Rhys shifted his weight off of her until he lay at her side. He placed a hand on her cheek and stared at her, his thumb caressing. Neiva nearly cried at the pain in his expression. Beth’s words about how difficult it must be for him rushed to mind. She brushed the hair back away from his face and forced a smile.
“Are you going to leave now?” she asked softly.
He sighed. “Do you want me to?”
“No.”
“Then I won’t.” He pulled her until she was nestled close to him. Her eyes drifted closed as he stroked her back.
“You didn’t mean it, did you?” His voice was low, quiet.
“Mean what?” She stifled a yawn.
“That being with me tonight is enough.”
Neiva squeezed her eyes tightly as tears prickled under her lids. “I don’t want to fight, Rhys. I just want to enjoy being in your arms and sleeping beside you. Please. The rest can wait for tomorrow, yes?”
“Yes,” he agreed. “Tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” She pressed a kiss to his chest and let herself slide into slumber determined to be content, even if it was only for the night.
* * * *
Neiva stretched her arms above her head and slowly surfaced from slumber. Her body felt relaxed, fluid. Last night, in Rhys’ embrace, she’d slept better than she had in ages. Even before she opened her eyes, she knew he was gone. He wasn’t far, though. She could feel him, as surely as if he was touching her skin-to-skin. He was in the woods. Doing his bodyguard duties, no doubt.
She rose and, after cleaning up in the adjoining bath, dressed quickly. The sound of Beth singing loudly travelled up the stairway as Neiva descended. She followed her cousin’s voice into the kitchen. Beth was making coffee, dancing from foot to foot.
“You’re in a good mood,” Neiva murmured, leaning against the counter.
“Yup. Why aren’t you?”
“Who says I’m not?” She laughed.
“Well, smile, cuz. It’s a beautiful day. Particularly after a night with a certain gentleman caller.” Beth wiggled her eyebrows.
Neiva felt a flush creep up her neck. “I…well…what?”
“So eloquent,” Beth teased. “You weren’t exactly quiet. And thank goodness you screamed his name; otherwise I would have barged in swinging the fireplace poker or something. Now that would have been a bit awkward to say the very least. I mean, your guy hasn’t said boo to me and I’d have seen him au natural.”
Snickering, she boogied over to grab mugs from the cupboard. Neiva just stared, mouth hanging open. She hadn’t even thought of Beth’s being downstairs when Rhys had come.
“Oh blessed Goddess.” She covered her face and groaned. Embarrassment and horror welled up.
Beth burst out laughing and pulled Neiva’s hands down. “Stop being so silly. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You had a night—a helluva good night, by the sounds of it—with the man in your life. Nothing wrong with that.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think of your hearing,” Neiva explained.
Her cousin grinned. “Good. That means he was doing something right. So tell me, what did he do right? I mean, he looks so damned intense. Is sex with him just mind-numbingly intense?”
Neiva gaped. “Beth, I’m not—“
Both women jumped when a knock sounded on the back door. Neiva took a few steps to the side and peer through the mudroom off the kitchen to the rear door. Through the window she could see her mother. Oh Lady, help me!
Neiva kept her voice quiet. “Beth, it’s my mom. Do not say anything more about Rhys. They don’t—“
“I know, I know. My lips are sealed…for now. Later, though, you are going to give me all the raunchy details.” She wagged a finger at Neiva before she could speak. “Go let your mom in.”
Neiva, head spinning, walked to the door, unlocked and opened it. “Mom! What are you doing here?”
Abagail wrapped her arms around her daughter. “I’m here to see you, of course. And Beth.” She pulled away and cupped Neiva’s face. “You look tired. Are you feeling all right, sweetie?”
“I’m fine. Just a late night.” She cursed inwardly as soon as the words were out of her mouth.
Luckily her mom didn’t ask any questions. She only nodded. “Well, I thought I’d visit with you for a bit. Your father was kind enough to pop me over here before holing up in the study for something or other.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” Her gaze fell to her mother’s slightly protruding belly. “Oh, he’s grown.” She placed a hand over her brother and was rewarded with a quick blast of energy and a series of bumps against her hand.
“Hello, brother. Goddess bless you.”
Abagail jolted. “Wow, he’s excited to be near you. Kicking up a storm. So, is your cousin here? I thought I heard her voice.”
“Goddess, I’m rude, keeping you standing in the doorway. Come in. Beth’s right in the kitchen.” She let her mother walk in front of her.
“Aunt Abby!” Beth darted across the room and threw her arms around Abagail.
“Let me look at you.” The older woman leaned back and burst out laughing. She reached out and tugged a bright red lock of hair. “Darla’s got to love this.”
“I do all I can to please her,” Beth replied saucily. She placed a hand on Abagail’s stomach. “Congratulations. I was so happy when Nee told me. Though I must warn you, Mom will have strong words when she learns you’re expecting at your age. It’s unseemly.”
Abagail rolled her eyes. “Darla always has strong words when it comes to me. I’ll get over it. So, what are you girls up to?”
“We were just about to sit and have coffee and bagels. Join us?” Beth invited.
“Of course. Though I’ll have juice if you have it.”
“I’ll get it. Sit down, Mom.” Neiva crossed to the fridge and pulled out a pitcher of orange juice. She occupied herself with getting a glass while the other two chatted.
After she sat at the table, she just listened to the conversation, her mind elsewhere. She felt around her—Rhys was still in the woods. She tilted her head and tried to get an idea of the direction he was going. Maybe that would give her a clue as to what he was up to. Would he come back this way? Would they finally discuss this or was he back to his deny-and-avoid stance on their relationship?
“Stop battering at me.” Rhys’ voice filled her head, cold and stilted. “Your reaching for me is distracting me from my duty. All is well. I’ll be near.”
Neiva’s throat constricted. Well, I guess that answers any questions. Nothing’s changed.
“Neiva, sweetie.” Her mother reached over and covered her hand. “Where were you? You looked a million miles away.”
“Oh! It’s nothing. Just daydreaming.” She forced a smile.
Abagail held her gaze several moments before nodding. “I thought, after I check the voicemail, we could go for a walk. Just the two of us.”
“That’d be wonderful,” she agreed before Abagail strolled into the living room.
As long as we avoid Rhys. The last thing she need was for her mom to see them together. Especially after last night. Neiva didn’t think she could mask her feelings around him.
* * * *
Rhys frowned. Something was off. He was a ways from the cabin—outside the area Kaelen had determined Rhys should inspect regularly. Rhys had set out walking early in the morning, leaving Neiva sleeping peacefully. After the previous evening, then waking in her arms, Rhys needed space to think—and make some serious decisions about their relationship.
He couldn’t put his finger on exactly what, but magicks had happened here. The air and earth had been disturbed. He just couldn’t pick up anything else. The energy was either very old and faded or it had been masked. The second option frightened him.
He closed his eyes, lifted his arms and centred his focus on his surroundings. Wind swirled around him, lifting his hair from his shoulders and snapping at his clothing. He poured everything i
nto delving into the magickal energy that lingered in the area, peeling layer after layer away.
Suddenly Neiva’s touch pushed though his concentration, jerking him back into his body. Damn it! He drew in a staggered breath. She was still in the cabin, but was stretching out to him mentally. He couldn’t do this with her in his head.
“Stop battering at me,” he stated as calmly as he could. “Your reaching for me is distracting me from my duty. All is well. I’ll be near.”
She pulled away immediately and slammed a barrier between them. Even though he felt her jolt of pain, he sighed in relief. He’d explain later when he knew she wasn’t in danger.
Gathering his energy, Rhys returned to his task. Time had no meaning to him as he probed the magicks. Exhaustion bore down on him and he withdrew. His breathing was laboured and sweat clung to his body.
He looked up at the sky. Based on the sun’s position he’d been at it for nearly an hour. Frustration soured his gut. He had no more answers than when he first began. More power was required. He needed Kaelen, Leilen and Dermet.
Blessed Lady, let this be nothing. Let me be overreacting.
Chapter Eight
Neiva and Abagail walked through the forest, arm and arm. They chatted about life back home, discussed baby names, and plans for after the Prince arrived. All safe topics. Neiva began to relax.
“Are you happy, daughter?” Abagail asked. “Did coming here help as you hoped it would?”
“I’m glad I came here,” she admitted as truthfully as she could. “It’s been lovely, especially with Beth here.” She saw the opportunity to change the subject. “Oh! Mom, she knows.”
“Knows what?”
“About us. What we are. The fey, the faery realm….all of it.”
Abagail stopped walking and stared at her daughter. “How?”
“She heard you telling Uncle Robert. Years ago,” Neiva told her. “Why would you tell him?”
“She’s known this long and has said nothing?” Her mother shook her head and laughed. “Well, to answer your questions, we told your uncle because he was questioning things. You know your father saved my brothers and my mother when she was expecting me?”
Neiva had heard the story countless times. She nodded.
“Robert recognised Kaelen from the first time they met. It just took him a while to figure out from where. We kept it from him as long as we could. Though telling him turned out to be a blessing.” Abagail linked her arm with Neiva’s and they started walking again.
“How so?”
“Well, I didn’t want to stay away from my family permanently so I kept up the cabin, for us to visit, and kept the phone connected. Once a week, your father would come or bring me to check messages. That worked, but sometimes it got awkward trying to explain to everyone why I was so difficult to get a hold of.” She patted Neiva’s hand. “Now your Uncle Robert runs interference for me so to speak.”
“Well, that’s nice,” Neiva drawled. “It was quite shocking to have Beth tell me she knew.”
“I can imagine. I’ll have to talk to her about it before I go home,” she said.
“She wouldn’t tell anyone,” Neiva protested.
Her mother chuckled. “I realise that, sweetie. She’s kept our secret for some time already. Now, you never answered my question.”
Neiva swore under her breath. She should have known. No one was as tenacious as the Queen when she wanted answers.
“What question?”
“Are you happy?”
“I’m fine, Mom. Don’t worry about me. You have other things to concentrate on.” Neiva patted the bump where her brother rested.
“Come, sit with me.” Abagail led her to a grassy spot in the shade of a large tree.
They settled on the ground and just listened to the wind rustling the leaves for a few minutes. Abagail seemed to be gathering her thoughts, and Neiva knew there was no escaping the questioning. She wracked her mind, trying to figure out how to assure her mother there was nothing to worry about.
“You can’t tell a mother not to worry. It doesn’t matter if you are twenty-six or a hundred and six, I will always worry about you. One day, when you carry your own child, you’ll understand.” Abagail brushed the hair out of Neiva’s face, peering into her eyes.
Tears stung and threatened to fall. Goddess, a babe. She cursed silently when immediately Rhys came to mind. She thought of his child growing in her womb, and warmth spread through her entire being. Oh yes, she yearned for it. How foolish.
“I know something is wrong. I only have to look at you and I see that. Tell me. Tell me what hurts you.”
Abagail’s voice, quiet and calm, was like a balm on Neiva’s soul, but as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t confess everything. Mama couldn’t fix the hurt this time, no matter how much Neiva wanted her to.
Abagail continued, “I’ll tell you what I see. I see my daughter hurting. I see my husband’s closest friend hurting. When they are pushed together by a well-meaning father, I see both trying to avoid the situation. They attempt to get another to take over the duty. And I see their hurt growing each day. So tell me, daughter of mine, what causes this hurt? Are you and Rhys involved? Are you considering mating with him?”
Neiva closed her eyes and drew in a few deep breaths before meeting her mother’s gaze. She wouldn’t admit anything. As much as she disagreed with Rhys, she wouldn’t betray him this way. She had no choice but to weave a tale her mother would believe.
“We’re not involved, Mom. I told you the truth. I feel empty. I don’t know why and I honestly thought coming here would help.” She continued, injecting a sliver of truth. “But there was something that happened some time ago that makes things a little awkward with Rhys. I had a crush on him, and I couldn’t imagine why he wouldn’t want to be with me. So, on my twentieth birthday, I kissed him.”
“Oh honey.” Abagail scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Neiva’s shoulders. “What happened?”
Neiva forced a laugh and hoped it sounded carefree. “What do you think happened? He was horrified and pushed me away. Then he told me to stay away from him.”
Her mother nodded sympathetically. “That sounds like Rhys. You’ve avoided him ever since?”
“As much as I could. I was so embarrassed, Mom. I still feel like a self-conscious little girl trying to get her first kiss whenever I’m around him.” Neiva rested her head on Abagail’s shoulder and sighed.
“Sweetie, I wish I could say it gets easier with men, but I’d be lying.”
Despite the knot in her stomach from keeping the truth from her mother, Neiva laughed.
“It’s true. I love your father more than anything, but the man can still drive me to distraction. In his mind, he is always right and knows what’s best for everyone around him.” Abagail squeezed Neiva closer. “One day, you’ll be in love, but know that love doesn’t make the annoyance go away. It just stops you from beating them with a baseball bat.”
Neiva laughed again, just as her mother had intended.
“Well, I think we should head back. Your cousin whispered something about shopping as we left.”
They rose and brushed off their pants.
“Beth thinks of nothing but shopping. She probably wants to change her colour too.” Neiva rolled her eyes.
“Oooh, I’ll have to help pick out something Darla will hate.” Abagail rubbed her hands together.
“I swear you and Aunt Darla have the most unhealthy relationship I’ve ever seen.”
“Don’t be silly. We…” Abagail trailed off as she staggered.
“Mom!” Neiva grabbed her arm, concerned. “Are you okay? Is it the baby?”
“I don’t…I don’t...” Suddenly, she crumpled to the ground.
Neiva dropped to her knees. Panic choking her as it raced through her body. “Oh Sweet Lady! Mom!”
She patted Abagail’s pale cheeks before putting both hands over her stomach. The baby kicked forcefully. Relief flooded her but was
quickly pushed aside when an ominous heaviness surrounded her. Magick. Something was happening, someone was coming.
“Dad! Dad! Come now! It’s Mom. Please!”
“Neiva.” Her father’s strong voice flowed over her. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s Mom. She just coll—“
White-hot pain lanced her skull, and Neiva tumbled into blackness.
* * * *
Rhys flashed outside of Kaelen’s study and, without hesitation, pushed open the doors. He strode in the room, causing the men sitting across from Kaelen to jump to their feet. The King, though his eyebrows rose, remained seated behind his desk.
Rhys didn’t spare the other men a glance. “Leave.”
He waited until just Kaelen and he were in the room. “There’s a disturbance in the woods. Very faint. It’s either very old or has been covered.”
“And you didn’t sense this before?” Kaelen leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.
“It’s outside the perimeter we agreed on,” Rhys explained, omitting the reason he’d been so far from the cabin.
“I’ll contact Dermet. We’ll leave immediately.” The King stood.
“I’d like to bring Leilen as well.” Rhys knew his friend was in the Dark Realm investigating Darrick.
“You think it necessary?” Kaelen frowned.
“Yes. We need our combined powers.” He was willing to take the heat if he was overreacting. He hoped to the Goddess he was, but was unwilling to take a chance.
“Very well. Let’s—“
Rhys stepped forward when Kaelen’s face paled and his King gripped the edge of the desk.
“Kaelen? What is it?” His head spun as air whipped around him. Suddenly they were in the forest. Moments later, Dermet and Leilen flashed beside them.
The three friends turned to their King, waiting. Rhys felt it immediately. Evil magick weighed the very air surrounding them, dark and oppressive.
Kaelen walked away from them and knelt on the ground. He ran his hand across a patch of grass before clenching his fist.
Waters of Fate Page 7