by Anjela Renee
Shit, that much sexiness should be illegal.
Richard was only dressed in pajama bottoms and no shirt, Cam felt very embarrassed by the way she acted last night.
It seems like I’m always throwing myself at him, what is wrong with me?
“Oh Richard, sorry I was just heading to my room.”
“Me too, um bye.”
“Bye.”
She hurriedly entered her room and shut the door. She set her orange juice on the table next to her bed and took off her robe; she was naked underneath. It felt good to just be naked sometimes. She collapsed on her bed and closed her eyes, trying to sleep, when she heard a scratch at the door. She got up not even bothering to put her robe back on and cracked open the door. There on the other side sat Monroe; she opened the door a little wider letting him inside before shutting it again. She stood with her arms crossed defiantly as he transformed back to human form.
“How’s my beautiful girlfriend?” He asked jokingly.
“I’m not your girlfriend, the deals off.” His expression changed from a joking one to serious one.
“What has happened to put your panties in a twist?”
“The Fae that you wanted Gretchen to go out with is the Fae enforcer. I very well might go back to prison or the King might make me run away with him. I don’t know. One thing I do know is the deal is off, so scram.”
“My dear you need me now more than ever. You are just as important to me as Gretchen right now.”
“You are full of shit; I don’t believe a thing you say.”
“You are the only way I have to influence Gretchen; to her I’m only a cat. You are her girlfriend; she trusts and listens to you. Help me and I will owe you. I can call off the enforcer.”
“You lie; you cannot do such a thing.”
“Gretchen's grandfather is Lachlan”
Cam's eyes bugged out of her head, she looked at Monroe for a moment trying to consider if he was being truthful or trying to put something over on her.
“Are you trying to tell me the Lachlan, the punisher, is sweet Gretchen's Grandfather? Cam shuddered at the thought. The mere mention of his name gave her and every other Fae nightmares. Lachlan had been advisor to the royal family as far back as she could remember. Sometimes instead of imprisonment offenders would be turned over to Lachlan for his special torture sessions lasting one day to infinity.
“Yes he is, he's keeping an eye on things until he knows if Gretchen and Richard are Fae enough to claim.”
“Fine, I will take you up on your offer. I want my sentence revoked and I will help you keep an eye on Gretchen and keep her away from the vampire.”
“I need a Fae portal, a private one.”
Cam smirked. Like a Fae wouldn’t have a portal? She opened her closet to reveal a long door-shaped glass with a pink tint and colorful gemstone’s that served as a frame.
“I hope this will do?” she asked with arched brow.
“Yes, now please go have a snack. I will come get you when I am finished.” Cam left her room, shutting the door behind her.
Monroe stood in front of the portal as it activated showing a very unhappy Lachlan. “It’s about time you contacted me,” he scowled
“Sir I have made progress, Gretchen went out with a Fae enforcer. I think with a Fae roommate’s help we can sway her to him indefinitely.”
“Let me think. It must be Adrian. He will make a good match for her. It will be easier for her to be accepted if she’s mated to a Fae.” Lachlan clapped his hands together and laughed, “Just like her grandmother—attracted to the dangerous Fae.”
“Master, there is one little situation. I need the help of the Fae roommate. She is a wanted fugitive; if we revoke her sentence she will be most accommodating.”
“What is the name?” He grumbled as he got out a pen and paper.
“Camilla Maryweather” Monroe replied.
“The adulteress! Oh you’re not making this easy are you? The Queen Brianna will never agree, she almost turned her over to me for punishment, I had to talk her out of it.”
“Master, the Fae enforcer is coming for her tonight; it needs to be done by then.” Monroe squeaked out meekly. Monroe could see the fury building up in Lachlan as he grabbed a nearby vase and threw it, shattering it into a million pieces.
“It will be done.” Then he was gone, the portal once again restored to a clear piece of glass.
*****
The nerve she thought as she walked down the hall wearing a flimsy robe she neglected to tie up. It swung open as she walked to the kitchen. She flicked on the light in the darkened kitchen to find Richard sitting there in the dark staring at her naked exposed body. Cam screamed and quickly tied up her robe.
Cam looked over at Richard to find his eyes wide and hungry with a desire that sent tingles through her whole body.
“I’m sorry, Cam. I was just thinking.”
“In the dark? You scared me half to death.”
“Um...I’m sorry. I will just leave.” He stood up and began to leave when Cam stopped him. She grabbed his strong biceps; she could see that look in his eyes, that look that confused her.
“Richard, is there something we should talk about?”
“No, I need to go to my room, it’s late. He stopped and gave her a peck on the head as he left. That small kiss was insignificant but still left her wanting for his strong touch. Cam sat at the kitchen table, so confused. She could see the heat in his eyes; maybe she was wrong, maybe she was seeing what she wanted to see in those gentle eyes of his.
*****
Queen Brianna refused to leave Cayden’s side the whole night; he seemed to have a gentleness he never had before. This gave her hope that she could make him fall in love with her.
“Brianna,” Cayden called from his sleep. His eyes opened.
“My husband, did you sleep well?”
“I awoke when you left, I need you with me.”
“You don’t even remember me, how can you feel this way?”
“My mind doesn’t remember, but my body craves your nearness.”
Brianna sat down next to Cayden; took his face in her hands, and gave him a gentle sweeping kiss on his lips.
“My husband, we will be very happy, you’ll see. I need to leave just for a little while, I have royal business to take care of.”
“I will anticipate your return.”
Brianna arrived at the bed and breakfast where she was staying to take care of some business. She sat in the living room as the portal activated, on the other end she saw Lachlan the punisher.
“Lachlan, this is an unexpected surprise.”
“I need a favor my queen, a big favor.” The queen ached an eyebrow with surprise, Lachlan never asked for anything.
“You have been a loyal subject, what can I do for you?”
“I need the sentence for the mistress revoked.”
Brianna felt her stomach knot up; the whore who stole her husband’s heart would not get any compassion from her. “Lachlan, how can you even ask such a thing? She tried to steal my husband, the king from me.”
“I need her help with a private family matter, I will see to it myself that she never returns to the other realm.”
Brianna sat and thought for a moment. With the king unable to remember anything perhaps just keeping the whore away would be best. They could start new and fresh without the king ever knowing of her.
“Lachlan, you have approval. I’m sure you have heard my husband was in an accident and has no memories. This is however conditional, if my husband ever regains his memories of her I will reinstate the warrant.”
“Thank you my Queen, you are must compassionate.” The Fae glass was once again clear. Brianna scowled to herself. As much as she hated the whore, she was happy to be rid of her forever.
Chapter 18
Adrian was in his small apartment after getting ready for his date and possible capture of Camilla. He was really hoping to have this peacefully resolved but couldn’
t figure out a way to do his job and make everyone happy. As he was about to leave the house the Fae portal activated, and there sat Lachlan the punisher on the other side.
“Lachlan, it’s an honor. What can I do for you?” Lachlan looked back at him with little interest.
“The warrant for Camilla Maryweather is revoked; you are to cease all attempts to apprehend her. She is, however, no longer welcome to return to the Seelie kingdom. She is now in exile. Please advise her of this and please tell her, I will contact her shortly.” He said dryly.
“Thank you, Lachlan I will deliver this immediately in person.”
“Safe journey, enforcer Adrian.”
Adrian was shocked to say the least; Lachlan never involved himself in tasks such as this. The only time he normally was involved was when punishment was handed out. Then he was all over it like a kid in a candy store.
Well that solves one problem.
Adrian arrived at Gretchen’s house quicker than intended. He couldn’t wait to take her out and to give her the good news. He knocked on the door and found a man, not Gretchen, standing there scowling at him. Adrian could tell that he was doing his best to be intimidating and scare him off, but he dealt with dangerous criminals on a regular basis, this man didn’t scare him.
“You can’t have her, I won’t let you.”
“I am Adrian, I am not here to take anyone from you, and what is your name friend.”
“Richard, Gretchen’s brother and Cam is mine,” he hissed.
“I was actually here to tell you Cam is free to go, her warrant had been revoked.” Richard smiled at Adrian and his whole face changed from a menace to grateful. He grabbed Adrian and hugged him.
“Thank you so much, I don’t know what I would do without her.” Adrian looked at him quizzically.
“Are you mated to her?” Adrian asked.
Richard stiffened realizing the way he was acting. “Of course not, she’s just a friend.”
“Am I allowed to see your sister now?” he asked sharply.
“Yeah, sorry man, you know how it is?” Richard opened the door and Adrian entered the house. Adrian could immediately feel the Fae presence in the house. It was then that he saw Gretchen appear from the hallway. She looked stunning in her short black skirt and sleeveless blue blouse. Her hair was just hanging with a beautiful tousled look and her shoes were strappy, barely there high heeled sandals.
Adrian was speechless for a moment before he regained his composure. “You are so beautiful Gretchen,” He smiled nervously; somehow this seemed more formal than just meeting in the woods. This was an official date. He couldn’t remember if he had ever taken a woman on a date before. Most just threw themselves at him; there was never a need for seduction.
“I wasn’t sure what I should wear,” she replied meekly.
“You would look stunning in anything. I just told your brother the good news, the warrant has been revoked.” He was a little taken by surprise when Gretchen launcher herself at him giving him a big hug.
“Oh, Adrian thank you, I knew you would help.”
“As much as I would love to take advantage of your enthusiasm I didn’t do anything, I got a call it was off, and that Camilla is now in exile.” Just then he saw the Fae in question come out from the hallway. She was slight in stature, especially with Gretchen’s brother hovering over her protectively. Richard held her in his arms as he told her the news. Cam smiled she shrugged out from Richards grasp and approached Adrian.
“Thank you, Enforcer. I cannot begin to repay you.” Cam said to him, with tears in her eyes.
“Lachlan contacted me before I came here. He revoked the warrant and informed me you are now in exile and said he would contact you shortly.” Cam’s face paled at the mention of Lachlan the punisher.
“Do not be afraid, Cam. As far as I know you won’t be in any kind of trouble,” Adrian said trying his best to sound reassuring. Cam’s face seemed to change little at that news. Lachlan inspired fear in all Fae.
Adrian cleared his voice trying to break the tension in the room. “Gretchen, we should get going.”
“Oh, yes Gretchen please go on your date.” Cam said with purely fake enthusiasm.
Gretchen nodded and took Adrian by the hand and they left the house. They walked outside of the house toward a black sleek sports car. “What kind of car is this?” Gretchen asked trying to make conversation.
Adrian smiled, obviously proud of his car. “It’s an Aston Martin Vanquish, do you like it?”
“I don’t really know cars, buts it’s very nice.” They drove for a few minutes in what seemed like an eternity of uncomfortable silence. Adrian turned into a hidden driveway, which led to an unpaved road.
“Where are we going?” Gretchen asked.
“A special place, just for Fae.”
“I’m not Fae, Adrian.”
“Yes, you are. You may not realize it but you are part Fae. I can feel it inside you; it’s why we are drawn to each other. It’s also why your brother wishes to be mated to Cam, a Fae.”
Gretchen sank back into her seat, not sure what to say. She always knew she was different, but part Fae? It just couldn’t be. As they pulled up to a building covered in vegetation, Gretchen could feel a pull. She felt a strong desire to be in the building.
“Here we are.” Adrian got out of the car and came around to the other side and helped Gretchen out, taking her by the hand. She looked up at the building with awe.
“This place, it’s so familiar,” Gretchen murmured.
“It’s where we come to be together.” Adrian said as he led her up to the building. They got closer and Gretchen could hear music, whimsical and soothing.
They reached the door and Adrian paused for a moment looking at her. “If you are not Fae you would not be able to enter the building, this is our sanctuary.
“Okay, I’m ready,” she squeaked out.
They finally entered the building; it was part bar, strip club, and coffee house. She had never seen anything like it. The room was divided into sections, each with its own purpose.
“The bar serves food, the coffee house has pastries. Where would you like to go?”
“I am hungry, let’s get something to eat.”
They walked together to the bar area. Adrian opened the door for Gretchen and she entered the bar. It seemed to be like any other bar except the drinks. They were brightly colored, different from anything she had ever seen, and they seem to glow when the waitresses carried them around. They chose a cozy secluded corner booth and sat down. Adrian took her hand in his, the warmth of his skin warming hers. He looked into her eyes and at that moment she felt like the most important girl in the world.
“Gretchen, my darling, it’s important you know what I am.”
“You’re Fae, I know that already.”
“There are many types of Fae. I am an energy Fae. Some have referred to my kind as a succubus. We consume sexual energy. I don’t have to have sex to feed but I prefer it.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I want you to know how I have to feed, I don’t want to feed from others, but I may have to from time to time.”
“You mean sex; you want permission to have sex with other women, while we date?” she demanded.
“No, not at all! I don’t want anyone but you, I will have to be in close contact to feed.”
“Then feed from me and only me!” she insisted.
“Gretchen, you don’t know what you’re asking.”
“The thought of you near another woman makes me sick. I’m sorry I know this is soon but that’s how I feel. If another woman came near you I would scratch her eyes out and I would rather enjoy it.”
Adrian couldn’t help it; he started laughing. “Gretchen! If you want to make this official you need to break it off with the vampire. Then I will be all yours, but I cannot share you with him.”
Gretchen looked down at her nails, not liking the idea of having to hurt Tanek; he was a friend an
d her boss. How could she do this without putting her job in jeopardy? “Okay, I’ll tell him tomorrow. Um, do you need to feed, you know sexually?”
“I can wait a few more days if needed; I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”
“No, I’m ready. I want to do this with you. Adrian, I want to give it to you, you know my virginity.”
Chapter 19
“Are you okay?” Gretchen asked as Adrian picked himself off the ground, so surprised at her announcement he’d fallen off his chair. She giggled as she watched him stand back up.
“Did I surprise you?”
“You could definitely say that. I mean, I was hoping you would, you know, eventually. This is so soon. Are you sure you’re ready? This is a big deal in the human world.”
“I’ve realized I’ve been holding onto this for the right person, the perfect situation that will never occur. Then I met you and I wanted to so badly my body aches. I’m ready because it’s you, you are meant for me.”
“Gretchen, this makes me so happy, but do you really know what you are offering?” Adrian asked with delight in his eyes.
“I am giving myself to you and offering to feed you my sexual energy.”
“What about the vampire, he will not give you up easily?”
“I enjoyed my time with Tanek and I had feelings for him but it pales to what I feel when you kiss me.”
At that moment a waitress came and took their order; everything was vegetarian, as most Fae ate almost no meat. Gretchen ordered the flower soup. It was something she was familiar with since Cam had made it. Adrian ordered a rice and vegetable stir-fry; he also ordered two Fae drinks Gretchen wanted to try.
“I want to know more about my heritage. How am I part Fae?”
“I can’t tell you that, all I know is it’s in you, Fae live thousands of years. Whoever you are related to is probably still alive. It could have been a distant relative or it could have been more recent. I suggest talking with your mother and grandmother. Did they ever exhibit any Fae traits?”
