Iron & Wine (The Iron World Series)

by Osmond, Candace

  "Hi Violet."

  "Hello Avery Quinn. I heard that you ran away from us. Do you not like me anymore?" she asked innocently.

  "Oh, no, it’s not like that Violet. I just...needed some human time," I explained.

  "My feelings were hurt when I thought that you did not like me anymore."

  "Now why wouldn't I like you Violet?" I played along.

  "Well, after what happened with your friend, who is not really a friend, I thought that you would be mad at me."

  "No, it wasn't your fault. You and the others meant no harm, I’m sure. And we saved Max, so all is well," I assured her. The truth…I was worried as hell about Max. I mean, I know Oliver gave her a potion to make her forget. But, if I woke up in my own bed, after being missing for days, covered in cuts and bruises with no memory of what happened and no explanation for my family...well I would be freaked. Not even Max deserves that.

  "Do you know where Julie and your sister are Violet?"

  "Yes! They sent me to come get you. Just in case you got lost," she said.

  "Would I have found it on my own?" I asked her. "I mean, with me being a human and all?"

  Violet left my shoulder and fluttered along side of my face as we walked, her neon red hair flying around in all directions. "A normal human, no, our special place is protected by magic to ward off unwelcome people," she informed me.

  "Oh, okay," I replied sadly. I stared at the ground as we continued to walk along.

  "But, you on the other hand, you are no normal human being Avery Quinn. You are the Iron Worlder who is loved by all, desired by vampires, enemy of Queen Mabry and you faced a kelpie, twice!" Violet listed off as she danced around in the air in front of me. I laughed at her. "You are most welcome in our special place."

  "Well, thank you Miss Violet. I'm flattered that you think so highly of me."

  "Oh, it's not just me. The solitary fey adore you Avery Quinn. You are a sign."

  "A sign of what?" I asked, confused. But we were interrupted by some familiar voices.

  "Avery! You made it!" Lattie cried and flew into my face. I could feel her tiny lips leaving little kisses on my cheek. "I missed you so much! Don't ever leave again!"

  "Okay, I promise," I laughed. She took her usual seat on my shoulder and played with my hair.

  "Hey Jules," I greeted. She embraced me without a word. "How’s Max?"

  "Good. She'll live. Oliver gave her the potion. But he was concerned with how you felt about Max not knowing anything, so he gave her a false memory," she explained.

  "What kind of memory?" I asked, intrigued.

  "It's just a thing that some fey can do. He made her think that she was out all weekend partying with some friends and she got a little too drunk, fell down a lot and ended up back in her bed."

  "Well, I guess that works," I said, unsure.

  "Yep, so, how’s Tess?" she asked. I love how she didn't need to ask if I was okay. Julie knew I was okay all along; I just needed to realize it on my own.

  "She's good; refuses to believe what she saw the other night were anything other than really good costumes."

  "That sounds like her. Remember when your guys’ cat died? She convinced herself that it just ran away," Julie reminded me.

  We headed over to the tables and I poured myself a glass of summer wine. It didn't affect me the way it used to. Don’t get me wrong, it still warmed my veins and made me feel like letting the world melt away, but I was more in control of myself now. I loved the way it made my insides all warm and tingly, and the sweet taste it left in my mouth.

  "Avery sweetheart," I heard Moyas voice call from behind as she quickly neared us. "It’s so very good to see you."

  "Thanks Moya. It's good to see you too," I replied. And it was. Moya gave me this warm motherly feeling when I was around her. It was kind of like the one I get from Celadine, and even Tess, but they all differed from one another. It was like all of the great things that a mother should possess resided in the three of them, love and friendship and protection. I was lucky enough to be blessed with all three in Moya, Tess and Celadine.

  "Come! Let’s dance!" she insisted and took me by the hand to lead me where the other fey were dancing. I looked back for my friends to join. They were there already, dancing happily as they followed me into the sunlight.

  Chapter Thirty Five-Forever

  I paced in front of the iron gates that lead to Celadines huge house. The sun was setting to my left, casting a purple-orange shadow over the old mansion. I sighed and leaned against the stone fence.

  I don't know why I was so nervous about going in. I really wanted to see them; I ached to have Jacks arms around me. But it felt like I was in trouble or something. For what, I don't know, maybe for taking off to save Max from a creature that once drowned me? And then not checking in with them afterwards and just running off to Tess’s house in the country.

  I took in a deep breath, worked up the courage, and opened the iron gates that lead to the front door. I raised my hand to knock the old knocker but Celadine flung open the door before I could.

  "You, young lady, are in trouble," she said angrily.

  "Celadine...I...I’m sorry! I didn't mean to worry you!" I quickly began to defend myself. But she started to smile a coy smile, much like the one Jack does, and I realized she was kidding.

  "Don't do that to me! I was so scared that you guys were mad at me."

  "Well, we were more concerned than mad, but Julie called to assure us that you were fine," she explained. We were standing in the foyer now. Celadine took my jacket and hung it on the coat rack. "Now, come, you look hungry." She put her arm around me and squeezed my shoulder with her cool hand. I felt so safe here, with her and Jack. This house was like my iron cage, built to protect me.

  I sat with Celadine in the kitchen, eating a sandwich she had fixed for me and told her all about my adventure. She was amazed and proud that I would face the kelpie after what it had done to me.

  "So, where's your brother?" I asked as coolly as I could.

  Celadine just smirked. "You mean your boyfriend?" she asked. I blushed and looked down at my hands in my lap. "He's upstairs, waiting for you. But I told him that I wanted some time with you first. He monopolizes you far too much."

  "Sorry, it's partially my fault though," I admitted. "Let's make a note to spend more time with each other, okay?"

  "Sounds good to me darling," she agreed and smiled her wonderful motherly smile that I love. "Now, go. Find Jack, I’m sure he's pacing back and forth in his room waiting for you."

  "Thanks for the sandwich Celadine." I kissed her on the cheek and ran towards to the stairs.

  I wasn't quite sure exactly where Jacks room was, it was always so hard to find and we usually came in through the roof patio. I wandered up the stairs that brought me to a long hallway filled with old Victorian antiques, large paintings and a lot of doors. I stopped and sighed.

  We're bonded. I should be able to tell which room he’s in, or at least a general direction. I closed my eyes and thought of Jack, the way his stunning blue eyes shimmered when he smiled at me, the way his iron grip made me feel safe, and his soft pink lips kissing mine. I opened my eyes, sure that I would lead myself to him, but was startled to see him standing right in front of me instead.

  "Hi," he greeted and smiled, his eyes glittering just like I imagined.

  "Hi. How did you know I was here?"

  "I always know when you are here," he replied matter-of-factly. Funny, Celadine once told me something like that. Maybe it’s part of the bond. I wondered if I’d have found him if he didn't show up? "Did you have fun on your little adventure?"

  "Well, I wouldn't quite call it an adventure. More like a suicide mission," I kidded. "But I had to save Max; I couldn't live with myself if I just stood by and let something happen to her." I shuttered at the thought of the kel
pie. I don't think I’ll ever forget the cold, slimy and gritty feel of its oily scales.

  Jack moved in towards me then, embracing me in his grip. I cuddled my face into his chest, taking in his scent that I love so much. He always smelled like fresh night air. After cuddling him for a few moments, I slowly moved my face up towards his throat and gently kissed his neck. I could feel Jacks cool lips through my hair as he kissed my head and smoothed my cheek. He placed his hand under my chin and raised my face to meet his.

  "I have a surprise for you," he said.

  It took a second for me to gather myself. Being around Jack was like being intoxicated or something. "For me, what is it?" I asked.

  "Close your eyes."

  "Jack, don't be silly. I’m not five," I insisted impatiently.

  "Now, now, that attitude will get you nowhere.” He replied. I opened my mouth to disagree but he shushed me with a finger to my lips. "Now, let’s try this again. Close your eyes."

  I sighed and slowly shut my eyes and crossed my arms. With his one hand on the small of my back, he slid his other under my legs and swept me up into his arms.

  "Keep them closed."

  "Yeah, yeah."

  I sensed us move slightly, but couldn't tell where we were going. A few seconds later, I felt my hair brush my face from the cool night air as Jack set me down.

  "Okay, can I open them now?"

  "Yes."

  I slowly opened my eyes and glanced around. We were on the roof patio. I looked at Jacks face for some sign or hint of what I should be looking for; he just motioned with his eyes at something behind me.

  I was at a total loss for words at what I found. Jack had lined the entire perimeter of the roof top veranda in hundreds of candles in every size imaginable. To the left, he had a small table for two decorated with white linens and pretty white dishes.

  "Jack, this is beautiful. I can't believe you did this for me. Why?" I asked.

  "Because I love you, and you've had a pretty rough few days." He moved in close and kissed me softly. My head started to spin and bliss was taking me over. I could stay here forever with him.

  For a second, I caught a glimpse of something above us, and that was what did it. I was at a loss for words again as my eyes glossed over. There were hundreds of tiny fireflies filling the air above us, creating a star-like atmosphere and illuminating the perfect scene that Jack had prepared. I had been so overwhelmed the past few days with horror, fear and danger. Now I was overwhelmed with love and magic, the beautiful night air and magnificent person standing in front of me.

  "Thank you," I whispered. I knew he could hear me though.

  "Avery, I want you to know something," he began.

  "Hmm," I hummed contently.

  "I know you ran to your aunts’ house because you were scared. I want you to know that you don't ever have to be afraid, that I’m here for you to run to."

  "Jack, I don't think I was scared, really," I admitted.

  "Seemed like it to me."

  "I wasn't scared," I insisted. "I just needed some time away from all the magic and chaos to figure out what I thought of all this."

  "And?" Jack asked. "What was your conclusion?"

  "I think...that I like having this bizarre life. I couldn't really imagine not knowing what I know now. And I have some pretty cool people in my life, minus a few homicidal fairies and a very confused classmate."

  "So what exactly are you planning to do about those two particular problems?" he asked.

  "I haven’t exactly figured it out yet. But I think dealing with Max will be the easiest for now, since I have to see her tomorrow at school. I'll handle the Evaine issue when the time comes."

  "That could be any time Avery," Jack reminded me.

  "Yes, I know!" I sort of snapped. "I just...I just can't think about her right now."

  "Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

  "It's just, it's like I’m just starting make sense of everything, you know? I don't want to think about a problem that I don't have a solution for yet. Not now, not here," I said. Evaine would probably kill me if she got the chance, and I don't want to think about it. Nearly dying once this weekend is enough.

  "You know Avery; there are some solutions to your particular issue," Jack suggested.

  "What do you mean? I won't have you or Celadine going after Evaine or Mabry yourselves, so don't even mention it," I ordered.

  "No, no, although, that's not a bad idea. You know fairies don't stand a chance against vampires?" he lightly added.

  "Jack! Please!" I cried. "I couldn't handle that."

  "Okay, okay. But you do have options you know? For protecting yourself, when I or my sister cannot."

  I was so confused at this point. I was as mundane as you could get. "Jack, I know zero magic, I have no fighting skills and I’m not even remotely strong. So what are you talking about?"

  "Well, you don't have to be so mundane, if you choose otherwise," he hinted. Jack seemed to be struggling with this idea, like he wasn't so sure himself if it was a good one. "You could be more...attuned to the night, so to speak. Or you could choose to be more of the shimmery and fluttery nature..." he trailed off when he saw the realization on my face.

  "You want me to change myself? Like become a vampire or a fairy?" I asked. This was crazy. "Jack, what would I do with strength and power like that?"

  "Protect yourself," he suggested. "Avery, you of all people right now need to be weighing your options. You could not even grasp the idea of how dangerous Evaine is. I've heard stories about her, how she thrives on death and destruction. She has tortured and massacred thousands of creatures, even her own kind, with her bare hands! No wonder the Queen has her by her side. She'd be crazy not to!"

  "Jack, I am very aware of the extent Evaine can, and will, go through to get me. But I can't become immortal. What will I tell Tess, or my father? Won't they notice when they are like sixty and I’m still eighteen?"

  "That's something you have to consider in your choice."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Well, you could become a child of the night, like Celi and I. Or you could choose to be like your other friends and become a magical child of the Fey. Either choice has its own consequences as well as their benefits, you would have to take some time and choose wisely. But, as a fairy, you could use glamour to mask you age."

  "You're talking as if I only have two choices."

  "Well, you do have another but I wouldn't recommend it," he snorted. "I mean, who would actually choose to be a mangy werewolf? Filthy things," he spat.

  "What, werewolves? Like real wolves? You're kidding right?" I exclaimed. He had to be joking. I mean, I know practically every magical being, if werewolves existed wouldn't I know by now?

  "Yes, they tend to keep to themselves though. They have a high opinion of what they are." Jack spoke of them as if they were the scum of the earth.

  I couldn’t comprehend the idea of a whole other mythical existence right now. "Well, anyway. That's not what I was talking about. I do have another choice Jack." I searched his face to see if he understood. He didn’t seem to like the direction this was going. "I could choose to be me, stay human."

  "Not an option."

  "What? I don't think it's your decision!" I cried angrily. I’d never had anyone tell me what I can or can't do, and I wasn't about to let Jack.

  "Avery, please! You can't possibly think that you will survive very long as a human when you have so many dangers facing you! It's a miracle you have even made it this long!" he argued. We were on the roof top flailing our arms about like crazy people as well yelled back and forth.

  "No Jack, it's not a miracle! I knew the dangers of going after Max and that kelpie, but I had to do it! And I survived because I had friends to help me! Without them, I would have died for sure, I know, but I have them. And I thou
ght I had you too."

  "You do have me! But it kills me to know that I can't always be there to protect you!"

  "So your only solution is to take my humanity? Come on Jack." I huffed and crossed my arms tightly across my chest. "And I don't need protection! What I need is for you to just be there, to help me. I don't want to be sheltered like a baby, I won't hide from Evaine." I paused to breath. “Besides, how can I be sure to turn out like you guys? With my luck, I’ll end up a raging monster like ever other vampire.”

  I could tell from his face that he already thought of that. “You won’t,” Jack insisted, unsure.

  “Jack, I’m sorry, but I won’t take that risk. I value my humanity, it means something to me.”

  "What if I could find a way?" he asked desperately.

  "There is no way Jack, you and I both know it," I told him. As tempting as the idea of spending an eternity with Jack is, the risk is just too much. No one knows why he and his sister have the world's greatest will power, but I won't spend an endless existence as a murderous monster while the man I loved stood by and watched. "I'm sorry if that's not enough for you. I know that you were perfectly okay before I came along..."

  He looked offended by that last comment. "Avery, you are more than enough for me," he said and held my face gently. "I would rather be tragically, heartbreakingly and hopelessly in love for just one short lifetime than to be 'just okay' for an eternity. I would choose to be in love, take the good with the bad and spend a lifetime with you. Only then, could I happily die the most privileged being that ever existed, all because I loved you and you loved me back."

  A lump began to form in the middle of my throat. This stuff was only heard of in the movies. It's not fair that only I get to experience it. "Geez, you sure have a way with words," I kidded to lighten the moment.

  He grinned. "You'd be equally as good if you lived as long as I have."

  I narrowed my eyes at him. "It's not up for discussion, period."

  Jack pursed his lips and closed his eyes tightly. "I'm sorry; you’re right, it is your decision, I just want you to be safe. Whatever you choose, be sure that I’ll be there to help, in any way that I can."