The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set

by Sharon Ricklin Jones

  “Twins!” she exclaimed. “Oh, how exciting! Lizzy, did you hear that? We’re having twins!” Her voice was shrill and giddy. She practically jumped into Gavin’s arms and hugged him tightly around his neck. “Yes, yes. I’ll sign the papers!”

  As my sister and her husband embraced, my own dear husband leaned his face to my ear and whispered under his breath, “This ought to be good. I must admit, I am glad that you did not get the chance to tell Melinda the whole story just yet!”

  Emrys quickly raised his head up and waited for his friend to finish with his news. I had no way of knowing if he and Gavin had discussed any of this, or if Emrys was getting his detailed information from reading my mind. But, regardless of where he got it from, this was going to be good.

  “Melinda, darling…wait.” Gavin pulled back and held his wife at arm’s length looking directly into her eyes. “There’s more.”

  “Are they alright? Is something wrong with them?” Lindy’s voice became soft and she glanced at me fleetingly, her smile quickly fading into a frown.

  “As far as we know they are healthy and strong.” He hesitated only a moment longer. “All three of them!”

  Lindy’s eyes grew huge and round and she flung herself back into Gavin’s arms. As he held her tightly he smiled at me in relief. It was apparent he would do absolutely anything to make her happy.

  My mind flashed back to that night, so long ago now. Even though it had not been Lindy’s wish to become a vampire, the alternative was far more undesirable. She lay dying, and I watched in disbelief while Gavin had prepared himself to save her. That was the first time I had witnessed a transformation, at least from that perspective. Even though my beloved Emrys had just that evening changed me from a mere mortal too, it was so very different. A myriad of memories flew through my mind as I watched the revived joy in my sister’s eyes. She looked truly happy and excited.

  “You knew?” Melinda turned to me and gave me a hug when I nodded.

  “I knew in part. Not when or how, but yes, I knew they would be triplets.” That latest vision was still so fresh in my mind. And I was dying to tell her about the two blond girls and the boy with sandy brown hair - somewhere between the ages of three and four, and what a great mom she would be.

  “Do you want to know their sex?” I asked, smiling at her with raised brows, but already knowing what her response would be.

  “No!” She shook her head and her long black hair glimmered briefly in the waning light. “Please don’t tell me anymore. I want to feel like they are really mine from the beginning.” She frowned slightly and asked Gavin, “Where is this girl? Does she know anything about us, who we are, or what we are?”

  The stranger was suddenly standing in our midst. I never noticed him approach, and as we were introduced I knew immediately he was one of us. His sudden appearance and his electrified handshake gave him away.

  “Pleased to meet you both.” He bowed slightly with each introduction. “I am happy to see that the news has been received positively.”

  Mr. Feldspar wore a business suit that seemed outdated by about a century or so - a brown tweed getup with a plaid bow tie. He had light blue eyes that reminded me of the sky in the morning, and short black hair trimmed tightly all around, save for the long sideburns that seemed out of place. On closer inspection he seemed to have jumped directly out of the eighteenth century. I guessed that he just didn’t like change very much.

  Melinda was nodding her head as she eyed him closely. Her smile was as wide as her face would allow. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen her smiling this much and it warmed my heart to know how happy she was now.

  “The girl lives in a small town in Arizona.” He cleared his throat and glanced at Emrys, and then looked back at Melinda.

  “She knows nothing of who you are, or what we are. I have met with her only once myself - when she signed the papers. My secretary has taken care of all the preliminary meetings and travel arrangements.” Mr. Feldspar cocked his head slightly to the side. “She does not know where you live, and will have no rights to the children once the adoption is final. You will have approximately three weeks to prepare yourselves and travel to the States.”

  I felt Emrys stiffen behind me. He relaxed his hold of me and straightened up. Everyone knew we were not supposed to enter America except for the predetermined gatherings, once every ten years.

  “What?” Lindy called out, not giving a thought to the rules. “So soon? Do you realize how many things there are to get ready, Gavin? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “I’m afraid that is my fault,” Mr. Feldspar announced. “There was another couple in Arizona who had all but signed the papers for this adoption. But when it was confirmed that there would be three infants and that the birth mother refused to allow them to be separated, the couple bowed out. I then remembered my contact with Gavin months ago, fleeting as it was, and knew this would be a good match. Plus, to be completely honest, there was the word from Sibelle.”

  Now I was confused. I wondered if Sibelle had actually contacted him regarding the triplets, or if he had received a prophetic word from her. That made little sense. As far as I understood things, our Scottish prophetess only gave her prognostications directly to those involved. I couldn’t ask the question just then, as the attorney announced that they should all go indoors to go over the paperwork.

  Gavin and Melinda were then whisked away by Mr. Feldspar. I watched them make their way to the back door as the evening descended upon us quickly. Emrys stood next to me in silence waiting for me to return to the moment. I gazed up into the ever-darkening skies and listened as the crickets began to make music. I was deep in thought about the future, and as I stood there with my face pointed upwards, Emrys bent and began to nibble on my exposed neck. Goose flesh mingled with the tiny shots of electricity brought me back to the present moment. I looked into his eyes, dark as black velvet, and reached for him. His arms were warm and strong - like a fortress. I sighed as I melted into his embrace.

  “So, my love,” he whispered into my ear as he held me tightly. “After all this time of worry and fret, you see that your visions were right all along. Your sister shall be surrounded by childhood giggles in no time at all, and just think, you will be an Auntie!”

  I rested my head on his chest enjoying his heavenly scent and the safety of his presence. The constant tingle of his touch reminding me of what we were, and his words of encouragement filling me with so much gratitude.

  “Yes, Auntie Elizabeth has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” I said, glancing up at him.

  He chuckled lightly, and said, “It does.” He then wrinkled up his nose, adding, “Hmm, Uncle Emrys. I never fancied myself to be an uncle.” He eyed me quickly as I stood motionless watching him. “Are you quite sure you are not interested in another title, my sweet wife?”

  “I’m very sure. Why, do you want very much to be a father?” I asked, knowing he could read my sentiments on the whole matter anyway.

  “I never gave it much thought before. Now that there will actually be children living amongst us, I do not know. Perhaps it will change me.” He looked sad for a moment, and I knew he was thinking of his own father. All these years with no word, and not knowing if he was dead or alive, had to make his loss even worse.

  “You know...they’re going to need help getting those babies back here,” I said, quickly trying to change the subject at hand. “Think about it: three babies, two new parents. Not enough hands in this equation for a long trip across the pond. What do you think of my idea? Do you feel like taking a quick trip to sunny Arizona?”

  “I suppose it could be arranged.” He nodded thoughtfully. “Of course, we must be quick about it. As you recall, we are not actually supposed to go...” He stopped himself and then changed the subject with a shake of his head. “But beware of the chance you are taking being in such close proximity to tiny babies like that.” He grinned mischievously.

  “What? I can control myse
lf, Emrys!” I was appalled at his insinuation and gave him an irritated frown. “I would never be tempted to drain a child…much less a baby!”

  He shook his head sending his long hair waving through the air and the shimmery strands of ebony caught the light from the rising moon.

  “Do you really believe I would think that, for even an instant?” His eyes were warm, penetrating, and his voice came soft as he said, “I was merely speaking of the temptation of motherhood!”

  “Oh,” I said, looking down for a moment. “I’m sorry. But, I don’t imagine I’ll be tempted that way either.”

  I wasn’t sure, but I sensed something brewing in his mind. Maybe he really did want to have children but couldn’t bring himself to say so. Since he had helped raise his own sister after his mother was banished from Ravenswynd, he already understood all the work and dedication it entailed. My mind wandered once more.

  Here we go again; children being raised by someone other than their real parents.

  It seemed almost like a curse that followed us around. Melinda and I growing up in foster care after losing our parents. Emrys raising his half-sister after their mother was forced to leave, and now, my own sister is preparing to adopt a set of triplets.

  Would we be next? Is this what he wanted?

  He grinned at my silent thoughts. “You will be the first to know if I decide I want children. You know me better than that, my wife. I cannot keep anything from you.”

  I nodded silently, still thinking of the uncertain future.

  “Let us go in and see how the parents-to-be are doing, shall we?” He put his arm around my waist and we walked slowly back through the grass.

  The smell of chocolate still permeated the air, and my mind quickly turned to the dessert that Priscilla had been whipping up in the kitchens when Lindy and I had first decided to take our walk. The rich sweet scent filled our nostrils as we came closer now; it smelled so utterly delicious, I could almost taste it.

  Stepping into the kitchen, we spotted Kelsey and Royal watching Priscilla as she finished filling the dessert cups. Spoon in hand, ready to attack, Royal turned to greet us with a wide grin on his boyish face.

  “Miss Elizabeth, Master Emrys. It’s a grand evening, isn’t it?” Smiling, he reached over and took his wife’s hand.

  Ever since Kelsey and Royal were married, there was barely a moment when they were not touching or at the very least sitting in the closest proximity to one another. They were even worse than Fiona and Rufus.

  “Are you here for the chocolate mousse my wonderful mother-in-law has made?” he asked, still grinning as he winked at Priscilla.

  Priscilla’s smile was wide as she continued to fill the dessert cups.

  Kelsey said hello to us and then swooned back into her husband’s arms as he lavished compliments on both of the women in his life. She was a totally changed woman ever since Rohan’s death. Once he was completely out of her life and she was finally free to do whatever she pleased, she and Royal were married. Their wedding was beautiful and breezy, literally. She chose to have the ceremony outdoors in her very own garden. I was right all along. They did make a very cute couple, and since Emrys had managed to convince the Fellowship of Regents to change the rules, she was no longer considered damaged goods by our society. Sibelle had been right too; changing the rules really did change everything.

  Priscilla grinned as she handed the first cupful of her famous dessert to her son-in-law. Her main joy in life was cooking and I doubted that would ever change, but something seemed different about her as well. It was obvious she loved the new addition to her family, but something told me there was more. She smiled more often these days, and as she went about her daily chores, one could catch her humming a happy tune. She sometimes acted as if she was on the verge of spilling a fantastical secret.

  “We shall have our dessert a bit later,” Emrys answered. “We are looking for Gavin and Melinda right now. Does anyone know where they are?” He glanced at all the happy faces.

  Kelsey began to speak at the same time as I did and we canceled one another out completely.

  “You first, Lizzy,” she giggled, and pointed to me.

  “Speak for yourself, dear husband.” I reached for a cup of chocolate delight and said, “I’m taking mine to go!”

  Everyone chuckled.

  “Oh-yes,” Kelsey answered. “That’s what I was about to tell you. Gavin and Melinda are in the front office. They said to have you two join them when you come in.”

  “Thank you, Kelsey.” Emrys took my free arm, but before he could steal me away, I quickly reached over and grabbed a spoon. As he began to whisk me through the doorway, Emrys turned back suddenly with a last thought and added, “Royal, I must remind you again. You have been one of us quite long enough. First names will do just fine!”

  “So you’ve said,” he nodded, looking resigned. “But it’s hard for me to be so informal. You are the Regent and I respect your title.” Royal had always looked up to Emrys almost like a father and everyone knew that.

  “Yes, I know.” Emrys sounded exasperated. “In all seriousness, do call me by my given name. I need not be reminded of my station in life, especially here at home.” He shook his head as he gently scolded Royal.

  Royal nodded. It was plain to see he understood, but his respect was so deeply rooted, we knew it would be all but impossible for him to follow this one request.

  “Come, my wife,” Emrys said with a sigh, gently leading me through the doorway.

  We found my sister and her husband exactly where Kelsey said they’d be, but Mr. Feldspar was nowhere to be seen.

  “Where’s the attorney?” I asked just before I took my first spoonful of chocolate bliss.

  “He’s gone upstairs to say hello to Latimer.” Gavin looked up and added, “He said he’d give us a few moments to gather our thoughts and read through the papers.”

  I couldn’t help but wonder how they knew each other, but Latimer was one of the oldest Ravens around here and the one who kept the record books. I supposed that they could have known each other from decades ago.

  Before I had a chance to voice my question, Emrys stepped closer to Gavin.

  “And have you finished reading everything over yet?” he asked bluntly.

  “Yes.” Gavin nodded. “He actually emailed them to me last week. These are the hard copies.” He held up the papers briefly. “We’ve already signed everything. We’re just waiting for him to come back.”

  That was quick!

  “So, you knew he was coming by today and didn’t even tell Lindy?” I asked, licking my lips and looking at Gavin. I was surprised he could keep a secret this long. I didn’t think that Emrys and I would be able to do that. Well, surely I wouldn’t. He’d just find it in the far recesses of my mind anyway.

  “I have a confession,” Emrys piped up before Gavin could answer. “I have known for a while too.”

  Lindy and I looked at one another with squinted eyes, and then glared at our husbands.

  In unison we said, “What?”

  “I did not want to say anything to you, in case you had another vision. I would not want to sway you one way or another. I wanted it to be yours alone - if you did have one.” Emrys smiled at me, but almost looked a little nervous.

  “I get it; you don’t have to look so guilty!” I laughed.

  “But why would you tell Emrys and not me?” Lindy asked, still squinting at Gavin. Her hair was shining and beautiful, so black against the white chair she sat on. And except for the curls at the very bottom, still very much like my own: one of my favorite perks of being a vampire.

  “Well, number one: he is the Regent, and we always run important things by him before we take any major steps to change our lives like this. And number two, he is my friend.” Gavin looked like he had practiced these words in the mirror, they came out so perfectly smooth. “And besides, Mr. Feldspar came by a few months back to meet with the two of us.”

  “Ok, I understand you
telling him...but why didn’t you say anything to me?” Lindy asked quietly. I could see that she realized the same thing as I had then. This plan had been in the works for quite a while.

  “I just didn’t want to let you down if it didn’t work out. That’s all, my dear.” He pulled her to her feet and held her face softly in his hands. “I know how important this is to you. I couldn’t bear to see you hurting if it didn’t go well. It was easier this way: to wait until the woman signed the papers and Mr. Feldspar was sure beyond a doubt that everything would pan out.”

  “And are we sure beyond a doubt that she won’t change her mind?” Melinda looked seriously worried as Gavin took a step back.

  “We are not only sure, we are positively sure,” Mr. Feldspar quipped. He’d done it again! He had come in like a stealth jet, silent and fast. “Now that you have added your signatures, we are all set.” He pointed to the bottom of the document. “And the mother’s signature has already been witnessed and notarized.

  “You look, Gavin. I don’t want to know her name.” Melinda glanced at me warily, shaking her head. “Tell them, Lizzy, help me explain.”

  I had a mouthful of chocolate mousse which I quickly swallowed. “Ok,” I started. I licked my lips again and said, “What Lindy means is, if she doesn’t know the birth mother’s name, it will be easier to... how shall I say this... to pretend she doesn’t exist. No name, no real person. Right?” I studied my twin for confirmation, but already knew I was right.

  “Exactly!” Melinda sighed as she surveyed the room, searching everyone’s eyes. “I want to be their mother, their only mother. It sounds selfish when I say it out loud. But, that’s the truth.”

  Emrys nodded his head. Mr. Feldspar cleared his throat. I took another spoonful of chocolate. It made perfect sense to me.