Yanking her foot only ended up with her being pulled to the ground. She rolled, bringing up her hands to push at the body now covering her. “Let me go,” she begged through metallic tasting breaths. “Please. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“Eve. Stop.”
Her hand shifted, pushing at the face over hers and she felt skin.
The body over hers froze at her touch. The panic cleared somewhat, allowing her to see him above her. Her hand had shoved his long black hair out of his face and for the first time, their eyes met and held.
“Eve,” he said, voice deeper as her hand moved across his flesh.
She couldn’t speak as she finally saw the real man, fingers tracing the scars that ran from the left side of his hairline, down his face and neck to disappear beneath his jacket.
“Fallon,” she whispered.
This time, when his lips took hers, she didn’t pull away. She could finally see what was behind the curtain.
#
Fallon's lips were gentle as he pressed them to hers, the softness easing into her, a balm to her broken spirit. Hers parted beneath the slight pressure and his tongue stroked hers, sweet and soft, no trace of the anger that was normally in his touch. This was new and it was perfect.
This was the woman that terrified him and he couldn’t have said why he kissed her again. Maybe it was an apology. Maybe it was the look on her face as she got her first glimpse of him, the horror he expected never crossed her features. Maybe it was something about her last words before she ran. What couldn’t she help? Him? He was beyond help. Perhaps she understood that now. Help her attraction to them? If it was that, she wasn’t alone.
Her fingers, softly touching the ragged edges of his face, would have brought him to his knees had he been standing. Her touch, while doing nothing for the outside scars, seemed to heal the inner ones. The ones that still bled, centuries later.
He knew she was traumatized by the mark being taken from her. He knew it and in his own fucked-up way, he tried to tell her she still mattered. Her fingers threaded themselves into his hair and gripped him as she sighed against his mouth. How did she do this to him? He couldn’t figure it out, but he wouldn’t lay the blame on her. Not again.
“Eve, baby, you need to stop,” he said, keeping his mouth pressed against hers.
“I don’t want to.” Her voice was husky when he finally tore his lips from hers.
“You need to want to.” He gripped her ponytail, pulling her head back and nibbled down her skin. She shivered against him and he knew it wasn’t from the snow, but for the sake of his aching body, he was going to pretend it was.
“Come on, let’s get you back inside.” He rose to his knees, cursing his stupid sense of duty.
He couldn’t do this, not now, not when she was so vulnerable. He had watched from the door as her bond to Sebastian was broken and could feel the emotional turmoil she was going through. And he wouldn’t do this when he was so screwed up.
Why? Why was he such an ass to her? Why did he tell her his story? Especially on top of that break. He had done nothing other than be a dick to her. And even if she wanted him as much as the others, he wasn’t going to indulge. It wouldn’t be fair to her or to the memory of his family.
She groaned and he smiled. Seemed he would still be the bastard. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Silently, they made their way back to the house.
When they reached the door, Eve broke the silence. “Fallon, I’m so sorry,” she said, looking up at him, her green eyes full of the sadness that accompanied him every day.
“Not your fault, unless you are a three hundred and forty-five-year-old werewolf.”
Her hand reached up and this time he let her push his hair away. She studied his face for an eternity before saying, “They were lucky to have you.”
“I couldn’t protect them.” He closed his eyes against emotion as her hand, once again, trailed down the scarred and puckered skin of his face.
“You did your best, being a human, against something that wasn’t.” Her arm wound around his neck and he lowered his head, expecting her lips on his again, steeling himself for that. What he got was feather light lips on the ravaged cheek.
With that, she left him alone on the patio, fighting an unfamiliar emotion. Forgiveness.
#
She let the sounds of arguing lead her back to the study. Rosewen was nowhere to be seen as she stepped back into the suddenly quiet study. “I don’t have amazing hearing,” she said, “so anyone care to tell me why you were yelling at each other?”
Sebastian looked up at her, a burning look in his eyes. “You.”
“Why me?” She tried to pull her eyes from Sebastian to look at Gideon, but the raw emotion in his eyes had her trapped.
“I didn’t know what to expect when…”
She moved up to him and he took a step back. “I did. I knew and I did it anyway.” She took another step and Sebastian didn’t move. “Mom had just explained to me what was going to happen when you came in.” One final step and she looked up at his face. “What I didn’t tell her was that I like you. A lot.” She still couldn’t bring herself to say ‘love’. “That was why it hurt so bad. If I didn’t care for you the way I do, then it wouldn’t have been so bad.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He took her shoulders in his hands.
“Would it have changed anything?” she asked.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. But when I think about what you went through. What we went through. I’m so sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize.” She shook her head. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I wish you had told me. Because then I could have said the same. Maybe we wouldn’t have the rips in us.”
“What are you saying, Sebastian?”
“I’m saying that I do more than care for you, Eve. Somehow you have slipped into the cracks of the walls around me and made yourself at home.”
“Then hold me, you idiot.” She blinked away tears as he laughed and did as she asked. While the hole was still there, it felt smaller now, smoother. Maybe she could live with this. His arms tightened around her as she took a deep breath, his scent bringing comfort to the healing edges.
After what seemed like a blink of an eye, Gideon cleared his throat.
Eve twisted in Sebastian’s arm, not willing to leave the comforting warmth. “You know, I kinda like you a lot too.”
He gave her the half-smile she loved so much. “The feeling is mutual.”
“Communication. Maybe we should work on that,” she said with a laugh. Sebastian’s chest rumbled at her back and Gideon grinned.
“So, what were you guys yelling about?” she asked and smiled as Sebastian nuzzled her neck.
“I wanted to go after you,” Sebastian spoke first.
“And I wanted him to give you the time you needed.” Gideon laughed. “We don’t always agree on everything.”
“Well, I wasn’t alone for very long,” Eve said, squeezing Sebastian’s arms before stepping from them. “Fallon found me outside.”
“You went out in the storm?” Sebastian asked in his dangerously low tone.
“Not intentionally, I just ended up out there.” She sat down in a chair and motioned for the others to join her. “Fallon…well, he told me his story.” She shivered at the sadness she could remember.
“It’s difficult to hear,” Gideon replied.
She nodded.
“Especially after what you went through. Being able to feel that on top of…” Sebastian trailed off.
“Not your fault, big guy,” she said, giving him a smile. “We talked about that.”
“Doesn’t mean I agree, or that I’m willing to let myself off the hook,”
“Well, I mean if you’re into causing yourself pain, far be it for me to stop you.” She laughed at the look on his face. “No kink shame here.”
“Eve…” His tone was a fake scary and she laughed harder. “What are we going to do with her?
” he asked Gideon.
Gaining control of herself, she asked, “Where is mom and Micah?”
“Rosewen will be back shortly. She went to make a couple of calls. Something about finding her friend. And Micah went to look for Alex.”
“Maybe he can get back to the beach now,” she said, still feeling guilty for keeping him there, yet not wanting him to leave. “Since he doesn’t have to protect me anymore.”
“Alex does what he wants. If he didn’t want to do something, then, he wouldn’t do it. It’s that simple.” Gideon said. “And I don’t know where you got this crazy notion that we don’t want to look after you. You’re still in danger until we can find whoever is trying to hurt you.”
Rosewen walked in, led by Micah.
“Any luck, mom?” Eve asked.
The older woman shook her head. “Which is concerning. He’s never not answered or called back quickly. But don’t worry about that. How are you?”
“I’m better. I’m sorry I left like that.”
Rosewen’s expression softened. “I understand.” She glanced at the vampires on either side of her. “I just hope somethings were said between you.” She laughed, only a slight bitter tinge to it.
“I can’t…” Eve said, and her words must have been written across her face.
“Oh, I know, baby. And I’m trying, please believe me.” Rosewen’s skin took on a pink hue. “I know that they will watch over you when I go to look for Naiel.”
Eve watched as her mom moved to the window.
“I don’t want to ask this,” Rosewen said, staring out the window. “I hate asking this. But I must, because Eve is safe here. After I find him, may I bring him here?”
Her mom’s shoulders were tight, strained. Eve could feel the tension coming off her. She couldn’t begin to imagine what it cost her to ask them that.
She glanced at Sebastian then Gideon as the silence stretched on. As she was about to stand up and tell her yes, Gideon touched her arm.
“Of course you can, but that is going to be up to him if he wants to stay. Yes, we have history. Vampire against Fae. But no one will hurt Eve. If his intentions are… less than desirable… he won’t stay long.”
#
Rosewen nodded. “I’m in debt to you all.” Her smile was bitter. “Imagine, vampires treating my baby with kindness when her own race would have her killed.”
“Jeeze, mom, I’m right here,” Eve said with a soft laugh, which surprised her. Maybe it was because she was used to being in danger. Though, it would still help to know from exactly what, or who. To have a face to put to the threat.
“When I find him, we will come back and explain things to you. And he will explain to me why he gifted you with a Seelie ability.” Rosewen looked around. “After he tells me why, then, I’ll thank him, because you gained some pretty special friends.” She looked at Sebastian. “Do you want those stolen memories back?”
“No. I don’t. I have atrocities enough in my head without adding more.”
“And that is what I can’t wrap my head around. How did all of you manage to become…” She flushed and Eve wanted to laugh at her discomfort. God knows, she was in her mother’s shoes not long ago, but without the knowledge that Rosewen had.
“How did we become civilized?” Gideon asked, voice like velvet, soft and rich. “Times change. So do we. Mostly. There are others out there that still prefer the old ways.” He grimaced. “Personally, I think I fit this role better than that of a savage.”
Eve laughed. There was no way in hell she could see Gideon as anything less than what he was now. The CEO-type, smooth and in charge. Certainly not some blood-crazed thing only searching for its next meal. “I can’t see you as anything else,” she said to his look.
His smile didn’t touch his eyes when he said, “I haven’t always been like this, Eve. None us were.”
“Things change,” she said softly.
“Indeed they do.” He took her fingers and brought them to his lips.
“I hate to leave so soon after arriving, Eve,” her mom said, and Eve turned to look at her. “There is still so much to say, to tell you.”
“I know, Mom. I hate it too, but there will be time to go over the rest, and honestly, my mind can use a break from my new reality. Besides, this isn’t exactly a normal homecoming, is it?
Rosewen gave a low laugh. “Not exactly. And you’re right, there’ll be time enough for that after Naiel and I get you started on learning your abilities.” She looked at Gideon. “Would you mind if Duglas gave me a lift to the airport in the morning?”
“Certainly,” he said and Eve’s fingers tightened on his. She was concerned about him bleeding for the kitsune. His lips twitched as he fought back a smile. How long had it been since someone worried about him? He dropped a kiss on her knuckles before standing.
She felt the humor from him and the pleasure. The look he gave her was soft. What did she do to amuse him?
“Allow me to show you back to your room, Rosewen?” Sebastian asked, waiting for the rejection he knew was coming.
Rosewen glanced at Eve. “Is he always an emotional blank?” she asked her daughter.
“Mostly.” Eve laughed. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”
“Me either.” The older woman laughed. “But to your question, Sebastian, if you would please. The layout is quite…confusing.”
Micah, who had been silent, now stood and came to sit beside Eve. “Goodnight, Rosewen. Sleep well and safe travels.”
“Thank you. Micah, was it?” He nodded and she smiled. “And thank you all for caring about my baby girl. Thank you for protecting her, for being here for her when I wasn’t.”
“Gah, Mom, stop.” Eve blinked away tears. “Don’t get mushy now.” She stood and rushed over to the woman who was fighting back her own tears. “This will all work out. You’ll see.” She hugged to woman to her and felt her nod on her shoulder. “Get some rest. I probably won’t be able to say goodbye in the morning, so, I’ll say it now. Take care and hurry back to me.”
“Okay, sweetie. I will. I’ll be in touch.” Arms tightened one last time and her mom followed Sebastian out of the room.
Micah stood by the chair and she moved up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. His closed around her and she sighed into his shirt.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” he asked, fingers tangling in her ponytail and pulling her head back to meet his darker green eyes.
“For wanting to keep the mark.” She let herself get lost in them. “Even before you knew what it would do by removing it, you wanted to keep it. Thank you for that.”
Seeing her reaction to the loss of Sebastian’s was one of the most heartbreaking things he had ever witnessed. Had he wanted it gone before, there was no way in hell he would go through with it now. He couldn’t see her face while it was happening, only Sebastian’s. But what he saw there… And then the way she left them? Just no.
He dropped a gentle kiss on her upturned lips. She closed her eyes and lay her head on his chest, the sound of his heartbeat comforting her. He moved and had her in his arms. She paid no attention to where he carried her but was surprised when she found herself outside Sebastian’s door. Confused, she looked up at Micah.
“You need him tonight.” He smiled down at her. “And he needs you.” A quick kiss.
He was gone before she could argue. But could she argue? He was right. She needed Sebastian. Needed him to hold her. And while it was stupid, because they told each other how they felt, she needed to know. Needed to see. Needed him.
Hand shaking, she raised it to knock on the door in front of her.
#
Contact was never made as the door was yanked open, and there he was, pulling her hand, dragging her into his room. Lips covered hers as hands held her head, fingers gripping her tight. So tight. She parted her lips and his tongue was inside, plundering her mouth, desperation a taste that filled her. Her fingers slid up bare flesh and he
shuddered under her touch. His hands disappeared and he left her mouth for a moment, coming back when her sweater was gone. Warm skin pressed her back into the cool wood of the door.
“My Eve.” Breath flowed over her cheek as his head dipped lower, mouth and teeth and tongue caressing her. Hands cupped her lace covered breasts, squeezing softly.
The suddenness of his attack, the intensity of his touch, fired her own desire.
“My Sebastian,” she whispered to the heavens, staking her claim to the man that she finally had to admit, held her heart. Her hands roamed his flesh. Flesh that, mark or not, belonged to her.
He ran his teeth over the cloth covering her and she arched against him, fingers gripping his shoulders tight. Her head fell back against the wood as he slipped a finger inside the lace and pulled, exposing a hardened nipple. His mouth was hot against her skin as he flicked his tongue over the sensitive tip. Her gasp brought out his own growl and she shivered, the flames inside her contrasting the cool air.
Sebastian snaked an arm around her waist, slipping the hooks on her bra before moving down to grip the softness of her bottom, squeezing her. Her legs trembled.
She was dying, burning alive, for the man holding her so tight. He moved to the other breast, freeing it from the confining fabric. Swirling his tongue over the taunt peak, her hips moved, her need for him drowning her. His fingers tightened on the swell of her bottom and she closed her eyes, unable to hold in the groan that wanted out. There was a tug and the sound of tearing fabric then cool air blew across her skin as she was lifted into the air.
Attacking Sebastian’s mouth, she wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him to her, into her. His harsh breath was music to her ears as he withdrew before plunging back. She bit his bottom lip, tugging softly on it as he groaned, arms circling her waist, thrusting faster into her willing body.
This was what she needed, him as lost in his need for her as she was in hers.
“My Eve,” he growled as she released his lip.
She could feel it, the beautiful building sensations, the being swept away to a place where it was just him, just her, just each other. “Mine,” she whispered, leaning her head back against the door, back arching from the onslaught of his body taking her, claiming her. She cried out as her body stiffened, her climax roaring through her, sending her thoughts spiraling outward into an endless ocean of bliss.
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