She was fascinated by this glimpse into Oberon’s past. “What did Robin do?”
“He danced around me, pulling me into his core. His curiosity got the better of him, and we got the measure of each other. Before long, I could sense his curiosity growing, but without form he couldn’t communicate with me.”
“He was a sylph?”
“He is bound to earth, not sky, as I learned later. But then, all I was aware of was the overwhelming desire to speak to him, to learn about him. He was quick, my Hob, and soon took form, gave himself a voice.” Oberon actually chuckled. “He told me later that he modeled his look somewhat on mine, but that he wanted more color than I had. The Robin you’ve met looks much like he did that first day. It’s his favorite form, his original human look. Only the clothes really change.”
She could see that somewhat. Robin was smaller than Oberon, more slender, a dancing flame to the column of pure shining silver that was the High King. “What did you do once he was human?” Cassie settled in the chair by the window. She was tired, but the last thing she wanted to do was stop Oberon from talking. He was opening up a little, letting her into his life.
It was a start, one she’d take gladly.
“At first, nothing.” Oberon tsk’d. “The rogue’s first act was to stare at his hands and laugh.” The smile widened, surprising her. “He asked me to name him.”
“And you called him Rob?”
He shook his head. “I don’t really remember that first name I gave him, but he didn’t like it at all. Soon he named himself, calling himself Puca, then Puck, and finally Robin Goodfellow. When the hobgoblins swore fealty to him, he took Hob as his title in their honor.”
“How did the king react to meeting him?” Nuada Airgetlám was not known for his gentleness. If he’d sent Oberon because he sensed Robin was a threat, she was surprised the Hob still existed.
“He was wary at first, but Robin won him over with his clever tongue and curious ways. He was something we’d never seen before, nor have we seen since.”
“Robin really is one of a kind then.”
“He truly is. Robin learned the court inside and out, but never quite gave Nuada his allegiance. He reserved that for me.”
“I’m surprised King Nuada allowed that.” Robin was, indeed, a force of nature. How Nuada had allowed such a man to exist outside his court, yet part of it, baffled her.
“By then he had far more problems on his hands than Robin. He’d tried to take part of Ireland for us after we were driven from our home, but in doing so he lost his arm in battle to Sreng, the Fir Bolg’s champion. By Tuatha Dè law, he could no longer be king. Bres the Fomorian somehow became king instead, and seven years of hell for the Tuatha Dè ensued. Nuada took his throne back by having a silver arm forged for himself, making him whole again, but he only ruled for twenty more years before Bres was trying to take the throne back. Nuada stepped aside in favor of Lugh, who ruled for forty years before being killed himself over an affair one of his wives had with a son of The Dagda. The Dagda became king for eighty years before he was killed by the seeress Cethlenn.”
“I thought you became king after Nuada. So the old Irish folktales are true?”
“Somewhat, yes. By then, many of us believed Nuada had died. He had disappeared, and none of us left could sense him. Many believed he was killed in battle with Balor, beheaded, and that Lugh avenged him by killing Balor. But Nuada’s head was never found, and the silver arm was gone.”
“You think he left on his own.”
Oberon nodded somberly. “He was tired, Cassie, so tired of all the fighting, of trying to save a dying race. I could see it in him, and chose to believe he really did die that day rather than look for him. But sometimes I wonder if he’s still out there somewhere, hiding in the quiet places of the world, still healing from the loss of our people.” He sighed wearily. “We killed each other so easily back then. None of us truly understood the consequences of our wars. The Dagda died at the hands of Cethlenn. His son ruled until he was killed by his own child. The last Tuatha Dè kings were Mac Cuill, Mac Cecht and Mac Gréine, who ruled over Ireland until they, too, died, and the last of us were kicked out by the Milesians, our blood diluting into what we once called the lesser fae until the Sidhe were born of our mingled blood, becoming the lords we’d once been.”
She was inclined to believe Nuada was dead. Not a hint of the man had ever been found. “How did you become king?”
“Between the wars and the interbreeding, we managed to all but obliterate our own race. When we realized we were dying out, the last of us chose me, the strongest left alive, to rule over them. Soon after that…” His expression closed off once more.
“Titannia.”
He grimaced at that name. “Indeed, and the end of the Tuatha Dè. Her greatest betrayal was against my people. But at first she was accepted. A pretty fairy woman, a stable relationship, a truebond for their king…what more could they ask for? We would be faithful to one another, be strong rulers over what was left of our kingdom, and rebuild the fae world without the Tuatha Dè Danaan.” He sighed. “But it didn’t quite work out that way.”
“No, it didn’t.” Instead Titannia had almost broken the fae apart. “Do you regret it?”
“Which part?” His tone was absent, his gaze fixed on something she could only guess at.
“Any of it.”
He looked at her, really looked, for the first time since she started singing. “Yes.”
She wanted to bring the smile back to his face. “But not Robin.”
There it was, that quiet smile she’d been looking for. “Never Robin. He’s the brother of my soul.” She was stunned when his smile deepened, was turned on her. “Thank you for giving him back to me.”
She returned his smile tenfold. “You’re welcome.”
“This is it. This is the place Jaden suggested. The Sea Crest Bed and Breakfast.” Oberon stared at the large Cape Cod home on the edge of the beach. “It’s certainly off the beaten path.”
“I think that was the point. We’re not far outside Lincoln Beach, granting us some privacy, but with the Oregon Coast Highway right there we can make a quick run for California if we need to.”
She was tense, the fear back on her face. The need to protect her rose in him once more. Cassie should fear nothing, not while he was there. “I won’t let anyone take you.”
Cassie started, shooting him an unreadable look. “Take care of yourself first, sire.”
“It would help if I understood the nature of the threat.” And he didn’t mean the one against him. That Cassie was afraid of anything was driving him insane.
She made a thoroughly disgusted noise. “Will you trust me, just a little? Please? I swear to you, once your memories return you’ll know exactly who is after me.”
“And then we deal with it.”
She grimaced. “Perhaps.”
He grabbed hold of her arm, stopping her when she would have gotten out of the car. “You promised you would never lie to me.”
“And I haven’t.” She stared at him, never once breaking eye contact. “I don’t know how you’ll react when you remember, but going by your actions before, I think you’ll leave.”
He blinked, stunned, and released her arm. “You think I’ll leave you to your fate.”
She nodded and climbed out of the car.
Oberon cursed under his breath and climbed out of the car after her. “I won’t do that.”
“You say that now, but…” She sighed, staring out at the ocean before she turned back to him with a heartbreaking smile. “Let’s wait and see what happens.”
He wanted to growl as he helped her pull their suitcases from the trunk. “Stubborn woman.”
“Stubborn man.” She slammed the trunk shut and headed for the stairs leading up to the well-lit doors.
Oberon followed
her up the steps, looking around at their new surroundings to get his bearings. It was just coming on to evening, the setting sun turning the sky stunning shades of blues and pinks. The Sea Crest Inn Bed and Breakfast was a cheery yellow home with bright white trim and a red front door with brass accents. Three stories tall, it had a turret with huge windows facing the sea.
Cassie led the way into the house. Before she could reach the front desk, a cheerful older man greeted them. “Good evening, and welcome to the Sea Crest Inn. I’m Greg, and I work the front desk.”
“Cassie Nerice. We should have a reservation.”
Greg nodded and led the way to the front desk. He typed up something on the computer. “You’ll be here for a week?”
Cassie didn’t bat an eye. “Yes.”
“All right. And I see your room is already paid for.” He smiled at them. “You’ll be staying in our honeymoon suite. It’s on the third floor, with a beautiful view of the ocean.”
Oberon blinked. Honeymoon suite?
“The suites are marked with a plaque on each door, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it.” Greg gestured toward their suitcases. “Do you need help with your luggage?”
“No, I believe we can manage.” Oberon didn’t want the man following them, not when Cassie looked ready to burst. He was certain Jaden had set this up. Was the vampire aware of the simmering desire Oberon felt for the siren? Had he hoped that the two would consummate their attraction during this trip?
“All right then. Breakfast is served between seven and ten in the morning. Lunch and dinner you’re on your own, but we have a list of local places we believe you’ll enjoy.” Greg pointed to the rack of brochures on the counter. “We have tours you can sign up for, and direct access to the beach off of the inn’s main deck just out back. You’ll have a beautiful view of the Pacific from your room, as you’re in the back of the inn.” Greg handed them each a key card. “We hope you enjoy your stay with us, Mr. and Mrs. Nerice.”
Cassie’s cheeks were bright red. “Um. Thanks.”
“Thank you, Greg.” Oberon picked up his suitcase. “The stairs?”
Greg pointed, and Oberon led the way, grateful when Cassie kept her mouth shut. They didn’t need the man to become suspicious of them. He didn’t know if booking the room under Cassie’s real name was a good idea or not, but he had to hope that Jaden knew what he was doing.
When he saw the room, Oberon didn’t know whether he would kill the vampire, or kiss him.
The first thing he saw were the red rose petals that were scattered across the crisp white coverlet of the king-sized bed. Across from it was a fireplace, already lit and welcoming. French doors led out onto a private veranda where two chairs sat side by side, a table between them. The table held a bucket of chilling champagne. A bureau with a television flanked one side of the fireplace while a door that presumably led into the bathroom flanked the other.
It was a nice room, a private, romantic room with a gorgeous view of the ocean. A room meant for romance.
“I’ll take the tub.”
Oberon rolled his eyes. She had to be kidding him. “Over my dead body.”
He was afraid if her cheeks burned any brighter she’d spontaneously combust, mermaid or not. “The chairs look comfy.”
“Cassandra.”
She jumped every time he used her full name, but that didn’t stop her from facing him head-on, her expression full of bravado. “Can you honestly tell me you’re comfortable sharing a bed with me?”
Comfortable wasn’t the word he’d use, no. But the idea of sliding between those crisp white sheets with her had him shuddering with need. Still, Oberon would never force himself on anyone, let alone Cassie. “I can give you my word that I won’t touch you without your permission.” If that was what it took to put her at ease he would give it gladly.
She made the strangest strangled sound, the heat in her cheeks dying so quickly she swayed. “You want to touch me?” That quickly, the fire in her face was back. “Forget I asked that.” She blew her bangs out of her eyes impatiently. “I guess we’ll be all right in the same bed.”
They’d be more than all right, they’d be fantastic. But he didn’t think either of them was ready for that step, not from the way she was reacting, and definitely not until he knew exactly what she was so afraid of. She seriously thought he was going to leave her once his memories returned. Until he could prove otherwise, Cassie would more than likely remain skittish. “Then let’s get settled. We can start the healing first thing in the morning.”
She glanced out the window, biting her lip. “It might be better to try at night. Fewer witnesses.”
“But harder to see if anyone is coming for us.” But she had a point. They couldn’t reveal their natures to the mortals around them. “If you think it best, I trust your judgment.”
The pleasure she showed every time he told her he trusted her was intoxicating. “Thank you.”
He began unpacking, taking the right side of the dresser. “Shall we start tonight, then?”
“It might be best.”
But there were dark circles under her eyes, a weariness in her stance that had him biting back the urge to tuck her chastely between those sheets. “No. Let’s start tomorrow night. We’re both exhausted from running. We could use the rest.”
She nodded absently, rubbing her fingers over that pearl ring as she turned back to stare out over the ocean. “We need to do this quickly.”
“You’ll be of no use to either of us if you’re exhausted, Cassie. Rest. We’ll start tomorrow night.” He’d make it an order if he had to.
She glanced back at him for a moment. “As you wish, your majesty.”
He gritted his teeth, biting back the urge to tell her to never, ever call him that again. Every time he said something she didn’t like, she pulled out his rank and used it to put up a barrier between them.
No more. He’d shatter that barrier any way he could. She would not use his rank against him. That had been Titannia’s trick, and Oberon would not tolerate it from the woman he wanted to claim with all his soul.
She sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make you angry. I’m just…scared, and tired. Forgive me?”
The doubts were drifting away the more time he spent with her. “Forgiven. Never doubt it.”
The smile she gifted him with would have shamed the sun.
He would have to figure out a way to get her to believe that he had no intention of ever leaving her side. Perhaps then she’d open up to him, but until then, he’d do his utmost to protect her, even from herself.
Chapter Eight
“Knock knock.”
“Who’s there?” A light, feminine voice surprised him. He hadn’t thought anyone had noticed his approach to the blue and white Victorian farmhouse the Dunne family lived in, but apparently he’d been wrong.
Hell, he hadn’t even driven up the driveway. He’d shifted, using his raven form to fly to the farmhouse and perch on one of the peaked rooftops. He shifted back to his human form, confident no one could see him. Despite his father’s words, he wanted to be certain there were no surprises waiting for him.
He was wrong, but not in the way he’d expected.
He decided to answer, curious to see how the female would respond. “Raven.”
“Really?” The window opened, and a woman with dark red hair and shining brown eyes smiled at him. “You’re Robin’s son, aren’t you?”
He blinked, surprised. “Yes?”
She giggled. “You don’t sound too sure.”
He cocked his head, intrigued by the bubbly young woman. “I am.”
“Good. I’m Ruby Dunne. Robin’s a good friend. He’s told us all about you.” She gestured for him to come in the window. “Come in. We’ve been dying to meet you.”
“You have?” He would have thought Bl
ackthorn would have warned the Dunnes against him.
“Of course. We adore Robin and Michaela. They’re family.”
Cute little Ruby was becoming more and more intriguing by the moment. “Is that so?”
“Come meet the family.” Ruby took hold of his hand and began dragging him into the room of the room. She opened the door, and Raven saw a tall, dark-haired man with blue eyes on the other side. “Sean? You were right. He was on the roof.”
Raven stared at the fae, certain this was the Dunne patriarch. He should have remembered a leprechaun ruled this land, damn it. “Lord Dunne.”
Sean’s brows rose. “Raven Goodfellow.”
Raven twitched. He really had to get used to being called that. He glanced around. “I’ve been sent by my father to speak to Jaden Blackthorn.”
“He’s in the kitchen with his mates.” Sean grinned lazily, and Raven fought the urge to push Ruby behind him. That grin was full of challenge. “Don’t hurt my family and we’ll get along fine.”
Ruby patted Sean’s chest, obviously startling the man. “Don’t worry, Sean. Robin wouldn’t send someone who would hurt us.”
Intriguing. This woman trusted the same way Michaela did. “Are you mated?”
She laughed. “Leo Dunne is my truebond.”
Damn. He had no luck with women lately. “Then lead me to him, my dear.” But that didn’t mean he couldn’t flirt, did it?
Ruby took his arm. “You’re going to like it here.”
“Am I?”
She nodded happily. “You’ll see.”
And Ruby Dunne led him into the kitchen, and warmth he’d never before known.
“This brochure says we can rent a boat at Del’s Boat Rentals.” Cassie flipped through the brochure, frowning as she went over the fine print. “But we’ll need to use a credit card.” She’d need to check her balance, but she thought she might have enough to cover the boat rental for a couple of days.
“No. If we try to charter a boat a human captain will go with us, possibly even a crew. We can’t drop our Seeming if they’re there.” Oberon stared out at the ocean from their little veranda, the doors behind him open to let in the breeze.
Siren's Song: The Gray Court, Book 5 Page 8