by Anjela Renee
“Cam, I don’t know what to say. I should go, um….” He abruptly got up from the table and left the kitchen.
*****
Blake was walking away from the Fae family the young Fae had told him about. They had no idea where Cam went but they didn’t seem too sad to see her go. It was getting late and he got a lead from the family that she sold furniture to the antique shops and consignment stores. They were all closed at this hour; he would have to check back tomorrow. His phone started ringing; he looked at the caller id and saw it was Autumn. He decided this wasn’t the time to get distracted as tempting as it was. He thought it was time he checked in with the King; the search wasn’t going well and he needed some ideas how to proceed.
Blake was walking toward the French quarter to see the king when he saw a pregnant human; she was short with brown hair and green eyes. She smiled as she walked across the street with that pregnant glow human woman were known to have. It occurred to him that Cam had something in common with all pregnant women; she would need medical care and supplies for the baby soon. After he made rounds to the antique stores he would check doctors’ offices and baby stores.
He stepped up to the doorway of the King’s house and knocked. He heard some voices and some shuffling around before the door opened and he saw the king standing at the door.
“Blake this is unexpected, please come in.”
Blake entered and immediately sensed something was off. He sensed another Fae in the home.
“You are not alone my king.”
“That is correct, but you don’t need to worry yourself about that. What brings you here tonight?”
“It is your mistress Cam, she is not like the criminals I normally hunt. It is more difficult than I first thought to find her. Normally the other Fae will hand over a criminal without a second thought. She is sweet and innocent looking and since I cannot say why I need to find her no one will trust me. She doesn’t hang out in the normal seedy places criminals dwell.”
“I thought it might be difficult. Keep at it; she loves flower soup so check the local florist. If that is all, I have my guest to attend to.”
“Thank you for your understanding my king.”
“Stop calling me that, I’m just Kieran.”
“Forgive me I forgot, Kieran.”
Chapter 10
Gretchen walked with Tanek until they reached her favorite spot, a pond she liked to swim in. Most Werecats hated water but for some reason in her mother’s side of the family they all loved it. It was a warm evening and she couldn’t wait to take off her clothes but was feeling self-conscious in front of Tanek. Gretchen stood by the pond and inhaled all the scents of the forest. Here in the woods is where she always felt at home more than anyplace else.
“Tanek, could you turn around so I can get undressed?”
“Of course, but I’d rather watch.” He smiled jokingly.
“I bet you would, just turn around.”
“As you wish madam, I am turning around.”
Gretchen quickly undressed and tossed her clothes on the ground. Tanek turned around when he heard a cat’s meow. Gretchen was sitting on the ground in her cat form. She walked up to Tanek and rubbed his leg and purred. She was now a cat but she still had the same violet eyes. Tanek picked up her strewn clothes and neatly folded them.
“Ready?” Tanek asked. Gretchen nodded and meowed and immediately started running. Tanek was keeping up and running right beside her. Gretchen was delighted that he could keep up. She darted back and forth between trees.
She climbed up her favorite tree and was shocked when he climbed up after her. Tanek sat on a branch next to Gretchen. She climbed onto his lap and started purring. He started petting her. Gretchen never in her life had ever let anyone pet her and it felt wonderful. She jumped off the tree and Tanek followed her. Just as he landed he saw Gretchen change back to human form.
Gretchen had never done something so bold; all she could think about was kissing Tanek in the forest surrounded by all the trees. She pushed him against the tree and her nipples instantly became erect. She quickly kissed him before she lost her nerve. She probed him with her tongue; she felt his fangs descend into her mouth against her tongue as she continued kissing him. She moaned and she felt the hardness of his erection through his pants.
Tanek ran his hands along her bare back making his way down to her round bottom. Gretchen moaned as she savored the feel of his hands on her bare flesh. She had never had the hands of a man on her body. Her brothers thought it was hilarious to scare her dates so bad they wouldn’t even hold her hand. One of her dates was brave enough to give her an innocent kiss goodnight and Richard turned into a cat and practically scratched his face off. This was very nice and long overdue.
Suddenly Gretchen pulled away from the kiss.
“Tanek, before we go any further I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“I don’t really know how to say this. Um, well I'm not exactly what you would call experienced.”
“I thought you may be a little inexperienced. It’s okay many women your age have only had a few lovers.”
“No, Tanek you don’t understand. I have never been with a man ever. I’m a virgin.”
Tanek looked at Gretchen for a moment and just smiled. “I am honored you would share this with me. I will never push you into anything you are not ready for.”
“Thank you Tanek, you’re the sweet for a vampire.”
“Not too sweet. I’m hoping to do a little more kissing before we head back.”
Gretchen loved that idea and pressed herself up against Tanek and nuzzled his neck. “Kiss me. My sexy vampire” Gretchen whispered to him.
He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her ferociously. Gretchen kissed him back tasting him with her tongue, she moaned as his fangs came down. Tanek dipped his head capturing her breast in his mouth gently suckling her nipple. Gretchen felt his fangs scratch her lightly; she never felt anything like it. Her body was on fire with desire. She wanted more but at the same time wanted to slow down and not get carried away.
“Oh my god, Tanek we need to stop.” Gretchen moaned.
He stopped immediately and backed off. Gretchen leaned up against the tree and looked at Tanek with his blonde hair blowing in the breeze. She knew slowing things down was the right thing to do. But all she wanted was to feel more of the fire she felt with him.
“Let’s head back to the pond so I can get dressed.”
“I'll follow you, lead the way.”
Gretchen changed back to cat form and ran back to the pond. This time she never looked back to see if Tanek was following. She ran as fast as her furry legs would carry her hoping to clear her head. She reached the pond and started dressing just as Tanek reached the pond. He turned around so she could dress with some privacy.
“Are you alright Gretchen?” Tanek asked when she finished dressing.
“I'm fine, it’s just I’ve never done anything like that with a man. I' m just a little confused.”
“I just want you to know I care for you deeply; I know this is all very new to you. I think I got carried away, and I’m sorry. It's just been so long since I felt this way.”
“Don’t you dare be sorry. I'm the one who started it and it was incredible. I had a difficult time stopping, but I don’t want to rush things. It will be my first time, I need to be sure.”
Tanek approached Gretchen and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Let’s go.” He held his hand out to Gretchen. She took it and they walked back to her house.
*****
Monroe sat in the living room waiting for everyone to clear out. Cam had gone to bed and Richard ran out a few minutes earlier. He decided this might be his only opportunity for a while. He changed back to human form. As soon as he was in front of the glass Gretchen's grandfather Lachlan appeared. Monroe always found it hard to believe he was related to Gretchen. She was such a pure good soul and he was such a miserly
bastard.
“My master please forgive my delay, it has been difficult finding a time when no one has been around.”
“Stop your whining, what is the news?”
“I am sad to report Gretchen is still seeing the vampire.”
“What? This is unacceptable; I will not allow that creature to sully my Granddaughter.”
“I am sorry, master. I have a plan. I will redirect her interest to the Fae she saw in the forest after our run.”
“That would be preferable.” Lachlan growled.
“Cam the Fae moved in and at the same time your Grandson Richard also moved in.”
“How is my Grandson?”
“He has more Fae traits than we originally thought; he can see through Fae mist and he felt the mating pull toward Cam.”
“Interesting, keep an eye on him and tell me if he shows any other signs.”
“Yes, my master.”
“That is all.”
Once again the Fae glass was clear. Monroe changed back to cat form and padded out the cat door into the backyard. He walked around toward the front yard stopping to relieve himself on a bush. He decided to wait for Gretchen to return just in case the Vampire decided to get frisky. He climbed up his favorite tree in the front yard and waited until he saw Gretchen walking toward the house. She was holding hands with the Vampire. They stopped at the front door. Gretchen gave him a kiss on the cheek and he left.
Monroe jumped down off the tree and just as the Vampire passed him gave him a good hiss and took a swipe at him.
“Watch it kitty or I will suck you dry.” Tanek hissed jumping out of the way of Monroe’s claws.
That’s right you better run.
Chapter 11
Cam woke up from her restless sleep. She looked at the clock; it was 3:00 a.m. She couldn’t stop thinking about Richard and the way he ran from the kitchen. The way he looked at her made her melt and wish she could have more than a life on the run with her baby. She decided to go get a snack in the kitchen, the pregnancy made her feel like an endless hunger machine.
She made herself a tomato and cheese sandwich with a side of carrots and began eating. The house was very quiet and it made her uneasy. In the other realm there was always lots of activity even at night. There were several types of Fae that were nocturnal. She thought about the Fae portal and was tempted to get in contact with Kieran to let him know she was okay. Perhaps she could cast a masking spell and contact him. It would only work for about two minutes but maybe….
Cam stood at the stove stirring the concoction to mask her location from the Fae portal; she had been cooking it for almost an hour. Deciding it was ready; she grabbed a potholder and took the pot into the living room where the portal was located. She put the steaming pot on the hot pad on the floor in front of the portal. She stood behind it letting the steam infuse her. She was finally ready; she knew she was taking a big chance even with the spell.
The portal starting fogging up and Kieran appeared. She could see the worried look on his face as he realized who it was.
“Cam, my darling is that you?” Kieran asked.
“Yes, Kieran I’m here.” She could tell he was very happy to see her. Looking at him, she just wanted to tell him to move on. She wanted to find real happiness with Richard, but that was nothing more than a fantasy.
“I don’t have long, I just wanted to let you know, I am fine. I found a safe place to dwell. You should live your life and not bother with me.”
“Cam, I love you. You carry my child, please tell me where you are.”
“I am in a safe place that’s all I can say. The spell is wearing off I need to go, take care and live long Kieran.” Cam abruptly cut off communication. Her eyes were stinging with tears, she knew it would be hard but she needed to say goodbye one last time.
She turned around and saw Richard watching her from around the corner.
“Do you make it a habit to spy on others?” She said accusingly.
“I didn’t mean to, I was on my way to the kitchen and I didn’t want to interrupt.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to accuse you. It was a hard conversation. I had to end things with Kieran; there was just no other way. My baby needs me.” She looked down for a moment took a deep breath and continued. “I don’t love him and I don’t think I ever did, I think I got caught up in the excitement. He is a King and he wanted me, I’m a nobody.”
Richard approached her and pulled her into a hug. Cam couldn’t help but start crying.
“You are not a nobody, you are spectacular. You’ll see, everything will be okay, Cam. I’m here for you.” Richard led her over to the couch and they sat down together. “I’m sorry about what I did earlier, running away and everything.”
Cam wiped away her tears and looked at his handsome face, she realized at that moment she would do anything for him, and could never be angry.
“You are forgiven.” Cam smiled at him and began to get up from the couch, which took a little bit of effort. Her belly was very round and with her petite frame it was difficult to stand from a sitting position. “Now if you will excuse me I must be off to bed.”
“Let me help you, you look unsteady.” Richard helped her get up the rest of the way from the couch. He put his arm around her and walked her to her room. Cam opened the door to her room; Richard helped her to her bed.
Cam sat on her bed and was overcome by desire for the man standing in front of her. She grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him toward her. She kissed him like her mouth was on fire and he was a cool drink of water. He lay next to her on the bed kissing her. Cam moaned as her body ignited with passion. She felt her body aching for his as they continue kissing. Cam knew the whole time she should stop but she couldn’t — she needed him.
More importantly she needed to feel wanted; to feel someone cared for her as a woman and not the poor pregnant girl. Her eyes glowed a beautiful gold color as she moaned. She continued kissing him, tasting him with her tongue. Richard pulled away with a heated look in his eyes. She could feel his heartbeat pounding away.
“I’m sorry Cam, that shouldn’t have happened.”
“Please leave Richard.”
“We should talk about this.”
“No! Please leave.” Richard abruptly left the room shutting the door behind him.
Cam lay in her bed thinking about what just happened. She should have known better. Richard was so handsome and charming. There was no way he could ever find her attractive especially with a big baby belly sticking out.
There was a scratch at the door. Cam got up and found the cat Monroe sitting there.
“Come in, Monroe if that’s your name.” She let the cat in and shut the door. She sat on the bed and watched as Monroe transformed from cat to a man.
“I have come to talk Fae named Cam.”
“I knew you would. Whom do you work for?”
“Gretchen and Richard are part Fae, they don’t know so their Grandfather send me to watch over them.”
“Why the deception. Why doesn’t he just introduce himself?”
“He is a member of the Unseelie royal family. He wants to make sure they have enough Fae in them to be accepted. He kept his marriage to Gretchen’s Grandmother a secret. If it’s ever found out his enemies could possibly get enough support to execute him.”
“Are you kidding me? Don’t drag me into Fae politics. I want no part of this. I need to take off my clothes now. Stay or go I don’t care.” Cam stripped off her nightgown and lay down on her bed. She loved being naked in her bed. She missed being able to take a naked walk in the forest in the other realm.
“I would never drag you, Gretchen, or Richard into this. I just need you to help out with one tiny issue at hand.” Monroe sat on the bed looking down at Cam as he talked to her.
“What is it shifter?” She spat out.
“Get Gretchen to stop seeing the vampire. Her Grandfather has been up my ass about it.”
“Oh please, she is a grown woman, not a litt
le girl. She can tell who she wants. What could I do about it anyway?”
“She saw a Fae in the woods the other night. Just steer her in another direction, that’s all.”
Cam was getting really tired of this conversation. She would never do anything to hurt Gretchen no matter what Monroe offered her.
“Could you make yourself useful and rub my belly; it’s a little sore, I don’t have a man to do these types of things.”
“Sure, why not.” Monroe started rubbing Cam’s belly; it was very soft like he knew it would be. He started purring as he continued touching her.”
“Why do you purr? You’re a shape shifting Fae, not a cat.”
“It’s a habit; I spend a lot of time as a cat. It comforts me.”
As Monroe continued rubbing her belly she thought about Richard. She wondered what it would be like to have him as her match, rubbing her belly, and helping her though the pregnancy.
“So what would I get out of helping you?”
“You need someone to help you, rub your belly, and take you to doctor appointments. I can be your fake boyfriend”
“I don’t know. What if Gretchen finds out?”
“She won’t, just introduce me as your boyfriend.”
“Fine, I’ll do it under one condition. You have to be at my baby’s birth and perform the mac’da.”
“Oh, please! Not that insane Fae ritual.”
“Its tradition and you will do it.”
“Ga, fine.” He said with frustration.
Cam stuck her hand out and Monroe took it. They shook, striking a deal.
Chapter 12
Adrian awoke to the sound of the Fae portal activating. Not exactly the way he would have liked to wake up. As he got up, still groggy from sleep, he saw Kieran and Cayden waiting. Kieran didn’t look very happy. Cayden looked the same as he did the last time, fresh and innocent looking.
