The Winter People

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  His bronzed skin glowed, the tattoos on his arms looked as if they’d been made from gold shavings. The golden locks of hair shined, his features more chiseled, and celestial. He was beautiful. Perfect.

  I stepped closer, catching sight of the scar running the length of his right cheek. My fingers touched his face, tracing the healed skin. Gareth’s lids opened. He stared at me, catching my hand in his.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “Except for the scar,” he said.

  “No—you’re amazing.”

  “I’m known as the ugly one amongst my people.”

  My mouth dropped open in shock. How could they call him ugly? Good God, he was perfect. His shimmering corded muscles, his mahogany eyes.

  “Your people are wrong.”

  Gareth seemed astounded by my words, like he didn’t believe them. He gazed at me with such intensity, and I realized that no one had ever called him beautiful—he had probably always felt like the outcast in his world of perfect faeries. What I wouldn’t give to wipe the pain from his face. How dare anyone make him feel inferior.

  “That’s because you haven’t seen the others.”

  “I don’t need to.” My fingers left a bloody trail across his cheek, but he didn’t seem to mind. “Tell me what happened?”

  “Colton.”

  Seeing the fury in his eyes, I didn’t press any further. “I’m sorry.”

  He smiled, putting the glamour back in place. I blinked several times, missing his true form already. “I should get you home, it’s getting dark.”

  But I stood rooted in place. I tried several times to say it, then choked the words out. “Listen. Since we’re friends and all I wondered if you might want to tag along to prom with me? Kadie won’t leave me alone about it—she’s trying to set me up with that guy from the lodge. I mean, I know you said high school dances were lame…”

  “Prom?” Gareth gave me lopsided grin. “Never been to one.”

  “So go with me. We don’t have to stay the whole time. Just make an appearance.”

  “On one condition.” His eyes glittered. “We only stay for an hour, then after that you have to go someplace of my choosing. No questions asked.”

  “Deal,” I said.

  “Looks like you’ve got yourself a prom date.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  “Oh honey, you look gorgeous.” Mom gushed, hooking a diamond teardrop necklace around my neck.

  Grandma already had her camera, the flash reflecting back off the mirror as she snapped pictures. “Go on, spin around for us to see.” She clicked another picture.

  The strapless white dress poufed out around my hips as I twirled. Taffeta and tulle swished like a ballerina dress. The overhead light reflected off the silver and white sequined bustier that interlaced through the lace. The dress was elegant, playful, and sexy. Perfect.

  “Time for the icing.” Mom slipped a rhinestone headband into my hair. The faux diamonds sparkled like a halo.

  “So, how do I look?” I smiled, trying to ignore the kangaroos bouncing up and down in my gut. Nerves shouldn’t have been an issue. I mean come on, this was Gareth. Someone who’d become a good friend in the past couple of months.

  “Breathtaking.” Grandpa pushed his way into the cramped bathroom. “Now, if I’m not mistaken, your prom is not taking place in the shitter.”

  My hand flew to my mouth to stifle a laugh and Grandma shot him a dirty look. “Really, Frank. You’d think you were a sailor.”

  “Wouldn’t be caught dead in one of them white uniforms.” Grandpa leaned over to whisper in my ear.

  The doorbell echoed through the house and everyone but me hurried into the kitchen. I took a deep breath then stepped into the hallway, to peek around the corner. Holy crap. Gareth looked hot.

  He had on Harley boots, black tux pants, a tailored black coat and shirt, with a black bow tie. His golden hair fell softly around his face, some escaped strands brushed his cheeks.

  Not wanting to look too astounded, I plastered a smile on my face and swung around the corner and into the kitchen, catching Gareth’s eye.

  “You clean up nice,” I teased.

  “Yeah, you’re not so bad yourself.”

  We stared at one another for a moment until Grandma cleared her throat.

  “Wow,” he said aloud this time, producing a wrist corsage. “You look good.”

  “Thanks. You, too.”

  Mom handed me his boutonnière, which was a light blue rose. My fingers trembled as I tried to pin it to his lapel.

  “Don’t stick me.” His breath warm as it fanned across my cheek.

  “Then don’t move.”

  Next, he slipped the white rose corsage around my wrist. Then the family wanted a million pictures, this being my first and last Prom.

  “Why don’t we get one out on the deck?” Grandma ushered us outside.

  Gareth put an arm around my waist and pulled me closer.

  “Okay, we’ve really got to get going.” I caught Gareth’s hand in mine before they could find more places for us to pose.

  “Have fun.” Mom stopped me so she could give me a hug. “No curfew tonight, but please don’t do anything foolish.”

  “We won’t Mrs. Montgomery,” Gareth interjected. “Do I really look like I’m out to corrupt you?”

  “A little.” I grinned.

  At last, we made it to the driveway, away from my crazy relatives and their blinding flashes of torture.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I drove my bike.” Gareth glanced at my long dress.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can tuck the skirt under me.”

  Removing his tux jacket, he wrapped it around my shoulders. “This will keep you warm. And I promise to use my magic to keep you from getting dirty or too windblown.”

  I hiked the skirt of my dress up around my thighs and bunched it underneath me, then fastened the helmet on, figuring I could fix my hair when I got there. Soon we were on the road heading for the country club. I leaned my head against Gareth’s back, catching the scent of pine and spicy soap.

  Before long, we drove up the winding road that led to the parking lot and main entrance. They actually had valet parking arranged, but Gareth wouldn’t let anyone touch his bike, which made me laugh.

  “Paranoid much?” I climbed from the cycle.

  “It’s my baby. Can’t trust it with just anyone.” He grinned, looping my arm through his. “Ready to make our grand entrance?”

  “Yeah.”

  Music swept by as the doors swung open. I was overwhelmed by a wave of girls in formal dresses and guys in penguin suits. Sipping punch from wine goblets that read—NIGHT OF DREAMS.

  Cameras flashed like strobe lights as people rushed to take pictures of their friends and classmates they didn’t even like.

  “Let’s find a table,” I said. We bee-lined under the silver and blue balloon archway, only to be stopped by the photographer.

  “Why don’t you two come right this way?” He pointed to a cheesy beachscape background.

  “Actually, I don’t think we’re ordering any,” I said.

  Gareth’s lips tilted upward and he took an order form from the photographer. “Sure we are. Besides, someday you might want to look back and see how hot your date was.”

  Afterward Kadie waved us over to her table, where she sat on Zac’s lap punked out in a black lacy gown, matching heels, and fishnet stockings like some dark princess.

  “Oh my God! I can’t believe you kept this from me.” She glanced from me to Gareth then back again. “Are you guys going to dance right now?”

  “Please say yes.” I thought to Gareth. “She’s itching to get details here.”

  His lips tugged up at the corners. “Yeah, that’s where we’re heading,” he said, before leading me onto the floor.

  “I owe you,” I said in my mind as he wrapped his arms around me. I dangled my hands over his shoulders, leaning against him.

  “And I’m
keeping track of all the times you say that.” He chuckled.

  The music changed to a romantic tune, filled with soft drumbeats, acoustic guitar, and a crooning male singer. The lyrics spoke of finding true love, holding onto destiny. The stuff dreams were made of.

  Gareth’s hand caressed my back as he spun me around, each movement a part of a story, some special memory I’d hold for the rest of my life. He was graceful, the way he glided across the floor, sweeping me along with him.

  “So, is dancing a prerequisite for your kind?” My head lifted so I could see him better.

  He laughed. “Of course. We have to be elegant, refined, strong, handsome, superior, and great dancers.”

  “Wow, that sounds like the qualifications for Miss America.”

  His eyes twinkled. I raised my hand to touch his cheek. Even though he used glamour, the scar made a ridge that I traced with my finger. I wondered if, once the curse was broken, he’d still come visit me, or if our friendship would end. I sure hoped he’d be around.

  “Is this better than you thought it’d be?” He clutched my hand, bringing it back down to his chest.

  “Yes,” I said without hesitation. Tonight was my night. A chance to live.

  “I want this night to be special for you.” His cheek brushed against mine as he bent down. “You’ve had too many bad ones for someone so young.”

  I wet my lips with my tongue. “I’m not that young. I’ll be eighteen next week.”

  His chest rumbled beneath me. “You are compared to me.”

  The song ended and another slow song belted to life. We danced, pressed closer together, and his heart pounded beneath my hand. I peered over his shoulder and saw Kadie and Zac weaving their way over to us.

  “Kadie has that determined look on her face. I think she wants to talk.”

  “Do you want me to get you out of here or something?”

  “So you two are really going out?” Kadie danced up next to us.

  “Well, not—”

  “For a couple of months. We were trying to keep it on the down low.” Gareth gave me a wink.

  “Holy shit, so you two were dating when we were up at the lodge. I knew it.” Kadie giggled. “And here you told me I’d imagined him in our room.”

  Dang it, why hadn’t he taken that memory from her?

  “Listen, I think I’m going to go get us some punch.” Gareth excused himself, giving me a sly look over his shoulder.

  “You can’t leave me here to explain all this.” But that only made his grin wider.

  “Make it juicy.”

  “I should tell her you can’t get it up.”

  He was by the punch bowl, watching me intently. “Do you think she’d believe that?”

  “So, details.” Kadie tugged me toward the wall. “How is he?”

  “We haven’t done it.” I was crazy for even having this conversation.

  “Not yet, you mean. What kinds of dates have you two been on?”

  “Hikes, bike rides, that kind of thing.” Which wasn’t a total lie. I mean we had gone to the state park and we did ride on his motorcycle.

  “This is so awesome. I mean you finally have a serious boyfriend.”

  Her glance drifted to Zac, who was trying to talk to Gareth. “What are you guys doing after prom?”

  “Please come save me.” I begged.

  “Not until you tell her what we’re doing tonight—I want to hear our hot plans.”

  “Gareth, come on, please.”

  He sauntered toward us, handing me a cup of red punch.

  “If you guys don’t have plans, Zac and I are going to head over to Morgan’s for a party then go out to breakfast in the morning,” Kadie said.

  “Actually, we can’t.” Gareth bent down, kissing my forehead.

  Shock waves ripped through my veins and down to my toes. My eyes went wide as his fingers glided down my spine. I gave him a quizzical look, trying not to seem caught off-guard by his sudden display of affection.

  “Am I missing something?”

  “Just play along or we’ll never get out of here.” His smile widened and I gave an inward groan.

  “I rented a cabin in the woods for the weekend,” Gareth said. “For Salome’s birthday.”

  Punch sputtered out of my mouth and back into the cup. When he decided to lie, he went big.

  Kadie gaped. “Does your mom know?”

  “No, so if she calls your house will you tell her I’m asleep?” I shot Gareth a sideways glance.

  Kadie smirked. “Finally, our roles are switched. And I’m repaying my debt for all the times you lied for me.”

  “See, you corrupted me.”

  “If you don’t mind, I think we’ll dance a few more songs before heading out. The cabin is about an hour drive and I don’t want to get there too late.” Gareth took my punch from me and set it on a nearby table.

  “Sure. Do you guys have protection?” Kadie whispered in my ear. “If not, I’ve got extra.”

  “Er—I think we’re all set.”

  Gareth ushered me back onto the dance floor. “You just made her night.” He laughed, encasing me in his arms. “Her little Salome is all grown up.”

  “Yeah, thanks for that. Now I’ll have to make up some ridiculous story about losing my virginity.”

  “You can tell her how great I was, all my bronze skin— Or just say it was the most romantic, amazing night of your life.” He rested his forehead against mine, eyes intent on me.

  “Okay so now you’re trying to dictate my fantasies?”

  “Am I?”

  His body moved against mine as we swayed to the music, each rhythm echoing in time with my heart. Senior prom was perfect. After the next set of songs ended, we headed into the parking lot, where Gareth slipped his jacket off again. He draped it over my shoulders before we hopped onto his motorcycle.

  “So where are we really going?” I slipped my arms into the coat sleeves while he prepared to start the engine.

  “Someplace special.”

  We sped down the highway, stars blinking against the dark sky. The wind was chilly, but I didn’t mind, not tonight. I felt like a princess on a flying carpet, rushing through the night, hair blowing behind me.

  We drove up a long, gravel drive into the tree line. And when we emerged, there was an ancient looking log cabin nestled between some pines.

  “Oh my God, you actually rented a cabin?” My mouth went dry, heart colliding with my rib cage as my grip on his waist tightened. “I thought you were bullshitting.”

  “I didn’t rent it. This is where I live.”

  “Oh.” If he was serious about the cabin, I wondered what else he might be serious about.

  “I wanted to show you something real about me. Without the glamour or the lies.”

  He turned off the ignition, propping the bike on its kickstand. He climbed off then held his hand out to help me.

  “You really meant it when you said we were friends.” I smiled.

  “Yes. But remember not all of my kind share my sentiments. They require something in return.”

  “And why don’t you?” I turned to stare up at him.

  He opened his mouth to say something and stopped as if he thought better of it. “Does it matter?”

  “I guess not.”

  “Good.” I watched his glamour fizzle away, revealing his perfection. “Welcome to my humble home.”

  Where the motorcycle was parked, there now stood a large black stallion. Its shiny coat was sleek like oil. It turned toward me, lowering its head before trotting into a nearby pasture.

  “Holy crap! Your motorcycle has been a glamoured horse this whole time?” I squeaked.

  “Yes. You don’t think I’d actually ride in cars or on bikes do you? The iron and metal would make me sick.”

  Right. Faerie 101, iron can kill them.

  My fingers entwined with his. “This is amazing.”

  He pointed to an old hay wagon and, with a wave of his hand, it turned into th
e black Hummer he’d used to drive me back and forth to school.

  “And here I thought your dad was a car salesman or something.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Not quite.”

  We wound our way down a stone path to his cabin. The inside was like nothing I’d ever seen before. The outside was small, weathered, and oozed of hunting. But the inside: marble floors and wooden archways. Tapestries decorated the walls, while a fire blazed in a mammoth-sized stone fireplace. Like a mansion.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  “This is beyond belief.” My mouth gaped open as I noticed the antique mahogany furniture, jeweled dishes, rare paintings, and candlelit hallways. “So this is how everything really looks without magic?”

  “Yes. But I didn’t bring you here to admire my home. There are other things you need to see.”

  He opened a door to the backyard, which led into the woods where a white horse waited for us. Gareth boosted me up then slid into the saddle behind me; his arms circled my waist.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To let you see both the light and dark sides of my kind. You need to know what you choose.”

  The horse trotted down a path and I watched as tiny lights bobbed behind trees, while twinkling laughter filled the silence. Gareth tugged on the reins, bringing us to a stop outside a clearing. A troupe of beautiful faeries sipped wine and danced. There were fauns with wreaths of flowers hanging around their necks and tall, willowy, half-naked women with only leaves and long hair covering their bodies. Tiny men with pipes sat on stools smoking and laughing when two humans stumbled forward.

  The humans looked drunk, but seemed happy to be near the faeries. I watched in horror as one of the willowy women cut the human man across his arm. He laughed and started to dance like he didn’t feel the blood.

  “What are they doing?”

  “The humans are offering themselves as sacrifices. They’re so drunk on pomegranate wine that they don’t realize they’re dying.”

  I covered my mouth with my hand. It was terrible; how could they do that?

  Sensing my unease, Gareth kicked the sides of the horse and sent us galloping farther into the woods. This time we came to a place where a dozen humans, wearing garlands of flowers and chanting in a foreign language, surrounded a blazing bonfire.