by A. C. James
She spun in front of the mirror, and the gold and green in her dress swirled and glittered in the afternoon sun.
Darcy squealed, hugging her. “You look so lovely.”
Cyn was surprised to learn there was a new gown for her to wear. She wasn’t sure where it came from, or how it was made in time, but it was beautiful. When she asked Darcy about it, she’d grinned and said ‘magic’. Cyn wondered if she was serious. It was a strapless gold dress with emerald accents, fitted through her bodice and hips, and it flared into a train which reminded her of a mermaid tail. An asymmetrical line of golden lilies started on one side of the bosom and trailed down, curving over her stomach and thighs, and spread out into more flowers as it reached the ground. And, even better, it fit like it was made just for her. It was the loveliest thing she’d ever worn—even lovelier than the fashions she’d modelled back in London.
“It is stunning,” Felicity said, her tone flat.
“You don’t sound too enthused,” Cyn said, trying to figure her friend out. “You’ve been quiet all afternoon. What’s with you?”
“Nothing,” Felicity said. She got up from her chair and walked over to the window. “A bit envious, that’s all. You know, I was pretty much half-dead during my mating ceremony.”
Cyn winked at Felicity in the mirror, looking cheeky. “Come on, you know what they say about weddings. The honeymoon is always more fun anyway.”
Felicity sighed and turned toward her and Darcy. “I don’t know about that. I don’t quite remember all of mine, it’s a bit of a blur, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. It was me and Niall. That’s all that really mattered.”
Cyn turned away, guilt twisting her stomach. Felicity and Niall had such an easy love—they’d known from the first moment they saw each other. She didn’t want to admit she was jealous, but she wished it were as easy for her. If only the idea of forever didn’t scare the bloody shite out of her. This was the closest she’d come to making a commitment in her entire life. Cyn wished her mum or sister were there to guide her as they always had. She was so close to them, and she hardly knew herself anymore. Loving Fallon meant giving up everything she’d ever known and loved to live in his world... and they’d only just met. Felicity had made that decision, but she didn’t have to leave behind an entire family in London.
“Cyn! Felicity!” Darcy bubbled in excitement, pointing out the window. “Look... The whole clan is here for the ceremony.”
“Bloody brilliant,” Cyn muttered under her breath. And I thought English weddings were over-the-top.
CYN AND FALLON STOOD together in front of Tomas. And about a thousand bloody other people, Cyn thought. It wasn’t like her to be self-conscious in front of a crowd, but this whole ceremony was a sham. Last night the connection with Fallon had been more real and true than anything she’d experienced with anyone. When they were silently making love and gazing into each other’s eyes, reality crashed down, pinning a heavy weight on her chest. Her soul had been exposed, and Fallon nourished it with his love. That kind of vulnerability was deeper and scarier than anything she’d ever known. Hell, she’d walked down catwalks wearing skinny heels that could catapult her into the crowd if she tripped, and she’d never been as terrified as she was with her soul stripped bare while they made love. Standing next to him in front of every púca on God’s green earth, it didn’t feel real anymore. A soul-crushing loss was breaking her heart, yet it seemed like she couldn’t stop herself from following through with a choice that made her sick to her stomach.
Tomas waited for Fallon to nod before proceeding. Tomas took Cyn’s right hand and Fallon’s left hand, binding them together with a crimson ribbon before saying, “You may now speak the sacred words.”
Fallon met her eyes. There was so much love there she almost forgot they were doing this for show, and that she’d return to her old life once it was over. He spoke solemnly, his eyes trained on Cyn. “I, Fallon, take thee, Cynthia, as my wedded wife, till death do us part, and thereto I plight thee my troth. Deo mo ghrá.”
“She is your mate, and now a member of our clan. Cherish do maité,” Tomas said.
The rest of the evening whirled around her in a surreal blur. Everyone was drinking ale, singing, and dancing in the great hall to celebrate their union. There was a growing heaviness in her heart. Is this it? she wondered, gazing around.
“Hello, mate,” she said with a weak smile, as Fallon approached her.
He didn’t return her warmth. “Aye, my mate,” he said cautiously, before sitting beside her. “There is one final thing we must do before we are accepted as mates.”
Cyn gazed at him, raising an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? And what would that be?”
Fallon leaned over. His lips were almost touching her ear. “We have to mate. And I’m desperate to have you, love.”
Her heart was pounding as she took his hand and followed him to his chamber. It wasn’t like before: there was no tenderness, nothing gentle about it. Just an animalistic, almost savage need to possess her. It was scary, and undeniably sexy. Fallon ripped her beautiful dress. He tore the bodice and yanked the skirt to the floor, making her gasp. He pushed her roughly onto the bed. Fallon pinned her, smothering her with fierce kisses.
“You’re mine, love.”
Cyn gasped. He’d never been this forceful or needy before. She kissed him back, hard, and pulled him closer. She was just as desperate, needing his hard body against her soft curves. His hands stroked her exposed flesh, pinching and rolling her nipples between his fingers until she moaned into his mouth.
“Yes, yes, like that...” she murmured.
Fallon pinched her nipple harder. His erection was prodding her thigh. She needed to feel his massive cock stretching her inside. Her eyes trailed down his rock-hard body. His tanned muscles were flexed as he pinned her down, and there were small scars she hadn’t seen before on the back of his shoulders. Fallon pushed her further into the mattress and spread her legs wide. His fingers slid inside of her, one at a time. Cyn moaned, grinding against his hand. Fallon growled and pulled his fingers out. He rolled her onto her belly and smacked her ass. She squealed, and he spanked her again, harder this time. The way his hand struck her rounded flesh made her sex pulse with desire. Cyn moaned, pressing her face into the silk sheets. His hand traced light patterns on her skin, using his fingernails to drag across her curves. She pushed her sex toward his fingers, hoping he would stroke her again, but instead, the weight of the bed shifted as Fallon positioned himself between her legs. He took hold of her hips and pulled her back. The head of his cock pressed against the opening of her channel, and she pushed back with her hips to entice him further.
He teased her with his cock. “Is this what you want, love?”
“Yes, Fallon. Yes.”
Fallon grunted and slammed into her. His muscles were straining against her thighs as she propped herself on her elbows. He thrust in and out with almost brutal force, and Cyn gasped with every stroke. Her face was hot. Desire rocketed through her. Clenching the sheets, she surrendered to the violent onslaught of sensation. Fallon slipped a hand under Cyn and rubbed her clit. He squeezed and pinched the sensitive bundle of nerves until she came, hard. He fucked her harder and harder, until she could barely keep up. When she came again, stars exploded against her closed eyelids. He slowed down, pumping in and out of her more gently. She loved how he kneaded her hips. Lazy pleasure swirled through Cyn’s body. She could imagine falling asleep in a sex coma. He paused, then thrust deep and groaned as he gushed inside of her, filling her with his seed. Fallon slowly released her, his chest heaving as he turned onto his side.
“Are we mated now?” Cyn asked, her voice shaky from coming so hard. She rolled onto her back and slipped under the covers. From the open window, the sounds of revelry floated into the chamber.
“Yes,” Fallon said in an unreadable tone. “Now, you are mine.”
Chapter Eight
FALLON CLEARED HIS throat nervously as Cyn approached, with Felic
ity trailing a few feet behind. He took a deep breath, trying to memorize every inch of her curvy loveliness. She was clad in the corset-style top that she’d worn on the day they first met, and Fallon was having trouble looking at both her generous cleavage and her even lovelier face.
“Good morning,” Felicity said from behind Cyn.
Irritation briefly crossed Cyn’s face, but she didn’t say anything.
“Good morning,” Fallon said stiffly.
His stallion whinnied disapproval. Fallon had been waiting outside of the castle for Felicity and Cyn for quite some time. The anxiety of wondering whether or not she’d actually go through with leaving was killing him. She is our mate, he thought softly.
“Hi,” Cyn said, looking up at him shyly. “Thank you for seeing us off.”
“Of course,” Fallon softened his voice, and pulled her into a deep hug.
He inhaled her scent, a spicy, floral blend exuding from her skin. Cyn leaned into his hug, practically clinging to him. Letting her go was harder than he’d imagined.
Her voice was shaking. “Fallon...”
“I want to remind you of something,” he said quietly, nuzzling her ear.
Felicity was standing behind her, looking uncomfortable.
Cyn withdrew from his embrace. “What is it?”
“Do you have the portal with you?” Fallon asked in a low voice. Confusion marked her face for a moment, and then she nodded and touched a small leather bag fastened around her waist.
“It’s in here. D’you think I should use it often?” she asked.
Fallon winced. “Whenever you like.” He sounded gruffer than he’d intended. His stallion lowered his head, desperate to keep her, but his pride kept him from begging like a lovesick lad.
“Thank you,” Cyn said, grasping one of Fallon’s hands and squeezing. “Thank you for all of your generosity, and hospitality, and everything. I never expected...”
She gulped. Whatever else she wanted to say, he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it, so he cut her off before she could say anything that might make him forget his promise to be a gentleman and then carry her back to bed and fuck her senseless a few more times. His stallion shook his head—she deserved a few more spankings, in his opinion. “But it’s time to go back home, right?”
Fallon squeezed her hand before dropping it. He smiled sadly, and bowed his head briefly in greeting to Felicity. Then he turned away, unable to see her go. Fallon walked toward the castle without looking back.
CYN SWALLOWED A HUGE lump in her throat as Fallon’s graceful figure strode back to his castle. Tears pricked her eyes, and she tilted her head skyward so Felicity wouldn’t notice.
“All right?” Felicity said, giving Cyn her space.
“Fine,” she replied, walking toward the veil. “Let’s go.”
“How are you feeling?” Felicity asked cautiously.
“Fine,” she repeated, quickening her pace. Truthfully, she was far from fine, and Felicity knew it, but she couldn’t talk about it or she’d completely fall apart.
Felicity caught up with her. “There’s something I need to tell you before you go.”
“What?” Cyn asked without meeting her gaze.
This was tearing her apart. Unfamiliar emotions she wasn’t able to label hammered inside her mind, making her head pound. Going home was what she’d wanted to do, what she needed to do. She couldn’t wait to return to London, have sushi with Felicity, and throw herself into work. Absorb herself in a familiar world with buildings, cars, and streets instead of castles on a sloping green. And yet her heart had never been heavier than it was now.
Felicity winced. “Cyn, I won’t be able to come home with you.”
“Why not?” Cyn asked, her voice squeaking.
“I’m pregnant,” Felicity said in a low tone.
Cyn stopped dead in her tracks. Bloody hell. Everything really is such a mess.
She placed a hand on Felicity’s shoulder and pulled her friend close. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so bloody cold this morning. This is hard for me, and you seemed so angry. I didn’t know why, and now... I know what you’re going through. I bloody love you.”
“I know. I love you too. This is a hard day for everyone,” Felicity said, resting her hands on her belly. “Niall and I went to see the healer after the bonfire, and that’s when I found out. I haven’t even missed my monthlies yet. I never imagined I’d be able to have a baby, but the healer knew. And I can’t leave the Realm, because I need to stay and have the healer watch over me.”
Cyn’s heart sank. “I understand. Promise me we’ll still have a good gossip through the portal? I’ll miss you so much.”
They were almost at the veil. Cyn kicked the ground with her toe, and clods of dirt came loose. Leaving was the hardest decision she’d ever made, and she didn’t even know whether it was the right one.
“Of course,” Felicity said, squeezing Cyn into a hug. “Can you do me a favour?”
Cyn released her and straightened up.
“Sure,” she said halfheartedly. “What is it?”
“I need you to meet up with Nathan. Tell him that I quit.”
Cyn widened her eyes. “Wow, okay. I’ll do that. But do you want me to tell him it’s temporary?”
Felicity hesitated before shaking her head. “No. My life is here now.”
Cyn choked back tears. “Okay. I have to go.”
Felicity nodded. “I know.”
For some reason Felicity’s words left her with a hollow feeling that widened with each step she took as she crossed the veil.
Chapter Nine
“’Ello, love.” Nathan greeted Cyn affectionately and sat in a chair with a slight grunt.
Cyn smiled distractedly. It was her first day back in London, and she found herself rather lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. She prided herself on being able to navigate an urban area with ease, but after returning from the Realm, everything was jarring and way too loud. She’d tossed and turned all night, jumping every time a horn blared or someone yelled drunkenly from the alley outside her flat. How did I ever manage to sleep here? she’d wondered.
“’Ello, yourself,” Cyn said, as she hid a yawn behind her hand.
She slipped back into her seat and scanned the menu. They were at a pub, and she was rather nervous about telling Nathan that Felicity wouldn’t be returning to work, or maybe not returning to London at all.
Nathan grinned, apparently unaware of Cyn’s discomfort. “I’m so happy to see you,” he said, gushing. “Things have been so bloody quiet with you and Felicity gone. And with what she told me before, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever coming back. She said you and some bloke were spending a little too much time together, if you get my point.”
“I bet,” Cyn said, looking down to hide her guilt. “I’ve missed spending time with you and Felicity.” She chose her words carefully, not wanting to confuse Nathan even further.
Normally she didn’t see a problem flirting with Nathan. She never laid it on thick, and it was all in good fun. But it irritated Felicity, who constantly pointed out that Cyn was one step away from breaking his heart. Today was different. She sensed his overwhelming crush on her for the first time. Before, she’d viewed it as harmless, but now it made sitting across the table from Nathan rather uncomfortable. Her heart sank. Telling him the truth about Fallon would destroy him.
Nathan was smiling from ear to ear. “Oh, Cyn, it’s lovely to hear you say that. Now when can we look forward to Felicity’s arrival?”
“Uhmmm...” Cyn stammered, looking down at her hands folded on the table. “That’s the thing, Nathan. I don’t think she’s coming back right now. She asked me to give you her regrets, and her resignation.”
Nathan stared, clearly in shock. “What happened? The last I heard, she couldn’t wait to get back and finish the story.”
Cyn groaned. Damnit Felicity. Why couldn’t you have just been a little more honest with him?
“
Well? What’s going on?” Nathan asked, worry crinkling the crow’s feet around his eyes.
“She fell in love, and I don’t think she feels like she belongs here anymore.”
“Right,” Nathan said, leaning back in his seat. A hint of a smile played on his lips.
Cyn was confused. Shouldn’t he be angrier? “So you’re not mad, then?”
He chuckled. “No, love. I’m pleased for her. I was worried she’d never get over that arsehole William.”
Cyn sighed with relief. “Me too.”
“And besides... I still have you to keep me company, and for Thai food, and for lots of things, hopefully,” Nathan said, wagging his eyebrows.
Her stomach plummeted to the floor. Ugh. I wish he would stop acting like a bloody schoolboy.
“Yes, you’re a good friend,” she said primly.
His face darkened for a moment. It was the first time she’d seen this side of him. Cyn couldn’t say why, but it frightened her.
Nathan waved a hand dismissively. “Right. And what about the blog story?”
“It’s all true. The púca are real.” Cyn lowered her voice and leaned across the table. Her gut twisted, but she ignored it. He’d been kept in the dark for far too long. She needed to warn him not to write an article that could hurt the clan. And she trusted him to do the right thing.
Nathan sucked in a breath, staring in awe. “My God. Are you absolutely sure?”
She couldn’t help laughing at his expression. “Abso-bloody-lutely. But you can’t write about it, Nathan. You can’t expose them like that.”
“But this is the story of the century!” Nathan’s voice rose several octaves, drawing attention from patrons at the bar.
“Shhhhh! I’m serious, Nathan. It would be disastrous for their people,” Cyn said.
Nathan nodded slowly, his lips pressed in a firm line. “Right. D’you have any other bombshells to drop on me?”
The whole conversation was going much better than she’d expected. It was good to have everything out in the open. Well, almost everything. No more lies, she told herself. Another reason I should be glad I’m home.
