by Marie Medina
Lane had settled in the chair and drawn his legs up, crossing them beneath him and leaning forward. “Great.”
Owen looked over at Edmund and then began. “Once there was a merchant who had three beautiful daughters. The youngest was by far the most beautiful, but she was also the kindest and most charitable. She helped everyone in her village, and everyone adored her. She had many suitors, but she made little time for them. She was always working and caring for her family. Her older sisters were very spoiled and never did any housework. They never thought of anyone but themselves.”
“Doesn’t she have brothers, too?” Lane asked.
Owen paused. “That’s a different version.”
“Oh.” Lane shrugged. “All right.”
“Well, the merchant lost several ships, and he had to pay many debts. He had nothing, and he even had to sell his home. He felt great despair at not being able to provide for his daughters. He left a note for Anna, the youngest daughter, and he went off into the woods to die. He entreated Anna to marry well so she could provide for her sisters. You see, despite their beauty, no one wanted to marry the other sisters without a dowry, but Anna still had a dozen suitors begging for her hand. Some were even more adamant now she was penniless. They hated to see her brought low. The father wandered through the night until he collapsed outside a decaying castle. A huge black panther emerged, and the man thought he had found death, but instead the panther spoke to him. He asked him why he was in such despair, and the old man explained his troubles. The panther told him that he would restore the man’s wealth in exchange for one of his daughters.”
“What happened to the rose?” Lane asked.
“Hmmm?” Owen said, having gotten caught up in his tale.
“Lane, stop interrupting,” Edmund said.
Lane looked back at him. “It’s just us. Besides, children interrupt storytellers all the time.”
Owen smiled. “He’s right,” he said to them both. To Lane, he said, “You’re still thinking of a different one. That one is ‘Anabella and the Beast’. The father in that one takes a rose, and the beast locks him up until his brave daughter comes for him.”
“Gotcha.” Lane grinned. “This is so much fun!”
Owen laughed. “Glad you’re enjoying it.” He smiled at Edmund, who was giving Lane an affectionate glance. When Edmund met Owen’s gaze, he went on. “The man was worried, but the panther promised the daughter who came would be treated like a queen. Suddenly, the decaying castle shimmered and became a beautiful palace. The panther said it was a trick to protect himself and his wealth. So, the man returned, and Anna immediately ran to embrace her father. He told his story, and both of the older girls looked to Anna, who held her head high and said she would go gladly. She was afraid, but she wanted to see such a wondrous beast for herself.”
Owen paused to take a sip of wine, and Lane asked, “How big was the panther?”
“Oh, he was huge. Much larger than a real panther.” He shifted positions. “Now, Anna went to the palace, and she was greeted by many servants, but none of them spoke. They led her to a grand room and left her there. That night, the panther came and had dinner with her.” Owen smiled and looked at Edmund. “Common theme. Everyone has to eat,” he said.
“Indeed,” Edmund said, before waving his hand for Owen to continue.
“The panther told her she could go anywhere she wished but could not leave the palace grounds. She agreed. Before he left, he asked her to marry him. That frightened her, and she said no. He nuzzled her hand and left. He came to dinner every night and asked the same question. This went on for weeks. She felt bad turning him down, but her fear kept her from responding to his kindness. At night, she often dreamt of a handsome prince coming to rescue her. Each night, she begged the prince not to kill the panther just before she awoke. She didn’t understand her dream at all. One day, she wandered into a room she’d never explored before. She found the panther sleeping on a rug, and she was very embarrassed about disturbing him. He told her not to apologize and said she was welcome anywhere. She asked him why he was sleeping in the middle of the day, and he said he had nothing to look forward to except having dinner with her.”
“Aww. That’s so sad! That’s not in the other one,” Lane said, shifting his legs and leaning on one arm of the chair.
“It is. Very sad. Anna burst into tears, and the panther was distressed to see her cry. He begged her to say what would make her happy again. She felt guilty for refusing him every night, and she said she wished to spend every day with him. She consented to marry him, though only out of pity, if he would let her go home to bring her family for the wedding. She promised to only be gone a week. The panther didn’t want to let her go, but he could deny her nothing. She returned home, and immediately she was the talk of the whole village. Her sisters were jealous of her fine clothes and jewels, and her suitors all wished to stop her from marrying another. They all distracted Anna, and she stayed away for over two weeks. But then one night, she dreamt of her prince again. He had killed the panther, and Anna woke up screaming. She ran down and jumped on her horse, racing back to the panther.”
“Was it raining? Lots of thunder and wind and lightning?” Lane asked, a bit breathless.
Edmund rolled his eyes, but he still smiled. Owen smiled, too. “Yes. The storm made it hard to see, but somehow she came to the palace, which was once again a decaying castle. She cried out but couldn’t find the panther. Finally, she came upon him. He lay motionless by a pool of water. She ran to him and kissed his face repeatedly. She told him that she truly loved him and could not live without him. She apologized repeatedly for staying away so long. She lay across his body, crying because she’d lost the only suitor who had truly loved her.” Owen stopped to clear his throat. He sometimes got choked up at the end of this one, and his thoughts turning to Edmund didn’t help him keep his emotions in check at all. He met Edmund’s gaze and said, “She saw past his exterior to his heart and grieved that she had been so blind before.” He swallowed and went on. “Then the water began to bubble and glow. A bright light shone from above, and she looked up to see what was happening. And when she glanced back, the panther was gone. In his place, she saw the prince from her dream. He took her in his arms and kissed her soundly, thanking her for saving him from a cruel enchantment. They were married the next day and lived happily ever after.”
Lane began clapping, but then he said, “All right, that’s the children’s version. Let’s get the juicy bits.”
“Lane, come on,” Edmund said.
Lane looked back at him. “You come on. You can’t tell me he didn’t sweep her off her feet and carry her up to bed.” He turned back to Owen. “No way they had a wedding the next day. They were exhausted from doing it all night long.”
Owen laughed, doubling over before too long. “Well, I can’t tell anyone that version, but you’re probably right. I doubt they simply retired to their own rooms for the night.” He wiped at his eyes. “Gods, I haven’t laughed like that in ages.”
“Don’t you tell any funny stories?” Lane asked.
“I don’t really know any.”
Lane jumped up. “Just you wait. I’ll bring you something tomorrow.” He headed for the door. “I’m gonna go look now. Night, you two.”
“Good night,” Owen said, watching Lane bolt out the door and close it hurriedly. He didn’t think Lane was lying, but it seemed very obvious he’d jumped at the first chance to leave him and Edmund alone. Owen looked back at Edmund. “So, was that tale satisfactory?”
“Yes. And I guess I agree with Lane. After being stuck as a panther that long, I daresay the prince was a bit horny.”
They both laughed, and Owen asked, “Have you had lovers since the curse?”
Edmund nodded slowly. “Nothing that lasted beyond a few nights, but yes, there have been some men.”
Owen felt his face heat up. “So you do like men and women both?”
“Most vampires do. I’ve never initiat
ed anything with a woman since Grace. Been too afraid of scaring them.” Edmund tilted his head. “Did you still doubt I like men after I kissed your hand?”
Owen shrugged one shoulder. “I just wanted to be sure.”
Edmund stood up and came over to him, taking his hand and kissing his wrist this time. “I do like you, Owen, but I’d prefer a friend for life to a lover for a few days.”
Owen frowned. “You think it wouldn’t last?”
“It’s not a criticism. Just being realistic.”
Owen reached up and drew Edmund down to him, wanting to kiss him on the mouth but only brushing his lips to Edmund’s cheek instead. “I’d like to be with you before I leave.”
Edmund drew back. “But you are leaving. Perhaps we shouldn’t.”
Owen crossed his arms. “Think on it.” He smiled. “Tomorrow night at dinner, I’ll ask you the same question again.”
Edmund blinked but then smiled. “It wasn’t really a question.”
“Hmmm. Better do this right then.” He stood up and put his hands on Edmund’s shoulders to support himself. After Edmund had finished looking down to see if Owen’s ankle was all right, Owen asked, “Will you come to my bed tonight?”
Edmund pressed closer, as if he was going to kiss Owen, but he only sighed. “No.”
Owen let go, if reluctantly. “Then I’ll say good night.” He gave a little bow and a slight smile, wanting Edmund to know his feelings weren’t hurt. “But I will ask you again.”
“Good night, Owen.” He caressed Owen’s cheek for a moment and then left the room, glancing back before closing the door.
Owen dropped back into the chair, his mind racing as he struggled to calm his pounding heart. He knew Edmund wanted to say yes, so he simply had to convince him to do so.
Chapter Three
Owen walked from one side of the room to the other, and then he held his once injured foot up and wiggled it. It amazed him that Edmund’s blood had healed him, yet he almost wished Edmund hadn’t made the gesture. Edmund wouldn’t kick him out, and Lane would likely encourage him to stay as well. But it didn’t seem right to take advantage of their hospitality too much longer. He’d come here to visit his aunt, not find a new lover. He rummaged through his clothes, which Lane had washed for him. What did he want to do? Was Edmund right to say they should just remain friends? He’d noted a slight shiver move over Edmund the night before when he’d kissed Edmund’s cheek. That had to mean they both felt the same attraction and need.
Whether he managed to seduce Edmund tonight or not, Owen needed a bath. He hadn’t had one since his arrival because he hadn’t wanted to be more trouble than he already was. He gathered up fresh clothes into a small bundle, as Lane had said the only way to take a hot bath was to go out to the bathhouse. The hot water for the indoor tubs worked off a boiler that they didn’t bother lighting anymore, as it was just the two of them. They boiled all the water they needed for everything else over the fire in the kitchen. Owen found the bathhouse without any trouble, as there were only a few buildings out back other than the barn. He laughed when a few of the kittens followed him. Once there, he looked around to see what he needed to do. The large copper tub sat at an angle in the corner. Luckily, either Lane or Edmund had nailed a hastily scribbled note to the wall. It looked old and yellowed, and he wondered how long it had been there as he squinted to read it in the dim light. Edmund had mentioned that they did have some guests now and then. Owen opened a window a bit wider to let more light in.
“Fill tub with water from the big faucet in the corner. Light fire in the stove, then boil water in the kettles. Pour water into tub until it feels good,” Edmund read out loud, laughing. He guessed Lane might’ve written the note. He glanced around again but didn’t see any kettles. He got the stove going first and then looked around, eventually finding them in a cabinet in the far corner opposite the tub. He began to fill the tub, the water directly from the well coming out very frigid. He filled the kettles and set them on the stove before settling down to play with the kittens that had followed him in. He’d left the door open a crack because they’d started meowing and pawing at the door when he’d shut them out. He could tell from the scratches on the wood that they gave everyone else the same treatment.
Less than a quarter of an hour later, Owen finally sank into a nice, warm bath. He sighed heavily as he let the water relax him. He moved his ankle, the steamy bath feeling so good. Though he didn’t want to move at all, he dunked his head under the water and gave his hair a good scrub before washing the rest of himself. He managed to reach over to the stove and pour in the last of the water he’d heated, and then he simply sat and enjoyed the warmth.
His eyes fluttered open when someone knocked on the door.
Edmund stood there with a large towel in his hand. He leaned in the doorframe and said, “Lane saw you come down here. He knew there weren’t any clean towels, and he came searching for me to tell me that he simply didn’t have time to bring one down to you.” He tossed it on top of Owen’s folded clothes and smiled. “Took him three times as long to find me, of course.”
Owen laughed. “Of course.” Part of him was nervous about Edmund seeing him naked, but part of him wanted to move over and ask Edmund to join him. Edmund lingered by the door. “He’s very determined. I should thank him.”
Edmund’s eyes took on a noticeable heat. “What story will you tell me tonight at dinner?”
“Not sure yet,” Owen said, though he had an idea which one he would tell. “Any requests?”
“You said one was your favorite. Something about a bear.”
“Yeah, ‘The Bear’s Bride’ is my absolute favorite. I’d tell you why, but it might give something away.”
“I’d heard the panther one before. A much shorter version, though. And I’ve heard the one Lane was talking about as well. Many times. I think it was in a book my mother read to me when I was young.”
Curious about what he felt sure he saw in Edmund’s glance, Owen asked, “Your eyes never change color at all since your transformation?”
“No. I like it. Being able to hide what I’m feeling. At times. Some vampires can control it, while others struggle. I could never control it at all.” He crossed his arms and leaned more heavily on the door. “I hated it, everyone knowing what I was feeling simply by looking at me.”
Owen moved his hands back and forth across the surface of the water. “Guess I’d like to be able to cheat right now and know what you’re feeling.”
“Would you?” Edmund said, his tone almost teasing.
“Yes.”
“I’m too old to play games, and I like you too much to do it anyway.” He came forward and put his hands on the edge of the tub, giving Owen a long look up and down. “I’m aroused. But if I’m going to take you, I want it to be in a bed. Go slow and make it last.”
“Is there a but coming?”
“Sort of.” Edmund straightened. “I think it would be easier to let you go if we never touch that way.”
Owen swallowed. “Who says I have to go? My only family member lives close by. I never said I was setting out again right away.”
Edmund stared at the stone floor a while before meeting his gaze. “Think before you make any promises. Please.”
“Not making a promise. Just saying I’m not leaving as soon as you seem to think.” And you could come with me. Or I could stay here if I no longer needed to make a living for myself. He bit his lip, wanting to say those things but trying to respect Edmund’s feelings. “I know this isn’t a storybook romance, and I’m not imagining we’ll magically be sprinkled with stardust and live happily ever after the moment we make love.”
“Would you be willing to tell me about the one who hurt you first?”
Owen tried to swallow down his embarrassment, telling himself this man would be worth reliving that pain. “I can, if you wish.”
Edmund took a step back. “I’ll think on it.”
“You’re worried I just want
someone to love me because he didn’t? Because part of me is still hurting?”
Edmund looked a bit ashamed, but he gave an honest answer. “Yes.”
Owen nodded. “I understand. And can’t blame you, given the way I’ve reacted the past couple of days.” He sat up a bit more in the tub. “I’ll think about it, too.”
Turning slightly, Edmund nodded. “I’ll give you some privacy. The water must be getting cold.”
“Yeah, I should get out. Toss me the towel.”
Edmund did so. “Your ankle feels better?”
“Like new. Thank you again.”
“My pleasure.” He shooed some of the kittens out with him. “Come on. No peeping toms.”
Owen laughed as he stood up, and Edmund looked back briefly, not really hiding the fact he was looking at Owen. Lowering his head and wrapping the towel around his body, Owen stepped out, almost hoping Edmund wouldn’t leave.
But when he looked up, Edmund and the kittens were all gone.
****
Edmund had instructed Lane to serve dinner in Edmund’s bedroom instead of Owen’s that night. There was a spacious sitting area that would be perfect. Lane had tried to change the sheets on the bed as well, but Edmund had yanked them out of his hands and told him to get back to the kitchen, which had only made Lane laugh heartily before slowly obeying and leaving Edmund to his own fretting and nervousness.
Later, Lane actually brought dinner about ten minutes early, insisting he’d picked a dish that would taste just fine cold. He stood grinning at Edmund and said, “I know I’ve been a pain, but this man is different. You see it, too, or you wouldn’t have responded to him the way you have. You wouldn’t be so worried about every little thing being perfect.”
“It’s best I don’t get my hopes up,” Edmund said before turning away to look out the window.
Lane came up behind him. “But don’t act as if there’s no hope at all. Wouldn’t you feel terrible if you hurt him simply because you’re scared?”
Edmund whipped his head around, but he held his temper somehow. “Lane, stop it. I love you, but it’s my life.” I’d hurt myself before I’d let him be hurt. Edmund held that in, knowing how harshly Lane would react.
