Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book

by LaPelle, Jana

  When Danu approached me with her proposal of becoming allies to over throw The Morrígan I jumped at the chance when she offered to seal the alliance by offering her unborn daughter to me, a political binding to assure the alliance was a strong one. Unbeknownst to her I had devised my own plan to over throw the Fomorian queen and take her throne. With Danu’s daughter by my side my vie for the throne would be more readily accepted so in order to seal the deal I insisted on a blood contract infused with dark majic. I wanted nothing to stand in my way. Alaric may have her now but she will be mine. I will have her. After being in her presence Ashlinn is fast becoming my obsession, an addiction. I crave the light that I see in her as it pushes the darkness that threatens to consume me back and I vowel to do everything in my power to possess her body and soul. That is a vowel I intend to keep.

  Chapter 32

  (Alaric)

  I don’t like it. None of it. I don’t like feeling helpless to protect her from Tarron and now that the dust has settled from our encounter with my once friend and now nemesis, Ashlinn is angry with me. Not just angry, she is furious. I feel her seething emotions thru our bond and I’m bracing myself for the outburst to come. She is about to dress me down in front of everyone gathered here this evening. All I want to do is hold her delicate form in my arms and pull her close to me, comfort her, but she has something else entirely in mind as she pulls out of my hold and backs away from me. She looks up at me as she takes several more measured steps away, shaking her head in disbelief. What began as fury is quickly morphing into hurt as realization sets in that Tarron and I were once friends. Her emotions are unstable as they switch back and forth between anger, uncertainty, and betrayal. They’re a punch to my heart and I almost stagger from the weight of it. I can’t stand that she feels betrayed by me and I want to reassure her that we’re in this together but she’s attempting to shut down our link so I say, “Ashlinn, please let’s talk about this. I know you’re feeling…”

  “What Alaric? What am I feeling? You should know shouldn’t you? Hurt that you didn’t feel the need to tell me about your previous friendship with the dark prince. Or maybe I’m feeling left out of important details that will directly affect my future, our future. At what point were you going to let me in on your dark little secret? Seriously? Why would you keep something like that from me? I don’t understand Alaric, help me to understand! Imagine my surprise when I realized that you not only knew Tarron but that you were friends. Please enlighten me because right now I’m not sure that I can trust you. I’m not sure that I can trust you to be forthright with me. What’s about to take place in less than a month’s time will not only affect us, it will affect all the Realms and you are sitting on information that could help but you have yet to offer that information up.” She looks up at me accusingly with unshed tears glittering in her whiskey colored eyes.

  Her accusation cuts right through me and I can only shake my head as I attempt to gather my jumbled thoughts and all I can manage is, “I’m sorry mo grá, please forgive me.” I yammer out.

  “Is that all you have to say for yourself?!” She asks, pushing me.

  “What do you want me to say Ashlinn?! I screwed up! Don’t you think I know that I should have told you?! Especially now after this evenings events, I’ve been struggling for days now not wanting to overload you with information. Wanting to protect you and divulge information to you at a pace I thought you could handle. You have been through so much. You and Alexia both. I only sought to give you time to come to terms with all of this.” I say gesturing to the room and people around us. “I sought to give you happiness, a home. Surround you with people that you could trust, that you could grow to love, to feel connected to like your family from the Mortal Realm before you were totally immersed in all that has been placed on your shoulders. All I wanted to do was build a solid foundation for you, so that if things went all to hell you could feel comforted in the fact that you had a family that would have your back. That you would know without a shadow of a doubt that we would move the heavens and the earth to rescue you, even in your darkest days! I would do anything to protect you! Anything! I only sought to give you all my love, happiness, and a feeling of home before that is all possibly ripped away from you! From us!” I pause as I take in her reaction to my words and watch as silent tears track down her face, her bottom lip trembling. “I apologize for holding back but I would do it again if I were able to accomplish my end goal. Ashlinn, you need to know that I only had your best interest at heart. You know that right? Tell me you know that I would never do or say anything that would intentionally harm you. You are my world! You even asked just this morning if we could slow things down because everything was happing too fast. Please…” I’m spent and not sure what else to say as I swallow hard waiting for her response.

  Ashlinn bows her head under the impact of my words. I watch as each tear drops from her cheeks to splash on to the polished stone floor. No one moves and I stand resolute, allowing her to work through her feelings. That is before her shoulders begin to shake as she begins to cry in earnest as more of her tears splash down against the floor. I take two long strides to stand in front of her and cup her downturned face in my hands. Gently I lift her face to look into her eyes. With my thumbs I attempt to brush her tears away as I say, “I love you Ashlinn. We have been thrown into a shit storm that neither of us were expecting. I wish that our lives were less complicated but if that meant that we would have never known one another then I’ll take this life over anything else. A life where you do not exist for me is no life at all. I’m so very sorry that things turned out the way they did this evening. I can’t say that I would change the decisions I’ve made so far because every decision has been made with your best interest at heart. Please, Ash, I need to know that you understand.” I plead softly as I gaze into those beautiful eyes of hers.

  “I’m sorry Alaric. Once that encounter was over and I had time to process I didn’t know what to think. I’m so… I’m so… I.. I should have known but I’m just so… conflicted. But mostly I’m scared, because whatever went into that blood contract is affecting me even now.” She says with sad, tearstained eyes as she reaches up to trace the outline of my jaw like she is trying to memorize the shape and feel of me and I lean into her resting my forehead against hers before pulling her to me never wanting to let her go. I hear her muffled voice as she says, “I don’t ever want to lose you. I don’t know if I will survive if I lose you. I’m just so frightened. I saw my future tonight. I saw Tarron ride in through the gate this evening before he did. I saw images unfold before they actually happened but the last image was one of me succumbing to the dark pull of that infernal blood contract. In my vision I was helpless to resist it, the more I fought it the weaker I became until I was all but suffocating. Alaric I went to Tarron willingly as I followed the pull of dark majic. The dark tendrils wrapped themselves around me until I was consumed in darkness. With each step closer to Tarron the easier I could breathe and the darker my heart became.” She finishes as she clutches me in her arms. I am truly terrified for her, for our future.

  “Ashlinn, it’s more important now than ever that we work on building and strengthening our binding as well as forging your relationships with your new family and friends. We will do this together and even if the worst comes to pass, then we will work together even though we will be apart to break that cursed contract.” I say holding her close.

  She pulls back and looks up at me and says, “I’m sorry I doubted you. Forgive me?”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. From this point forward, full disclosure. I will share everything I know. The time is gone of me protecting you from knowledge that you need to have. Time is running out and we need to work fast. But we will do it together and we will take time to make happy memories and spend time together with friends and family. We’ll make the most of our time. Okay?” I ask.

  “Yes Elf Man, what you said.” She adds with a wistful smile as she pulls me down to place a ki
ss on my lips. Wanting her to know how much she means to me I deepen the kiss pouring all my love for her into that single intimate act as I gently brush my tongue against her lips begging for access as she opens for me. This is not a kiss of passion but one of reverence and love as I cup her face with my hands brushing my fingers along her cheeks and her jaw. She is always so receptive to my touch and I cherish this moment above all others that we have experienced thus far. I break the kiss and inhale her unique scent as I whisper, “Never forget how much I love you, how much I adore you. You are the very air that I breathe. We will get through this.”

  With a sad but reassured smile she says putting on a brave face, “Now that we have worked through this little bump in the road I think we need to let our family and friends get back to their celebration. What do you say?”

  I look up to see mixed emotions on everyone’s faces as they have given us some space to work through everything that just went down. I look to Dagda as he steps forward and says, “Might I suggest that we tackle everyone’s questions about what just took place in the courtyard this evening? We can all move into the library and Alaric and I can shed some light on Tarron and his troubled past. This is of course an alternative if the young couples would like one.”

  Ashlinn looks to Lexie and asks, “This is your party as well. Would you like to continue? I’ll be fine with whatever you decide. I mean, you haven’t even had a chance to dance with Declan and then there’s the whole completing of the binding. What would you and Declan like to do?”

  Lexie and Declan look at one another and then she says, “I think we need to hear about Tarron.”

  Then Declan pipes up and says, “We’ll excuse ourselves if the discussion becomes too lengthy.” Declan’s casual comment causes Lexie to blush furiously as he winks at her playfully and pulls her toward him effectively lightening the mood as everyone chuckles and there are even a few cat calls around the room suspiciously coming from Tolin and Torin’s general direction.

  “Well then why don’t we all take twenty to thirty minutes to go get changed into clothing more fitting a story telling than that of a binding ceremony celebration. Well.., aside from you Alaric. You look pretty comfortable in that robe you’re wearing. Son, I think you shocked the indignation right out of Tarron when you shifted. The look on his face was priceless, I might add. Airmed, what did you think of your son’s new form?”

  Mother and Father look at one another and then she looks pointedly at me as she smiles and says, “My son is handsome no matter what form he takes. Thank you Ashlinn for gifting our son the ability to shift to his new form, his panther is beautiful and will come in handy, no doubt, in the war to come.”

  “Alright, everyone, lets meet in the library shortly.” Dagda says and his words are punctuated by loud clap of thunder as the heavens open to release a torrential down pour.

  (Ashlinn)

  Things are spiraling out of control faster than I imagined they possibly could have. Alaric is right I need to bond with my new family and continue to strengthen our bond so that when the time comes I have something to hold on to. As we climb the stairs to our suite I’m frozen in fear as I wipe away the tears that I cannot hold back. Alaric sweeps me up without question and silently carries me the rest of the way to our chambers as I have a mini melt down. I make a promise to myself that this will be the last time I allow myself the luxury of tears as I steal myself for what’s to come. As we enter our chambers Alaric puts me down and allows me a little bit of space to rifle through my clothing. Affectively allowing me the time I need to pull myself together and lock my fears away. I find what appears to be a sexy black jump suit and decide that it is perfect for the remainder of our evening. I slip it on and tie the halter top at the back of my neck. Its solid black with an open back leaving my back completely exposed. Its form fitting to below my waist where the pant legs flare, the outfit gives with me and I’m instantly in love. I strap on my weapons from earlier and then slip on a pair of matching jeweled flats. I instantly feel better as I go about the mundane chore of changing my clothing and bathing my face in cold water to wash away my tears, I feel more in control. I’m about to remove my circlet when Alaric comes up behind me and stills my hand as he says, “Leave it, I like seeing it on you. It brings out your eyes. Besides we’re still celebrating our union. It’s early yet.” As he wraps his large, nicely muscled frame around me from behind. I love the fact that he’s so much larger than me. I always feel safe when I’m wrapped up in his arms. I turn to face my mate and looking up at those sapphire blue eyes of his I reach up placing both hands on either side of his neck stroking his jaw with my thumbs as I say, “Thank you. I love that you put so much thought into bringing me into this new world. Helping me to get acclimated, I’m sorry that for one moment I doubted you and your intentions. I know that you would never do anything that would cause me harm. I know that. I’m just afraid that I’ll lose myself and you in the process if I end up bound to Tarron thru dark majic.”

  “I know you’re afraid and so am I but I believe in us and that we can overcome anything that is put in our way. We know we have some time so let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now? I believe we have family waiting for us. Are you ready to hear about Tarron? It could help all of us to understand him better. Including me.”

  I take his hand in mine and notice the tingles that flare to life as our binding markings come to life. It is becoming a more common occurrence and I’m not sure what it means as the electric feeling continues to dance and thrum thru our bond. I smile up at Alaric and say, “Come on Elf Man, let’s go meet everyone else.” Suddenly feeling just a little reckless I declare, “I’ll race you!” I pull out of his hold as I tear out of our rooms with my hair flying behind me. I hear Alaric closing in behind me as I get to the stairs. The only way for me to out run him is to slide down the banister. So, in a moment of reckless abandonment I hop on the banister and slide.

  Alaric skids to a stop at the top of the stairs and I feel his panic thru our bond for just a brief moment until I hop off the smooth banister at the bottom of the stairs, landing on my feet, sliding to a stop as fits of giggles threat to hinder my progress.

  Alaric roars behind me, “Ashlinn Ryllae Faerondarl, you could have hurt yourself.”

  A tiny thrill races through me as I hear my kindred calling me by his surname I glance behind me and realize that he’s quickly catching up to me as I round the next set of stairs and take them as quickly as I can as peals of laughter erupt from me. As I make it to the first level I take off at a full sprint struggling to catch traction on the slick floors only to have Alaric over take me picking me up like a sack of potatoes and throwing me over his shoulder giving me a firm whack on my rear.

  I squeal and sputter, “Put me down. No fair.”

  Laughing the entire time as he says, “That was for scaring the living daylights out of me and this is for cheating, you little minx.” He says with a chuckle as he whacks my bottom again.

  I screech, “What? I didn’t cheat. I just needed a little head start. Your legs are almost twice as long as mine.” I retort, laughing as we enter the library. I’m slung over his shoulder presenting my rear to the entire room as everyone turns to look at our entrance. Alaric loosens his grip on me and allows me to slide down the front of him until we are eye level and he holds me there pressed against him, still smiling I say, “Let’s do that again.”

  Eyes twinkling, he smiles at me indulgently and then leans in for a kiss. Thru our bond I say, “Later, when we’re alone, maybe we can repeat that smack on my behind.”

  To his credit he just groans and says, “Ash, sometimes you’re too much.”

  As I’m placed back on the floor we turn to face the room. I realize that Lexie and Declan have yet to join us. In the far corner the musicians have set up and are quietly playing a soft ballad. Additional chairs have been brought in and almost everyone else has gathered around the fireplace. The terrace doors have been closed against the raging s
torm outside. Lightning continues to streak across the sky and I’m drawn to the dark view. I’ve always enjoyed thunder and lightning storms but this one feels different, more ominous and yet I’m drawn to observe the storm as it continues its onslaught. For a moment I catch myself wondering if Tarron and his men were able to find cover from the storm.

  Jasmine makes her way to me and I smile as I take her in, all six inches of her. I’ve never seen her in anything other than a dress and now is no different. She has remained in her silver sparkly number she wore earlier. To say that she’s beautiful is an understatement with her long black and blue hair done up and braided in an intricate design.

  As she gets to me she cocks her head and studies me before asking, “How are you holding up Ash?”

  I think about telling her I’m fine but then opt for a more honest answer, “Could be better.” I say with a sigh.

  Jasmine’s reply is almost instant, “You Ashlinn Ryllae Elan Faerondarl are stronger than you know. If anyone can survive this it will be you. You just have to have faith in yourself and your bond with Alaric. I have seen binding markings before but I have never seen them twinkle as if they are about to light up. That has to be significant, don’t you think?”

  “I’ve been wondering about that myself. Maybe we should have Nemus look into it or maybe Clíodhna might know what it means. What do you think?” I ask my pint sized friend.