The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set

by Sharon Ricklin Jones

  We ate in bed, propped up on satin pillows, wearing nothing but our medallions. I reached over and wiped off a bit of cracker crumb stuck to Emrys’ chin. He had a perpetual five o’clock shadow. It was the rough, scruffy look I liked - not quite a beard or mustache but not clean-shaven either. For one brief second I wondered how he did that.

  “I do not shave every day, but when I do, I have my shaver set at the longest cut.”

  I had no idea that was even possible, but it made sense. I ran the back of my hand over the scruffiness. It was just long enough to feel soft, rather than prickly. “I like it - a lot.”

  “That is good to know since it has been this way for decades, and I do not think I would be willing to change it now.”

  “Well, what if I asked you to shave? Would you then?” I watched him closely keeping my face straight.

  “Not a chance. Besides, my dear Elizabeth, you just told me you liked it. My hair, and I do mean all of my hair, shall remain exactly as it is.”

  I smiled at his obstinacy, glad that he could not be easily persuaded to change things about himself just to please others. Besides, he was right: I loved his hair and I would hate it if he cut if off - ever.

  “Would you cut your hair for me, if I were to ask you?” he quipped, more sarcastic now.

  “Of course...not.”

  “Good. End of discussion. We shall both keep things quite as they are then.”

  I laughed, knowing the entire conversation bordered on the absurd. Emrys leaned over and kissed me, and then stuffed a piece of cheese in my mouth. “Eat. You will need some energy for what is to follow.”

  “Why? What’re we doing next?” I asked, more out of pure curiosity than anything else. I’d go anywhere and try anything with him, even sky diving; something I previously swore I’d never do.

  “Well, that would be too easy for me. I do not need a plane for that skill,” he boasted with a raised brow.

  “Stop bragging. You are not allowed to brag until you give me a demonstration,” I said, teasing.

  “I shall soon, my dear. But right now we have other things to consider. We need to prepare for our honeymoon.”

  “We’re going on a honeymoon? Where?” I couldn’t hold my excitement back.

  “Prince Edward Island,” he said. A broad smile accompanied his obvious self-confident choice.

  “Oh Emrys, I’ve always wanted to go there! It should be beautiful this time of year. When do we leave?”

  His grin widened at my transparent joyfulness. He brushed a few stray hairs out of my face with a soft touch and said, “To make our flight, we must leave in two hours, my sweet Elizabeth.” He beamed with delight. He knew all of my heart’s desires and wishes, and already aimed to grant me one of them. I bounced up and down on the bed like an excited child awaiting a birthday present. I imagined all the lovely fall colors of the countryside, and I could almost smell the wonderful outdoors. As far as I was concerned, Prince Edward Island would be an absolute perfect place for a quiet getaway. But there was so much to do to get ready; I couldn’t just sit there any longer eating cheese and crackers. I had to go!

  I bounced up off the bed and began to run from room to room looking for things: my purse, my clothes, an overnight bag, shoes, and coat. The only thing I found was my purse. I remembered the walk-in closet and ran in there and then back out toward the bed.

  “Emrys, let’s go!” I exclaimed.

  He was lying back propped up on pillows with his hands folded behind his head, his long black hair flowing down under his upraised arms, laughing at me.

  “What on earth is so funny?” I was offended at his lack of ambition, and his playful laughter began to irritate me beyond words.

  “You should see yourself running wildly in circles wearing nothing but your medallion. It is quite a sight, I must say!” He chuckled again, although the incensed look on my face brought it to an abrupt end. Sitting up, he gave me a more serious look.

  “Sweet, sweet Elizabeth. Do not take me wrong. The sight of you is quite appealing, but I only laugh at these fruitless endeavors. You have expended much energy and accomplished nothing. Can you relax for a moment?” He patted the mattress, “Come sit here and let me tell you how easy your new life shall be.”

  I took a deep breath, reined in my anger and sat down on the edge of the bed. He put his hand on my thigh, giving it a soft pat, and said, “There we go.” And then he looked deeply into my eyes, adoring me, calming me all at once.

  “In time you will come to realize that you have become a woman of leisure. You need not worry about unnecessary tasks, such as gathering up this mess here.” He pointed at our wine glasses and plates of leftovers and grapes strewn about the floor.

  “You do not even have to pack clothes for trips; your wardrobe mistress will take care of these things as well as the laundry.”

  “I am completely capable of packing my own things, Emrys. Why would I want someone else to do that?”

  “No one accused you of not being capable, and that is your prerogative to choose those things you wish your mistress to do for you. But I just wanted to let you know that all we have to do is get ourselves ready.”

  “Oh. Well...In that case, I guess I’ll go take a shower then.”

  I regretted the way I had jumped to conclusions. I certainly wasn’t used to anyone taking care of me - or my things, and didn’t know how I’d be able to relax and get used to such a leisure lifestyle, at least not without a bit of coaxing.

  Wardrobe mistress? I am not sure I like the sound of that…

  I started to ease off the bed, but Emrys caught my arm and pulled me back down and, in one swift movement, he had me lying flat on my back looking up at his smiling face. His hair swept all around my head, his hands and knees squarely planted on the bed around me, his body arched above me like a bridge, touching me only with the ends of his hair.

  “This, my dear sweet wife, is quite all I expect of you in the way of physical labor, if, in fact, you consider this type of activity to be hard work!” He raised an eyebrow.

  I knew he was trying to ruffle my feathers, so I played along.

  “Expect of me? We are not living in the days of kings and queens, servants and masters. You can’t expect me to do anything I don’t want to do. I have my rights as a woman!”

  “Oh, really? Well, my sweetness, I am much stronger than you, and I shall take what is rightfully mine, any time I wish, my little wench!” His bridge collapsed then and pressed down onto me with all his weight, pinning me down like a captive prize.

  I struggled, but to no avail; he was much too strong and heavy for me. I closed my eyes and let my body go limp, “Fine, you win.”

  Before my words were out, he flipped over onto his back and started to laugh. “I knew you would see things my way. I was just teasing you, my love.”

  I rolled over and straddled him then, both of my hands placed firmly on his shoulders.

  “Well this expectation thing goes both ways, my dear sweet husband. I will take what is rightfully mine - anytime I wish as well!” I bent my head down and let my hair fall into his face, sweeping it back and forth like a paintbrush. At first he pretended to struggle for his freedom, but then he gazed up at me with his mesmerizing eyes and smiled. I stopped moving my head and returned the smile.

  “Well, my sweet wife, it appears that you win this round.” His whole body relaxed beneath my grasp, except for one unruly member. With a quick chuckle, he added, “As you can plainly see, I am yours for the taking.”

  “Let’s call it a tie,” I whispered as I bent forward and kissed him passionately. Regardless of who did the packing, it would have to wait.

  CHAPTER 4

  DOUBLE VISION

  When we went back to check in on Melinda before leaving, we found her sitting up in a chair, completely back to normal. Raven normal. Seeing her contented smile filled me with overwhelming happiness. The two of us chatted about her transition and she mentioned again how her dreams made he
r feel so close to Gavin. He and Emrys sat across the room making some necessary plans; during our absence, Gavin would be in charge.

  I took Melinda’s hand, and for the first time felt an electrical connection as well as our normal twin connection. She chuckled softly. “I guess we’re back to being two of a kind again.”

  “I’m so glad you’re okay, sis.” I said, squeezing her hand. “It would have been hard enough just knowing you were out there without me. But gone from this world altogether? I don’t think I could have gone on.” I glanced at Emrys for a moment just as he looked past Gavin and met my eyes. His smile told me a different story, but nevertheless, Lindy becoming a vampire was much easier to deal with.

  “Do you recall what happened out by the pond, Lindy?”

  She shook her head as a frown touched her brows, and then said, “Everything was a bit fuzzy at first, but once I finished transitioning, I did remember something. There was…a guy.”

  My heart leapt inside and a sudden nausea swept over me. “What guy?” I asked, already sure of the answer. I glanced toward Emrys and he gave me a slight nod.

  “He had brownish hair and a fiery copper eye color,” Lindy said. “He kept on asking me why I didn’t return to him like I had promised. He tried kissing me and kept saying he knew that I had enjoyed it earlier, and it was a shame we had been interrupted. I told him he was nuts; that I’d never seen him before. It didn’t occur to me at the time - I mean let’s face it, I had my share of drinks! But obviously he thought he was talking to you. I kept looking past his shoulder to see if Gavin was on his way back, and that really irritated him. He said I didn’t need to look any further, that he would take care of me. That he had great plans for us.” Melinda rolled her eyes.

  “Did he push you, Lindy?” I asked, fuming.

  “I’m not sure. But I do remember struggling with him when he started putting his hands all over me. He was such a jackass. And no matter how many times I told him my name was Melinda, he insisted on calling me Scarlett.”

  “His name is Rohan,” I said, my voice shaking with hate. “And you’re right, he thought you were me. You danced with him while you were both still in costume. But I met up with him a few times: when he was in costume as the ugly clown, and then later when he revealed his even uglier, real self.”

  “Why on earth would he act like that toward you?” Lindy inquired.

  “Let’s just say I may have inferred he’d be the one to turn me - if I decided to be turned at all.”

  “So that’s why he was so aggressive? And you kissed him? He had his heart set on you!” Melinda almost sounded sorry for the guy now.

  “Lindy, I never promised him. Well, maybe I did. I don’t even remember now. But a girl can change her mind!” I said, glancing back at Emrys again.

  “Well, I don’t recall much after that; except when he started to tell me some of his plans, I slapped his face, which really pissed him off!” Lindy said, with a smirk.

  “Is that when he got more physical with you?” I asked.

  Lindy shrugged. “The last thing I remember is when he screamed, ‘You will regret this Scarlett!’, and after that, everything went black.”

  Shaking my head, I thought about telling her exactly what had happened – how Rohan had attempted to rape me, but I couldn’t.

  Not with Gavin in the room. It would have to wait for a better time.

  “Well, I’m just glad you’re okay now, Lindy.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

  Just then Emrys stood and came to me, extended his hand and said, “Come, my love. Our honeymoon awaits.”

  I gave Melinda a hug, kissed her cheek, and whispered in her ear, “I love you, sis. Stay safe. I’ll see you soon.”

  Melinda glanced dreamily at Gavin, giving him a tender smile and said, “We’ll be fine. You guys have a great time!”

  Before we took off, I reminded Lindy to give my regards to Fiona and let her know where we were. I didn’t think she would mind us not interrupting her and Rufus as they celebrated the first days of their marriage.

  * * *

  The yacht named Aeternus Corvus, translated more correctly, and without surprise, Eternal Raven, brought us back to Providence, and we flew from there to Toronto, connecting with a Canadian airline that took us directly to Prince Edward Island.

  We rented a chalet that had an excellent view of the azure blue waters and white sand beach. At least, that’s what the brochures said. When we arrived it was already dark. The unit was spacious and yet cozy with a fireplace and a Jacuzzi, a gigantic king-sized bed, a kitchenette and a wrap-around porch. During our first evening on the island we enjoyed a quiet meal together and then relaxed by the fireplace, chatting quietly wrapped in each other’s arms; it was completely blissful.

  Upon seeing all the brochures Emrys had spread out on the coffee table, I had to ask, “You knew about my favorite childhood book, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, it has come up in your thoughts from time to time. I understand the author’s inspiration for the setting of many of her books came while visiting the island herself, and since I read Anne of Green Gables to Amrita when she was a young girl, I too was familiar with the beauty of the island. Which reminds me; tomorrow I shall take you on an authentic carriage ride, and, if you wish, we can do some trail riding on our own.”

  “You mean horseback riding?” I asked excitedly.

  “Yes.” He cupped my cheek with his hand as he peered into my wide eyes. “Would you enjoy that, my dear one?”

  “You know I would,” I said smiling.

  “Then it is settled. I suggest we try to get some sleep now, since we have not slept more than a few hours in the past two days.” He stood and gave me his hand. As I took it, I couldn’t help but wonder if he had other plans for the bed, besides sleeping. He let out a short chuckle.

  “Now that would depend on a number of details, would it not?”

  “Such as?” I asked playing coy.

  “For one, the degree of my fatigue, or possibly your choice of bedroom attire, and then there is the outside chance that you simply are not in the mood. As we learned earlier today, you have certain rights as a woman.” His dark eyes baited me as he tried to hide his smile.

  “Emrys, I know you know me better than that. You must realize by now, I don’t have the power to ever say no to you.”

  “I do know you, my sweet. And I think you know that I also find it impossible to say no to you, regardless of my ability or stamina.”

  I was completely caught off guard by my sudden yawn. “Well, I guess I am sort of tired.” It had caught up - all the excitement and busyness, traveling and extra-curricular activities. After I gave him a gentle squeeze I let his hand go and went into the bathroom.

  As I brushed my teeth, peering into the mirror, the image looking back at me began to fade and, instead, I saw myself brushing my hair as I sat in front of an antique mahogany vanity table. The triple mirror had beautiful carved floral artwork on both sides and along the top. On the base there was a center shelf and four drawers, two on each side. The material on the pillow of the bench had deep purple and blue flowers. Glancing down at myself, I saw I was wearing a very sheer white nightgown trimmed in light blue lace. I looked back up into the mirror still holding the hairbrush, and in the reflection, on either side of my head, I saw two hands coming from behind, reaching for me. The vision was clear; they were Emrys’ hands. I had caught a glimpse of his thumb ring with the red designs embossed in silver. He placed both hands on me and started to rub my neck and shoulders, and then slowly, one hand moved to the front, eased downward, and slipped inside of my neckline. Waves of electric currents sent goose bumps down my spine as his hand continued to caress me.

  And then, in a flash, I was back at Prince Edward Island in the chalet, holding a toothbrush. I finished up quickly and joined Emrys, already lying on the bed.

  “I think I just had another vision,” I stated. “Did you see it?”

  “No, I was not listening,�
� he said holding up a brochure.”

  His puzzled look evaporated as I recalled the vision.

  “Oh, I see,” he said, nodding. “That vanity table was my mother’s. It appears that Amrita shall be giving it to you very soon. I hope you can act surprised!”

  “That’s all you’re getting out of the vision?” I felt somewhat dejected as I plunked myself down onto the bed, my back to him.

  “Do you mean this?” His voice was soft and low. He began to rub my neck, sending me into the same electrical storm I had felt in the bathroom. His hands were warm, and he rubbed with a firm tenderness.

  I moaned appreciatively. “Oh, yes.”

  A few hours later…we finally fell asleep. So much for questioning his stamina.

  * * *

  I was forced to choose the dark chestnut Morgan for more reasons than one, even though Emrys’ horse was much prettier. His mustang was light chestnut, but her long, flowing mane was pure white. Not only was she taller than my mare, she held her head up high making her appear even taller. I noticed a little bit of an attitude in her as well. She seemed to prefer men over women, and when she responded to me with a stomp of her foot, I moved quickly to the Morgan.

  It was a perfect day for a horseback ride through the woods. The sun peeked out through thick puffy white clouds, warming us.

  The trail was well worn, and it was obvious the horses knew their way around, making it even easier for us to concentrate on the beauty that surrounded us, rather than taking too much effort to control our four-footed friends. The path was wide enough to ride side by side which made our quiet conversation easier as well.