One Thousand Years to Forever

by Mary Moriarty

  “Yes, in fact I have known your mother for a very long time. Do you remember anything special or particular about your Great Grannie, the one who owned the house where you now live?”

  John chuckled. “Yea, she told us great stories... ”

  “They weren’t just bedtime stories, but were about people in your family or about people or creatures of times past. Your Great Grannie was one of the Queens of the Fae, or in plain English, a Faery Queen. It was her plan to get your mother here, eventually. She finally went to the other side on purpose because she felt the time was now.”

  John stood up and went to the photo on the wall. “One time she brought us to a Red Sox game even though we didn’t like that team. She must have been in her late seventies... A fly ball came up and if she hadn’t caught it I would have been dead. I remember seeing how fast the ball was coming towards me, and how fast, for her age, her whole body shot out. I always thought it was strange but never said anything. There were other times when I was around my Great Grannie... that I had the feeling she wasn’t like us.”

  He turned back towards Colum. “So you are a Fallen Angel, my Mom, we are from Fairies? What else is there?”

  Colum took a deep breath. “You’d better sit for this.”

  John sat, folded his hands and waited.

  Colum swallowed. For someone who had been in battles down through the ages he was finding this a great deal more difficult. “I’m asking you, since you are the oldest son and the man of Katherine’s family, permission to have her hand in marriage.”

  “That’s not it though? Is it?” His gaze never left Colum’s face. “If anything, it is more important.”

  “Yes it is more important... I am a keeper of mankind. That was my penance for following Lucifer. I was to watch over mankind for the rest of my days. I was also given another mark so to speak. I-I thirst for blood…”

  John wasn’t sure he was hearing Colum correctly. “Did you just say you thirst for blood?”

  “Yes, it’s the only time I wish that curse wasn’t upon me. But it’s also given me a very long life.”

  John wasn’t sure if he dared to speak. Here in front of him was a vampire? “You’re saying that you’re a vampire? How old are you anyway?”

  Colum felt relief starting to flood his soul. “Yes, and about three thousand years. I am the son of one of the original Fallen Angels... ”

  John jumped up. “Sweet!”

  Colum sat there and stared in wonder at the boy who was his Kat’s oldest son. He was the one who Colum had to address properly, since he was the oldest male in the family.

  “So, you are OK with this? I mean, with me wanting to marry your mother?”

  John faced Colum squarely, like a man. “Do you love my mother?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will you harm her?”

  “Never”

  “Will you protect her, lay down your life for hers?”

  “Always, forever.”

  “It’s fine by me then... ”

  Colum thought that if he’d been standing he might have passed out. He hadn’t breathed the entire time he waited for a positive message. “Thank God.”

  Chapter 10

  Katherine let her eyes fall on the woman and man who stood in front of her. They were Colum’s natural parents. She had a feeling as she saw the smile that played on both his parents’ lips. This would be an interesting dinner.

  Cormac came and took Katherine’s hand and placed a light kiss on it. Katherine stood perfectly still. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife. His lips were cool as they skimmed her hand, a gentle purr could be heard coming from his throat. He looked up as his son growled a warning. “Son, you will rein in that growl if you want to eat in my presence tonight. If not, you will be banished to the kitchen, since this is my home. Your mother and I will dine with Katherine and her children, without you.”

  Katherine could feel Colum squeezing her waist. She reached for his hand and tried to calm him. “Colum will be fine. Won’t you, Colum?” She looked up into eyes the color of Burmese Rubies. She felt his breath coming out in angry puffs on her neck.” He doesn’t want me, Colum... ”

  “Oh, you are mistaken, my dear. Your scent is calling vampires from all over. If it wasn’t for the fact that Colum was my son and heir to my throne, you would be fair game. Any of us would want to mate with you, claim you for our own.”

  Katherine pressed herself back into Colum who wrapped his arms securely around her like a vise.

  “I’m warning you father... ” Colum pushed Katherine behind him, holding her hand still in a vise like grip. He faced his father, who matched him in height and girth. Both growled at each other.

  Elsabet stepped forward. “Enough of this war between you two. You fight for a common goal and good. Katherine is here for a reason. She is to be Colum’s wife, Queen when the time comes, and his mate. No one is to touch her. She is not to be touched. Colum has put his mark on her and if I have to I will put you both in the kitchen to fight it out.” She saw Katherine shrinking further and further into Colum’s back if that was possible. “Don’t worry, my dear, your scent will blend with Colum’s soon and then the growling and claiming will stop. Until then we must put up with these Neanderthals. Now, if you will come with me, I will show you around my home.” She turned to her husband and son. “Go, have your meeting but don’t keep dinner waiting. The children must get to bed if they are going to school tomorrow.” She dismissed both men with a flick of her wrist and started to lead Katherine away. Stopping and turning, she said, “Bring the children here when you return for dinner. Hopefully you two will behave better by then.”

  Colum watched his mother lead his Kat away. He knew she would be safe. He also knew she was safe with his father, the King but, his blood boiled to have any male near his future wife and Queen, never mind his mate. She was his, not anyone else’s to touch.

  Glancing over at his father he saw that smile that made him want to punch his father and hug him all in one motion.

  “How do you manage it father?”

  Cormac smiled at his son and walked away. “I don’t know what you are talking about... ”

  * * * * * * *

  Colum sat at the table with his father and the others. Here sat the leaders of the various covens from all over the world. They all came to Cormac for guidance, instruction, and protection. Cormac was the King. Something Colum knew he couldn’t wait to give to him. It was his right by birth, since he was the one and only son of Cormac and Elsabet. He had been the miracle birth. Having offspring was a rare occurrence with the Fallen Ones and then to be vampires, well, the chances of them producing a child of their own, it was something that only happened every few thousand years. Most children in vampire families were created.

  “So Cormac, Katherine is bringing the terrorists our way. We no longer have to go to the Middle East to fight these…”

  He was cut off by, “It’s about time. Let’s take care of them here, send them all to paradise if that’s what they want.”

  “Men, let’s have order. Elsabet has given me orders to be at dinner at eight. I shudder at what she would do if her son and I are late.”

  Colum stood. “We need to bring our forces together. What I am hearing from the intel is that there are activities among East Coast Cells becoming quietly busy. Those we thought were still located in the Middle East are now here. A lot of them are not the best-trained or smartest, but they are still willing to die for their cause. So we take care of what we think is it and more come.”

  “Just like cockroaches... ”

  “Reminds me of the crusades... when they just kept climbing over the wall of the city like a wave... that was when I died... if it hadn’t been for Cormac here. I would be no longer... ” he stood. An older fellow who looked to be about in his late sixties when, in fact, he was well over a thousand years old. “Whatever you need us to do, we will follow.”

  Colum smiled. Spreading out a map of the area of
the two towns. “We are going to need an army, if we are to keep our future Queen safe. There are men in town right now trying to find her, but with her children this makes things tricky. Her son John, the oldest boy, knows of what I am but the two other children don’t, yet. In order for them to continue to have as much of a normal life as possible we must become invisible. No one is to know that we exist. Our movements are to be covert. At this moment we are at a level red. All suspicious activity is to be reported and checked. The security here on the compound is on the highest level it has ever been in the States. That’s why Katherine and the children are in the bunker till we are sure the danger passes or ends. The activity in this area not only affects Katherine and her family but it poses a threat to all that live in this sleepy community. We are here to protect all. Your orders and that of your men will be posted within the hour. Be ready to report to your stations and areas of concern.”

  Travis stood. “Sir, may I speak?”

  Colum bowed to him. “You are my equal here, Travis.”

  “Sir, I wish to be attached to the children. My nephews and myself... ”

  “Travis, I have your assignment already. I anticipated your request.”

  Travis bowed low. “Thank you, Sir. I owe you both my life. My nephews feel the same way. They count it an honor to protect your family.” He looked from father to son.

  “You have paid that back, time and time again, with faithful service to our family. You don’t have to pay or prove anything any longer.”

  Cormac was up and walking over to Travis who stood still. He took a sword off the mantle and told Travis to kneel. All sat or stood in awed silence as Cormac knighted Travis. “You are now a Knight as you once were. May you go in peace and know you may stay or serve but never are you to call me or my son “Sir” again.”

  Travis with his head bowed looked up. One red tear was on his cheek. “Thank you S- Sire. I will do my upmost to protect your family as I have all these years.”

  * * * * * * *

  Katherine walked around the home of Colum’s parents, as Elsabet showed her each room. The mansion was large with many levels like that of Colum’s. Just like a museum with priceless treasures, she was sure that some their things were hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. Aubusson carpets covered the floors, she was sure that’s what they were, even though she had never seen any, well, at least in this lifetime. “Can I ask you something Elsabet?”

  Elsabet turned. “Anything, my dear.”

  “These... ” Katherine let her hand circle the room. “These things all seem strangely familiar.”

  Elsabet came up to her. “They should my dear. Many of these things were yours, in your home that you shared with Colum. He couldn’t look at them on a daily basis and so I took them. When you two are married you can take back what you wish.”

  “Oh no, I couldn’t do that... ”

  Elsabet came to stand next to Katherine. “Then they will be a present from Cormac and myself. We will decorate while you two are away on your honeymoon…”

  “Honeymoon? But we haven’t spoken about getting married.”

  “It’s just a matter of time. Colum will not waste time.”

  Katherine studied the older woman who stood in front of her. She smelled of jasmine and looked like she was only fifty, at most. Her skin was milky white, like cream; so soft, and cool to the touch, and her eyes, a vibrant blue, clear and strong. When Elsabet looked into her eyes she felt like she could see through her soul.

  “May I ask another question?”

  Elsabet nodded a yes.

  “What’s it like to be as old as you?”

  “I’ve seen a lot, sometimes too much. I’m glad for such a good husband and great King. He is tired and we want a quieter life. It is Colum’s turn, he should have taken the throne a long time ago but wouldn’t till he had you.”

  Chapter 11

  Katherine found her days starting to get organized despite the fact that she and the children lived at Colum’s. After the initial night in the bunker house they moved back up to his regular home. The whole compound was like a fortified army base. Cameras scanned every inch of the home and grounds. Men, but Katherine knew they were really vampires, silently patrolled at night. Men, who Katherine guessed were humans, covered the day shift. It wasn’t like Colum’s men couldn’t be outside. They just covered their eyes. Colum explained the differences between vampires like themselves and Hollywood versions. They could be outside, they just needed to wear contacts to protect their eyes.

  Katherine sat at the desk that Colum had brought up to their room that now faced the ocean. She couldn’t ask for a better workstation. He was designing a room next to the dining room just for her. She could hear carpenters hammering away. Walls were being ripped out and an addition was being put onto his home so they would have her new office and a game room for the kids.

  Katherine picked up a charcoal stick and started sketching. She got visions like this and as soon as she did, she would draw. A woman with flowing gowns took shape. A man in the distance was on horseback. She worked with the clouds and didn’t even hear Colum come up behind her.

  “You are drawing us.” He laid a light kiss on her collarbone, taking in her unique scent. He could tell she was concentrating but that something was bothering her. He kissed her cheek then sat on the stool next to her. She continued to sketch, not looking at him.

  “What’s the matter, Kat?”

  Katherine tried not to let a smile escape her lips but it was hard to do when she was in his presence. “What makes you think something is wrong?” She kept drawing.

  Colum took the charcoal pencil from her and turned her chair. He had her facing him. Tilting her chin up he smiled. “Because I can smell it. You are working on something, something is worrying you or bothering you.”

  Katherine shrugged her shoulders. “Not really.” She tried to get up but was held firm.

  “You aren’t going anywhere until you tell me. Remember, I am older than you and have lots of practice and patience.”

  Katherine felt her worries and problems were miniscule compared to the whole wide picture of things. She felt justified one minute and then a complete baby.

  “OK, I’m having a hard time getting used to all this security. Just to go to the store, which I don’t have to do any more because Travis shops, or taking the kids to school or them not getting on the bus or, what the hell am I going to do with Thanksgiving coming up next week, and I don’t know how you and the guys are going to manage being around a bunch of humans without wanting to make a meal out of them... ”

  Colum could see she was very serious so he didn’t laugh, though he wanted to. “Is that all?” He took her hands and felt her tremble.

  “Kat your family, any of your family, is my family, they are welcome here anytime and you never have to worry about us being so hungry that we would want to make a meal out of them. Maybe we can go over security a bit, but at this point your safety is my highest priority.” He pulled her into his arms. He felt her relax.” The world wouldn’t be a safe place if something happened to you again.” He kissed her upturned lips. He savored her lips, tasting her fear, anger, arousal.

  He swept her up and made his way to the staircase. When he arrived at their room’s threshold he let his eyes sweep over his Kat. “I need to make love to you... ” He felt her arms encircle his neck as she brought his face down towards hers.

  She let her lips take his. In between kisses she whispered. “Is making love your solution to every problem?”

  Colum let out one of his thunderous laughs, “As the bumper stickers used to say in the 70s, “Make love, Not war”.”

  He brought her in and closed the door.

  * * * * * * *

  Later, Katherine sat at the kitchen bar going over a list of food that they would need to buy for the following week for Thanksgiving.

  “Miss Katherine, I would be very honored to have you work in the kitchen with me on this holiday. I feel thi
s is something very important to you... ”

  Katherine laughed and felt her face go red. “Did Colum say anything to you?” She glanced at Travis, hoping to see if she could tell.

  “On my honor, Miss Katherine, he hasn’t talked to me, but I know enough of these human holidays to know that it’s important, as important as the meal itself.”

  Katherine added a few more items and then got up to start looking through the cupboards. She made a mental note that even though this was a household of vampires, they had everything she would need to cook and bake with. She felt Travis studying her.

  “How is it that everything I would need is here?”

  Travis found his eyes locking with Katherine. “How do you mean?”

  Katherine straightened up. “Did Colum go shopping just before we met? Did he stalk me and then go shopping in hopes... ”

  Colum stood off in the shadows and smiled at Katherine’s questions. She was the same Katherine, full of questions and fairness that must play into running everything, that knowing how to disarm the strongest of warriors. Travis and all the men were going to be putty in her hands. He’d already found Travis’s twin nephews starting to fight over who would watch Sally. She had only just turned sixteen but her beauty, like her mother’s, was fast emerging. She would be a stunner. Sally had a sweet innocence about her still, which was refreshing. But she ran around his home like she owned it already. All she had to do is mention she wanted something and it appeared.

  He came out this morning after she had been brought to school and saw Thor and Odin erecting the frame of a small barn at their uncle’s home. When he questioned them they just shrugged their shoulders and said it was for a horse that they had purchased for Sally as an early Christmas gift.

  He smiled. Once Sally got to a certain age, the friendship between the two brothers would turn deadly when they started competing for her hand. He was glad he had a few years before he had to worry about that.