Here you are, I thought he'd taken you!
Carefully lifting the little flame, she cradled it close to her chest. Dane leant over and held out his hand. Growing, the flame danced to him.
His face, lit by the glow of her little flame, was awestruck. “I can't believe it,” he laughed. After a few moments, he handed it back to her and said softly, “Come on, time to go back. Bring your friend.”
Chapter 24
Opening her eyes, she was still holding his hand. She met his gaze, wondering what he was going to do. His eyes flicked down and she followed them. In her other hand sat her tiny violet flame.
“How?” She whispered.
“There's no barrier to your mind now. It can come out,” he said softly, smiling down at her hand.
“What?”
“Shadow-fire, beautiful, terrible shadow-fire,” he whispered, his eyes glowing in its light as he gazed into her palm. “You're amazing.” He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a brief hug.
Nope. Nope. Nope. I don't have any magic!
“That isn't possible,” she murmured, shaking her head.
“Yeah, it is. This is what he was looking for. He already knows how to summon it but this is purer, stronger. I don't know how you got it but it's perfect.” He looked as if he could cry. “This is what you were prepared to die to protect. Amazing.” Then, he grinned and said, “You've got your work cut out once you're better.”
“Why? I can't wield it! It's safer just tucked away. Nobody needs to know. He thinks I'm dead, he thinks it's gone. It's safe,” she said in a hoarse whisper.
“I can help. And Callen. We can teach you. Can you put it away for now?” he asked.
“No! I don't know how it's here,” she whispered. “You said bring it and it came.”
“Just tell it to go back,” he shrugged, “it's that simple.”
Go back and rest.
The tiny flame died out and she looked back up at him.
Dane was still grinning. “Bloody knew it!”
There's a darkness in you.
“You could feel it?”
“I didn't know what it was, but, yeah. We sense our own in others. Like attracts like. Hungry now?” he asked, getting up.
That explains me and Callan I suppose.
How does he just switch off like that?
She was starving. For the first time, she felt hungry. “Yeah, can I have some soup?”
After eating and drinking they lounged on the bed and watched more TV. Dane was a professional binge watcher, it seemed. She thought about how she was going to explain this to Callan.
Is he going to be angry?
“I really need to speak to Callan and the kids, Dane,” she said. “I know I can't go home looking like this, the kids would be so upset, I just want to speak to them. Hear their voices.”
“Yeah, I know. He doesn't know you're here yet. I'd rather he didn't. Not until I've made sure you're… clean,” he said, a nervous edge to his voice.
“What does that mean?” she asked, bristling.
“He could have left… well he could have…” he stammered, unsure of how to word it so as not to upset her.
“You think I'm somehow possessed by him?” she gasped.
“No, I just need to make sure you're back to normal. That black shit in your body isn't good. It corrupts, destroys. I need to clean it out before you go home. You're going home, Charlotte, I promise! Just not yet.” He looked remorseful. The apology in his tone tugged at her.
“I'll get you a mobile tomorrow and you can text him. Let him know you're okay, send him a photo proving it's you. He won't be pleased with that,” he waved his hand at her face. “He'll probably rip the palace apart to be fair, but it's better than not knowing.”
She shuffled closer and cuddled into his shoulder. “Thank you. Not just for that. For everything.”
He sighed but said nothing more, gently running his hand up and down her arm until she fell asleep.
He was beautiful. Dark lashes gently brushing his pale cheeks, lips slightly parted, pointed teeth glinting. She watched him sleep. He hadn't let her go all night.
Why has he gone to so much trouble? Wouldn't it have been easier to just take me to the palace? He hasn't left me for days. Someone must be missing him.
As carefully as she could, she slid from under his arm, out of bed and stretched. Her back cracked and Dane shot up.
“What? I only cracked my back,” she laughed. “I didn't move at all last night, I'm stiff. Thank you, for that.” She flushed slightly.
“I'll run you a bath,” he offered. “Can you manage or are you still too sore?”
She assessed herself. “I'll manage. You must have things to do?”
“Yes, I do. I'll run your bath,” he said, walking her and into the bathroom.
Following him she asked, “About that mobile…”
“I'll go while you're in here. Do you need anything else? Anything at all, my treat?”
“I could do with some pyjamas and stuff like that. I'll pay you back,” she added quickly. Still uncomfortable with people buying her things.
“Are you okay for an hour? I need a shower first,” he said, turning to face her.
She raised her eyebrows and he laughed, “I'll use the other bathroom!”
She nodded and shoved the bathroom door over after him. She still couldn't bring herself to fully close it.
She noticed it was much easier to move her limbs. Examining herself in the mirror she sighed. Her entire right side was mottled red and deep purple. Every visible vein black against her skin. She traced them with her fingers, each raised line a visible reminder of what had been done to her. Her gut tightened at the memory, tears stinging her eyes.
You're a mess, you can't go home until this is healed.
She hissed as the water stung the cuts and splinters still marring her body, “Jesus!”
“You okay?” Dane called through the bathroom door.
“It just stings a bit,” she said, wincing at the pricking pain.
“Going now. I won't be long.”
She didn't call back, she knew he'd have already disappeared.
Four days she'd been here. She hadn't seen her children for over two weeks. It was okay while she was consumed with the pain of her injuries, she managed to ignore the pangs of loss she was feeling, having been so far from them for so long. Now she needed them.
Closing her eyes, she pictured them. Their perfect little faces, their beautiful eyes, their curly hair. She just needed to cuddle into them and let them know she was okay, that they hadn't lost her.
After a carefully washing herself, she got out and pulled the plug.
I wonder how big this house is…
It occurred to her she hadn't left that bedroom since she arrived.
I haven't been fit, to be fair.
Still wrapped in the towel she lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She thought about the little flame she'd summoned and, from nowhere, it sprang up on her hand.
Shit I'm going to burn the house down!
She quickly cupped her hands around it and sat up.
Hello you!
She was still playing with the shadow-fire when Dane got back.
“Oh, busy practicing? I got you these,” he smiled, swinging several bags on a finger.
“What have you done? It was a cheap phone and a pair of Pj's not half the high-street,” she scolded.
“Oh well I'll take these and eat them in the kitchen,” he said in mock irritation, waving a huge box of glazed doughnuts in front of her.
Off you go.
The flame died away and she stood up. “Really, though, thank you.”
“Phone ready to go with Callan's number in this bag. He's on Arran so should get a message. Pj's in this bag, slippers here, toiletries here, underwear because… well yeah, and I'm going to make a cup of tea. Want one?”
How does he know where Callan is?
“Please. Am I allowed downstairs or wherever?
” she asked. The question sounded stupid.
“'Course! We've only been up here while you've been too sore to move. You can go where you like. Find me in the kitchen when you're ready.” He looked surprised that she'd felt the need to ask.
Dressing as quickly as she could with her sore ribs, she unwrapped the phone.
This has only been out two months! Bloody Fae and their money.
Plugging it in to charge she turned it on. The only contact listed was Callan.
She tapped out a message.
Callan, it's me. I'm safe. I'm with a friend. I'll be home soon.
She waited. The phone rang in her hand. Her stomach lurched but she didn't answer. Once it had stopped she tapped out another message.
I'm fine. No need to call. I'm a bit battered but I got away. I'll be home once the bruising has gone down. I don't want to scare the kids.
Are you all okay? I know you're worried but are they okay?
She knew what was coming.
We've been worried. What happened? What bruising? Let me bring you home.
She sighed and took a photo of herself.
My father happened. The kids are NOT seeing this. I'll be home in a week. I love you. I miss you. I want to come home but I can't, not yet. I'll explain later.
Placing the phone on the bedside table she went down the stairs.
Chapter 25
Dane was sitting on a sofa at the far end of the kitchen drinking a mug of tea. He was leaning forward, elbows on his knees, looking at a mobile phone.
“What's wrong?” she asked, sitting next to him, and taking her own mug.
“Oh nothing, drama.” He turned to her and asked, “Doughnut?” He flashed a dazzling smile, offering her the box.
She managed half of one. She was disgusted with herself. “I used to clear six of these!” she complained.
“Six?” he laughed in disbelief. “That's impressive.”
“Yeah. Treat day! Do you live here alone, Dane?”
His jaw set. “I have… company sometimes but it's usually just me.”
“No girlfriend?” she pried.
“Sort of. Its…”
“Complicated?” she offered.
“Yeah, that. It's a long-term thing. Just not, well not you and Callan,” he laughed. There was no humour in it. “Did you text him?”
“Yeah, he called immediately but I ignored it. Told him I'm fine, with a friend, getting healed up, be back in a week,” she shrugged. “I haven't seen his response to the picture of this,” she pointed to her face. “I don't think I want to…”
“No. well. What are we going to eat? Anything you want,” he asked.
She appreciated the subject change.
“My head is saying all of those,” she pointed at the doughnuts. “My stomach is saying dry toast and water.”
“Dry toast and water it is!” His smile was back.
They spent the afternoon in his lounge playing video games. Charlotte was hopeless but he enjoyed beating her.
“It's stupid! I told it to jump and it walked off that thing and got blown to bits! It's stupid!” Raging, she dropped the controller at her feet.
Dane laughed, “Ooh, angry gamer! Hungry?”
“Can I have some toast?” she asked. “I'm going to go and check the phone.” Offering a half smile, she went upstairs.
Five messages. She groaned and opened the phone.
What friend? What happened? How did you get away?
Shit Charlotte, I'll kill him.
Let me come and get you!
Okay, the children don't have to see you, but let me. I need to see you.
Charlotte! Please answer me.
She closed her eyes and sighed.
Please, Callan, trust me. I love you.
She put the phone down and left the room with tears in her eyes.
“He's pleased then?” Dane asked as she flopped back on the sofa, gripping her side as pain seared her ribs.
“He'll get over it. I'm having to. Thank you.” She dug into the toast.
“A full slice. You're loads better, today aren't you?”
“Think so,” she beamed. “Will you be able to try healing this mess?”
He swallowed and thought for a moment. “I can, but you won't like it…” he said, looking away.
“It can't be any worse than what he did! Can it?” Her eyes widened.
“No. No it won't hurt. I promise it won't hurt.” He didn't look at her.
“Right. Well when?”
He took a breath. “I need to see them and you'll need to lie down.”
She followed him to her room and went into the bathroom, stripping down to underwear, and wrapped herself in a towel.
He gave her a tight-lipped smile and patted the bed. “Tell me when you're ready and I'll start.”
He knelt in the middle of the bed and shadow covered his left hand. “It won't hurt,” he promised, seeing the panic in her eyes at the sight.
If he wanted to hurt, you he would have by now.
She nodded and shuffled back. “Okay. I'm fine. Go.”
Taking her hand, he turned it over and ran a shadowed finger along her wrist. A gentle, warm tingle swirled along his touch. Slowly, so slowly, he traced up her arm to her shoulder, then back down.
She watched him as he worked. Dark hair falling into his eyes, he concentrated on her blackened veins.
“Okay?” he asked, his voice husky.
She nodded and he moved to her neck. The tingling sensation was stronger here. It felt like a million tiny kisses trailing. Her body responded.
Oh, no no…
She flushed, desperately trying to stop her physical response.
Reaching over her he turned his attention to the other side of her neck, along her collar bone and shifted around her completely to access her other arm. He was so close he could feel his breath, see the tip of his tongue between his teeth, his lips parted slightly in concentration.
Clearing his throat, he muttered, “Nearly done.”
She nodded but didn't dare speak. His eyes met hers and he quickly looked away.
Shame flooded her.
I know it's necessary, but does it have to feel like that?
“I think that's it… well there's all that on your legs but I… unless you want to just get it done…”
oh…
She shrugged and mumbled, “It's up to you.”
He let out a tight breath and moved to her feet. “I'll be as quick as I can.”
This was worse. His gentle, trailing tingles spread up her legs. Her mind wandered to the evening of the ball, how Callan had rubbed her aching feet. She let out the tiniest moan.
Oh no, shut up. Fuck!
Dane paused, cleared his throat, and continued.
How high is he going? Oh god!
“Can you, can you turn over?” he asked, awkwardly. “Please?
She shifted onto her front and buried her flushed face in the duvet. He started at her feet again, moving slowly, slowly up. Tingles spread up her thighs. Higher. She squirmed and buried her face deeper into the bed.
“I'm going to need to get to your hips… I can do that with you dressed though.”
“Just get it done,” she mumbled into the bed.
He reached around her waist, sliding his fingers to the waistband of her underwear. As the tingles spread she gasped and bit her lip. Pain seared as she bit hard on the still tender cut. Digging her fingers into the bedding she felt the pressure build, her body trembling as she cried out.
Dane gently removed his hands and sat still beside her as she lay panting. Clearing his throat again, he murmured, “How was it for you?”
Dick!
Carefully turning over, adjusting the towel, she kicked him lightly. “I've had better.”
He barked a laugh and said, “Get dressed!” Then walked from the room.
Picking up her phone she saw another message from Callan. Guilt pricked at her.
I do trust you, I'm just
worried and I need to see you. I miss you. I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry, I'm just tired and sore. I'll keep you informed. I'm much better today.
She followed Dane down stairs. He was lounged on the sofa watching TV. He lifted his arm, inviting her to sit with him. Snuggling into his shoulder she started giggling.
“What?” he asked, nudging her with his shoulder.
“Nothing. Just didn't think I'd ever see you mortified!”
“I never thought I'd see… that. So, we're about even.”
She flushed and raised her hand. The veins had faded to a deep blue.
“One more should do it. These on your neck are darker but they're bigger so…”
Crap. One more?
“Oh. Well that's going to be awkward,” she muttered, flushing.
“I did apologise, I have a girlfriend,” he laughed, kissing the top of her head. “Hungry?”
She had more toast and decided to go to bed.
He smiled and said, “I'll be up soon. I need to make a phone call.”
“You don't have to…”
“Yes, I do. You need to sleep and you don't sleep well alone. It's fine. I'll be up soon.”
His smile was warm, his eyes soft. She sighed and went upstairs.
She could hear Dane speaking from where she sat at the head of the bed. The sound drifted in deep murmurs, fast and soft, reassuring.
Must be his girlfriend.
He knocked on the bedroom door a few minutes later and walked in with two mugs of tea. “Made you one.”
“Thanks, everything okay?” she asked over the steaming mug of tea.
“Yeah. Everything's great,” he said brightly, flashing his lovely smile. “Can I watch TV?”
“Why are you asking? It's your house.”
“This is your room,” he shrugged.
She sighed. “Watch what you want. I'll probably be asleep in half an hour anyway, I'm knackered.”
He raised an eyebrow and she laughed.
She wasn't asleep anywhere close to quickly. She sat up and binge watched a whole season of a TV program with him.
“Don't you sleep?” she asked, yawning.
“Not much. I sleep better with… someone. She doesn't stay over often so I watch TV instead.”
Oh…
Pulling the duvet up over her shoulder she closed her eyes. Dane settled next to her and she turned over. He extended his arm and she inched back into him. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Riftkeepers: Prime Page 19