The Parish

by Clare Midgley

  “Jacob if you love me you need to be granted the writ from three of the elders, and I have to be present...” As he pushed her into the corner of the room and away from the ears which were listening intently he realised how dangerous this could be for them both.

  “Eve you know if it isn’t granted they will kill you and my mother will take great pleasure in doing so I can’t. I don’t want to risk losing you and the thought of...” Placing her hand on his face, she tried to reassure him making him understand she felt same.

  “Either way Jake I’m dead in the morning. If they grant it, it will give us four months, and we have to prove to them ...”

  “What if another, we have to think of every eventuality. Another Fallen may come into the midst, and if it is female you know what right I have to take...”

  “There hasn’t been one. Jacob, you were conceived on earth, but I know your fate I spent enough time in cleansing remember with your grandfather….” Knowing they were being watched Jacob felt his father’s presence and he also felt his pleasure at finding both himself and Eve together.

  “If your mother sees you in cahoots with this flesh bag. Mind you I would love to see the condition she ends up in...” Reuben slid his long fingers around Jacob's neck squeezing it gently as he moved along his shoulder.

  “Aequalis father I call the order of Aequalis I intend to take Eve, and it’s my right” Half in shock and half intrigued Reuben’s eyes flared green as he curled the endings of his mouth.

  “Son is a dirty whore we found on the streets that important to you...” Jacob's face turned quickly as his mangled, mutilated expression filled with contempt for his father’s words. His demonised skin edging the way for the sharp row of teeth expressed his feelings intently for his father. Seeing the inflation Eve stepped forward placing her hand on his chest and moved her body between them.

  “Jake! Jake look at me. He can’t hurt me Jacob and neither will you” As his head spun back she placed both of her hands on his face coaxing him away from his anger.

  “Stand beside me cause you love me. Don’t do this or he’s won.” The red fire in his eyes faded as quickly as his temper rose and Eve comforted him she stroked his hair around his ear fondly waiting for him to return. Reuben astonished by Eve’s quick interjection gave him great concern and his son’s response replaced it with anxiety. His son conceived in the evil that taunted the villages for centuries had now just rejected the coven which rested upon his shoulders.

  “You’re a clever little witch aren’t you. So be it Jacob you know the consequences if she doesn’t pass then I shall have great pleasure when she becomes mine….” Fixating her glare on Jacob, he returned to see Reuben glide up the staircase. Waiting for his presence to leave, tired and confused he dropped to the floor.

  “I don’t understand. I never Eve” taking hold of him she ushered him into the study. The steady tick of the clock prominent in the book built room seemed a befitting backdrop against all the chaos surrounding them. Looking around for water she found the cast iron jug in pride of place on the corner of the writing desk, as she poured a glass and returned to him promptly he seemed to wince uncomfortably.

  “Take sips, close your eyes...” Taking a deep breath, he could feel his outburst subside and his heart rate return to normal. As she straddled his body, she raised her hands to his chest listening intently to his heartbeat. As she bent into his seated position and with his eyes still firmly closed Eve kissed him. As the soft touch graced his lips, he pulled her closer delving deeper into her embrace, and as he opened his eyes, she ran her fingers over his brow.

  “After the pass we have rules…I won’t be able to touch you or kiss you, so sex is a no-no. If we don’t adhere to them, they can revoke it, and I’m back in the She’s dead boat.” As he ran his fingers along her collarbone, his thoughts seemed to float above his head dense and brooding.

  “I'm serious Jacob you need to study the old text." Taking his finger down to the curve of her breast Eve bit her lip feeling the excitement roll around her core.

  ”How long have we got.” As he rolled her back in his arms, he forced her against the bookcase and with her eyes firmly closed she felt his fingers run down her sides. As she wrapped her legs around his waist, his kissed forced deep into her flesh and as the penetration of his touch excited she wanted him, and her body betrayed her wanting him more.

  “Jake we can’t. I don’t want to jeopardise what we could have...” Taking his kiss back to her mouth he wanted to taste every ounce of her, and as he backed off, he left her sitting against the bookcase. As he took the opportunity to slide her down his body, he felt every curve glide between his fingers.

  “I will wait for as long as we need I just want to be with you. I’m not going to say it will be easy, but for you. For you, I’d give up everything...”

  Chapter 5

  As the council gathered to the main hall, each elder took their seat. Cara’s stare weighted heavily on Eve’s shoulders as she stood with Jacob and as each took their place, she made no hesitation about the hatred she felt for Eve.

  Eve knowing her place bowed her head further as the last cloaked members of The Parish entered the room.

  “You know how this works Eve and I know you’re an intelligent little whore, so the principle still stands. You must get an agreement from three elders.” Eve stood silently unable to muster the words from her throat.

  “Answer me now!” Cara’s stare burned as she replied.

  “Yes Cara”

  “And you! You’re my Son I thought better of you. You know your right, and the right you have been given and you squander it on a dirty pathetic.”

  “Enough...” Charlotte stood along with the final elder who had yet been introduced, as Eve and Jacob stood beside each other, both could see the bitterness in her eyes as she stepped forward.

  In all the year’s Eve had served the family the western half had been the most reclusive and as the cloak fell onto her shoulders Eve shuddered at the mangled torn mess which stood before her.

  “My name is Arriellan, and this is Kazule you do not know us child due to our unapologetic demeanour…” Her voice twisted and distorted felt like glass running through Eve’s ears.

  “We were cordially uninvited from this table due to our opposite whisperings.” Kazule’s laugh echoed violently around the main hall as the private joke now became public.

  ”Child the odds are rather against you. Are you sure this gathering is what you require.”

  “Kazule, Arriellan this is my doing, and I call this tonight as I want to take Eve as my bride, and I can only do that under Aequalis. Eve knows what I require and is as willing as I to sacrifice everything ..” Cara’s glare heightened as her son protested in front of his peers. As she peeled back her cloak, she descended the steps showing her distaste and complete rejection of the union before any words spilt from her lips.

  “You think I will grant such a thing to this pitiful bag of flesh. Your fate my son was defined before this insignificant whore was born.” Raising her hand, she extended her long fingers towards Eve's throat, and as Jacob clasped hold, he forced it back to her side, unable to tolerate any more violence towards Eve.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Charlotte observing the affair stood following Cara’s footsteps.

  “Cara this outburst is not going to help you or your son. Now sit down.” As Charlotte took hold of her hand, she guided her back up the marble steps to her seat. Feeling the mood change Eve stood closer to Jacob hoping to feed off his energy.

  “Now introductions are done Jacob it’s time to tell us the need you have. As part of this unique family and the service we have towards Inlands Brow you are the last in the bloodlines until another joins us.” Charlotte's condescending yet rational statement almost made her feel human. Eve knew of her appetite for destruction, and as next in line she couldn’t wait for Cara’s demise.

  Curling Eve behind him she stood at the nape of his neck and watc
hed from over his shoulder. The fumble in the study seemed a long way from where Jacob wanted to be.

  “Mother, Father all my elders, I come to you in regards to Eve Loren Sutherland; she has served this family in regards to my mother for almost fifteen years. During this time I have not just grown to love her, but to respect her and even admire the dedication she serves her duties towards this family. She has never permitted any indiscretions, and I have chased and lost on several occasions. I recently transcended for her…..” Reuben stood along with Jedediah and Kazule outraged at his behaviour. Reuben still wanting to taste her slithered to the edge of the steps.

  “Son you cannot lead us to believe that this-this servant has had the foresight to.”

  "Father it wasn’t Eve’s foresight that took me. My transcendence wanted to take her, and I admit I needed her desperately. Knowing her loyalty and devotion to your service helped her overcome me, and I was beaten. I’ve never been in love until now, and she has taught me courage and humility and above all kindness. I love this woman with all my being and nothing that you say will ever stop that. I called this gathering to show you that she can stand at my side and she also can make me stronger, and for that, I have given her a promise of marriage.” The downed silence felt like a vacuum, with the air thick it seemed as if it had been pulled from each window and closed shut in the echo of his voice.

  “Why didn’t you approach us before Son? There would have been no need for council if you say she’s as strong as she is we would have granted her pass surely marriage is not what you’re thinking? This girl you know will be surpassed if a Fallen is chosen and no amount of bargaining will stop that eventually she will die, and you have to consider the facts..” Jedediah stood looking into Jacob as if he was an open door. His grey hair shone in the moonlight, and the beam danced around his shoulders emphasising his grace.

  “Sir Eve could never be my pass; sex isn’t enough. I want to call her mine, and I understand if a Fallen is chosen for me and only if she bids it Eve would have to become surplus to requirements. But if she bids me my pass I won't lie with the Fallen I would only lie with my wife, and that’s why this gathering was needed as traditions need to be broken..” Ariellen now looking towards the other elders walked towards Cara and placed her hand on her shoulder,

  “Let him have his time as there will be another...” Cara furious threw her hand away as in that one sentence she knew the decision had been made. As Jedediah took Reuben’s hand and kissed it, he followed his line of sight down to the partially hidden Eve.

  “I understand your thought’s brother, but let him you can always see through his eyes...” As Reuben stood, he pulled at his waistcoat and smoothed down his jacket feeling the need to put even more restrictions on the newly united couple.

  “There’s one condition Jacob; Aequalis requires dedication let’s see how much dedication you have towards this child. She lives in your quarters and doesn’t resume her duties, everything you do she will be with you. One touch, one kiss one mild brush past in the wrong way and you will have forfeited the order. Do you understand?” Jacob stood straight bowing to his elders.

  “It is done, Jedediah...” Eve still in her place looked over his shoulder her eye’s fixated on Reuben as Jedediah walked away. Reuben stepped closer pulling her hand towards his chest and as Eve shuddered he took great pleasure in her unease.

  “One more thing son if you forfeit, you hand her over to me for my pass she will then know how a true Fallen feels. Kazule, Charlotte, Arriellan if we agree on the stroke of midnight tonight until midnight on the fourth month you will be in Aequalis take the time you need from now to move her into your quarters….” As the giant doors closed, Jacob threw his arms around her.

  “I’m sorry I should have never got you into this…”

  “We always knew there would be conditions. Jake, we need to be careful plus we need to get going I have to be in your quarters before midnight, and it's quarter to.” Running to gather her things Eve made her way into Jacobs’s quarters and as he closed the door, he welcomed her inside with two minutes to spare. Dropping her belongings to the floor, she stole a kiss from him, and as he held her tight in his embrace, she breathed him in knowing there moment would be fleeting. As his grandfather clock chimed in the corner of his office Eve gathered her things off the floor and stood holding her bags like a lost orphan on a train platform.

  “Where do I sleep Jake” flustered he smiled nervously, and as he placed his hands on his hips he slipped off his waistcoat contemplating his next move.

  “You take the bed; there is a settee in the office at the back which converts I will be ok on that I think.” Eve still feeling uneasy, sat in the chair close to the door waiting for the next set of instructions.

  “I suppose we need ground rules. I still want to look after Neith and I know they said I couldn’t resume duties, but Neith was a gift. Will it be better if I sleep on the bed in the back so I can use the rear passage to the stables? Honestly, I don’t mind I just feel awful about taking your bed..”

  “I’m just glad you’re here, and you’re safe so I can keep an eye on you. You heard what they said, everywhere you go I go, so it looks like I’m mucking out stables too. Plus I want you to take my bed at least it will give me comfort knowing you’re in it. I know I’m not beside you, but it pleases me....” Eve nodded politely still a little uncomfortable about the whole situation.

  "Shall I go and get changed first then?" Nodding again she still sat awkwardly in her chair and as Jacob left the enormity of situation started to overwhelm her senses. As he disappeared she took her time to look around his quarters, the vast living space vastly outweighed her own, and the luxury of his existence was apparent in every nook and cranny. Staring out of the bay window Eve lost herself in the darkness.

  “Are you ok?” Jacob stood bare-chested at the door waiting for her response and as she turned and smiled he felt her awkwardness return.

  “Am I ok to go to the bathroom...” Eve bit her lip again as all her life at the Parish she had asked for permission.

  “Eve this is yours now, please don’t feel the need to ask. Anyway, I’m ready, so it’s all yours.” As the shower cascaded overhead, she tried to relax in the sanctity of his chambers. She had protected her quarters so well over the years, and it was the only domain which made her feel safe. As she wiped down the mirror, she stared at her reflection quietly contemplating the plan for the next four month. The day had gone by so quickly that the moments stood in the bathroom seemed like hours in comparison. As she dressed in her night clothes, she pondered as she turned down the light.

  “Sorry I took so long I took advantage of the hot water…downstairs you don’t normally get so much.” Folding her legs underneath her, she sat awkwardly back into the chair against the door. Not wanting to violate her space Jacob tried to read the perplexing nature of her stare.

  “I know you’re worried, I can tell four months will be over before we know, and we’ve spent the last year practically avoiding each other this should be a walk in the park.” Eve tentatively smiled at him hoping he was right.

  “We weren’t living together then. Jake listen I’m going to get in bed, and I think you should do the same may be the less time we talk, the easier it will be let’s play it by ear for now..” Again seeing her discomfort return he turned down the light.

  “I do love you. Good night...” As she lay between the sheets, she smoothed down the covers several times. With his aftershave on the quilt every time she took a breath she breathed him into her a little more. Closing her eyes, she could feel him as his kiss, and his touch washed over her senses. However, still on tender hooks and on hearing a noise, she sprung out of bed again nervous and scared of her surroundings and as the sound bore down yet, she tapped gently against the wall.

  “Jacob is that you?”

  “Sorry I knocked the lamp over trying to pull out this bloody bed” Moving towards the door she opened it slightly to see him. Not wanting
to move she spoke first to cut the tension.

  “What if we leave the door ajar then we can talk to each other at least” Seeing him spring into action she leapt back into bed like an excited child waiting for Christmas.

  “Can you hear me ok?”

  “Yes, what would you like to talk about” Eve wrapped her leg around the blanket exposing her thigh.

  “I can’t stop thinking about you in my bed” Jacob seconded all her thoughts, and as the smile edged to her lips, it was nice to be excited.

  “I can’t either I can smell you on the quilt. It is having the wrong kind of effect on me.”

  “I didn’t realise how short your night clothes were until you come to bed. Eve …” As she slid through the door once more, she sat on the corner of his bed, perching quietly like a little elf.

  “Don’t get up I just wanted to say that I love you. I don’t think I’ve ever said it and I didn’t want to shout it through a wall. I wanted to tell you in person, and even though nothing physical between us can happen, they can’t take my thoughts and my words away from me...” As she folded her arms around herself, she waited for reassurance as she hovered in the doorway.

  “Good night Eve.”

  “Good night Jacob.”

  Chapter 6

  The last two months had been unbearable as Cara had started to rear her ugly head. Even though Eve’s sentence was not to resume duties, she couldn’t keep away from the staff quarters. Her eviction into Jacob's domain had caused chaos most of all for Stephanie as she had been given the task of looking after Cara and as Eve hovered towards the clattering’s in the kitchen, she peeped through the doorway to find Stephanie alone and collapsed in a heap at the corner of the room. As Eve grabbed the steel bowl, she filled it with cold water and started to tip ice cubes into it. As Stephanie’s lifted up her hand, she placed it inside and proceeded to wrap ice cubes in a tea towel.