With all three of my guys tailing me, I make my way to my room. Wordlessly, I enter the room. I am struck with amazement that I actually remembered the way, this time from a different direction. I head straight to the closet for some pajamas, and change clothes before heading to bed. I am too exhausted for words, and don't say anything to any of the guys. I just crawl into the middle of the bed, and I am instantly asleep.
Chapter 7
I wake up with my face on a chiseled, slightly cool chest, with two sets of arms wrapped around me. It’s a nice way to wake up. I don’t have to look up to know that I’m snuggled on Anton’s chest. Being that he is a hybrid, his temperature runs a little cooler, and and it is a nice contrast to the heater snuggling my back. Callum would make the perfect snuggle partner in the winter, I think to myself with a little giggle.
I slide out from in-between two sets of arms and legs, and it isn’t an easy task. I replace myself with a pillow for them to cuddle. As cute as it would be for them to cuddle each other, I’d never hear the end of it.
I take a moment to stretch when I notice that the door knob is turning. I hurry to see who’s on the other side. It’s Kalli with two arms full of gowns.
I open the door for her, as I put a finger to my lips to tell her to be quiet. Shutting the door behind her, I turn and follow her to the closet.
“I see you have some company. I thought you were napping, Princess.” Kalli jokes.
“I swear, when I went to bed, I was alone.” I reply.
“I’m surprised Evans is so lax with you, having two other men around. It is so unlike my brother. He is usually an uptight asshole. You three have mellowed him out some,” She says.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, when I first met him he was an asshole.” I laugh, “I think he tolerates it because not only is he my soulmate, but those two laying in the bed are as well.”
“Yes, that does make me feel better. Interesting that you have three soulmates. I don’t think I have heard about that happening before.” Kalli remarks.
“Yes, it is new to the four of us as well. I told them that I want to take this slow and get to know them before anything is decided or goes any farther.” I tell her.
“Sorry, I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this. I would tell my best friend, Raelyn, normally.”
“Princess, it’s alright. I understand.” Kalli sets down the dresses. “You have a lot to deal with. First, you find out you’re a Fae Princess, then you have three soulmates, and on top of all that, you need to find a witch, and an evil king. I’d say that would stress anyone out.”
Kalli lays a hand on my shoulder, “I know this is hard, but you will make it through. You have to believe in yourself. No self doubt. Especially with your new mission, your powers, and your men, most importantly my brother. You need to believe that with them, you will succeed.”
She starts holding up dresses for me to pick from for dinner. This dress rule is so silly. I can’t fight creepers in a dress. Sighing, I shake my head till she holds up a bold red gown. I normally hate red, but this is beautiful. It is a silky material, with a golden belt around the middle.
Off with the pjs, I put on the dress and Kalli zips up the back. Doing a little twirl, I love it. It will clash with my tiara, but I don’t care. I take my seat at the vanity and Kalli starts brushing my hair. This time she leaves it down and curls it. Placing my tiara on top, I’m ready for dinner.
“Thank you, Kalli. It’s crazy to me to dress up this much for dinner.”
She laughs, “I agree, Princess, but your father makes the rules.”
We exit the closet; Evans, Callum and Anton are waiting for us. I notice that they are all wearing weapons. Evans has my sword hanging off his belt.
Walking up behind me, Evans hooks my sword around my waist. “I talked to your father, and we decided that after the attack last night, we are to wear weapons in the castle, even to dinner.”
“I was kinda feeling naked without it.” I reply.
“So, you’re just gonna wear the sword? I’ll help you out of that dress.” Callum jokes, and takes a step towards me.
The guys laugh, and I just roll my eyes.
“Let’s get to dinner. We best not keep the king waiting.” Kalli calls from the door.
As we make our way to the dining room, it’s strange to see all my guys together. Evans is wearing an outfit close to what he was wearing at the ball, black leather pants, and a white tunic with a black leather vest. I can feel my temperature rising as I take him in. Not helping matters, Anton and Callum are dressed almost the same. Anton’s outfit is a deep forest green, and Callum’s is a earthy brown color. They must have raided Evans’ closet.
When we enter the dining room, I plaster a smile on my face, and head to my seat. A Princess shouldn’t drool right?
The table was already set, and the plates filled with food. I’m not really hungry, so I just move my food around my plate.
My father and my guys are talking about training, protection measures, and traps.
Speaking up a bit, “Have your guards left for my faction?”
“They left first thing this morning. I accompanied them to the portal. They will run day and night until they reach your home. I told them to make sure all is well before they rest.” My father informs us.
“That makes me feel somewhat better. Have there been any more sightings of Deezy?”
“Sadly, my daughter, there have been. You must train for 2 more days, and then begin the journey to the Northern Kingdom. My sources say that Deezy is headed north.”
Nodding at him, “I understand, and I will be ready. I have great teachers. What about this witch that cursed him? Do we have any leads on who she is or why?”
Alix appears next to my father, settling next to him with her hand on his shoulder, a smile on her face.
I never realized how creepy she was, till now, when she appears at odd times, and seems to know the answers I’m seeking.
Alix’s smile fades, “The witch you seek does live in this realm. She is old, and very skilled. Last I’ve heard, she lives in the heart, the very center of the realm. It will be a hard and treacherous path to find her.”
“Lucky me, I have a crazy Fae king and an ancient skilled witch to chase. Sounds like a party to me.”
“Liauna, I will aid you in any way I can, but I must stay here and help protect the kingdom.” My father states.
Our meal finished, we head down a hall attached to the dining hall to what looks to be a sitting room. More strategies to discuss. As we are finally settled, three older Fae enter. We all rise, bow, and take our seats.
My father introduces me to the elders. There are three of them, and they have to be the oldest looking Fae I have encountered so far. Their skin is just starting to wrinkle, and they look like they are only in their 60’s in human years.
I need to find out what kind of moisturizer they use.
They are seated on a couch; closest to my father is Basil, next to him is Jareth, and last is Peter. I giggle to myself at Peter’s name, seems a little common for a Fae. Sitting back, I listen as they start talking about boring kingdom stuff.
When I hear them mention the name Deezy, my interest is peaked. I sit forward in my seat, and the elders decide we need to leave by the end of the week. After the attack at the ball, we need to act because nowhere is safe.
The meeting ends, and we bid each other goodnight. Anton and Evans stay behind to discuss some more details of our travels.
Callum is my escort back to my room. We walk side by side, but I can see he looks at me with a crooked grin. I take his hand, causing sparks to tingle up my arm. The sensation causes me to shudder a little, but I hold on.
Callum gives me a flirtatious smirk as I stick my tongue out at him. The walk to my room seems especially short. Callum follows me in, and shuts the door behind us.
Nervous energy washes over me. I really haven’t had any alone time with him, just a moment here or there.<
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“Callum, I’m going to hop in the shower and get ready for bed, can you please help me out of this dress?”
He raises an eyebrow at me, then gives me a small nod. As I turn my back to him, I see a smile on his face that makes my heart flutter.
He runs his rough fingers over the skin of my back as he makes his way to the zipper on the back of my dress. I feel the pressure of his hand move off my back, so I know he is done. Wordlessly, I head to the bathroom. When I turn back, Callum is just standing where I left him. I raise a hand and motion for him to follow. Then I proceed to the shower, leaving a trail of clothes behind me.
Finally, having the water at just the right temperature, I step in slowly, enjoying the warm spray as it inches up my body the more I step in. As I stand under the water, I feel warm hands wrap around me, and a hard body hugging my back. I twist in his arms so we are facing each other.
“I have to say, I was a little surprised by your invitation.”
“Well, you’ve already seen me naked. It’s only fair I get to see you.” I smile.
“All you had to do was ask.” He replies with his toothy grin. “I would’ve been more than happy to comply.”
“Oh, I’ll have to remember you said that.” I wink. “Ok, sorry to disappoint you, but I’m going to wash and get ready for bed. Even with the nap I’m still exhausted, but I love having a great view to enjoy.”
Sighing, Callum washes fast. I enjoy every second of it, and as he goes to leave I pull him in for a kiss. Once his hard body is flush with mine, I crush my lips to his, and he hungrily kisses back. I take advantage of this situation, and grab his ass. He groans into my mouth, pulling back for just a second.
“Princess, you’re playing a dangerous game.” He smiles.
“That may be, but I intend to win.”
He kisses me once more, this time with some added pressure grinding into my belly.
Ending the kiss, he exits with a wink, leaving me hot and bothered. I turn down the temperature of the water, in need of a cold shower.
I quickly wash, turn the shower off, and get out to dry off. Wrapping a towel around myself, I run into the closet to grab pajamas, and head to bed. Callum is already relaxing on the left side of the bed, shirtless. I may need another cold shower.
Looking up from one of my books, he just smiles.
How did I get so lucky?
I pull back the covers, make my way into the middle, and snuggle on his bare chest.
“Callum, I’m so glad you’re here with me. I hate that it took the apocalypse for us to find each other though. What did you do before all of this?”
"I was really close with my family. We ran a little antique shop together, just me, my mom and brothers. We lived above the shop, a nice little place, but I was saving up to get my own car as well as a place to live. Then the first creeper came. At first, they told us it was just a sickness." Taking a deep breath, he pauses.
Smiling at me, he continues. “Life went on just like normal, until my brother came home. He and his friends were attacked. They were able to fight off two creepers and run for it, but my brother was bitten. That night I left to work an odd job for another shifter family. Sometime that night my brother turned, attacking my mother and little brother. When I got home, they were all turned, and tried to attack me when I opened the door. I locked them back in, as I wasn’t sure what to do.”
He pauses, taking a few breaths. “I ran to the shifter council, and explained what had happened. One other shifter had a run in with what I was describing. They told me that the only way to help was a blow to the head, killing the brain. Also, I needed to make sure I don’t get scratched or bitten, because that was how it was spreading. They offered to help me out, but I told them no. It was my family. I would end their torment. I left the council, and headed back to my home, dreading what I knew was to come. When I arrived back, I looked through the shop to see if there was anything useful, and found a baseball bat. Slowing my steps, I tried to remain calm and remind myself that they weren’t my family anymore. I took care of them as fast and humanely as I could. Afterwards, I gathered them in my arms and cried. A bit later, I pulled myself together, and took them out to the field behind the shop, and burned their bodies. I went back and collected anything useful, and hit the road. They were the only family I had, and I needed time to think.”
I sit up to face him, tears streaming down his cheeks. I lean in and kiss them away, ending with a kiss on his lips.
He pulls me on top of him, wrapping his arm around me, and just holds me. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he cries some on my shoulder. His tears lulling me to sleep.
I wake up still laying on top of Callum, but Anton and Evans have joined us.
Interesting, when’d they get here?
I roll gracefully off of Callum, heading towards the shower. Every muscle in my body aches, but I know I have to train again today. Hopefully a warm shower will ease some of my aching.
Entering the stream of hot water in the shower, I think back to my first run after the infection started.
We were all terrified; we slowly walked into the local grocery store, flashlight in one hand, a weapon in the other. Not knowing what to expect, we brought too many people, which lead to too much noise. Dad and I were two aisles over from the nearest team and we could hear them talking. All I really remember next were the screams. That was something I will never forget.
Dad and I ran, but we were too late. The creepers had their kills, and nothing could be done for them but to take them out. My father was never a violent man, so seeing him taking out creepers was just way out of character for him. Trying not to stare, I turned to take out a creeper. It was a teen boy that looked a few years younger than me. Missing an arm didn’t stop him from attacking me. I could see the sinew swinging from the shoulder. I gagged, but stabbed him in eye with my screwdriver. I had a hard time pulling it out. His body slumped to the floor with a dull thud.
We regrouped with the others and counted our losses. We had lost a total of 6 people and decided to change our game plan. Taking each aisle slowly and carefully, we cleared the store, a total of seventeen creepers.
As quickly as possible, we made our way to collect the supplies we needed, and made our way to exit the store.
Just as we walked through the exit, we realized that the outside was populated with creepers.
So much for a clean getaway.
I’m awakened from my memory to freezing cold water. Getting out of the shower, I wrap a towel around me as tightly as I can. My teeth are chattering. Walking to my closet, I dress in training clothes, before I slide back into bed between Evans and Callum. I need the warmth. I wrap my cold arms around Evans and stick my cold feet on Callum. They both wake up, startled by the coldness. Evans just smiles and Callum whispers, “What the hell” in my ear while he snuggles up closer to my back.
“Sorry, thought too long in the shower.” I shrug.
Their warmth is short lived. Just as I get comfortable, Kalli comes in the door. Groaning, I start unwrapping myself from her brother and Callum.
“Come Princess, time for breakfast with your father.”
“Ok, ok, I’m dressed, can we go?”
“Do you really think your father would be ok with you in training clothes? I think not Princess, let’s find you a dress.”
I follow her back to my closet and change into a frilly dress.
I think I’m gonna puke, too much lace again.
“That is much better. You look like a Princess. Well, as soon as I add the tiara.” Kalli laughs. Her laugh is just as musical as Evans’. Damned Fae.
Breakfast is uneventful. More boring realm business. I don’t think I am the ruling type; too much talk without a lot of action.
Trudging back to my room, followed by Anton, I go to change for training.
“What, don’t like what you see?” I tease.
“I like very much what I see. Maybe we can go on a picnic for lunch later. Just you and
me.” He replies as he steps closer.
“Yes, that sounds like a great idea.” I reply inching closer.
Giving him a quick peck on the lips, I make haste dressing in my training clothes. Evans doesn’t tolerate tardiness, even from me, his Princess and soul mate.
Once I’m ready, Anton escorts me to the same training ground in the middle of the palace. Evans is already there, two wooden swords in hand, talking to Callum.
As soon as he sees me, his eyes light up and he smiles.
OK, Liauna, no drooling. You are a warrior.
Evans throws a sword at me, then attacks. No rest for the wicked.
I’m faring a little better today, which is too bad for me. Evans can tell so he doesn’t let it slide. Two hours later, he and I are both hot and sweaty. He makes it look hot. Me on the other hand, I just make it look like a mess.
Kalli is on the other side of the training ground, sitting on the ground, patiently waiting for me.
Lifting heavy legs, I walk over to her for magic training time. We go through the same exercises, and by the end of training, my magic is a little more controlled than yesterday. Exhausted, I slowly trek back to my room to shower and change.
I decide to wear a cute little sundress. I am excited to spend a little quality time with my hybrid, I quickly braid my hair before placing the tiara on top and exiting the room. As soon as I re-enter my room, Anton is there holding a picnic basket that’s covered with a blanket. He is holding out a hand for me.
I take it, happily, and we head out.
“Evans showed me a great stop for a picnic.” Anton tells me.
“Oh he did, did he? I guess he is getting better at sharing.” I laugh.
Chapter 8
Anton is leading the way, still holding my hand, as we enter a field full of flowers. It’s a breathtaking view, shades of pinks and reds as far as the eye can see.
“I can tell by the smile on your face, that this place pleases you.”
“It’s breathtaking, I’ve never seen so many flowers in my life.”
Curse of the Fae (The Creeper Saga Book 2) Page 4
