Midsummer Night's Fling: Belinda Boring, Kamery Solomon, Lacey Weatherford

by Weatherford, Lacey

  I moved to the nearest window, once again observing the distant people beyond. She was right to some extent. She was a victim of her own society and upbringing. Children often believed what their parents taught them to believe.

  “You make it seem as if you have no conscience of your own to guide you.”

  She didn’t even try to reply to that remark and the silence loomed between us.

  “What will you teach our child?” I turned to face her.

  “Excuse me?”

  I went to the bed and sat next to her. “What will you teach our child? Will you say I’m a monster? Teach him or her to hunt me?”

  Her eyes looked haunted as she considered my words. “I’ve never thought of that, Bran.”

  I tried to ignore the frustrating shot of pleasure.

  She crawled to her knees, grasping my face in her hands. “But you have my vow—I will never teach our child to hate or despise you.”

  “Eirian,” I began. I immediately realized my error, and she covered my mouth with her own— her kiss silencing me. “No,” I said, gently trying to push her away.

  “Please, Bran, please. Just kiss me one last time before you take everything away from me.”

  I closed my eyes, struggling to resist her. “Why don’t you just enchant me again? That would make things much easier on both of us.”

  “Because, I want you to have your own free will. I’ve taken too much from you already.”

  “Eirian,” I whispered, holding her back when she tried to kiss me again. “Come away with me. You said there are ways to overcome the bloodlust. Run with me, be my wife, and let’s raise our child together. There’s no way of returning to my old life, so let’s start a new one together. Family is all I had, it’s all I know—come with me and let’s be a family. I might not be able to give you the riches you are used to, but I could give you a home and happiness and we could raise our child together.”

  She searched my eyes and I could feel her fingertips digging into my skin, she was holding me so intently.

  “And what about love, Bran? Would you ever be able to give me that after all I’ve done?”

  I spoke honestly and from my heart. “Come with me, and I’ll do my best to give you everything I have.” I paused, continuing to stare at her. “I just need to know that this wasn’t some midsummer night’s fling.”

  She looked so sad. “I’d go with you anywhere you asked, Bran—”

  I kissed her. I didn’t need to hear the rest, she’d chosen me, and as far as I was concerned I was hers. There would be no others, no “what if’s,” only Eirian—Eirian and our child.

  She answered me with the same desperate enthusiasm I was feeling—kissing me back hotly and running her hands from my face into my hair. I pushed her backward onto the bed, leaning over her as I moved my lips down her neck and body.

  “Bran.”

  I trembled.

  “Bran.” She tried to push me away.

  “What? What is it?” I asked, aching with need for her.

  “You misunderstood me.” She held her arms extended, pushing me with her palms. “I must be clear before anything else happens between us. I would follow you anywhere, but to do so would mean my death. Fae cannot survive for long periods of time outside of Faery.”

  I sat back, fear creeping over me at her words. “How long?”

  “A fortnight . . . maybe even less. And if I leave here with you I will be hunted if I try to return. Either way means death for me.”

  I looked away, desperately searching for an answer. “Is there no way for me to stay here with you then? There must be something.”

  “The magic of Faery will not allow you to stay, and if you did, they would kill you as well.” She placed her hand on my leg. “I’m so sorry. Please know if I could change it all and send you back to the beginning, I would. It would be all right for me to never have you—just knowing you were happy would be enough for me. I never realized how far-reaching my actions would be.”

  I couldn’t bear to see her weep, and I gathered her into my arms. “Listen to me, Eirian. I’m going to ask you to do something—something that won’t be easy, but will prove your love for me beyond a shadow of a doubt, and I will love you forever because of it.”

  “What is it?” She was shaking in my arms.

  “I want you to enchant me again. I don’t want any more pain or sorrow coming between us. All I want is to bask in your love for the rest of our time together—to see the joy on your face over the child growing in your womb. I want you to do everything you ever wanted, whatever you had planned for our time together. Let’s live our short life together to the fullest. And when the time is over, let them come for me. Ask for my ashes and keep them somewhere close to where you and our child are. Tell the child about me—teach him to love my memory.”

  Eirian was sobbing in earnest now, and I felt tears on my own cheeks as well. “I can’t do what you ask.”

  “You must. I can’t go on existing knowing I will be a danger to others. Help me protect them by releasing me from this prison. Please, Eirian. Promise you will do what’s best. It’s what I want—what I need.”

  I held my breath, waiting for her response, watching her struggle with her answer. “I promise,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  I collapsed back on the bed with her in relief, marveling at how much the thought of my death lifted the weight off my shoulders.

  “The baby . . . ,” her voice trailed off.

  “Yes?” I looked over at her.

  “What do you want to name it?” She started crying harder. “If you aren’t going to get to be part of the child’s life, I feel you should get to name it. That way a piece of you will always be present.”

  I’d never thought of naming my baby. “Hmm. Well, I want it to be something special. A child is a gift.”

  “What is a name that means gift then?” she suggested.

  I thought for only a moment, smiling. “Shay. It’s my grandfather’s name. He is forever reminding us that he is a gift to us all.”

  “That’s perfect,” Eirian replied, snuggling closer. “Boy or girl, this child shall be called Shay.”

  Hugging her, I stroked her hair and leaned my chin on the top of her head. I was nervous about my decision, but I also knew, without a doubt, it was the right one. “I appreciate what you’re doing. It means a lot to me, Eirian.”

  She silenced my gratitude by kissing me, locking her stare with mine, and there was a sharp pull. Urgently, I tightened my grip on her, our mouths meeting passionately. She didn’t look away, and the longer I kissed her, the more relaxed I felt. My worries and cares drifted off into oblivion until there was nothing left but her.

  I rolled her over, eager to explore her some more, but she looked so sad. “Are you all right?” I asked, suddenly worried.

  She smiled, stroking my lips with her finger. “I will be.”

  A tear leaked from the corner of her eye, and I wiped it away with my thumb. “Please don’t cry. Did I do something wrong?”

  She shook her head. “No. In fact, you do everything right. If everyone were like you, the world would be a noble place to live.”

  I laughed. “Waxing a little poetic today, aren’t you?” I tweaked her nose.

  “Sometimes I do that.”

  “Well, I like it.” I bent my head to kiss her again but was interrupted by a knock on the door. I paused to glance in that direction. “Who could that be?”

  “The servants, I’d imagine. They’ve probably brought us our breakfast.”

  I got up and went to the door, revealing the maids-in-waiting who had met us last night upon our arrival and they were indeed carrying several trays. They came inside, setting the food around on the various small tables.

  “We have your baths and clothing waiting for you on the floor below, milady, whenever you are ready,” the head maid said.

  “Very well. We’ll be there shortly.”

  I grabbed one of the fruit-l
aden trays and carried it over to the bed, sitting it next to her. “So what would you like to do this fine day? I’m quite eager to explore everything you told me about. I’m anxious to learn about my new home.”

  Her smile seemed to lack its normal luster, and I studied her, trying to figure out what was different about her.

  “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?”

  She gave a big sigh and straightened her shoulders. “I’m perfectly fine.” She reached for a grape. “I was thinking I could take you exploring through the passageways between here and the exterior castle.”

  “That sounds very interesting. I can’t imagine how they tunneled through the rock like they did.”

  “It was quite an effort according to our historians. While they were able to use magic to help them, there was a lot of planning involved as well. They proceeded carefully, testing for weaknesses so they wouldn’t cause a collapse. Part of it is a natural cavern though, so it made things a little easier for them.”

  “What made them consider taking on such a task?”

  “Defense planning, I am told. If there was ever to be an attack on us, they wanted to make sure the people weren’t trapped in the canyon, so they created alternate routes of escape.”

  I was fascinated with what she was telling me, having never imagined such a scenario in all my days.

  “Aren’t you afraid that someone will discover them and penetrate the city’s defenses?”

  “No. There are so many tunnels and branches that someone would have to know the direct way to find their way through it.” She smiled, slyly. “Would you like to see the secret route?”

  Chapter Ten

  “Of course I would.” I smiled.

  “Are you sure? I want to do whatever sounds good to you.”

  “Anything I get to do with you sounds good to me, as long as you feel up to it.” I glanced down at her stomach, before returning to her beautiful glowing face. “I love how your skin looks. It's just a faint glow, but it's definitely there.

  “It’ll get a little brighter as it goes along. When it gets close to time, my hair will start glowing a bit too.”

  “I can't wait to see that,” I replied. “Your hair already shines so beautifully.” I paused as another look of pained sadness passed briefly across her face. “Are you sure you're all right?” I reached to lightly run my fingers over the side of her luminous cheek.

  She leaned forward and took my face in her hands. “Every moment I spend with you is perfection, Bran. Don't ever doubt that.” She kissed me, softly brushing my lips tenderly as if she were savoring it.

  I returned her affection, matching her slow pace as the two of us moved together, languid and unhurried, taking time to just bask in this moment of two people in love. The thought surprised me—it seemed so natural, so right. I hadn't known Eirian very long, but I loved her. I didn't know if I'd ever been in love before.

  I tried recalling any girls in my past, but was unable to think of anyone I'd ever felt like this toward. This—this was an amazing feeling, to care for someone this way. I could see my future ahead of me; my life here with this beautiful Fae and the children we would have together. It excited me—it thrilled me—it was like a dream come true.

  Pushing the tray of food away, I laid Eirian backward against the pillows. “Have I ever told you I love you?” I whispered against her ear before kissing down her neck. “I can't wait to spend the rest of forever with you.”

  Tears flowed down her cheeks at my words, and I brushed them away with my thumbs.

  “I love you too, Bran.”

  I chuckled. “Then why are you crying?”

  “Because I want to spend forever with you as well.”

  “We will, and it’ll be wonderful. Just wait and see.”

  Eirian clasped me tightly in her embrace. “Just hold me, Bran. Don't ever let me go.”

  “Never,” I replied, burying my face against her sweet smelling neck. “I will never let you go.” I felt my teeth strangely elongate, and I sank them into her flesh, eagerly swallowing the blood that welled there to greet me.

  Eirian arched, gasping as I moaned with pleasure over the erotic sensation her blood caused within me. I couldn’t get enough.

  “Bran,” she called, causing my ardor to heighten as she pushed at my shoulders.

  I didn’t want to stop and clung tighter.

  “Bran, I need my blood for our baby.”

  Her words cut through my foggy mind, and I broke away from her neck, glancing hungrily at the blood still flowing there.

  “You must lick it to close the wounds or they will not stop bleeding.”

  I did as she instructed, also cleaning away the remnants of blood that remained.

  “What just happened?” I asked as I moved away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. She smelled too good.

  “You’ve completed your transition—much quicker than expected. I was hoping we would have a little more time together.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean we are going to have to be very careful from now on. I know how sensual the blood drinking is for you. It is the same way for me too. You are capable of killing me, or any Fae for that matter, and you’ll crave the blood immensely. I may crave the taste of you, but the difference is you will now need blood regularly to survive, whereas I do not. I’ll try to teach you some things that will help you, but you’ll also need to master some control. You cannot be seen as a threat by anyone.”

  “What do I need to do?” I asked, as I tried to comprehend all she was telling me.

  “I need you to look me in the eye.”

  I did as she asked, locking gazes with her. A burst of panic suddenly overwhelmed me, and I found myself unable to look away.

  “Try to relax.” She spoke softly, her stare drilling into me. “I want you to remember everything I’m telling you. You cannot look away from me right now, because I am compelling you—placing hypnotic suggestions deep into your mind. This is something you can do to others as well, though it will not work on me since I am your creator. These suggestions can alter the way another person acts, so be careful with them. Do you understand?”

  I nodded, unable to speak.

  “Good,” she continued. “I need you to tell me if you get thirsty, Bran. If you do this, I will see to it you are fed. You will only drink as much of my blood as I allow, not a drop more. You will stop immediately every time I ask. When I release you from this compelling, you will not remember the exact conversation, but you’ll instinctively know all the impressions I’ve left here. Be careful about maintaining extended eye contact with any other Fae, as they may try to compel you as well. You will have a moment of dizziness as I exit your mind. I encourage you to lie down and rest for a few minutes.”

  She helped me lay down beside her, pulling her penetrating gaze from me slowly. I felt dizzy and blinked several times, focusing on her beautiful face.

  “Do you feel comfortable?” She ran her hand over my forehead, leaning to place her lips there.

  I laughed. “I never feel comfortable when I’m around you, Eirian. You keep my blood temperature near boiling for want of you. I’m beginning to think I’ll never be a simple thing like comfortable again.”

  She smiled. “Well, dear bond mate, let me see if I can help you cool those fires.”

  I shook my head. “It’s not possible, but please, feel free to try anyway.”

  In the early afternoon we finally made our way out for the day. I paused at the doorway, staring at the shaft of sun shooting across the walkway.

  “I’m not going to burst into a pile of ashes or anything, am I?” I knew some Vampire lore, and I wasn’t taking any chances.

  Eirian laughed heartily. “No, my love. I’m afraid that is all a myth. Blood Wraiths are just as capable of enjoying the sunshine as anyone else.”

  “I’m glad you find my question so amusing. I’m always happy to entertain you.”

  She continued to laugh. “I didn
’t mean to make light of it. It was just the expression on your face. You looked so distasteful.”

  “As I’m sure anyone would who thought they might be about to burst into flames. Is there anything else I should know? Perhaps about garlic, or holy water and crosses?” It seemed completely absurd to ask these questions, or even the fact that they would somehow pertain to me.

  “No, those are all myths too. You can be killed with a stake to the heart, however, but then again, so can everyone.”

  “So, am I dead now?”

  She lifted my hand to rest against my chest. “Your heart still beats. You’re not dead at all.”

  “It’s slower than it used to be.”

  She rested my hand against her chest, and I noticed hers beat at nearly the same speed. “The Fae age slowly. We too are immortal, able to choose when we will go into the great beyond. Blood Wraiths are mutated from Fae, different but the same. You’re not dead, you’re immortal. The slowing of your heart will cause your skin to become a little paler, and your aging will almost completely stop. Other than that, you’ll remain the same except for the need to add some blood to your current diet. You’ll acquire some added gifts as well, such as strength and speed. We’ve even observed a few cases in which there was a transfer of powers, allowing the Blood Wraiths to have some magical gifts as well. Only time will tell if that will happen to you.”

  “What are your powers?” I asked. “I know you can enchant people, but you’ve not spoken of what else you can do.”

  “I have several gifts, but my main magic controls water. I’m a water Fae. Each of us is born with tendencies toward one of the elements. I’m lightly gifted in all four areas actually, but water is my strongest.”

  I stepped into the light, slipped my arm around her waist as we were greeted by the guard detail, and walked to the dock, entering the boat.

  “Then you must be very happy here, seeing as this place is surrounded with it.”

  She nodded. “That’s very convenient, yes.”

  I stood behind her as we left the castle grounds, and I marveled over how the sun illuminated the waterfalls as they fell over the edges of the canyon in rapidly disappearing sparkles. I was so curious to find out what she could do.