Talon

by Alice Wade

  That was surprising and a little amusing. “Omar? Dace’s Omar? The man who supports us, yet appears to be terrified in our presence?” Talon was thoroughly entertained by this for some reason.

  “Stop, he’s not that terrified, and yes it’s the same man.” She squeezed his midsection one last time then pulled back, “Go now, before I change my mind and work myself into a fit about what you will be doing with your ex-lover.”

  “Kai, you know where my heart and soul lie. I’m yours, completely.” He kissed her forehead before he detangled from her embrace. His long fingers trailed along her cheek then down her neck to lay his open palm over her heart. He just held it there feeling the life that flowed fast, beating strong and courageous. Something he almost lost.

  “My mind knows that but my heart gets confused and then convinces my mind to freak out. Shoo.” She used her hands to shoo him from the room before she went to get ready to leave herself. She had no idea if Dace could spare Omar, but she at least would look presentable when she asked.

  The last sound she heard was Talon’s deep-bellied laugh while he departed to go hunt. It was a different kind of hunting but hunting nonetheless. As he traveled the corridors ‘prowling’ by smell alone, his thirst grew to an annoying level, but nothing he couldn’t manage.

  Talon located Cuilwen in the library on the ground floor with all the leaders she brought with her sitting with legs crossed on the floor in a circle staring at an object that looked like wavering air. As he watched the air shifted to display an image of Athradien lying on a cot sleeping. His strawberry red hair lay matted with blood and filth. His elegantly pointed ears were pierced with what looked like black stones.

  A ferocious sound emitted from Cuilwen’s throat when she saw the same chain around his neck, leashing the powerful warrior like a dog. For some reason, that sight sent her blood simmering and a tremor shook through her core before Nethlhindornien gripped her shoulder in comfort. “That leash won’t be there long, First Maiden.”

  She ignored him and turned to Faelwen. “Can you find him this time?”

  The other female smiled in success and announced, “Yes, he’s north of us in an area just outside the main city.”

  “Still within the castle walls?” Talon interjected as he fully engaged the group by striding purposefully into the room causing all heads to turn in his direction. He towered over the group and looked quite impressive with his short hair and intense blue eyes which took in everything in one glance.

  Faelwen nodded, her long silky hair falling forward, “Aye, barely. When I follow the trace from above, it appears to be a warehouse district.” Her hand waved over the wavering image of the kidnapped elf and the air shifted, changing into an aerial view of the sought after building.

  Talon leaned in closer for a better look and smiled; he knew this place. “Excellent, I know that area well. I hunt there often on the wealthy merchants.” He continued to evaluate the surroundings and recognized the little nasty surprises for the unknowing. Nothing they couldn’t disarm, but something he would need to show them. “How long until you depart?” Talon finally broke his inspection and faced Faelwen again.

  Faelwen met Nethlhindornien’s eyes in a silent communion and waited for his nod. “Immediately, Prince Talon. If you could review the area with us before we go, that would aid our rescue.” Her delicate hand tucked the hair that had broken free to spill around her shoulders back behind her pointed ears.

  Talon delivered her a warm smile, “Absolutely, but first I need a word in private with Cuilwen.”

  Cuilwen rose in one fluid motion and moved out the door into the hallway where she leaned against the wall waiting. He watched her leave to claim a spot, all the while amazed that even as incredibly beautiful this elven maiden was she held no chance next to Kai. Cuilwen was long and lean and her body accentuated by the elven clothing she wore that clung to her shape with crystal clarity. Her curves and muscles were utterly perfected by the angular and sharp features of his kind. If he were not already mated, he’d have counted himself lucky to have her at his side.

  When Talon emerged he looked uncomfortable, that was the only word that came to Cuilwen’s mind. “What has you all skittish?”

  A quick glare in her direction made her regret those words, because he held his tongue for a very uncomfortable period of time before he spoke, “First Maiden, it pains me to ask this of you again, but would you be willing to assist with my needs?”

  Her laugh was light-hearted and filled the hallway, causing a few passersby to stop and investigate. “I knew you would never stop needing me!”

  “Cuilwen…” His low tone warned her and she sobered immediately.

  “My apologies. I just thought that once you returned, you’d find other sources for your nourishment. It warms my heart that you still need me,” she said contritely.

  His glare continued until he softened into a more contrite demeanor. “Under normal circumstances, that would be the case. Unfortunately, neither Kai nor I can venture out into the city at the moment without significant risk. Since you helped me before, I thought to ask again,” he said quietly, clearly uncomfortable asking this of her.

  “How does Kailani feel?” Cuilwen challenged.

  “It was her idea.”

  That surprised her. Cuilwen peeled off the wall and paced slowly down the hall before she turned and walked back, “Thank you for being polite this time by asking first and yes, I’ll assist. When?”

  Talon pulled her into his embrace and hugged her, an act that caught her off guard at first but after a time she realized he was thanking her. Cuilwen relaxed in his embrace and reveled in the feel of his firm body against hers because she took these little intimate moments as if each would be the last.

  His voice was soft and filled with gratitude as he answered in her ear, “After I prepare Faelwen. There are a few tricks in that district. I would hate for any of them to get caught.”

  “Excellent. Find me and I’m at your disposal.” After she pulled away and watched Talon start for the door to talk with Faelwen, she added, “Oh, Talon?”

  He stopped and turned to look at her, “Yes?”

  “I’m at your disposal for as long as you need me.”

  Talon’s lips pinched in an emotional frown and he touched his forehead, then heart with his fingers. Again, he used the sign typically reserved only for those of royal blood. He was honoring her greatly and that alone made her heart soar.

  Cuilwen decided something right then and there. If Kailani was showing her this depth of trust, she wanted to personally discuss this with her so there was no misunderstanding. After the door closed behind Talon, she gracefully walked down the hallway, climbed the stairs and found herself before Kailani’s door in a matter of seconds. However, Cuilwen couldn’t knock. Instead she stood there like a frozen statue staring at the wood.

  “She’s not here,” a soft voice spoke from behind her. Instantly Cuilwen turned to see Lainey, the black haired woman with amazingly green eyes. It was clear she had just returned from the bathing room. Her hair was dripping and her arms full of used clothing.

  “We’ve not formally met yet, but I’m Lainey. Thank you for what you did out there today.” Her voice broke, shaking a little towards the end. “I don’t know what I could ever say to express my gratitude.”

  Cuilwen regarded the woman with interest. She looked strong, but it was obvious she was merely holding it together at the moment. Then Cuilwen snorted, well, considering what she just went through, she’d probably be a little shaken as well. The fact she was up and about clearly spoke of her inner strength.

  “It is an honor Lainey. I’m called Cuilwen, but I fear you already know that.”

  That got a smile from the pixy woman’s face. “I think all know your name Cuilwen. You are causing every woman in this building to cringe for their men are
falling over themselves to witness you as you pass.”

  Cuilwen laughed, pleased in hearing this, and finding this information quite amusing indeed. After a moment she returned her gaze to the vampire, “It warms my heart to see you up and about. What I had to do wasn’t gentle. Are you well?” While Lainey had lain unconscious, Cuilwen provided numerous applications of healing in order to salvage her mind and mute the pain Cuilwen knew her intervention would cause.

  A slight twitch was seen in the corner of Lainey’s eye. “Better now. I wasn’t so good an hour ago, but that bath helped. Dace had to leave to check a few items and get things in order before…” She couldn’t say it. She just could not say ‘the final fight’.

  Cuilwen approached with her palm extended then stopped when she realized how rude this was to just touch her mind without permission, “May I?”

  Lainey wasn’t exactly sure what she was asking for, so just nodded. Cuilwen’s warm palm cupped her face with her long fingers gently pressed against her temple. Lainey felt warmth spreading from Cuilwen’s fingers and radiating down through to her toes that soothed all her aches and pains away, and wiped the throbbing in her head to a nonexistent tap. It was refreshing to be out from under that pain and she could not help the sigh of contentment that leaked from her lips.

  Cuilwen smirked before she removed her hand, “There. That should carry you for a few hours until I can do it again. You should be back to normal in a few days, but I’ll be at your disposal whenever the pain becomes too great.”

  “I keep saying this, but thank you. That felt wonderful.” Lainey was still tingling along her body; relieved the throbbing pain in her head was no more.

  The elf smiled wide, showing a mouth full of perfectly white teeth, “Glad to help. Do you know where I can find her?” She indicated the room and clearly she meant Kailani.

  “I just saw her talking with Omar. I think they are in his room now if you want to try and catch her there.” Lainey read the confusion and added, “First floor, forth door on your right.”

  “Thank you. It was a pleasure, Lainey—both meeting you and freeing you from that pathetic man.”

  Lainey’s eyes rimmed with moisture as she watched as the blonde elegantly walked down the hall, swaying even when she wasn’t trying to be seductive. She was suddenly very glad she held Dace’s love and trusted in that otherwise she’d be frantically locking her man up.

  * * * *

  “Omar, I—” Kailani began to say as she straightened her shirt and smoothed out her pants in nervous energy. Omar had agreed immediately to her request and offered himself without question. She had fed from him, but only took enough to sustain her for she didn’t want to weaken him for the coming fight.

  “Nah, Kailani. No thanks needed. You’ve done enough for this sorry lot of renegades that this is the least I can do. If you have need of me again, please don’t hesitate.” The larger man rubbed his hands through his mousy colored hair while he hung his head recovering from the intense feelings she just flooded him with. Memory of her gentle mouth at his neck was enough to send shivers through is body as he relived the sensation. “Ah, don’t you need to go find Talon or something?”

  She laughed at his innocence, “In a bit. I’m a mature woman Omar; I can control my urges.” Then she asked while masking her amusement, “Did Dace tell you it was an immediate reaction?”

  “Yes, he said ‘run’.” Then he laughed. “Maybe he has to.”

  The musical sound of her laugh lifted his heart a little, “You’re probably right. Lainey is young and inexperienced. Although, from the sounds of it, he doesn’t run very fast.”

  They were both laughing quite hard at the last but jumped when there was a knock at the door.

  “Yes?” Omar called.

  “I’m looking for Kailani.” Both Omar and Kailani shared a look of confusion for Cuilwen’s voice wasn’t easily missed.

  Heart racing and pounding wildly in her chest, Kailani opened the door and stood tall. Her heart lurched at the sight of the tall gorgeous elf before her, but she stood her ground for she knew she really had nothing to fear, but the instinct to become defensive was immediate.

  “Yes Cuilwen?” It came out a little more cold than she’d intended.

  Cuilwen smiled calmly, hiding her surprise at Kailani’s chilly reaction. Kailani saw the ruse however. “Greetings, I was hoping to have a moment of your time?” Cuilwen looked past the Kailani and her entire body stilled. Distracted, Kai looked between the two and practically felt the intensity of his stare as it heated Cuilwen sexual need. When the moment passed and the female elf looked away with a frustrated shake of her head. Kailani smiled to herself before she answered, “Of course. I was just finishing up here.” She turned to Omar and silently thanked him again before she followed the elf down the hallway to an empty sitting room.

  Kailani had not spoken so the silence was thick in the room. Cuilwen thought this offer was a mistake and if she continued with it, she would destroy the tenuous balance she’d been able to achieve with the vampire. It was very important to her that they get along, for it meant she could continue to see Talon. If they didn’t, well, there was no denying what would happen; she’d never seen him again.

  Cuilwen leaned against the wall watching Kailani absently move about the room, then decided enough of this and began, “I was approached by Talon and I wanted to ensure there was no misunderstanding between us. That is all I wanted to discuss. I want you to know I have no ulterior motives and such.”

  Kailani continued to stroll around the room, pretending to be looking at the odds and ends that were tucked in here as storage. There wasn’t much to look at but she made sure that the little bobble of a dancing girl got her full attention. She looked up sharply when Cuilwen’s words registered and she watched the First Maiden with surprise.

  “Of course.” Kailani paused, “No misunderstanding. But I won’t lie that this is not difficult for me and I realize he needs nourishment. You are the most logical choice, and…” she paused again losing the battle to fidget, “I trust you.”

  Cuilwen felt waves of relief roll through her soul when she heard Kailani’s approval. For some reason, it was important to hear it from her directly. If the roles were reversed, she wasn’t confident she would be as gracious. Cuilwen developed a growing respect for Kailani, because the depth of their commitment to Talon was evident. For the first time, Cuilwen accepted that Kailani had a valid claim on the prince and it was much more than shallow familiarity. Seeing Kailani battle with her jealously, but for Talon’s well being decided to trust instead. It deepened her admiration for the tiny vampire. If she was going to lose Talon to any other, Kailani was a worthy opponent.

  Cuilwen bowed deeply, “I’m honored you would respect me so. You have my word that I’ll not do anything that caused you grief. It is something I needed to say personally before I proceeded.”

  Kai couldn’t breathe. This woman, this former lover of Talon was showing her extreme respect and that wasn’t taken lightly. She stood there speechless as Cuilwen watched her for any reaction, finally giving her a tiny half-smile before she turned to continue her false evaluation of the dancing girl.

  “I appreciate that. This must be hard for you too. I forget that. He is not an easy man to love and let go; I’m not sure I could do that.” Kailani looked at the floor for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry you didn’t get the life you wanted.”

  The elf shrugged as if this were nothing, “We are even then. Both of us riddled with jealously for different reasons. I’ll be fine though, absolutely fine. I’ve had many years to adjust. You’ve had less than a day to accept me.” Cuilwen approached and held out her hand in friendship, “I hope we can continue to be friends. I find I need your trust very much.”

  Kailani smiled taking the outstretched hand and gave it a sque
eze. She then replaced the bobble she clutched in her other hand before dusting them off absently. “We are good, Cuilwen. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.” She turned her head to meet the elf’s watchful eyes, “Has he eaten yet?” then cringed at how that sounded, but Cuilwen only laughed.

  “No. Faelwen has finally located where Athradien is being held, so he was discussing the perils of that area with them before he found me.”

  “All right. I’ll just entertain myself until he is done, then.” Her head turned to the side and she winked, “Omar is now free if you are looking to fill some time?”

  That earned another laugh from the First Maiden, “Is it that obvious?”

  Kailani held up her fingers in the symbol for an ‘inch’ and said, “Just a little. Go have some fun while you wait. Knowing Talon, it could be awhile.”

  Cuilwen sighed, “Another complication though. I do find him quite stunning, but there is no way for anything to come of this, Kailani. Will he be weakened by this encounter or angry?”

  Kailani laughed a lighthearted chuckle, “I don’t think so. I haven’t heard of Omar becoming attached to any one female, so I think his heart is safe from you.”

  That was good to hear. Cuilwen knew and accepted her life as First Maiden. She took it very seriously to be quite honest and committing herself to a human would destroy all that she’d worked to achieve. No, Omar could only ever be a passing fancy to help time fly by.

  With one last parting smile, Cuilwen left the side room in search of her target.

  * * * *

  Omar leaned back in the bathtub with a cloth over his eyes when he heard the door open and close. He assumed it was another renegade coming to clean off, but he heard no water being drawn. He heard the bolt on the door lock and peeked out from beneath the cloth, nearly squealing. Cuilwen leaned against the door, watching him with a wicked gleam in her angelic eyes.