by Helen Scott
“Yes, but I don’t know if I’ll go straight to him. I’ve got things I have to take care of at home first.”
“Trust me, go to him.” When Ellie still hesitated, Brigid said, “Don’t make me order Tapa to take you to him.” Brigid smiled and squeezed her shoulder. “Now let’s get you dressed.”
As she stepped into the gown, she realized the bodice was more than just a bodice and extended down over her bum, stopping at the top of her thighs. Brigid tied up the ribbon on the back that held the dress in place and helped settle the layers of fabric before putting the necklace on and tucking it into the dress. Her fingers nimbly worked in Ellie’s hair, and she began to move it around into a partial side braid that started at the top of her head and worked just the edge of her hair around her face into a long braid that mingled with the rest of her hair.
“There. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Ellie felt extraordinary; wearing a beautiful dress and having a goddess help with her hair was not exactly a common occurrence.
“Would you like to see?” Brigid’s eyes were alight with curiosity.
“Very much so, yes.”
Brigid turned her to the back of the room they were standing in, and there was a strange mirror there—it looked more like water than solid glass. Nonetheless, she was stunned by what she saw there. The dress fit her perfectly, highlighting her assets and making her look regal. The braid was expertly done, giving her hair a much-needed path to follow.
“As I said, beautiful.”
“Brigid, I don’t know what to say!” Ellie had never looked like this before.
Tears stung her eyes. She hadn’t even dreamed of looking this gorgeous on her wedding day. But as she looked closer, something caught her eye. Her skin was covered in pale blue Lichtenberg figures—the patterns left by lightning. It started at her hands and ran up her arms and over her chest, with one branch going up her neck. But it was her eyes that were the most unnerving, faint blue lines now spread over her irises, and they moved, like her eyes were alive with the power inside her.
“My skin and my eyes! What happened?”
“Your power has grown while you’ve been here, and that is part of the manifestation. It’s beautiful, don’t you think?” Brigid smiled, but Ellie’s heart plummeted.
“I won’t be able to go out in public.”
“You can hide it if you want. Just will your body to contain your power.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes.” Brigid nodded. “Try it.”
Ellie closed her eyes, wishing with everything in her that her power was hidden, contained inside her. When she opened her eyes, a wave of relief crashed over her at seeing the pattern on her skin gone. “Oh thank goodness.”
“See, beautiful either way. I’m sure your siren will agree with me.”
“Thank you for everything, Brigid.” Ellie reached out without thinking and hugged the goddess, startling her. “Sorry!”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I just haven’t interacted with anyone other than Fae for a long time.” She sighed and smiled. “Let’s get you home, shall we?”
“Yes, please.”
Brigid clapped her hands, and the tent disappeared, leaving the two of them standing on green rolling hills under a cerulean sky. “Call for Tapa.”
When Ellie said his name, the necklace grew warm on her skin and a dappled palomino horse came trotting over the horizon. He came directly up to Ellie and nuzzled the hand she stretched out to him, the velvet skin of his nose and lip sweeping over her hand.
He lowered the front half of his body, and Ellie grabbed a handful of mane before swinging herself onto his back. She didn’t think the dress would work without riding sidesaddle, but the amount of fabric was perfect, spreading out over her legs and Tapa’s back like cream. She patted the side of his neck, and he stood, shaking his blond mane and whinnying softly.
“Be good to Ellie, Tapa. Take her to her love.” Brigid scratched his forehead before turning her attention to Ellie. “Safe travels, Ellie. Call for me if you ever need me.”
“Thank ye for everything, Brigid. Maybe you can visit me in the mortal realm sometime.”
“That would be lovely.” Brigid beamed with pride. “Now, away with you.”
Tapa took off, and if Ellie hadn’t had a death grip on his mane, she would have flown off his back.
“Tapa, will ye give me a quick tour of Tír na nÓg?”
A brief whinny was all she got in response. Ellie had no idea if that was a yes or a no, but when he suddenly veered to the right, she decided it must have been a yes. They traveled over the greenest land she had ever seen.
The ground was lush with tall grasses and wildflowers. Mountains seemed to rise up out of nowhere, and elegant structures were carved into their sides. A waterfall fell through a beautiful stone building, cascading hundreds of feet into a lake at the bottom. Trees surrounded the buildings, and ravens dotted the top of the tallest tower. Ellie guessed that was where the Morrígan lived or ruled.
Before she knew it, the landscape was changing again, and the mountain had changed into hills, which morphed into thick forests. There were people, or Fae, moving between the trees. Their clothes shimmered all different colors in the light like dragonfly wings. She could tell some of them spotted her as they darted about. Curiosity shone from their faces. Ellie longed to talk to all of them, to discover who they were, and how long they had been alive.
Tapa didn’t slow down though, and the forests were quickly replaced by hills and dales until they reached a rocky shore. Ellie felt like they had been riding forever, and they hadn’t even started going back to her realm yet. Fear settled in Ellie’s belly, and she almost told Tapa to stop, but then they rode onto the ocean. She hadn’t truly believed Tapa could walk, or gallop, on water. Now she was breathless with Tapa’s speed and relieved that what Brigid had told her was true. The fear she had felt began to turn into exhilaration as she thought about seeing Alec. There was a blinding flash, and then the light changed. She got the distinct impression they had left Tír na nÓg and were back in the mortal realm. Tapa seemed to fly over the water, bringing her ever closer to the man she loved.
Chapter 26
Something was waving in Alec’s peripheral vision. He knew he should ignore it and focus on his latest assignment, but it wasn’t going away, and his brain wouldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe this was his brain’s way of telling him he needed a break? Too much research and not enough food? Highly likely at this point.
He stood from his chair and stretched. The noises coming from his back clearly let him know he had been hunched over his laptop too long. Before giving in to curiosity, he poured himself a cup of coffee. Ever since Ellie had gone to Tír na nÓg, he had been practicing self-control in all things. It was the only way he could manage the anxiety of not knowing whether he would ever see her again.
Hal had dropped off his favorite holiday blend from a local coffee shop the other day. Alec couldn’t believe it was almost Christmas already. While the holiday wasn’t truly theirs, they did enjoy the chance to buy each other gifts. Although what you get someone after knowing them thousands of years was a challenge unto itself. Alec pondered gift ideas for his brothers as the rich aroma of coffee permeated the air around him with hints of allspice and orange.
Breathing deeply, he allowed himself to be comforted by the familiar scent. Alec walked over to the sliding glass door and the large windows that had been the cause of his distraction. What he saw made him almost spill his coffee.
There was a woman on a horse riding toward his home. That in itself was remarkable because of the wards around their island, but infinitely more unsettling was the fact that the horse was galloping on the ocean. This was most definitely worthy of distracting him. Grabbing a coat off a nearby hook, Alec walked out, coffee and all, to convince himself he was actually seeing what his eyes were telling him.
“Ellie?” he whispered under his breath as the first
rush of recognition hit his brain. “It can’t be.”
Her hair was different, and she was wearing a dress like nothing he’d ever seen before, but his heart was telling him it was her. The horse covered ground—or water, as it were—faster than he could have imagined. It was a horse that could walk on water though, so what did he know? Before he was ready, Ellie was in front of him.
“Tapa, can you let me down, please?” she said quietly. Her voice was the sweetest sound in his ears. Alec struggled to keep his emotions in check as the woman he thought lost to him forever was standing in front of him. Tears burned in his eyes.
“Ellie?” Alec’s voice was rough with emotion as he watched her swing off as the horse bowed to the ground.
He felt a little self-conscious of his appearance. He had let his hair grow out; the tendrils were just beginning to curl at the ends, and he was in scruffy clothes, definitely not what he had planned to wear when he saw Ellie again. His heart was in his throat; now that she was here, he didn’t know what to say or do. Should he hug her? Ask her how Tír na nÓg was? Ellie ran her hand down the horse’s mane before turning around.
“Hi, Alec.” Her voice was quiet, and her eyes briefly glanced at him before darting away.
“Ellie!” Alec’s breath left him in a rush as his body moved toward her without thought.
It was like her voice had unlocked him, and before either of them had a chance to speak again, he had scooped her up into his arms. He never wanted to lose her again. Spinning her around, he felt her arms snake around his neck and her body relax into his. This is how they were meant to be: together forever. “I can’t believe you’re finally here,” he whispered into her hair, bathing in the scent of her. She smelled fresh and clean, with a hint of lavender, salt, and something unique to Ellie.
“Alec!” She squealed as he spun them around again. “Alec, you have to put me down.” Ellie giggled, breathless from the strength of his reaction. He had missed her more than he could express.
“I never want to put you down again.” He squeezed a little tighter.
“Well, then this is going to get awkward,” she teased. He was so happy, he felt like he should be levitating off the ground.
A tremor went through Ellie’s body, and for the first time, Alec realized how cold it was. Soon her whole body was vibrating with the cold. As her teeth started chattering together, Alec started toward the house.
“I can walk by myself, ye ken.” The burr of her Scottish accent filled his heart with joy.
“I can carry you just as easily.” He didn’t want to stop touching her just yet.
“Put. Me. Down.” Her words were clipped, and she began struggling in his arms.
Reluctantly Alec released her to the rocky beach. He couldn’t stop touching her though; having her in front of him again was too much. His eyes locked with hers as he ran his hand up the soft skin of her arm, over the feather-like material of her dress and around to the nape of her neck. Energy jumped between them as he searched her eyes for any sign of reluctance.
When he found none, he pulled her to him and breathed the same air as Ellie for a moment before capturing her lips with his own. Her silky lips parted for him, and the sweetness of the kiss deepened. Kissing Ellie right now was as important as breathing to Alec. Her hands slid around his waist, under his coat. When he felt the ice cubes that were her fingers on his skin, he realized how cold she really was. He reluctantly pulled back, dropping one last peck against those soft lips.
“Let’s get you inside before you freeze.” Alec’s voice was husky with need.
As they began walking back to the house, he realized Ellie didn’t have any shoes on. He scooped her up again, just in time to carry her across the threshold, which warmed his heart. He had so much to tell her that anxiety momentarily bloomed in his chest. He still needed to sing for her. He needed to prove to everyone—especially the gods—they were soul mates.
“Coffee?” Alec asked as they finally closed the door, shutting out the biting sea air.
“Please. It feels like it’s been months since I’ve had some.” Ellie relaxed a little as Alec turned his back to pour her a cup.
Her fingers drifted to her mouth, which was still tingling from the kiss outside. Her blood felt like fire when their lips connected, and her soul became lighter than air. How had she ever had the strength to walk away from this man? She knew—as one knows the beating of their own heart—she could never walk away from him again.
She glanced behind her, out the window to see that Tapa had followed them and was grazing on a patch of grass outside. Ellie wasn’t sure what she was going to do with him. Would he go back to Tír na nÓg? Or would he stay here with her? Only Tapa knew the answer to that. Her attention was returned to the man in front of her at the sound of a spoon in a mug, and her eyes became glued to Alec.
He was leaner than she remembered, but nothing could change that ass. His jeans looked a little too big, but they still showed off his assets quite well. A grin slowly spread over her face as she remembered what it felt like to be loved by him. Her gaze traveled up the T-shirt that clung to his back. It was clearly struggling to contain his wide shoulders. This was her man. She would never love another the way she loved him.
“I have to show you something.” The words were out of Ellie’s mouth before she knew she was saying them, and now she couldn’t take them back.
She supposed it was better this way. She needed to know he would accept her without the glamour she was maintaining right now. Alec raised an eyebrow and handed her the coffee. The mug was warm in her hands, and the scent of it was unlike any coffee she had ever experienced. It seemed to wind around her, bolstering her as she prepared to show Alec what she truly looked like now.
Ellie’s voice brought him back from his fantasy as she said, “Don’t panic okay?” Now Alec’s curiosity was peaked, and he was laser focused on her.
Ellie breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of coffee and Alec, as she relaxed and let the glamour fall away. It was as easy as breathing; she just had to think about it. Once the glamour was gone, she wouldn’t have to worry about maintaining it like she had been since she first saw Alec step out of the house.
She felt as though her skin was more exposed, and when she heard Alec’s sharp intake of breath, she knew he could see her exactly as she was. She opened her eyes and looked at Alec. His face was full of wonder as his eyes flitted across her body, scanning the markings.
“The healing spring in Tír na nÓg brought my powers to their fullest, which apparently looks like this.” She held her breath, waiting for Alec to say anything.
He stepped closer to Ellie. Alec couldn’t believe what he was seeing; her eyes danced with blue fire, or electricity, and pale blue lines covered her skin. He reached up and touched the lines on her neck, following them down her arms. It was like someone had covered her skin in vines or trees. His fingers traced the pattern down one arm and up the other. Ellie sighed softly.
“You are beautiful.” Alec breathed, stepping closer to Ellie. He couldn’t stay away. They were like magnets pulling toward one another, inescapable and eternal. Alec’s hand came up and caught in her hair. “You will always be beautiful to me.” He gently tilted her head up so she was looking at him, and he watched the fire dance in her eyes.
“I was worried you wouldn’t like it or wouldn’t like me anymore.” Ellie’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“Ellie, what I feel for you could never be changed based on how you look.” Alec’s throat was tight again. Damn, this was more overwhelming than he had expected it to be. “I love you. It’s that simple. It will never change. Not now, not ever. You are my soul mate, and I want to prove that to you, if you’ll let me.”
Ellie raised an eyebrow. “What do ye mean?”
“When you left, I spoke with Aphrodite. I knew we were meant to be together, but I wanted to be sure. I didn’t want to drag you into something you weren’t meant to be involved in.”
“And she told you we were?” Ellie guessed.
“No.” Alec shook his head and smiled. “But she did tell me a way to find out.” Alec took a deep breath. “I need to sing for you.”
“Sing? As in a Siren’s Song sing?”
Alec nodded.
“Won’t that put me under your spell?”
“Not if you’re my soul mate.”
“Oh, okay. Sing away.” Alec was blown away by how much she trusted him.
“I need to have a witness so it’s clear you aren’t under my spell.” He hated that part. He would prefer to keep this private, just between them, but then certain gods could claim he was lying.
“Oh.” Ellie’s heart sank. She had wanted it to just be the two of them for a while. She didn’t know if she was ready to see anyone else yet, but she also knew she wanted the man standing in front of her badly enough that she was willing to do whatever was necessary. “Can you call Hal?”
“Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” She smiled at him, but nerves filled her stomach as she hid her markings, unwilling to expose herself more than necessary right now. What would she do if they weren’t soul mates? How could she move on from that? Maybe she could go back to Tír na nÓg, spend time learning everything the Fae could teach her, and master her magic.
Alec stepped away from her, and she immediately felt the absence of his warmth. He fished his phone out and called Hal, the briefest of exchanges before Hal popped into the room.
“Ellie!” He smiled widely and crossed the kitchen in two steps, folding her into a bear hug. Hal picked her up and spun her around. “By the gods, it’s good to see you again!” He set her down and turned to Alec. “Congrats on getting your lady friend back.”
“Will you bear witness?” Alec said, shaking his brothers outstretched hand.
“Of course! It would be my honor.” Hal clasped his hand to his chest and bowed slightly to his brother.
“I’ve told Ellie she will not be enthralled to me should we be true soul mates. If she is enthralled by my song, then I ask that you seek out our mother to break the thrall.”
