the waves of her beautiful mahogany hair gave him pause.

  “I can do it,” she offered.

  He smiled. “I know, but I want to tend to you this morn so you’ll allow me to.”

  He went to the bathroom and rummaged around until he found a brush and some clips he decided to try. Sitting back against the headboard he gently pulled the brush through her hair. Carefully placing the clips he pulled it back from her face so that it just framed her beauty. He smiled, pleased that she looked so lovely, not that it really had anything to do with him. She was always lovely. Her necklace was hidden by her dress and he pulled it out, adjusting the length of its cord so it rested just above the swell of her breasts.

  When he was finished he set her before the mirror and she gasped. “I look…”

  “Beautiful.” He kissed her head. “As you always do.”

  “But…I mean this gown, and I’ve never worn my hair like that. All I ever do it tie it back,” she stammered staring at herself. “I look amazing. Thank you, Wytheryn.”

  He shook his head. “It isn’t the robes or the hair, Narysia. You always look exquisite.” She blushed and he lifted her, resting her back on the bed lying beside her. “My brother will be here soon and…”

  Byryn misted into the room and he jumped to pay his favor. “It’s alright, Wytheryn. Relax, I just need to talk to you before meal.”

  His Master smiled contently, but he looked scattered and exhausted. He wanted to go to him and soothe him in some way, but he knew he wouldn’t accept his touch. That much had been made clear. Still, it was Wytheryn’s fault he hadn’t been able to sleep and shame coursed through him for not being able to attend to his Master’s needs properly.

  Byryn sat beside him. “I’m fine, brother. I sense your concern and it’s been a difficult morning, but it’s had its highlights.” His smile beamed a moment lighting up his face and Wytheryn knew he was referring to his mate. He only beamed like that for her.

  Turning his attention to Narysia his brother asked. “How are you feeling today? I know last night was incredibly difficult, but we’ll help you through this anyway we can,” he offered sincerely.

  “I…I’m ok,” she replied timidly looking at her hands.

  He breathed deeply but nodded. “I hate to bother you with anything right now, sunshine, but there’s something I need to formalize and I can’t do that without talking to you.”

  She blushed at the term of endearment, glancing hesitantly to him for approval, but it didn’t faze Wytheryn. Byryn had nicknames for everyone and it suited her well. Besides, she was his and he belonged to Byryn. His Master could call his mate whatever he wanted. It did kind of sting that he hadn’t gifted him one yet, but he would earn it.

  “Of course, Prince Byryn,” she replied.

  He smirked at her formality but continued without correcting her. “Wytheryn made a Decree of Bonding and requested the rights to your awakening last night; provided, of course, that he’s already been awakened at that time. As your Custyion I need to know if you’ll accept being bound to him as his mate, Narysia.”

  Her smile literally lit up the room and for a moment he saw the twinkle he so enjoyed in her eyes. It was a relief to see it. “Yes, of course I accept him.”

  Byryn chuckled, “Yeah, I figured you would.” He motioned around them, “This suite will be your new quarters. From now on you’ll require personal guards. In most cases it’ll be one of my brothers, but we’re stretched a bit thin so we’ll figure it out as we go.” He paused as if running through things in his mind. “I moved your appointment up with Kato. You’ll see him today. We want to ascertain your lines.”

  She fidgeted slightly and began to stammer a bit. “I…If you feel it has to be done. I mean, well, I’m Wytheryn’s mate and I know my parents are dead. Is there…Do I really need to know?”

  Byryn sighed. “You weren’t nervous about this before, Narysia. If I remember correctly, you were actually pretty excited about finding your Father’s family. Are you afraid they won’t accept you now?”

  She looked away but Wytheryn gripped her by the chin and turned her back to face them. “Answer him, pet,” he commanded.

  “Why would they accept me? I’ve been dishonored,” she whispered. “I know how judgmental the Fae can be.”

  Wytheryn pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms at a loss for what else he could do. “I’m so sorry, Narysia.” It pained him to know that this had been ruined for her because of their connection.

  “Stop,” Byryn demanded. “First, Narysia, if your line chooses to deny you over something that wasn’t your fault, they’re fools and we’ll deal with it, but you will know your line even if it means we have to Claim you as a daughter of one of ours,” he asserted firmly. “Second, it’s not your fault that this happened to her, Wytheryn, and I won’t have you taking the blame for it. The only blame belongs on Tomas, Vilyn, and those unawakened, who you and I will deal with later.” He rose from the bed and shook his head as he paced. “You haven’t been dishonored, Narysia, you were attacked. I won’t allow this to destroy you or diminish what you and Wytheryn share. I won’t stand for it, and I don’t really care what anyone else thinks, you’re both mine and I’ll do what I need to do to protect you.”

  Wytheryn couldn’t fathom how far Byryn would go to care for them. He wanted to give him something back so badly. He needed to please him, to show his gratitude, but he didn’t know how to do so in a way that he would accept. “Th-thank you, sir,” he choked out, fighting the tears that glistened his eyes.

  Byryn studied him a moment. “What is it, Wyth? Why are you upset? We agreed you would tell me if I did something that hurt you.”

  He shook his head, dropping off the bed to kneel. “No! You haven’t upset me, sir. I just don’t understand…you’ve done so much, offered me so much in such a short time, and you won’t allow me
to soothe you or please you…I don’t know how to show my gratitude for all you have done.”

  He felt Byryn’s stroke his hair a moment before his brother gently lifted his head to meet his eyes. His thumb stroked his cheek, drying away the tears that had fallen. “I’m sorry things are so confusing for you right now. Part of it is that is because my blood probably strengthened your Light. You’ve likely never felt some of the emotions you’re experiencing, or at least not this intensely. Another part of it is learning to understand one another. You honor me with your gratitude, but you don’t have to bow to me, or soothe me in any way to show it. If you’re overcome and need to express it, a hug is fine in most situations. If it’s not appropriate in that moment, a simple thank you is more than enough. I don’t require either. I can sense you clearly, Wytheryn. I know how you feel.” He sighed, “Come here, brother.”

  Byryn pulled him close and they embraced for a few moments before he pulled him up to his feet.

  “I’m sorry sir.” He shook his head. “I…I didn’t mean to…”

  “Wytheryn, you’re fine. I told you to tell me when I upset you, but I should probably clarify that. I expect you to tell me if you’re confused or something’s bothering you as well. Don’t worry about it so much. It’s just gonna take some time,” Byryn assured him.

  “Yes sir.”

  He smiled, patting his cheek before releasing him. Turning he focused on Narysia a moment with concern. “Sunshine, this has to be confusing for you. I know this isn’t something you’ve been exposed to.”

  She watched them for a moment but shrugged. “Wytheryn says he’s your slave. I may not understand it, but I’m sure there’s more to it than that. He’s my mate and you’ve always been good to me. I trust both of you enough to figure it out. I guess the only thing I need to know is what changes, and I think you’ve pretty much covered that Prince Byryn.”