“Keep your eyes on your own papers. No talking. When you’re finished, bring the test to me.” I glance at the clock. Forty-five minutes should be enough time.
When I’m satisfied the room is quiet, I sit at my desk and begin grading a previous class period’s work.
The answers on one of the papers blurs as my mind wanders. Can I honestly ask Monroe to give up the Third Realm? I frown. Joining the Third Realm means more secrets from Mel, and everyone else I know. All I’ve ever wanted was a simple life. I shake my head. Simplicity went out the window the moment Monroe entered my life, which begs the question . . . do I even want simplicity anymore?
The bell peels. Jolted out of my reverie, I bolt from my chair. Raising my voice over the sudden chaos I call, “Anyone who hasn’t given me their test, please do so before you go.”
After all the students turn in their tests and leave, I pack up my things.
“You think you’ve won.”
I check around the room. No one. “Who’s there?”
“I’ll give you three guesses, human.”
“Monroe told me you’re in Mount Iron Prison.”
“Doesn’t matter where I am. I can find you. The rift you and Monroe rely on provides a perfect gateway for me to you. Speaking of which, you do realize my Uncle Alveron could close it at anytime.”
My heart pounds. “With you in jail, what reason does he have to do anything about the rift?”
Laughter fills my head. “How stupid of you. You believe I’ll be in here for long? Watch yourself, little Firstling. When you least expect me, I’ll return.”
Was it my imagination or did a breeze kick up in the room? The temperature seems colder, but I’m not certain if it’s Lily or all in my head. Did the lights blink, or was that me?
Trembling all over, I make a dash for the parking lot and race home.
Inside my apartment, I lean against the door, my heart racing. She can’t do anything from Mount Iron . . . can she?
“Ahem.”
I nearly jump out of my skin. Whirling around, I spot Monroe in the kitchen doorway.
With a sense of relief, I throw myself into his arms.
He rubs my back. “I could get used to this.” Then he stops. “Wait a minute.” He lets go and holds me at arms’ length. “You’re shaking all over. What’s the matter?” Anxiously he searches my face. “What happened?”
“It’s been a bad day.”
He holds me tight against him. “You can tell me.”
I won’t let Lily ruin Monroe’s visit. Besides, I’m tired of him fighting all my battles. “Like I said, rough day, and I’ve got a headache. I’ll get some rest.”
“What’s got you all upset?”
Wearily, I shake my head. I wander over to the refrigerator and set out some chicken breasts. “How was your day?”
He watches me unconvinced. “Not much to report. Quin called a meeting of the Council to talk about who should replace Lily. We chose Brinda.”
I turn on the oven. “Do you think she’ll accept?”
“You truly won’t tell me why you’re so distressed?”
“I don’t want to go into it. Will Brinda agree to the position?”
“She might. Most fairies are too proud to serve on the Council, but some have resented not having any representation.”
“Interesting choice.”
“Despite her aloof manner, Brinda is very wise and would make a nice addition to the Council.”
“In that case, I hope she accepts.” I rub the back of my neck. “I’m so frustrated. I wish I could talk to Melody about everything. I hate lying.”
“I think you’re not giving Melody enough credit.”
“Remember how I was? I didn’t believe at first. How can I expect she will?”
“It puts such a strain on you. Especially with the wedding plans.”
“I’ll handle it.”
The phone rings cutting off any further conversation. “Excuse me.” I pick up the receiver. “Yes?”
“Were you going to call me, or did you forget?” Mel’s voice greets me.
“Hi, Mel. I’m sorry, I did forget.” Monroe comes up behind me, and wraps his arms around my waist. “Also, Monroe came over.”
She giggles. “That’s okay. You’re engaged. It’s not like I didn’t forget things when I was planning my wedding.”
Monroe nuzzles my shoulder as I struggle to focus on the conversation. “Speaking of which,” I say, moving away from him. “Would you like to be my matron of honor?”
Mel’s squeal of delight reverberates through the line. “Are you serious?”
“Of course, I’m serious.” I bat Monroe’s hand away as he runs a finger over my shoulder and he winks. Stop it, I mouth.
“I’d love to be your matron of honor,” Mel says. “Wow, Sasha, thanks. Do you want me to come help you choose a wedding dress?”
I glare at Monroe as he tickles me. “Sure, let’s go on Saturday.”
“Fantastic! I’m totally excited,” Mel gushes. “Tell Monroe I can’t wait to meet him.”
The oven starts beeping. “Will do. I better go. I have to finish making dinner.” I hang up. Monroe stands near the kitchen counter as I place the chicken in a baking dish and season it. “Why can’t you ever let me talk on the phone?”
“You know I can’t resist you.” His eyes trail over me as I put the chicken in the oven.
I ignore his comment as he follows me into living room and sits with me on the couch. “I gather Melody said ‘yes’?”
“She almost caused me to go deaf in one ear.”
“That reminds me, I should ask Bast to be my best man.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to finish the wedding planning. There are a bunch of details left.”
“Leave the reception to me.”
“But, Monroe . . .”
“I’ll find a suitable place for the occasion. Perhaps a hotel where our guests can stay.”
I tap my index finger against my lips while I think out loud. “I’ll invite some people from work, and my aunt and her family in South Carolina.”
He leans forward. “You haven’t said much about your relatives. Tell me about your aunt.”
“Danielle Brighton Lockham is my dad’s younger sister.” I shrug. “We don’t talk much. She, my uncle, and their son, and his kids are the only living relations I have. Her husband’s name is Tyler Lockham. Aunt Danielle and Uncle Tyler’s son, Victor married someone named Ivy. Victor and Ivy have two boys. Jordan and Kyle are eight and four.”
He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “How come you don’t talk about them?”
“There’s not much to tell. After my parents’ accident, Aunt Danielle and Uncle Tyler took over raising me. We’ve never been close. Aunt Danielle made no secret of how she didn’t like my mom. At fifteen, it was hard to hear her say what a terrible person my mom was. I loved Mom and relied on her. So, my aunt’s family and I don’t communicate very often. Only a Christmas card or infrequent letter.”
“Perhaps our wedding will bring you all closer?”
“I doubt it. Especially with everything I’ve had to keep from people here and all, I can’t imagine my aunt would think very highly of me.” The oven timer beeps and I struggle against the feelings of rejection I get every time Aunt Danielle comes to mind. “Do you want some chicken?”
He follows me into the kitchen. “Thank you, I already ate.”
I pull out the chicken and fix a plate. “Do you ever eat at home when I’m not there?”
He takes the plate from me and walks me to the table. “Not often. You know, my cooks love you because you keep them busy.”
“Easter break is coming up soon.”
“Would you like to spend it in the Third Realm?” His eyes dance. “Usually for big holidays like Christmas and Easter the Third Realm has all kinds of decorations. During Easter, white flowers suddenly blossom. Sometimes the smaller fairies decorate the forests and woods and they light up on East
er night.”
My mind fills with images. “Sounds beautiful, I’d love to come.” And maybe while I’m there I could figure out how to get Lily out of my head.
When I finish dinner, he brings my palms up to his lips and kisses my wrist. Electric shocks go up my arm. I freeze, while he kisses my forearm. “Are you aware how much I love you?”
“You might’ve mentioned it once or twice.”
He gazes at my lips. “May I?”
“Go ahead.
He lowers his head as my eyes close and his mouth settles on mine. More shockwaves spread through me. He groans deeply, causing a shiver to go down my spine.
“You fit so well with me,” he says, his voice gruff. He leaves light kisses over my face. “I thank the Creator I found you.”
Too caught up in the moment, I don’t say a word. Inside, I’m a jumble of nerves. Why can’t I say I’m falling in love with him? After all, I agreed to marry him. What’s the matter with me? Is it my shyness? Am I still not sure he’s real? Come on, Sasha! He’s proven he’s real. What’s holding you back? Is it Lily?
He lowers his mouth back onto mine. My mind becomes hazy and I’m left with only the spicy, enticing scent of him. His beating heart beneath his cotton shirt comforts me. I whimper as he stops. In an attempt to regain my equilibrium, I grip his shoulders.
“I think,” he rasps, “when we marry we’re in trouble.”
I nod wildly, my brain unable to function clearly.
“Which tells me,” he continues, “I must leave.”
Suddenly, I want to tell him about Lily. I want to pour out all my fears about whether or not everything will work out. Right when I’m about to mention it, I remember how protective he gets. Who knows what he’ll do if I tell him. Instead, I redirect my concentration on finding a way to keep him here. “How come? I mean, I know you were brought up with old-fashioned manners, but do you have another reason?”
“I do.”
“What?”
He meets my gaze. “I wasn’t going to say anything because it’s sometimes hard for those who aren’t Thirdlings to comprehend.”
“Explain it to me. Maybe I will.”
He lets me go and begins to pace. “It’s not that I don’t want to go any further with you. I just can’t. It’s not that I can’t physically . . . however, psychologically and emotionally it would cause more harm than good.”
I contemplate his words, then raise my head. “Why?”
“You know how in the animal kingdom some animals are monogamous?”
I nod. “Go on.”
“Well, in the Third Realm, everyone is monogamous.” His eyes dart toward mine as he rushes on. “We mate for life. Since the majority of us have a human form, we adopted marriage vows to satisfy the human need for a strong foundation. It’s something ingrained in us. The Thirdling side of us cannot mate with another Thirdling without being faithful for life. It’s instinctual for us to wait until we’re married to fulfill the human side.” He resumes pacing. “Our human side requires the vows and trust, while everything else is satisfied when we consummate the marriage.”
He pauses, checking my reaction. When I don’t say a word, he continues. “Some widowed Thirdlings never marry again because of this bond. Humans have a degree of this, but they’re more able to ignore it.” He shrugs. “We’re incapable of ignoring the attachment. That’s why I must wait until marriage. I can’t subject either of us to that kind of bond without having a verbal and spiritual foundation in place first.”
“If what you say is true, that married couples there are so faithful, then they must get along well.”
“There’s always discord in a marriage for one reason or another. The way we are, though, shapes how we handle whatever happens. I don’t know of any marriage, whether in the First or Third Realms that are perfect.”
“Sounds a bit wishful thinking for my world. Some people have had nasty divorces and painful marriages.”
“Such a thing would devastate a Thirdling. We can’t abide divorce once bonded. Even the widowed ones are more likely to live a single life rather than remarry.”
“So when we have sex, you’d be bonded to me until one of us dies?”
“I’ve no problem having that physical bond with you, since I already love you.” He gives me a sheepish smile. “Let me explain. We’re very physical beings. The physical bond solidifies our love and the marriage vows.” He gazes tenderly at me. “However, not only do my instincts and breeding prevent anything more intimate between us, there’s also the regard and esteem any Thirdling would have for their intended.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. “I’ll respect it. If you must know, I’m sort of relieved.”
“How so?”
I lower my head. “I haven’t any real experience with men.”
His searches my face. “Truly?”
“I’ve had a few boyfriends, but they weren’t interested in having a shy and quiet girlfriend. I wasn’t adventurous enough for them.”
“I think you’re adventurous in your own way. You believe in me. Think of it this way, most humans don’t believe in the Third Realm. It’s all fairy-tales and imagination. Like how it was for you at first.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“Regardless, I’m grateful you’re inexperienced because then what we have together will be more precious.”
“You say the nicest things.”
“It’s the truth.” He kisses my forehead. “Is there anything else we need to go over tonight?”
Should I tell him about Lily? Brave his anger and explain I’ll handle it myself? No. He wouldn’t let me. No sense in bringing up any of my doubts, either. It would only upset him. “I’ll make a list. Right now my brain is overloaded.”
“Very well. I’ll leave you for tonight. See you soon, my love.” He gives me a light kiss on the lips.
If it weren’t for my job I’d ask to go with him. Unfortunately, I can’t think of a reason to make him stay without telling him about Lily. With difficulty I manage to say, “Goodnight.”
He assesses me and I wonder if he knows. Then, he touches my cheek and is gone, leaving me uncertain on how much he suspects.
With growing trepidation, I get my things together for the next day and enter my room. The one bright spot is the fact he’s as inexperienced as I am in matters of sex. Yet, I can’t take any joy in it when my emotions are all over the place. Then there’s the question of Lily. What is she up to, anyway?
Chapter 23: Monroe
“Your best man, hmm,” Bast says. He goes to his decanter and pours a burgundy. I decline the offered glass. “I’d be honored, provided Alexia was doing all right with the twins. They’ll be newborn. If she needs me, I want to be available.”
“I understand.” I lean back in a chair across from him. “I asked you because you’re my closest friend and after all we’ve been through, the only man I trust.”
“You flatter me.” He gives me a teasing look. “You don’t usually.”
I fold my arms, fighting a grin. “We all have flaws we have to work on.”
He laughs. “I’ll think it over and give you my answer. In the meantime, thank you for hunting with me, lately. Going alone has its appeal, but I’m used to having someone with me. Married life has spoiled me for solo excursions.”
“Not at all. I enjoyed myself. How’s Alexia doing?”
He sets his glass aside and leans back in his chair. “She’s uncomfortable. The babies are getting bigger. At the moment, she’s in her private parlor. However, don’t ask to see her today. She’s worn out and needs her rest.”
I wave my hand. “Not a problem.”
“Alexia isn’t used to being idle.” He fiddles with his grandfather’s pocket watch. “I think it bothers her.”
“I pray she feels better soon.”
“Thank you, I’ll let her know.”
I glance at my own watch and get to my feet. “I must go. Sasha and I have plans with a friend of hers.”<
br />
“Aha.” He wags a finger at me. “She has tamed you.”
I roll my eyes. “She’ll pick the cake. I’m going for the tasting.”
His eyes glitter mischievously as he stands. “Of course.”
A low growl escapes me. “Alexia should lock you up for safe keeping, then she wouldn’t worry about what I’d do to you.”
“I think I can defend myself.” He flexes his fingers. “I’m not afraid. You haven’t done away with me, yet.”
“You best hope I never do.”
“Empty threats!”
“You don’t want me to act on them.”
He rolls up his sleeves. “It’s almost disappointing to needle you. Nothing comes of it.”
I give him a nudge. “You may assume I’m being merciful this time.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “Be well, my friend. Have fun.”
“And may you be glad you live another day intact.”
Bast chuckles, the sound echoes throughout the room as I head out the door.
When I return home, I shout for Ayres.
He materializes behind me. “Yes, sir?”
“How is Sasha’s prom grown progressing?”
“Very well, sir.”
“Excellent.” I throw off my coat and change into a pair of jeans. “I’m on my way to Sasha’s apartment. We’re going to meet with her friend, Melody Saunders.”
Ayres looks uncomfortable.
I pause midway through buttoning my navy shirt. “What is it, man?”
“Well, sir, the cooks are put out you didn’t ask them to make the cake.”
I let out an exasperated groan. “Sasha ordered a cakes we agreed on from a bakery near her since we’re having the wedding ceremony and reception in the First Realm.” I pick up a wallet, check the amount of American money and shove it into my pocket. “Please explain to the cooks there’s no personal insult toward them. Inform them I’m weary of their sulking.”
“It will be done.” He bows.
“Is there anything else?”
“No, sir.”
I leave my bedchambers and head for my den. “I’m not sure when I’ll return. Take care of things, Ayres.”
“As you wish.”
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