"We'll...thank you, I mean it. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, it's just that I have never seen that amount of money, let alone thought one day I would have it," I tell him with gracious smile.
"Good, it would make your mother and me extremely happy to know you have it and the security of having it at your disposal. Now, what are you doing today, I know you don't want to spend the day with me," he asks with a snort of laughter.
"Why would you say that, I'd love to spend the day with you and get to know you better?" I tell him meaning it wholeheartedly.
"Really?" He asks in an unbelieving tone.
"Yes, really."
"It warms my heart to hear that daughter. Call your sister back, I have something I would like to show you both," he tells me with pleasure showing in his wonderful purple eyes.
Standing with my father and Dallah, we look up at a huge castle, much like the dark coven but where that was modern in appearance, this castle looks old, really old. Beautiful sweet smelling green grass going on for miles, not another person or house in sight.
"Where are we?" I ask without taking my eyes from the glorious castle.
"This is my, our home child. Here, there will be a home for you always," he tells me with soft clouded eyes.
"Thank you, that means a lot. This place is amazing; I have never seen such beauty in a building."
"So, where are we exactly?" Dallah asks with a light frown.
Lacing his arms over our shoulders, he walks forward and up to the large wooden doors, which then open of their own accord.
"My home is a secret, as is my life. There are spells and blessings on my home. No matter how much anyone would try, they would never have the power to see, or step foot on my home land," he tells us proudly.
Glancing to the left, a sense of déjà-view flows through me as I recognise this is the very ballroom he bought me too when I was lost in my life, where he let me in on his life, put trust in me, helped me through a rough time.
Smiling at him, feeling full of warmth, feeling his love and trust in me. We follow him into a large sitting room come office, that’s so him, with ceiling high bookshelves crammed with interesting looking books which are very old in appearance. A large window draped in deep red velvet curtains, framing a beautiful view.
Eric walks over to the stunning carved wooden desk and picking up the phone, he speaks in a charming tone.
"Alfred, could you come down please?"
We don't hear his reply, but my father puts down the phone and smiles at us handsomely. Soon followed by a man appearing to be in his late 60s walking into the room.
"Zara, Dallah, this is my good friend Alfred, he has taken care of me for many years," he introduces us with a grin.
Alfred has a kind face with laughter lines crinkling around his eyes as he smiles happily at me, his mouth open in surprise to finally be meeting Eric‘s daughter. His hand then comes out for me to place mine in, which I do willingly.
"It's lovely to meet you Alfred," I say smiling.
"Ah lovely child, who would have thought he could create such perfection. I have waited a long time to see you Zara, and your sister here," he offers his hand to Dallah, which she accepts, "look at you two, such strength," he tells followed by a sigh of happiness.
"Alfred, don't scare them," my father jokes, receiving a laugh from Alfred.
"I'm sorry; I don't mean to speak out of line. I'm just happy you came home. Your father has been extremely kind to me, and in return I take care of the house and cooking, are you hungry?" He offers kindly.
"Oh thank you, but I'm fine," I giggle at the sight of his gleaming grin.
"I'm ok too, thank you Alfred," Dallah exclaims with a kind smile.
"Then I shall leave you. Do come back, I would love to hear of your journeys. Zara, Dallah," he says as his goodbye before vanishing before our eyes.
What a lovely man, such a kind heart. I could feel how elated he was to see me, and in a strange way I felt the same to see him.
"He's great, is it just the two of you here?"
"Yes. Alfred was shunned by his people for choosing a human to fulfil his life, so I took them in when they had lost their way,” he smiles sadly.
“Where is she?” I ask gently.
“She is no longer with us, but a full and peaceful life was lead,” he sighs happily, obviously thinking of her life.
“Now,” he claps his hands, “I want to give you something, follow me?"
"Ok," I answer him softly.
Walking up the creaky, but wonderful staircase, we come to a door, which he pushes open and allows us to enter first.
"Oh wow!" Dallah and I say in perfect harmony.
The room is like nothing I have ever seen. A rounded bed sits in the middle of the room, draped with white sheets. The window takes up the entire outside wall. It's perfect, if I were to design a room to fit my desire, this would be it and more.
"It's like heaven," I tell him meaning it.
"That's what I was hoping you would see it as. This room was designed for you Zara, for if you ever needed a home, with me." He tells me with sad thoughtful eyes, which breaks my heart as would have liked that too.
"I have a life with Ruk, a home, but that doesn't mean I will never get to be here. I hope to stay with you soon, get to know you better," I tell him while giving him a tight hug.
"It warms me to hear that," he smiles down at me before walking out of my arms and over to the dressing table.
He opens the small draw and pulls out a small intricately carved wooden box, which peeks my interest.
"Come here Zara, let me show you," he calls.
Looking to Dallah, she nods at my father, indicating me to go to him.
Opening the box, he pulls out two yellow gold wedding rings, one large and one small.
"What's this?"
"I want you to have them, you and Ruk. They were once your mothers and mine, when we were happy, in love," he tells me with a sigh to his last words.
"I can't take them, they are sentimental to you."
"I still love your mother; more then she will know, or accept. Nevertheless, they were gifted to me by my father, now I gift them to you," he tells me sweetly, then kisses my cheek.
"We will treasure them, I promise that to you."
Having my father show me his life is heart warming, the room he has for me, the rings, but more importantly, the home he offers me with open arms, that is all I have ever wanted, to learn that my parents did think of me, love me. But this, this is truly wonderful.
"I know that child. I love you very much," he says whilst brushing the back of his fingers down my cheek.
"I love you dad," I tell him with a tear trickling down my cheek.
"You two, goddess you are alike," Dallah tells us whilst watching us in awe.
"Right girls, I'll let you get on, you have things to do." he smiles to us.
"Ok, don't be late," I wink at him and turn to Dallah.
"Late?" He asks in confusion.
"The Mating ceremony of course, can't have my dad not be there."
His smile beams so brightly that I feel my heart skip a beat.
"I do not deserve you," he tells me full of regret.
"Yeah you do, we deserve each other," I tell him honestly.
"Eric, thank you for having me, we will see you tonight." Dallah says politely.
"You are most welcome, I'll look forward to seeing you all," he finishes with a nod of his head as a goodbye.
Chapter 4
Transporting to my bedroom with Dallah on my toes, I drop my bags on the floor and collapse on the bed with a giggle.
After visiting my dad, we decided to go shopping, and then stop of at a bar in town for a celebratory drink.
"What's the time?" I ask rolling onto my side to see Dallah lying beside me.
"Um, 8pm, shit! Go have a shower, we have lots to do!" She spits out in a panic.
"Calm down, it's 8, we have hours." I tell her in a calming tone.
"Why are you so relaxed?" She asks in disbelief.
"Because, I'm about to be mated to the man of my dreams, my future, nothing else matters," I tell her with a grin.
"Oh smooth. But you have to look your best, so get your butt moving!" She screeches, again panic taking over.
Standing up from the bed, I laugh out loud at her throwing things across the room before heading to the shower.
Looking at my reflection in the mirror, my breath hitches as my eyes connect with my reflection in the glass. I can barely believe it’s me as looking back is a beautiful young woman wearing a stunning white dress; it's so tight that it leaves nothing to imagination, but at the same time, utterly breath taking. My hair hangs loose with my natural curls. I have on the diamond head dress that Dallah gifted me with, but also small crystals glittered over my hair. My lips are a rosy red, and more obvious than anything, my eyes are shimmering the blazing purple, full of happiness.
"Goddess, you're a goddess," Dallah cries gently.
"You mean I look like one. I have to admit, I don't think I have ever looked so beautiful, I can't wait for Ruk to see me."
"No, you're a goddess, you are. Never have I seen such beauty." She tells me from my side.
Turning to her with a gracious smile, I wrap my arms around her and cry into her shoulder,
"You are the best, never did I think I would have a sister, someone to take care of me the way you do. Thank you for this, all of this."
"Don't ruin your make-up. Let’s get going, your guests will be arriving now, it's already 11pm."
"Ok let's do this, I'm ready, right?" I laugh nervously.
"Yes you are, so ready. He will do right by you sweetie," she smiles at me beautifully before taking my hand in hers and transporting us to the ceremony, which is taking place in a magical part of the forest on pack land.
Inside the private tent close to the ceremony, we are met with the stunning smiles belonging to Parrise, Angus, Den, Theo, Julian, Dom and Mickey, who have clearly sneaked in, as it’s only meant to be Dallah and myself here.
"The security needs to be updated," I joke to Dallah, then look to the Brothers’ who watch me with teary eyes.
"You look..." Angus starts, "stunning," Den whispers.
Everyone nods along in agreement.
"Thank you, you all look as handsome as ever," I gleam.
They are true visions of manliness dressed in white linen trousers with their muscular chests bare as is their tradition. Good god they are hot!
"What?" I laugh, as they have still yet to utter another word.
"You, your eyes, your dress. As clear as the moon, I see the angel in you shine through your eyes tonight," Parrise announces.
"Really?" I question them, but again they just look at me with love and devotion.
I don’t know why, I have done nothing different, I can't understand why.
"Guys, you are freaking her out. Go on, get going, we will see you when the time comes," Dallah tells them gently, snapping them out of their trance.
"Sorry Zara, it's just I have never seen anything quite like it," Angus tells me with a handsome grin.
"Thanks Angus," I smile gratefully.
"Mate with me Zara, I’ll be good to you," Mickey speaks out with mischief laced in his tone, making us all laugh.
"Oh Mickey," I laugh lovingly, whilst taking a step toward him so that I can hug him.
"No!" Screams everyone.
"Shit! What?" I ask in a screech.
"You can't touch another man, especially a Werewolf; it would drive Ruk to destruction on the night of his bonding." Dallah explains.
"Oh, why wasn't I told," I ask in shock.
"I had forgotten up until now, sorry sweetie," Dallah says with regret.
"It's fine, no harm done. Go on then you lot," I shoo them out jokingly.
They reluctantly leave, but Den doesn't budge, let alone blink.
"Den?" I question gently.
He looks to Dallah with pleading eyes, then back to me. Looking to where she stands with a look of confusion, she speaks in my head privately.
"This is hard for him, for you both. I'm going to give you guys a moment."
"Thanks Dallah," I tell her back, followed by her leaving the tent swiftly but graciously.
"Uh...I um...can you..." He rubs his hands over his face in distress, "Zara, you deserve this, but I can't help but want this, you. I know it's wrong of me, but my heart hurts," he tells me quietly, his hand on his heart and tears brimming in his eyes.
Stepping close to him, but not touching, I smile up to him sweetly.
"It will stop, I promise it will. I don't want to hurt you Den, if there was something I could do to dull your pain then I would, I'd do anything," I tell him sincerely.
"That's why I love you," he smiles through the heart break.
"Oh Den..." I have lost all use of my tongue, no words will form, I am at a loss of words. I don't know what to say without making it worse.
Nodding his head in understanding, he turns on his heal and leaves through the entrance. He doesn't walk away; I hear him lean up against one of the metal poles and whisper into the wind,
"God help me, how could this be happening? Show me the way?"
My hearts shatters in my chest from the desperation in his prayer. Running outside to comfort him, my heart sinks when I see he has gone. Left feeling distraught because of my actions, nevertheless, our time to love each other was short lived, I love Ruk now, no one could change that no matter who Den prays to, Ruk is the one for me.
Walking back inside the tent I sigh when I see Dallah leaning against the beautifully decorated mini bar with tear stains down her cheeks, gently dabbing them with a tissue
"I'm sorry," she tells me full of sorrow.
"No, you have done nothing; this is what I have done to him. I will never forgive myself for inflicting this pain on him. Please don't say anything, I beg you. I want to see Ruk now," I ask in a plea.
"Ok sweetie," she smiles sweetly and takes my offered hand.
"We will walk out together. I'll be sitting at the front. When you are mated, you will be happy, so happy."
"I know."
I want to be happy, with Ruk, but I can't help but feel for Den, even wish that I had given him that chance. I want him to hate me, I know it would help, but I'm too selfish to push him away.
Walking out of the tent and down the lit path to the ceremony, I see the guests sitting waiting anxiously for our arrival.
Dallah takes a sharp left to sit with the Brothers’, but not before kissing my cheek and wishing me luck.
Alone, and walking to my future under the full moon lit sky, my breath leaves me suddenly, and I suck air back into my lungs as my mother in a ghostly shape walks to my side, her presence tingling throughout me, a blessing from the gods.
Feeling complete bliss as I walk from the left and Ruk from the right, my heart pounds as we meet in the middle, standing face to face.
My heart warms and my smile gleams as I see him in his white cotton trousers and his manly torso on show, his muscles tensing against his jagged breaths.
His eyes scan me from head to toe, before his blazing purple eyes land on mine, my own mirroring his in awe.
He shakes his head as in disbelief with a sensual smile on his lips. I want to wrap my arms round him now, feel his skin touch against mine.
Realising we had lost ourselves in each other’s eyes, we look to an open mouthed Sallack, who as Alpha, is performing the ceremony.
"Alpha!" Ruk growls out lowly, as Sallack eyes remain firmly fixed on me.
"Zara, the gods are with you tonight," he states in a gentle whisper.
Nodding my head in thanks, I take hold of Ruk's hands and turn back to face him with a look of adoration.
"Beta to the Brothers’ pack, our pack, has found a mate in Zara. They are giving their souls to the moon so that they can come together as one; unite in this life and the next. Our brother willingly gives
himself to Zara, so she will be accepted as a sister by all. Those who believe this mating to be wrong, leave now, as your home is not with us," Sallack's voice booms through the forest with the strength of his words. Waiting a few moments he looks at us with a nod of his head before handing me a blade, which looks to be made with solid gold.
Taking the blade in my right hand, I cut across my left hand so that the blood seeps out of the incision gently. Sallack then holds a goblet type cup under my hand to catch the delicate drops of blood.
Passing the blade to Ruk, he takes it from me lovingly before slashing his own hand and making a fist over the cup, his eyes firmly fixed on mine.
Sallack speaks foreign words, whilst taking the blade from Ruk.
He is asking for the moon to light our path, so that our souls can connect together for eternity.
Seeing the twinkle in Ruk's eyes makes my excitement bloom, we are only moments away from being complete...
"NOOOOOOO!!!"
The air around me thins, and my heart rockets uncontrollably as the image of Ruk decapitated head hits the floor with a sickening thud, followed by his body.
While my life shatters so violently before me, a large body throws themselves on top if me, causing me to crash down into the earth.
Lying with my face in the dirt, my ears tune out to the chaos around me, my eyes don't see the war battle raging around me. I hear the vicious beat of my heart, whilst looking into the eyes of my beloved, whose head is only inches from mine. No tears form, no thoughts process, just the heart shutting down, my life leaving my broken body. That's until his eyes disappear, his face fades away and I'm sucked back into my grief stricken body as I stand before a creature of a man with wings as black as midnight, rising over his head, and a cold smile forming on his lips.
Evil, beyond redemption, my eyes burn from the blackness within him, the devil himself, Lucifer!
"I saw you leaving the party, and thought we should talk,” he exclaims, his lip turned up in a vile snarl and his wings batting against the humid air.
Forsaken (book 3) (The Charmer series) Page 4