by Teresa Roman
“I say good riddance.” Frederic crossed his arms and leaned back, resting his shoulders against the fireplace’s mantle behind him. “Willow has served her purpose. We should be arranging for our return to Sarabia instead of fretting over the whereabouts of some girl.”
A sudden rage consumed me. I was fed up with the way he spoke of Willow and had reached the end of my patience. I glared at my brother as I crossed the room and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. “Watch your words. Willow is not just some girl. She is my mate.”
Frederic tried to push me away. “That’s a ridiculous fantasy. You know as well as I do that Willow has no place in our family.”
“Frederic, this isn’t the time for that conversation,” Maxim said wearily.
I whipped my head around to look at Maxim. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Before he could answer, Maria ran over to me. She tried to pry me away from Frederic. “Nicolai, you need to calm down. Fighting with your brother won’t help you find Willow.”
“She’s right,” Alexander said. “Listen, Nic, we all know how much you care for Willow, so of course we’ll help you find her. The rest can be sorted out later.”
Frederic managed to free himself from my grasp and inch away from me. “There’s nothing to sort out. Willow is gone, and if she knows what’s good for her and for Nicolai, she’ll stay that way.”
“You know something,” I said.
Frederic just shrugged.
At the sight of the smug look on my brother’s face, my simmering anger bubbled over. I lunged for him again, and he stumbled and fell to the floor. I fell with him. “Tell me what you’ve done,” I demanded.
“I’ve done nothing,” he insisted. “Nothing except look out for your best interests, just like I have your entire life.”
“That’s enough!” Maria shouted. Her magic swirled around the room like some sort of electric current. It lifted me off my brother’s chest and set me back down on my feet, too far away from Frederic to punch him in the face like I so badly wanted to. Maria looked down at my eldest brother, who still lay on the floor. “Tell us what you know.”
Chapter 2
Willow
I thought my heart couldn’t possibly hurt more than it did.
Until my phone rang. Nicolai’s face lit up the screen. It took everything in me not to answer.
Then came his text.
Where are you???
What was he thinking at that moment? Was he worried? Or angry at me for leaving without a word? It didn’t matter. In time he’d see that what I’d done was for the best. After he returned to Sarabia, he’d meet his future bride. I was sure she’d be beautiful, sophisticated, and poised. She’d probably speak at least three languages like Nicolai and his brothers did. And, unlike me, she’d fit in perfectly with his royal family.
The thought of Nicolai with another woman was like a punch to my gut, even though, whoever she was, she’d be better for Nicolai than I ever could be. With my heart aching, I ignored his text, turned my cell phone off, and kept driving, even though it was hard to see the road. Tears blurred my vision. They fell faster than I could wipe them away. My thoughts wandered to what Frederic had told me when he’d come to visit me in the hospital. I had no place in Nicolai’s world. If I stayed with him, I’d ruin his happiness. Nicolai came from a country I knew next to nothing about. As if that wasn’t a difficult-enough hurdle to jump over, he was a prince. Things were expected of him. I’d only get in the way.
After almost three hours on the road, I finally made it to Syracuse, where my oldest brother, Finn, lived. Of my three brothers, he was the one I was closest to. Not that I was particularly close to any of them anymore. Since they’d moved away from Beaver Falls, we’d drifted apart, but they were all the family I had now.
His wife, Claire, answered the door.
“Willow.” Her eyes widened. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Coming here was sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
Claire gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Come inside.” I followed her into the living room. “Finn won’t be home until after five. I can call him and let him know you’re here, though. He might be able to leave work a few hours early.”
“No. You don’t have to do that,” I said, suddenly feeling awkward about just showing up without so much as a phone call. “But would it be all right if I waited here for him?”
“Of course, Willow. You’re family.” She gestured toward the couch. “Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”
I shook my head and sat down. “I’m fine.”
Claire sat beside me and rested her hand on my arm. “How have you been holding up?”
I managed a weak smile. My sister-in-law didn’t even know the half of it. “I miss my dad.”
“So does Finn. Losing James hit him hard. Especially because it came out of nowhere.”
My mind flashed back to the night I found my father lifeless in his bed. Everyone believed he’d died of a sudden heart attack, but I knew different. There was nothing natural about my father’s death. I couldn’t tell Claire that, though. She would think I was crazy if I told her what had really killed my father. An incubus. And not just any incubus, but one I’d been dating before I found out what he really was. It still enraged me to think of the way Peter had set his sights on me, how he’d almost snared me in his trap. But he was dead now and no longer a threat to me or anyone else I cared about. Nicolai had killed him.
Nicolai.
The thought of him made my heart clench. Tears welled once more in my eyes, but I wiped them away before they could fall down my face.
Claire pulled me into another hug. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m okay,” I said. “It’s just a little hard for me to believe he’s truly gone.”
Claire dropped her arms from around me. “Well, it’s only been a few weeks since he died. Grieving takes time,” she said, running a hand through her ash-blond hair.
I took a look around the room. My nephews were getting older. A few years ago, there were bouncy chairs and stuffed Elmos strewn across the floor. Now it was Nerf guns and plastic swords.
“I hope I’m not keeping you from anything,” I said.
“No. But I should probably go check on the boys. They’re in the backyard playing.” She stood. “Come and join us if you like.”
I heard the sound of laughter as Claire opened the slider door that led to the backyard. My nephews, Sam and Miles, were used to a different Willow. One that smiled and laughed at their silly fart jokes. I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to be that person today.
I took a deep breath, pasted a smile on my face, and got up from the couch.
“Aunt Willow,” Sam screeched as I stepped out onto the patio. He and his brother rushed at me, wrapping their sweaty arms around my middle. “What are you doing here?”
Usually, I visited Syracuse only once a year, at Thanksgiving or Christmas. “A little birdie told me you and Miles like surprises.”
“Boys,” Claire said. “Why don’t you go back inside and change into your bathing suits. I’m going to turn the sprinklers on for a bit.”
More screeching, and then the boys ran into the house. I loved how full of energy they were. A few minutes later, they returned, wearing swim trunks and rash guards. Claire had just turned the water on, and they ran onto the grass, eager for a reprieve from the oppressive summer heat. I took a seat under the covered patio, where it felt a few degrees cooler. A minute later, Claire joined me. She made her best attempt at small talk, but I didn’t have it in me to humor her. The heat coupled with everything else had sapped all my energy.
“You look tired,” Claire said. “I won’t be offended if you go inside and lie down.”
Normally, I would’ve been much too polite to take her up on that offer. Instead, I managed a smile and said, “Thanks, Claire. I’m sure I’ll feel much better after a nap.”
I found my way to the gu
est room that I’d stayed in during my past visits and lay down on the daybed in the corner of the room. Hoping that a bit of sleep would help, I closed my eyes, but almost as soon as I did, my mind filled with thoughts of Nicolai. His smile, his eyes, the look on his face after we’d kissed that first time. My lids fluttered open, and I shook my head. I stared up at the ceiling, willing my mind to go blank.
Sometime later, there was a knock at the door. “Willow, not sure if you’re hungry, but I made lunch.”
I didn’t answer, hoping Claire would think I was asleep. I wasn’t hungry anyway, even though I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten anything. After a while, I sat up and stared into the backyard. There wasn’t much to see from the guest room other than grass and the fence that surrounded the yard. Not that it mattered. Focusing on mundane things helped empty my mind. Eventually, there was another knock at the door.
“Willow, it’s Claire again. Just thought I’d let you know that Finn called. He’s on his way home from work. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Thanks,” I called out. “I’ll be out soon.”
How had that many hours passed already? I listened to Claire’s footsteps as she walked down the hallway. At some point, I’d have no choice but to make an appearance. I took a deep breath and then searched through my belongings for a brush. I took it with me to the bathroom. Washing my face and combing my hair made me feel a little more human even though I felt hollow inside. But I’d figure out a way to pretend everything was fine for my brother’s sake because I didn’t want him worrying about me.
I stepped out of the bathroom and took a few steps down the hallway, following the voices that were coming from the family room.
“Willow doesn’t seem at all like herself.”
From where I stood, I easily heard Claire’s words. She had to be talking to Finn. I listened for my brother’s response.
“It hasn’t been that long since our dad died.”
“She’s slept pretty much the entire day,” Claire replied. “I don’t think that’s normal.”
Painting a smile on my face, I stepped into the family room. Finn and Claire were sitting beside each other on the couch. As soon as my brother saw me, he barreled his way over to me and pulled me into a big bear hug.
“Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” I said. “I should’ve called, though. It’s not right of me to just barge into your guys’ life like this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Willow. You’re my sister. You can show up any time you want to.”
“That’s what I tried telling her earlier,” Claire said.
“So does that mean you won’t mind if I stay for a while?”
“Of course not. You can stay as long as you like.” Finn smiled and ruffled my hair. “I’m actually glad you’re here. I miss my little sis.”
Claire stood. “Why don’t you two catch up while I make us some dinner?”
“That would be great,” Finn replied.
I followed him to the couch while Claire headed for the kitchen.
“How are you doing?” Finn asked.
I shrugged and said, “I’ve been better.”
“I know what you mean.” Finn lowered his head. “I miss Dad, too, but it’s got to be harder on you, considering you were the one who found him—”
I cut him off before he said the dreaded D word. “Yeah. It was pretty awful.”
“Have you been back to the house since Dad died, or are you still staying at that castle?”
I shook my head. “I’ve only gone back once, and that was just to pack some clothes.”
“I’m glad you had somewhere you could go.” Finn frowned. “But I’m still not really sure how I feel about Nicolai. There’s something strange about that family.”
At the mention of Nicolai’s name, my heart twisted. “What makes you say that?”
“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling.”
“Don’t tell me you believe all those silly superstitions about Beaver Falls.”
“There’s more truth to them than most people realize.”
I lifted my head. “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing,” Finn replied, shaking his head. “Forget I said anything. As a matter of fact, it’s probably better if we talk about something else.”
I got a sneaking feeling that my brother knew something that he didn’t want to share with me. I supposed that was only fair since there were things I didn’t want to tell him either. How had life become so damn complicated?
Chapter 3
Nicolai
Frederic picked himself up off the floor. “I don’t know where Willow is.”
“But you know something,” I said. “And you better tell me what it is.”
“When did you last talk to her?” Maria asked my brother.
“Earlier this morning,” Frederic replied.
Something suddenly dawned on me. “When we spoke a few hours ago, you’d just returned from visiting Willow. Am I right?”
“Yes,” he replied reluctantly.
“What did you want with her?” I asked, trying to control my temper, which was at its boiling point. “And why didn’t you tell me that you’d gone to see her?”
“Willow needed to know the truth, and since I’m the eldest, it was my duty to explain it to her.”
“What truth?”
“She has no place in our family,” Frederic replied in a cool voice. “I know you think you love her, Nic, but you’re being childish. You are a prince. Willow does not have even a drop of noble blood. Father would never permit you to marry her.”
“I’m not a child. I don’t need his permission. Willow is my mate, and nothing can keep me from her. Not father and not you.”
Frederic shook his head. “Don’t be stupid. She is not your mate.”
I glared at him. “Who are you to tell me who is or isn’t my mate?”
“That’s enough,” Alexander said. He eyed Frederic with a frown. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Are you kidding me? I thought the three of us agreed Willow wasn’t right for Nicolai.”
I looked from Alexander to Frederic, then turned my gaze to Maxim, who now lay on the couch, too weak to keep himself upright. “Please tell me I’m not hearing what I think I’m hearing.”
“I’m sorry, Nic,” Maxim said. “I like Willow. I really do. But I agree with Frederic. I can understand the appeal. She’s beautiful, but I’m certain whoever Father has chosen for you is even more beautiful. It’s time for you to move on. It’s time for all of us to move on.”
“You don’t get to decide—”
“Silence,” Maria commanded. “Enough of this bickering.”
“Don’t tell me you agree with my brothers,” I said.
“Of course I don’t, but arguing about Willow isn’t going to bring her back.”
“Well, what do you think will?” I asked, hopeful that Maria had an answer.
“Nothing,” Frederic muttered.
My hand curled into a fist. “You better shut your mouth now, or I’ll shut it for you.”
“Then you won’t get to hear what Willow had to say in response to what I told her.”
Maria put her hand on my shoulder and glanced at Frederic. “Go on.”
“Willow didn’t leave because of anything I said.” Frederic sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “This is as hard for me to say as it will be for you to hear, but you need to know the truth. Willow left because she doesn’t love you. She never did. The only reason she spent so much time with you over the past few weeks was because she felt sorry for you, but your curse is broken now, so there is no more need for pity. Somehow, you have convinced yourself that Willow is your mate. Perhaps because you were lonely. I can’t even imagine how that must have felt, not being with a woman for so long—”
“Everyone here already knows about your insatiable appetite for female company.” And I didn�
�t care to hear him wax on about it.
“Willow doesn’t feel the same way you do,” Frederic continued. “And while a part of me was relieved to hear her say that, I really do feel bad that your heart is broken. I assume Willow must feel bad as well. It explains why she left Beaver Falls. She is apparently too much of a coward to tell you the truth face-to-face.”
The blood in my veins froze. Frederic had to be wrong. Despite what Willow had said in her letter, I couldn’t bring myself to believe it. “You’re lying.” I charged at him, but Alexander jumped in front of me before I could shove Frederic into the wall. I’d always looked up to my oldest brother. Now, the only thing I felt for him was a burning hatred.
“I’m sorry, Nic,” Frederic said, peering at me from behind Alexander. “I know the truth hurts. But you need to forget about Willow. It’s time for us to put the past behind us. Father is anxiously awaiting our return. Once we’re back in Sarabia, you’ll get Willow out of your head, and our lives can finally go back to normal.”
“You don’t get it,” I said, shaking my head. “I can’t just forget Willow.”
“All you need is time,” Frederic said.
“No. I have to find her.”
“Didn’t you hear me, little brother? She doesn’t want to be found.”
“Willow could be in danger. The succubus who almost killed Maxim is still out there.”
“In Beaver Falls,” Frederic replied. “But Willow isn’t here anymore. At least, that’s what her letter said. We should follow her lead and leave this godforsaken place already. It’s not safe for us here.”
I stormed out of the drawing room before my brothers could chime in that they agreed with Frederic. I didn’t want to hear anything else they had to say. I dashed up the stairs, stopping in my tracks as I reached the library. That was where Willow and I had first met. I stepped into the room, and my mind flashed back to that night. The night she’d literally fallen into my arms. She’d been the answer to my prayers. The first person in over two years I’d been able to touch without feeling unbearable pain. I could practically still feel the heat coming from her body and the silkiness of her skin. She could not be gone from my life.