by A. C. James
“This is different, and sometimes the unexpected can really turn out to surprise you in a good way,” Felicity said. They turned back toward the cheerful bunch gathered around the bonfire and started walking. “But trusting yourself is the only way you’re really going to figure this out.”
Cyn didn’t reply. On the way back to the bonfire she scanned the gathering for Fallon. She couldn’t spot him, but she caught Maelíosa’s fiery gaze trained on her.
“Cyn?” Felicity asked, catching up. “What is it?”
“Maelíosa,” Cyn said quietly. “She bloody hates me.”
Felicity laughed. “She’s just stubborn. Everything will work out, you’ll see.”
“I’m not so sure,” Cyn muttered, looking down as Maelíosa approached them.
“What’s all this about being stubborn?” Maelíosa asked dryly.
“Nothing,” Felicity said, with a wide smile.
“Bollocks,” Maelíosa snapped. “I like you, Felicity, but don’t make me change my mind. This conniving tart is up to something, I know it!”
Felicity laughed and received a glare from Maelíosa for her trouble. The two of them seemed to share a bond.
“Whatever,” Cyn said carelessly, walking back toward the warmth of the fire, leaving the two of them to stare at her retreating back.
She heard Felicity say something to Maelíosa about not being so hard on her, but she kept on walking. Whatever part of Cyn that wanted to stay in the Realm completely disappeared whenever Maelíosa was around, and tonight was no exception. I’m not going to give up my life to become the evil stepmother. I’ll be just fine on my own. I always have been. Yet her life had never felt more incomplete, or her heart more empty, than it did as she sat by the fireside, staring into its depths as if it held an answer.
Chapter Six
“Are you enjoying yourself, love?” Fallon asked.
She’d been hiding in the woods with Felicity for what seemed like ages, and once she returned, she was unusually quiet. There were no smiles, no chatter, and no laughing. Fallon’s heart felt like it would burst as he watched her across the fire. Her unhappiness was painful to him, and it put his stallion on edge.
“It’s very nice,” Cyn said, and it sounded like she meant it even though her voice was a little sad. The reflection of the flames on her face added to its lovely contours and hollows.
“You have to know that I did it all for you, love,” Fallon said.
Her lips parted. She seemed unsure of what to say, and he fought the urge to kiss her. His stallion pranced around, showing off and pleading for attention.
Finally, Cyn turned to face him. “It’s beautiful, Fallon, it really is, but I’m feeling... tired. Will you take me home?”
He tamped down the burst of emotion that swelled inside him. It was the first time she’d referred to the castle as her home, but the night had been long and they’d both had their fair share of mead. His stallion wouldn’t believe she was conscious of her word choice.
Fallon stood and offered her his hand. “I understand. I suppose it’s time I accompanied you to bed.”
A lovely pink flushed her cheeks. Fallon linked her hand through his arm as she yawned and leaned into him. It was a careless gesture, but Fallon’s pulse raced. He couldn’t imagine how wonderful it would be to have her with him every day. In his mind, he saw them together, walking to bed, talking in a conspiratorial way, and making love. We’ve never been as happy as she makes us, his stallion urged, pawing at the ground, desperate to be close to her.
Fallon walked her up to the castle in a comfortable silence. The giant structure loomed ahead, all dark. Everyone, including most of the servants, was at the bonfire. When they were standing just outside, a cloud blew over and they were suddenly covered in moonlight. Cyn’s skin glowed as if lit from within. Her face looked as though it was carved from marble. Fallon reached out and stroked her skin with his fingertips. He slide them from her temple, down her cheek, and gently brushed her bottom lip. Cyn inhaled sharply, finally meeting his gaze with a longing that matched his.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, leaning closer. “I am so glad you’re here with me right now.”
Cyn leaned forward and closed the remaining space between their bodies. His stallion perked his ears, trotting around and tossing his mane. We must have her again, he urged.
She bit her lower lip, looking as though she was thinking very hard about something. With a slight toss of her head, she stood up on tiptoes and kissed Fallon lightly.
Electricity flowed through his body, sparking at her touch. Fallon felt compelled to take her on the hard, stony ground. The desperation with which he responded to her alarmed him. He crushed Cyn to his chest, wrapping his arms around her and luxuriating in her heat.
“May I escort you upstairs?” he asked softly, nuzzling into her neck.
Cyn moaned, tilting her head to expose even more creamy skin. “Yes.”
He scooped her curvy body into his arms, swiftly carrying her inside and up the stone staircase to his chamber.
IT WAS IF THEY KNEW nothing about each other, and were just learning. Fallon gently put her down, and she stood before him as a curvy vision. He licked his lips as she unwrapped the skirt around her waist and tossed it to the floor. She stretched out and settled comfortably into the silken bedclothes. Her long, curvy legs parted, and he could smell her musk. It drove him mad, and his stallion reared on his hind legs, kicking into the air.
There was a lump in his throat from her beauty, and from his own desire. Wordlessly, Fallon shed his tunic and leggings and climbed onto the bed. His erect cock brushed against Cyn’s thigh as he lay down, enjoying the feel of their skin together. He gently rolled her onto her stomach and used skilled fingers to unlace the corset she wore, prying it away from her. Cyn sat up partially, tugging it away before tossing it on the ground and flipping onto her back.
They were completely naked now, and Fallon took in how her pale skin contrasted with his tan. It reminded him of how different they were, and how they complemented one another. She was so beautiful—like one of the ancient goddesses his clan worshipped.
Fallon got on his knees, planting kisses on every inch of her exposed flesh. Cyn moaned, arching her back. It pushed her breasts further into the air. Fallon kissed and licked at her nipples, enjoying her moans. Cyn ran her hands up and down his back and tangled them in his hair. He could sense her desire. Even though no words had been spoken, there was so much being communicated by their bodies. He wanted to memorize her every curve. Cupping her breasts in his hands, Fallon kissed his way up her neck. He landed on her mouth, parting her lips with his tongue, and Cyn moaned into his kiss. His erection stiffened until it was almost painful. Fallon closed his eyes, deepening the kiss. He loved the way she tasted, everywhere, all the time. Even when he kissed her first thing in the morning, he was transported into a world of desire.
Cyn broke the kiss, pulling away and breathing hard. She cupped his face in her hands, staring hard. Fallon couldn’t break her intense gaze, as she looked into his very soul. Keeping her eyes locked with his, he reached a hand down and trailed his fingertips down her belly. Cyn trembled in his arms. He’d make her quiver like that for the rest of his life if given the chance. He pushed his fingers through the groomed patch of hair between her legs. Cyn made a small sound in the back of her throat, but she didn’t blink or look away. Fallon swallowed, using his fingers to part her outer lips. He stroked her very slowly until she convulsed with need. Electricity was shooting through his body, and the scent of her musk drove him and his stallion wild. He increased the pace of his fingers, rubbing into her wetness and savouring the feel of her riding his hand. He loved how open she was with him. Cyn spread her legs wide, moaning gently, and closed her eyes.
“Keep my gaze, love,” he said, his voice a demand.
Cyn opened her eyes obediently, and the raw need on her face was almost enough to send him over the edge. She began to shudder and quake
under his touch. Fallon crawled between her legs and caressed her ass, marvelling at her body. She was solid, real, and had curves in all the right places. She reached out a pale hand and stroked his erection, wrapping soft fingers around the base and gently pumping up and down. The sensation stopped Fallon in his tracks, and for a moment all he could do was stay frozen. His stallion paced, whinnying desperately. We must take her! His stallion urged him on, tossing his head.
Wrapping a hand around each of Cyn’s ankles, Fallon gently spread her legs as far as he could. She kept her gaze trained on his. It was more intimate than anything that previously happened between them. Could she feel it too? He needed to be inside her, taking everything she had to give. Fallon kneeled between her thighs and touched the head of his cock to her wet opening. Cyn gasped and squirmed on the bed, wriggling toward his erection, but Fallon reached down and held her hips firmly in place. She struggled against him anyway, and her supple flesh in his hands made him feel powerful and desired. He gazed down at her, entreating her to be his forever, before plunging his cock inside of her, all the way to the hilt.
Cyn screamed, tossing her head back. Fallon revelled in the slick feel and the pressure of her body. He wrapped her legs around his waist and pumped slowly in and out of Cyn, making her gasp. The sensation was almost too much. We must make this last. It could be the final time.
She reached up and stroked Fallon’s face, brushing his hair off of his brow. “I...I love—”
He thrust all the way inside of her, deep, stopping her words, and hopefully every coherent thought, with each stroke. He wasn’t ready to hear it until he knew she’d be his forever. Cyn writhed and moaned from the pleasure of taking in every thick inch of him. Her face was flushed and she was panting. Her hot hand on his face carried her scent, and he buried his nose in her palm, licking at her wrist. Cyn groaned in pleasure, grinding her hips against him. He thrust even harder, pushing her hips back on the silk sheet every time.
Cyn reached for the wall, bracing herself against Fallon’s desperate lovemaking. A white-hot centre was building in his lower belly, and he bucked forward as hard as he could, grasping and squeezing her hip with one hand. Beneath him, Cyn pulled him down, biting his neck. The sharp feel of her teeth sent a shock of pain through him, but it was quickly replaced by a warm, tingling sensation. She moved her mouth to his ear, and her breath was enough to send him crashing over the edge.
As Fallon came, he moaned Cyn’s name, over and over—like an incantation or spell to keep her in his arms, right where she belonged. Fallon was drowning in her. He bucked and thrust into her, as deep as he could possibly go. His cock spasmed and twitched. Cyn’s nails dug into his shoulders and her muscles clenched his shaft as she followed him over the edge, her orgasm making her shudder. Once drained, he collapsed on the bed next to Cyn. All the energy was sapped out of his body. Fallon could barely disentangle their legs before pulling a coverlet over them. He snuggled close, wrapping his arms around her protectively.
Just as Fallon was falling asleep, he felt the soft pressure of Cyn’s lips against his wrist.
CYN TRACED SMALL CIRCLES on his bare chest. “Good morning, sexy.”
Yawning, he opened his eyes and gazed at her blearily. She was curled up beside him, but someone had opened the windows in his chamber, and the smell of sea air drifted over them. Fallon’s eyes lingered on her lovely face. She was a little ruddy, like she’d gotten some sun, and her hair was a wild, tangled mass.
“You look beautiful,” he said, reaching out to stroke her hair.
A pang of emotion flashed across Cyn’s face, and his stomach plunged. He knew what was coming even as his stallion flinched.
She reached up and took his hand in hers. “Fallon... This isn’t easy, but I want to discuss something with you.”
Nodding, he motioned for her to continue. Cyn sat up and wrapped the sheet around her, covering her breasts.
“What is it, love?” Fallon asked, unable to keep a note of tension out of his voice. His stallion pranced nervously, pawing at the ground.
Her throat moved as she swallowed. “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer to mate, and then return home. We both know I don’t belong here.”
A wave of emotion crushed his chest, and he looked away. “I see.”
As much as he hated to admit it, knowing she’d finally made a decision was a relief. At least this way he was through with waiting. If he was being honest with himself, this was what she needed. His stallion had sensed it. And he wasn’t angry, only sad this was the last time he’d be with her. Last night had unlocked something, and he could tell it scared her. She wasn’t ready. He wouldn’t force her into acknowledging her feelings. If she were to be his queen and rule by his side, she’d need to come to the truth and decide for herself. She was so beautiful, so young, and Fallon had over a century of experience on her. He had to let her go.
“Yes,” she said, sounding blank. “I feel it’s the right decision for your family, for everyone.”
Fallon cocked his head. For once, Cyn didn’t show an ounce of sarcasm or wit. She simply looked like a very exhausted and stunning young woman, confronted with a hard decision. But it’s still going to be harder on me, he realized with a lump in his throat.
“Well then, it’s settled,” he said, and slipped out of bed.
He dressed in record time. There really wasn’t anything he wanted to say to change her mind. He wouldn’t stoop to that.
“I’ll let everyone know. Why don’t you dress for the mating ceremony, and I’ll see you in a short while.”
Without waiting for a reply, Fallon left the chamber, closing the door softly behind him.
IN THE GREAT HALL, Fallon gathered everyone he could find in order to make the announcement. He could see they were all waiting on edge—even Maelíosa, who was surlier than ever.
“Thank you all for coming,” he said graciously, looking around the room. “Cyn and I will be mated later this afternoon. I know it’s a bit rushed, but I still expect you to be there.” He hardened his voice.
Around Fallon, everyone clapped and cheered. Maelíosa slipped out of the room quietly, and now people approached to congratulate him. Fallon’s heart thudded. Suddenly, he wasn’t in the mood to be around everyone.
“You are all dismissed,” he thundered, watching as confusion replaced joy on the faces of his subjects. They filtered slowly out of the great hall, whispering amongst themselves.
“Congratulations, my sire,” Niall said heartily, clapping Fallon on the back.
He and Felicity were still in the great hall, and they approached him. Niall was grinning and Felicity looked overjoyed. Fallon noticed they were holding hands.
“It’s not exactly what you think,” Fallon said. “She has to be mated in order to return home, to the other side of the veil.”
“But why would she want to do that?” Niall asked.
Fallon cleared his throat.
“Oh, God.” Felicity gasped. “Fallon, you can’t be serious. You’ll die if you let her go.”
“I know,” Fallon said. “But otherwise, she’ll be forced to stay here. And then she’ll grow to hate me, because I’ve stolen her away from the life she knows and loves. I can’t do that. I’ve lived for long enough. And she’s so young, she deserves everything in the world. She has everything in front of her.”
“You can’t do this. She’d never want to leave if she knew what the consequence meant for you,” Felicity said.
“Felicity,” Fallon said, in a tired voice. “She isn’t aware of the consequences because she’d never be able to live with herself, and I won’t put that on her. I can’t make her want this if she’s not ready to accept it.”
“That’s why I was going to ask you last night.” She turned toward Niall for support. “But after the bonfire, we weren’t able to find you anywhere. Fallon...”
Fallon shrugged. He’d been burying himself in Cyn’s curves. “I was busy.”
Niall grinned as re
alization dawned on him. “Sire, perhaps it wasn’t the best time to indulge yerself,” Niall said.
“Indeed not, but I’d rather enjoy every minute I have left,” said Fallon in a dry voice.
Felicity shook her head. “You need to be honest with her.”
“You must not let her know of the consequences. You will keep silent, or I swear you’ll regret it,” Fallon said, shooting his daughter-in-law a no-nonsense look.
“Aye, my sire,” Niall said, giving a small bow. “You have my word. Even though it displeases me, I understand your choice, and I won’t disobey you.”
Felicity gaped at Niall, who looked upset.
“Thank you, son. Felicity?”
“I don’t bloody understand you people, and I really feel like I ought to tell her if you won’t,” Felicity said, her forehead wrinkling. “I know she does things without thinking sometimes, but this is really out of her league. How can you expect her to make a choice without having all the facts? Are you all out of your bloody damn minds?”
“Felicity,” Niall said, turning to his mate. “It isn’t your place to say anything. You don’t understand. It’s our custom, and mating must be discussed, agreed upon, and take place according to our traditions. It was a terrible mistake to bring her here, but what’s done is done, love. She can’t be our queen if it’s not what she chooses of her own free will...without feeling obligated.”
“But she’s my best friend,” Felicity whispered, tears brimming.
“It doesn’t matter. My sire has decided, and we must respect his decision,” Niall said.
Felicity walked away, shaking her head in disgust.
Chapter Seven
Cyn was in her chamber, with Felicity and Darcy, getting ready for the mating ceremony. Her stomach was a ball of nerves as Darcy carefully fastened the back of her dress.
“Wow,” Cyn breathed. “This is so beautiful.”
