by Elle Wolcott
“Oh yeah, he was full of questions.”
“What did you tell him?” I had a slight smile as I pulled out a chair and sat across from my brother.
“Just some basic stuff, things you like, things you don’t.”
“What’s he like?”
Dylan raised his brow. “He’s tall, strong, light brown hair. Always walks with his chin held high.”
“And he’s okay with us? With me being his…” I shrugged as I tried to find the right word.
“Mate?”
“Is that what we are?”
“Well, yeah,” Dylan nodded. “When a dragon is paired with another, they become mates.”
“What if he doesn’t like me?”
“Look, there’s a connection between the two of you. It’s like a cosmic string that nature made when you two were born. You’re destined to be together. If for nothing else, to rule the dragons.”
“Does that mean we share a birthday?”
“No, but you share the same mark.”
“You mean the one I can’t see.”
“You will soon. And from what I hear, it won’t be too pleasant.”
“Yeah, I read that part.” I took another sip of water and then set the glass down. I leaned back and yawned.
“Still not sleeping?”
“There’s just so much to think about. Aunt Cressa said he’ll be coming for me. What does that even mean?”
“He’ll come in the next few weeks. He wants to be here when you transition if he can. Besides, you’ll be safer with him and his guards.”
“I don’t want to be with anyone right now.”
Well, sort of.
“Irene, you’re in real danger as the lady. Tristan might seem like a threat, but he’s just lovestruck.”
“Huh?”
“Wait until you meet his brother. They say he has veins of ice and a darkness in his heart that’ll never heal.”
“Slow down. Who?”
“He always gets what he wants, Irene. And from what I know, he’s the reason mom concealed you. Since she died, the spell has been waning, and it won’t be long until he finds you.”
“What?” I gasped. I needed answers, but this was a little too much. And apparently, my subconscious knew it too. By the time I let the air out of my lungs, the water glass had jumped from the table and shattered onto the floor in a shower of glass shards.
I just sat there trembling, watching my brother clean up the mess.
“Irene,” he called to me.
“I just can’t,” I got up, shaking my head in disbelief. “I didn’t ask for this.”
“You don’t have to be afraid,” he said, dumping the glass into the garbage. “I want to help.”
“You’ve given me two weeks to prepare for a complete upheaval of my life, Dylan! How are you supposed to help me now?”
“I was only doing what Aunt Cressa thought was best—what mom wanted. I would have said something sooner, but your magic hadn’t showed up and I was hoping it wasn’t real.”
“You guys concealed my magic,” I paced around feeling the heat of anger rise up through me.
“Mom did,” he mumbled in reply.
“Because of the faeries, more specifically, some faerie prince who’s after me.”
“Pretty much.”
“Because I was born with a magical mark that faded and isn’t even there anymore.”
Dylan crossed his arms and nodded.
“And all this time—at least for the past three years—you knew my mate was coming to take me to his castle and you never said a word!”
By now, as I screamed at my brother for things that he wasn’t entirely responsible for, the wind was howling around the house. Tree branches had begun to snap free, and the leaves that had held on through October were flowing through the air like they’d been trapped in a whirlwind.
“I was only trying to keep mom’s wishes.”
“Did she not want me to become the lady?”
“She wanted you to be safe.”
I took a deep breath. “As a mortal?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
The house was a little brighter as the sun came peeking over the hills. There were shadows from the tree branches as they swayed above the windows. And there was a chill, an unexpected coolness sweeping through the home.
“Please, accept who you are. You don’t have to be afraid.”
But I was afraid. Tears swelled in my eyes as I started to tremble again. “Then this is my fate, huh? And I have no choice either way.”
“You do have a choice,” he came to me and gave me a look that reminded me of our father. “You can get your crown and stay there, you can get your crown and come home.”
“I can?”
“Or you can never go. But you’ll forever regret it. Visiting Frostmoor was the best experience of my life. I became who I was meant to be because I was willing to let it in.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Your mark will disappear, and another lady and lord will be born.”
“So, what I do affects Elliot?”
Dylan nodded.
I ran my fingers through my hair and exhaled.
“I’ll support you no matter what. Just promise me you’ll give him a chance. He’s a good man.”
“Yeah, I’ll try.”
Chapter Thirteen
My aunt had called early on Halloween morning to say how excited she was to meet an old friend. Dylan and I hadn’t spoken all week, and my sister was once again spending all her spare time with Caleb. After work, she left without a word. I watched her jump into his car and kiss him like she didn’t care what dangerous situations she was putting herself in.
I guess I was the same. Wanting to be near Cole no matter the risk.
Locking the doors, I turned off the front lights there alone in the bookstore. I wasn’t sure I’d be in the mood to wear my costume all day at work, but I loved my Alice dress. It was the only one I wore willingly.
Shadows from the street fell over the front shelves in the windows. I could hear the wind outside; a cold, wet wind of October that clung to the leaves and carried mist into the street. I collected the money and placed it into my shoulder bag, looked over the store once more in case I had forgotten anything, and then flipped the back light off. Now, with just the glow of the two nightlights at either side of the room, filled with woodsy scents to make the place smell appealing, I discovered many shadows. The shelves were full of books that I never truly took serious, ones I long admired, and now understood. I ran my fingers over the stones in the various displays near the incense and metal charms. It made me think of my—of the amulet. I wished I knew more about it, but it was Cole’s now.
I let out a sigh.
Lost in thought, the sound of a soft clang rang in my ear just close enough to distract me from my own mind. I turned and saw a figure in the window—a man cloaked in black and taller than my brother. I neared the window, feeling a need, a strong desire to see the face of the person before me. I stepped with steady caution, though I found myself quick to know. The light was on, the street lit in a dome that steeped out from the front door. Those shimmering—yet ominous—green eyes of a man I barely knew shot straight through me.
“What do you want?” I begged.
“You know what I am now, don’t you?” Tristan pried with satisfaction. His grin was wicked and gave me chills. I agreed with a cautious nod.
“Why are you here?”
“I have a warning for you,” he spoke kindly, but that didn’t stop my heart from fluttering. “You’re meant for something great, something you can’t even imagine.”
“That’s not a warning,” I blurted. Tristan glanced to the sidewalk and waited patiently as a woman passed by. His eyes glowed—for a split second—as he addressed her form. I wondered if he was hungry. If he would go after her if he wasn’t already speaking with me. Then, the thought occurred, maybe he had already fed from her. Maybe he met her before I closed the booksto
re. His mystery, the mysteries of this new nature that seemed to engulf me, were piling high.
“People will try to use you,” he went on. Looking from under his brow, he took a step toward the door. “They want things from you.”
“And you do to,” I assumed.
His brow perked for a second. “I want to avoid another tragic end to the Lady of the Wild.”
“The story?”
“Oh, it’s quite real.” His eyes tightened over mine. “But you knew that.”
“I know a little.”
Tristan took another step toward the door as I thought of the entrancement. Quickly, I blinked, and my gaze landed on the street behind him.
“I’m not here to take advantage of you,” he lifted his chin. There was something noble about him, something that made me feel like I could trust him even though everyone told me not to.
“Why are you here?”
“I intend to protect you.” I almost couldn’t believe his words.
“From what?”
“From falling victim to other people’s messes.”
“And how do you expect to do that?”
“Perhaps I’ll take you to see that shore for real,” he grinned.
I started to shake my head, but as he pressed his hand to the glass of the door, I realized I was somewhat trapped inside. I had left my ring at home, the only thing I knew that could ward off a faerie and truly protect me. I glanced to the back door and then wondered how quick he could reach me if I ran.
“Be careful, love,” Tristan caught my attention. I could see that shimmer of light in his irises again, and I soon realized my hands were trembling. Well, my hands, my arms and my legs, really. “Your emotions only raise my own,” he warned.
I took a deep breath and let my nerves settle.
“That a girl.”
“What demons?” I asked him. He arched his brow. “You said there are demons searching for me. Who are they?”
“Dangerous creatures working at the will of a mad man,” his eyes trailed to the ground. In a second, his gaze lifted back to me and he had my heart fluttering all over again.
“What do you want from me?”
Tristan grinned as his eyes took me in. I watched him look over my face, my shoulders, down my arms. Then his gaze landed square in the center of my chest and I realized what he was doing.
“I don’t have it.”
“Have what?”
“The amulet.”
He looked disappointed, but in a serious, I’m dangerous, be careful, sort of way.
I stepped toward the door and said, “I did have it, but it wasn’t mine to keep.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Is that why you’re here? You came to retrieve it?”
Tristan huffed as he laughed off my words.
“If you had been here a month ago, you could have taken it right off my neck.” My words caught his attention with weight. “I would never have known what happened. Am I right?”
“I’m not as careless as you may think.”
“But you always get what you want, don’t you? I can see it in the way you look at me.”
Tristan took a step back and put his hands behind his back. “You presume a lot.”
“You could do anything you want, can’t you?”
Tristan’s demeanor was changing right before my eyes, and I was too mouthy to stop and notice.
“I bet the desires are overwhelming at times.”
He squinted, licking his lips in thought.
“I bet you’re unstoppable when you’re hungry.”
At once, Tristan had his hands on the glass and his eyes pinned to mine. It scared me enough that I jumped back a few steps, but his gaze kept me from running.
“You said you wouldn’t—”
“You obviously see me as a monster. I’m only entertaining the part.”
“Then let me leave,” I said, almost like I was begging. I couldn’t turn away from him, couldn’t move. “Please.”
Tristan exhaled, and for a brief second, I believe I saw him in doubt. His brow relaxed as his shoulders loosened. And when he lowered his eyes to the ground, I could feel his strength leave my body.
I took a couple of steps backward, trying to be quiet as I made my way to the back door. When I reached the register, I looked back, and he was gone.
I took a long steady breath and then I opened the old wooden door just an inch to see the alley. When I saw no one, I rushed toward my car. And just as I reached for the handle, he was there.
“Please, don’t hurt me,” I begged; fearful and breathy as I awaited his next move. My lip quivered, and the chills ran up over my shoulders and down my arms.
“You’re incredibly beautiful when you’re afraid,” he spoke as he studied my eyes. He reached to my hair and brushed the flowing pieces near my shoulder up over my collar. The slight touch of his fingers on my skin made me tremble, but they also brought another vision.
Standing in a clearing in a forest, I could hear two people laughing. As the vision became clearer, I saw Tristan, his back to me as he kissed a woman against a large, strangely colored tree. All of the trees were odd. Muted purples and pale blues, curling branches and leaves of white. I couldn’t see the woman, but I could feel her love.
The vision dissipated fast as Tristan snapped his fingers a few times to get my attention.
“Where did you go?” his eyes flicked over mine.
“Did you see it too?”
He scanned me with uncertainty.
“It was a forest, a wild place. You were there… with a woman. And you were in love.”
Tristan’s jaw tightened as I watched the rigidness from earlier come washing back over him. He sighed through his nose, and then he moved aside so that I could get into my car. As I took the handle, he made it clear what his intentions truly were. Slamming his hand on the door, he pinned me to the car. With his mouth to my ear, whispering through the strands of my hair with a voice deep and wistful, he warned, “Bring me the stone, or you’ll find out just how unstoppable I can be.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Tristan…,” I stumbled into Cole’s house gasping as I tried to catch my breath. “He was at the bookstore.”
Cole jumped up from the sofa and took me in his arms. He was warm, and I felt so safe. I hadn’t once thought to go anywhere else. I knew he could ease my frustration, my worry. He sat me down beside him as I tried to calm down.
Cole got up and brought me back a bottled water from his fridge.
“Are you alone?” I asked. The house was too quiet.
“My parents won’t be back until next week.”
“That’s right. And Lydia?”
“She’s at Scarlet’s party.” I had completely forgotten about the party. I thought about the costumes and the food, and then the thought of Tristan came rushing over me again.
“He wants the amulet.”
Cole shook his head. It was like there was no chance he would agree.
“He’ll hurt someone, I just know it.”
“Did he threaten you?”
“I mean, not directly, but yeah. Cole, he’s dangerous, you said so yourself.”
He nodded.
“He seemed so… decent. All of a sudden we were inches apart, his hands were in my hair—”
“Irene, please stop.” Cole got up and rubbed his face. He started to pace around the room as he took several deep breaths.
“What’s wrong?” I went to him and put my hands on his arms, but he pulled away.
“Don’t, I can hurt you,” he warned.
“But you won’t.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” he took a step back.
“I came here because I knew you would protect me from him.”
“I’m not your protector.”
“I didn’t mean that you were.”
Again, I tried to touch his arms or his hands, but he kept pulling away. And honestly, it was making me mad.
> “Why are you doing this?”
“I’m not stable right now.”
“But you were fine the other day.”
“It’s not about the hunger,” he crossed his arms around his body. “Tristan is more powerful than me, but all I want to do right now is hunt him down and kill him.”
“Kill him?”
“It’s the only way he’ll leave you alone.”
“There’s more to him, Cole. Killing someone isn’t who you are.”
Cole laughed at my words, and it made me wonder if he hadn’t already killed someone. I could only imagine what it was like to become something of a predator, a hunter. Killing was in his nature now. These thoughts made me wonder how strong Tristan truly was, and what he could do if he felt threatened or didn’t get what he wanted.
And then my body trembled a little, and Cole caught sight of it instantly.
A few orbs popped into sight, and I took a step back.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he spoke slow and clear. “I just…” he licked his lips as he stepped toward me. “I just want a sniff.”
I couldn’t move. It felt like my encounter with Tristan, but this time, there was something more powerful holding Cole and I together. And it looked like he wasn’t even trying. A few more orbs hit the air, but I felt a warmth wash over my body and bring me peace.
Cole reached out and twisted his fingers into my hair as he inhaled deeply and slowly. I wasn’t sure if this him feeding on me or not, but I did know he was under the spell of his nature as much as I was his prey.
The doorbell rang as the sounds of trick-or-treaters came to my ears. My heart fluttered for a second, but I couldn’t escape his gaze. I felt a little more afraid, and I think he felt it, too. I tried to step back, but I wasn’t in control. Within a blink of the eye, he reached for me, taking my wrists into his hands. I struggled, but he was too strong, and he pulled me close to his chest. Those little reddish orbs of light were everywhere.
“You don’t want this,” I pleaded, but he just grinned back at me. I tried to pull from his hands, but he held me tight. The longer I looked into his eyes, the more relaxed I felt. I wasn’t afraid anymore, I welcomed him close. Letting my hands lower, my body relax, I allowed Cole to pull me into his arms. Our bodies pressed together, and his lips caressed mine as they did days ago. It was like we fit together, as if we were made for one another.