The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set

by Sharon Ricklin Jones

  “Okay, let’s get to work!” Melinda jumped up, clapping with joy. She turned to Gavin and took his hand. As they left the office, she said to Emrys, “Great meeting! Thank you.”

  I stood up to leave too but was stopped by my husband.

  “Wait.” He pulled me into his arms and held me for a long moment. Electrical currents passed between us, powerful and comforting. But then, he held me at arm’s length. I felt it coming before he started. He looked into my eyes with love and tenderness.

  “Elizabeth.”

  “Yes?” I asked coyly.

  “You already know what I want to say.”

  “Then why say it?” I said, acting like a smart-ass. “I promise it won’t happen again.” I added an extra buffer, but he could see right through me. There was no use arguing. He would always be two steps ahead of me, always know what I wanted to say, even if it never came aloud. This is the price I pay for having a husband who can read my mind.

  “Sorry,” I whispered, not sure if I could look into his eyes right then. I gazed down at his medallion. The raven’s eye glowed ruby red and I recalled the night I first touched it and it turned from an onyx to a ruby. So many magical, mystical things going on all around me, and I couldn’t remember a simple thing - like making sure to drink enough and stay hydrated so I could avoid the ancient urge to devour a human. He nodded slowly as he listened to my rambling mind.

  In an amused tone, he said, “I think when it comes time for Heather to become one of us; I shall appoint you to turn her. Perhaps if you get it out of your system, and she is no longer so desirable to you, you will have better control.”

  “Better control?” Now I was pissed and narrowed my eyes at him. “Emrys, you seem to be forgetting the fact that I did not do anything. I was in control. Why are you saying this?”

  “The simple fact that you let yourself become even remotely dehydrated shows no self-control. Apparently you still do not understand,” he said more seriously. “One second of giving in to the urge can mean death for a human. If you stay hydrated, you will not experience the urge. Perhaps a better word for you is self-discipline: make it a habit to drink the Ambrosia which is provided for you so you are able to keep that most base impulse at bay.”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say. I already said I was sorry and I won’t let it happen again.” It felt like he thought I was a disgrace.

  “My intention,” he said, “is not to make you feel terrible, and you certainly are not a disgrace to me. I simply must make sure you realize how important it is to keep ahead of the urges.”

  He hugged me, holding my head to his chest. I heard his heart beating, felt his electrifying warmth on my cheek, and heaved a great sigh.

  “I understand,” I muttered through the electricity passing between us. I was beginning to see a pattern here. Even though there was always significant electrical energy in every vampire I’d met so far, what Emrys put forth was stronger, and even more so when he was in a heightened emotional state. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he ever found himself in a really negative emotional state.

  I thought about Emrys’ place in our society. Since he was the vampire Regent, and along with this title came much responsibility, it wouldn’t bode well for the leader’s wife to succumb to the urges they had spent over one hundred years suppressing. No doubt, a setback like that would cause many to step forward and challenge him for his title. I certainly didn’t want to be the cause of his downfall. Not that I didn’t believe he could win any battle, but the very thought of a challenge to him could begin to disintegrate his authority. He was so well respected. It would break my heart to see that respect dissolve in any way. I swore to myself then and there - I would never put him in any negative position, whether emotionally or physically; nor in a place where he’d have to defend his own status because of my behavior.

  “I see that you finally understand, my lovely one,” he whispered softly. “Now kiss me and tell me that you love me. We have much work to do.”

  I laughed, looked up into his beautiful eyes, and kissed his deliciously sweet mouth.

  CHAPTER 2

  BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN

  Melinda finally appeared to be a tad more relaxed than I had seen her in days, but then, it was probably because she was napping. We had managed to finish all of the preparation before we left home, and it was a good thing that their spare bedroom, turned nursery, was extra-large. The three cribs and all the miscellaneous requirements for triplets fit quite nicely and everything was finally ready for their arrival. Eventually they would have to move to another suite, but for now, both Gavin and Melinda seemed content with the arrangements.

  I glanced back at Gavin as he leaned close to the window of the airplane. No doubt, he was nearly as frazzled as my sister was, but he just didn’t show it the same as she did. His main concern was his wife, and keeping her happy. Lindy, on the other hand, was barely holding it together ever since she learned about the triplets. I had never seen her quite so frazzled in all our lives.

  Emrys gazed at me while I mused about my twin. I caught his eye and gave him a thoughtful smile. I hoped that Lindy would calm down once we got back home with the babies, but then wondered how on earth she could possibly handle all three of them. I couldn’t imagine even wanting one child, and here she was on her way to pick up three at once.

  All of a sudden the plane lurched and fell downward. I lost my stomach as though on a roller coaster ride, but just as quickly the plane regained a smooth balance as it flew through a plume of dark clouds. I looked back again just in time to see Melinda’s eyes pop open wide. Without a word, her face showed me her fear. Not fear of flying; she was not afraid of that, nor crashing. At least, not this flight. She now worried about the trip back to the UK. The babies didn’t have the same indestructibility that the four of us had. If the plane crashed, we’d still be alive.

  I heard Gavin whispering to Lindy, trying once more to keep her calm. It was actually a good thing that she was immortal. Anyone else this stressed would have had a heart attack by now.

  Pressing my nose up against the window, far below I spotted the Rocky Mountains. I was always amazed to see the snow covered peaks even in the middle of summer. The flight wouldn’t be much longer now, and I couldn’t wait to get out and walk around. I could only imagine how anxious Lindy felt, all cooped up for so long, with so much on her mind. At least on the way back home she’d be busy with the babies.

  * * *

  After spending most of our lives on the east coast and then nearly a year in the UK, I had forgotten how bright the sun could be when there were no clouds to hide it. I could barely see while climbing into the limo and my watering eyes made it hard for me to take in the views at first. Luckily, the windows were tinted and my vision adjusted quickly. Phoenix had palm trees, and I had expected to see nothing but cactus. Apparently I hadn’t paid attention in school, at least not when they had taught us about the landforms and vegetation of the south-west.

  We had decided to stay in Phoenix while waiting for the call from Mr. Feldspar, but it had been so infernally hot out, that we never ventured from our rooms to do any sightseeing at all. I had no idea what my sister did to fill up her time, other than worry, but Emrys and I made good time of our mini-holiday. We ordered room service for all of our meals, except for one evening when we dined in the hotel restaurant and had filet mignon. We spent a leisurely two days lounging and watching old movies, soaking in the hot tub, and eating - among many other very fun, extracurricular activities. On the second day we ventured out and went swimming at midnight. It was beautiful under the moonlight, and the pool was completely vacant - until Gavin and Melinda joined us. It made me laugh; they had come up with the same idea as we did - stay away from the humans.

  We had assumed it would take longer for the labor and delivery than the two hours it would take us to drive from our hotel to the small town of Cottonwood. And, as it turned out, we were right, as was Lindy. It was smart
of her to insist we leave long before the girl’s due date. The third day into our trip the call came in and we packed up the baby things and climbed back into our waiting limo. We had all made sure to drink an extra-large glass of Ambrosia in the morning, although once inside the limo, I realized there was even a small supply in the fridge and that it had been donated by our driver. It was plain to see: Emrys’ connections were endless.

  After riding about an hour and a half north from Phoenix, with her face pressed up against the side window, Melinda let out a sharp gasp.

  “Look at that! We’re so high!” she squealed, pointing to the valley far below. In reality, we weren’t really all that high, but I figured her mind saw it quite differently. Certainly all she could think about now was the drive back to Phoenix with the babies, and crashing down one of the steep cliffs along Highway 17. I was now convinced she wouldn’t be able to settle down until we were all the way home: safely back within the walls of Ravenswynd.

  Thankfully, the hospital waiting room was peaceful and empty. I had begun to grow weary of people staring at us. I didn’t mind the usual reactions when it concerned Melinda and me. Those double takes had always happened - ever since we were little girls. Everyone stared at identical twins like that. But the constant goggling at Emrys was beginning to aggravate me. And of course, it was always the women who stared the most. They didn’t even try to conceal the fact that they behaved like wide-eyed gawkers. It did not seem to faze Emrys in the least. Apparently, he was used to it. After all, the first time I had seen him; my reaction was exactly the same as all these dewy-eyed females. He was, after all, so very gorgeous. His black hair flowed far past his shoulders, sleek and straight. His dark eyes could penetrate into your soul. And when he spoke, his voice was velvety smooth, like silk - with an English accent. On further reflection, I could not hold it against those who stared at my immortal beloved.

  He turned to me, hearing my thoughts. His mouth curved up at the sides and he made a motion with his head, drawing me closer. I slid over on the wide seat until our legs were touching - electrified.

  “Yes?” I asked, my heart already pounding with the expectation of his touch.

  He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his warmth. His alluring scent was deliciously sweet, smoky, and intoxicating. He pressed my head to his chest, stroked my hair and my cheek with a tenderness that melted me. Every touch was a million sparks of electricity.

  “They stare at you too, my love.” His soft whisper in my ear was like a fiery desert breeze.

  I shivered.

  “Believe me. I have seen the men looking at you,” he said, still whispering.

  He took my chin between his thumb and finger, lifting my face to his. His lips were sugary-sweet, soft and tender. I sighed as he took my breath away, delighted beyond measure.

  “Why don’t you two get a room?” Melinda’s voice snapped us apart. “Seriously, can’t you keep your mitts off of one another for more than ten minutes at a time?”

  Gavin put a hand on her arm and she jerked away, jolting him to his feet.

  “Hey!” he said, no longer hiding his irritation at her offensive behavior. “You need to relax, Melinda. Perhaps you’d like something to drink? Let’s go for a walk.” He held his hand out to her.

  “No!” Melinda barked. “I am not thirsty and I don’t want to leave this waiting room!” She brushed his hand away as if it was nothing but an annoying fly.

  “Flaming hell,” I whispered under my breath, rising to my feet. I gazed down at Emrys and gave him a sad look, rolling my eyes. He knew I’d rather sit next to him, but he understood that my sister needed me right now. She was completely freaked out and just about ready to lose it. Emrys’ empathy was evident in his nod to me. He glanced over at his longtime friend. Gavin seemed to be at a complete loss over what to do or say, and just stood there dumbfounded.

  “I will go with you, Gavin. Let us see if we can locate something to drink, shall we?”

  As they left the waiting area, I sat down next to my irrational and overemotional sister.

  “Lindy…” I began cautiously, but then realized she needed to hear the truth. “You’ve got to get a grip. You’re biting everyone’s head off, and we don’t deserve this attitude! What’s the deal?”

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I had a few bad dreams. I just don’t have a good feeling about this. I feel like it’s a sign, or whatever, and I’m afraid something bad is about to happen.” Her voice was quivering, and upon further investigation, I realized her hands were trembling.

  “Tell me about the dreams,” I said, trying to stay calm. I couldn’t help but remember the last time she had bad dreams. Her worries were not unfounded that time. What if she was right? What if something terrible was about to happen and we were not prepared for it? I didn’t want to ever be caught unaware again. I took a deep breath as she started to explain.

  “Well, I just keep dreaming that someone is after us. Not necessarily the babies, but us four - you and Emrys, me and Gavin. It’s different from when I dreamed of Rohan wanting to hurt you. That was more direct - a personal vendetta.” She paused briefly and looked out the window. “But what if…what if someone doesn’t want us to have the babies?”

  I followed her eyes to the tinted glass, and thought about her question. The sunshine was bright and the skies were brilliant blue - clearer than they ever looked at home. In the distance, rolling hills lined the horizon, reddish brown. Everything had a reddish hue to it. The landscaping consisted of red gravel and rocks, with a few green plants here and there.

  “This feels more like, whoever it is - just wants us four… dead.” Melinda’s voice was hard and cold.

  “What?” I asked, jerking my gaze away from the window. “But for what reason?”

  “Just because of who you are.” The strange voice startled us both. It was deep; a man’s voice. But it was hateful and hostile and he sounded repulsed by our very existence.

  We both jumped up and turned to face this stranger. He was tall and lean and there wasn’t a hair on his head. Although in place of hair, I spotted a large tattoo of a sword with writing on it over his left ear. His clean-shaven face sported a sinister smile; he wore blue jeans, a camouflage t-shirt, and black boots. He stood in the doorway of the waiting room, one hand in his pants pocket and the other behind his back.

  I started laughing, looking him up and down, and Lindy grabbed my arm.

  “Are you insane?” she hissed under her breath, horrified at my unflinching display of bravery.

  “Not at all,” I chuckled. “But this guy is. If he thinks he can take the two of us, he’s got another thing coming!”

  Still not moving from the doorway, he checked out the room, giving us only a brief glance. Just then Gavin and Emrys came up behind the man, surprising him, and he took a quick step to the side to let them in. When he turned I noticed the cordless headset hanging off his right ear.

  “Not yet, man. But I gotta get back to her room.” The man spoke in a hushed, but hurried tone. “She’ll kill me if I miss the birth. I’ll call ya later.” He took another quick glimpse into the room with a slightly raised eyebrow. Lindy and I must have looked ridiculous huddled together - a matched set of idiots. I never liked them before, but now I had a genuine hate for those damn blue-tooth things.

  The man turned into the hallway as our husbands made their way toward us. When Emrys picked up on my thoughts, he glanced over his shoulder and studied the man walking away. Facing me again with a frown, he handed me a cup and followed me as I wandered back to another chair. Gavin handed Lindy a plastic cup and they sat down together.

  “It’s not my fault,” I whispered. “My sister has been dreaming again, and she thinks there’s someone out there looking for us...and they want to kill us!” I didn’t say so out loud, but my first thought was the elusive Hunters that Fiona had told me about.

  I sat down under the window and leaned my head back letting it
rest on the sill, closing my eyes. I felt the heat from the Arizona sun on the top of my head, and said, “She’s starting to freak me out, Emrys. Her stupid fears are beginning to disturb me now.”

  He was far too quiet. I raised my head and opened my eyes to see what his problem was, but he was gone! Dumbstruck, I checked across the room toward Melinda and discovered that she was alone too, her eyes heavy with fear. I jumped up at the same time as she did and we met back at the doorway, both peering down the hallway.

  “What happened? Where did they go?” I asked, shaken and frantic.

  “To look for the bald guy,” she said breathlessly. “Gavin followed Emrys and all he said to me was that we should stay put.”

  “But I thought...after I saw his phone...I figured we had been wrong.” I searched Lindy’s blue eyes. All of a sudden she looked pensive and she craned her head farther out into the hallway, concentrating.

  “What is it? You don’t even look scared anymore. What’s going through your mind now?”

  “Shh.” Melinda held a finger up to her mouth. “Listen!” she ordered in a low voice.

  I stood silent, baffled by her newest expression. All traces of fear were gone from her face. Instead I saw quiet resolve mixed with relief. I reached out and touched her shoulder.

  “Can’t you hear that?” she asked, as her tiny grin began to grow wider. “It’s my baby! Listen!”

  I turned an ear to the hallway and nodded. Yes! I did hear a baby crying. But how would she know it was one of hers? I gazed into her eyes with the unspoken question.

  “I just know it,” she whispered, nearly in tears.

  There was a flutter of activity just beyond the two doors at the farthest end of the hallway, and then they swung open mechanically, slowly. A woman in green scrubs came through pushing a small cart and the crying grew louder. We spotted Mr. Feldspar standing in the hallway on the other side of the doors and he looked up and waved at us, nodding his head. The cart took a sharp turn to the right - into the nursery through a single door. Lindy grabbed my hand. I could feel the slight electrical shock common to all Ravens, and her excitement flowed through her fingertips as she clutched harder.