by Alanea Alder
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
About the Author
Other Books on Amazon
My SOLACE
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Bewitched and Bewildered
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ALANEA ALDER
Copyright © 2019 Alanea Alder
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed "Attention: Permissions Coordinator," at the address below.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
This is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Digital ISBN- 978-1-941315-25-5
Print ISBN- 978-1-941315-26-2
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Dedication
~Omnia Vincit Amor- Love Conquers All~
It's been a long time coming. The story continues...
PROLOGUE
Oron lay in bed gasping as he stared up at the ceiling. His mate was a walking, talking disaster. She was like Gavriel's mate, except it wasn't fate causing mishaps and mayhem around her, she did it to herself, but in the most adorable, curious ways possible.
His dream had been a sequence of reactions and events caused by his innocent mate. When all was said and done, her place of employment had caught fire.
He scrubbed his hands over his face. Mother would know of a way to keep her safe from herself. He took a deep breath, of course mother would know what to do. You didn't live for over ten thousand years as a queen and not learn these things.
As soon as he could, he would slip away and visit the city of his birth. He just prayed that his hapless mate didn't accidentally set off a nuclear weapon between now and then.
CHAPTER ONE
Oron looked around Level Six at the reception that was in full swing celebrating Warrick Fortier's mating to young Avery Therian. Having only arrived yesterday with Amelia and Darian to escort the menace to Éire Danu, he was desperately trying to keep everyone's names straight, but he knew it was a lost cause. He had no sooner stepped through the portal and Meryn began rattling off names, most of which either got confused and mangled together in his mind or had evaporated completely.
The only ones he had no problem remembering were Nigel and Neil Morninglory because Meryn was right, they did look like young Keelans.
Darian walked over to stand beside him. "Have you ever seen so many vampires smiling this much?" he asked.
Oron shook his head. "Never, and in Noctem Falls at that. But from the stories I've heard since arriving, the city has had more than their fair share of grief, you can see that they've bonded and grown stronger." All around them vampires and wolf shifters laughed and toasted each other, teasing the couple mercilessly. Their Noctem Falls unit brothers kept snatching Avery away from Warrick causing the warrior to hiss at his fellow men at arms.
"Almost feels like Lycaonia... almost," Darian said grinning.
Oron chuckled. They both had a soft spot for their adopted city. "So how long do you think Menace will be in Éire Danu before she's arrested?"
Darian smiled wide. "As if our queen would ever imprison her favorite human."
Oron noticed that his brother only referred to their mother by their familial relationship while they were safe within the borders of the fae city. He personally agreed with the decision, one never knew who was listening, and neither of them would allow their enemies to hurt their mother and queen.
"I'm more worried about Portia throwing Meryn into a bespelled closet to keep the queen's schedule running smoothly," Darian admitted.
Oron winced, his brother was right. Portia Kilardin was an absolute genius when it came to keeping the palace running, but she had no patience for anything she deemed a disturbance to her detailed itinerary. Growing up she taught both of them etiquette and deportment so they wouldn't be an embarrassment to the queen. Cord ruled the kitchen and domestic issues, Allia managed the queen's day, but Portia kept the entire palace running.
He sighed. "She isn't mean, but she will absolutely hate Meryn for doing what she does best, bucking the system."
"I do, do that pretty well, huh?" a voice said from behind them.
Both he and his brother turned and smiled at Meryn. "Yes, you do," Oron agreed.
"So, this chick is like a super squire?" Meryn asked.
He exchanged looks with Darian who shrugged. He looked down at the menace. "She isn't a squire, she's not really an advisor either."
"How about an 'estate manager'?" Ryuu suggested.
Oron nodded slowly. "I think that's as close as we'll get to a description. Portia manages everything to do with the royal palace itself. The staff, events, invitations from other noble and founding families, birthing presents, celebrations, communications from the queen, the list goes on."
"So I should just stay out of her way?"
Darian exhaled. "Absolutely. You'll more than likely be staying in the royal quarters and that's more Cord's domain, he'll love you," Darian ruffled her hair.
She knocked his hand away. "Stop that!" She straightened. "If Cord is the food source, then I'll stay glued to him."
Oron laughed out loud. "Gods is he ever going to love you, that man lives to cook."
Meryn's eyes rounded. "More than Sebastian?"
"Did someone say my name?" the Rioux squire asked, walking over.
Meryn pointed to them. "They said that the queen's squire lives to cook and that he'll love me. I was wondering if he's a better cook than you because you totally kick-ass."
Sebastian cheeks tinted. "It is such a pleasure to cook for young appetites, you made every day a joy." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She scrunched up her nose at him and he laughed. "As for Cord Danual, he, like Ryuu, is somewhat of a legend amongst squires. He has held his position as the queen's squire for as long as anyone can remember. I honestly believe he has forgotten more recipes than I have ever learned," he admitted.
Meryn licked her lips. "Super fae squire food."
Ryuu sighed. "While I am ecstatic that you are eating more, the drastic return to your tapeworm like existence is worrisome."
"It's the cinnamon, the baby loves it, so I am putting that shit on e
verything." Meryn rubbed her rounded belly.
"Cinnamon?" Oron asked.
Meryn nodded. "Yup, evidently my kiddo really likes fae cinnamon. I promised Sebastian I'd find some more for him and send it back. I think I decimated his stash and it's tough to get too," she said, looking guilty.
Sebastian frowned. "Do not worry yourself over such a trivial thing. I would give every speck of fae cinnamon in this city to ensure that you and your little one stayed healthy."
"Denka, I will see to it personally once we arrive in Éire Danu that a shipment of fae cinnamon is sent here, will that make you feel better?"
Sebastian went to protest, but Ryuu held up his hand. Meryn nodded. "Yes, please. That way he can keep making Magic Pudding."
"And I will ensure that you receive your Magic Pudding no matter what," Sebastian promised getting misty eyed.
Meryn blinked furiously. "Stop that! I don't want to think about tomorrow," she grumbled rubbing her eyes with her arm. Ryuu wrapped a supporting arm around his charge's shoulders.
Oron watched as one of the most influential squires in their world swallowed hard and put on a bright expression. Sebastian cleared his throat. "Of course, it is not as if we will never see one another again. Magnus is negotiating for another portal from the queen, I will just remind him that visiting Lycaonia may be in his best interests."
"That would be so amazing!" a young voice exclaimed.
"Avery!" Meryn practically jumped the newly mated shifter.
Oron looked over to Darian who looked just as shocked as he felt. They had never really seen Meryn be so exuberant with her affection.
"Denka has made some very dear friends while here, I believe that this is the first time she will ever have to say goodbye," Ryuu explained.
"Meryn, thank you so much for being here. I couldn't have had the ceremony without you, you're like my best friend," Avery ran his cheek over Meryn's wild curls.
Meryn stood back sniffling. "Well duh, I had to be here. And you better call me later and tell me all about the butt sex."
Darian choked on the champagne he had just sipped. "I'm sorry, what?"
Avery blushed a deep red. "Only if you add me to the judges' panel you have for the warriors," he countered.
"Deal!"
"Whatever is the matter, darling?" Amelia asked, rushing over to rub Darian's back.
Darian pointed to Meryn then to Avery, then let his hand drop. "Nothing, just Meryn being Meryn."
Amelia brightened. "Did I hear correctly; Avery is now one of our judges?"
Oron stared at his baby sister. He knew Amelia heard the other part as well, but she was more worried about their warrior watching. He looked at his brother who was now scowling at his mate.
Meryn grinned evilly. "We picked up a few more judges here in Noctem Falls. I feel like we're being very inclusive."
Amelia clapped her hands together happily. "I wonder how many we can get in Éire Danu."
Darian huffed. "The ladies of Éire Danu are refined and above such things." Oron clinked his champagne glass with his brother's as they drank together in solidarity.
Meryn gave him a sly look and held up her phone. "Then why do I have an application from the queen herself to join my Facebook cult?"
Both he and his brother gasped in union, causing them to inhale their champagne.
Amelia eyed her mate. "You kinda deserve that for being uppity."
Oron's eyes watered. "It burns," complained. "Bubbles, burn!"
Meryn giggled. "I should put that on a tee shirt." Avery held up a fist and Meryn bumped it.
Sebastian was fighting to keep a straight face as he handed them glasses of water. "This may help."
Oron grabbed at the glass and chugged the water. Breathing hard, he looked at his commander's tiny mate. "You truly cause chaos wherever you go."
Meryn shrugged. "Hey, what can I say, I'm playing to my strengths."
Amelia frowned. "She does not cause chaos, she is amazing."
Oron backtracked. "I meant that in a good way," he said quickly.
Amelia's face cleared and she smiled again. "Oh, that's okay then."
Behind her big-sister cousin's back, Meryn stuck her tongue out at him. With no other avenue of recourse available to him, he stuck his out in retaliation.
"Meryn!"
Everyone turned to see the red-headed twins come running up to them with a smaller vampire in tow.
Meryn eyed the twins. "Why are you yelling my name like ferals are chasing you?"
One of the twins grinned. "Neil and I just heard, Prince Magnus has accepted the Wolftown pack as citizens of the city, they're going to be living here permanently now!"
"Whoa, that's pretty huge. What about the kids, don't they need air?"
Nigel frowned. "Meryn there's air here; otherwise we'd all be dead."
Avery giggled as Meryn gave them a flat expression. "You know what I mean, don't they need to be outside? Like sun and wind in their fur yadda, yadda."
Nigel nodded. "Oh yeah, that. Evidently, Queen Aleksandra has granted Prince Magnus additional portals. They are building a new council estate on this huge piece of land one of the vampires donated, it's something crazy like five thousand acres that butts up against the national preserve. There's plenty of land for the pups to run and the wolves' enforcers will act as security for the new estate."
"And they're expanding the current property where the council estate is in Albuquerque. The wolves will be opening up businesses there since it's in the heart of the city," Neil continued.
Pip waved his hands back and forth. "That is not even the best part! Prince Magnus has personally purchased the properties on either side of the existing building and will be funding a new private clinic for paranormals in the area. He wants to turn Noctem Falls into a center of healing for paranormals everywhere, including the first ever paranormal neonatal intensive care unit," he exclaimed, practically vibrating where he stood.
Meryn blinked. "That is freaking amazing."
"And all thanks to you my dear," Prince Magnus said, walking up to them.
"Me?" Meryn asked, looking confused.
"Her?" He and Darian asked together.
"Why did you say it like that?" Aiden demanded, walking up behind Magnus to pull Meryn into his arms. Oron simply raised a brow. Aiden rolled his eyes.
Beth chuckled as she and Gavriel walked over with the rest of the Alpha and Eta Unit's members and mates. "Be honest Commander, they have just cause for the question," she teased. Aiden simply huffed in reply.
Magnus took Meryn's hand. "Yes, most of what was accomplished was inspired by this little one. She not only saved so many here, but she has taught us all to think beyond ourselves." He smiled down at her gently. "She will forever be remembered as one of this city's saviors."
"She has heralded a new Golden Era for Noctem Falls!" a voice yelled above the crowd.
Magnus released Meryn's hand. "Speaking of golden." Magnus met Meryn's eyes. "I meant to give this to you earlier." He pulled a gold card out of his pocket and handed it to the now confused looking Meryn. "This is similar to the card that Elder Vi'Ilsimir gave you. With it, you can reach out to me at any time, however, the back is different."
Meryn flipped it over, when she did Aiden inhaled sharply. Oron caught a glimpse of the engraved filigree and felt his own breath catch. The ornate design acted as proof that Meryn not only had the full support of Magnus Rioux as an Elder, but also the entire city of Noctem Falls. It effectively assured that Meryn could ask for practically anything and she would receive it, no questions asked.
Meryn pointed to the card. "What are these squiggles? They look different than the fae squiggles Darian showed me."
Behind Magnus Beth covered her face with her palm. "Squiggles? Really Meryn?"
"What! They look like squiggles," Meryn protested.
Kendrick inched closer, his eyes locked on the card. "That is our ancient language Meryn, it states that the bearer of this card is to be
treated as a Royal and be given whatever they desire."
Meryn's eyes narrowed shrewdly. "So, like unlimited meat kebobs?"
Around them, silence fell. Oron felt as though with that one statement Meryn had somehow managed to lift the darkness that was closing in on them and lighten his heart.
"I just can't!" Beth exploded, throwing her hands in the air.
Beside her Gavriel had covered his face as he laughed silently, tears streaming down his face.
"Be quiet, Beth!" Meryn retorted from her mate's arms. "You're staying here while stuff settles down so you can eat meat kebobs and Sebastian's Magic Pudding whenever you want!"
Her reply unfroze the crowd around them as one fit of laughter erupted after another.
Magnus was still chuckling as he wiped his eyes. "We will be sending shipments of your meat kebobs and pudding to Éire Danu, so you can use that card for something bigger."
Meryn shrugged. "Okay, I guess, it's not like you wouldn't give me what I want anyway, you said so, Sebastian heard you."
Sebastian nodded. "Yes, darling, but that card ensures that others know how important you are to us. If anyone dares to hurt or insult you, they will have the entire City of the Night to face." Behind them the crowd roared their agreement.
Meryn looked up at her mate. "I have Aiden, that's kinda the same thing."
Aiden stared down at her. "Why do you say these things when I can't get you alone?" he demanded, nuzzling her neck.
She grinned impishly. "Because it makes the time you finally get me alone, that much better."
He harrumphed. "Every time."
Meryn stuck the card in her pocket. "I guess it's time for presents. Nigel and Neil, if you would please?"
The twins raced off to one side and came back, dragging Warrick and a carrying wrapped box. They pushed the enormous warrior over to stand next to his new mate.
Nigel handed the box to Avery then stepped back with Neil and Pip to stand beside Meryn.
Avery stared down at the box.
"Well, don't just look at it, open it!" Meryn prompted.