“With my life,” I answered before disconnecting the call. I watched the birds chirp and fly around in the afternoon sun as my mind raced with a million different thoughts. I had no idea how Willa would react to this piece of news, and I vowed to keep it from her as long as I could. My phone buzzed again, and when I saw that it was Willa’s mother I answered right away.
I told her everything that had happened since coming here, and she sounded relieved. I tried to caution her, but she said that any sign of Willa not hurting herself was good enough in her book. We also discussed Cormac being turned into a vampire, and she flatly refused to hear my arguments on the subject. After going around and around in circles we finally agreed to disagree, and I made her promise to call me when she could.
I turned around and almost stumbled when I saw her glide down the stairs in Katya’s white nightgown. She looked so beautiful that she almost took my breath away. When she opened the slider door and came out on the deck, I watched her anxiously. It was the first time she had been outside in days, and I didn’t know if she could handle being surrounded by the elements just yet.
“Where are we?” she asked. I was surprised that she was even interested or aware that we were somewhere foreign. I almost breathed out a sigh of relief because she sounded normal.
“We are just north of Estes Park in Colorado,” I answered
“It’s beautiful here,” she said before taking a deep breath. “I’m assuming this is Robert and Katya’s secret cabin?”
“Yes, this is their little hideaway,” I answered. I was surprised she remembered the slight reference that Robert had made a few weeks ago.
“I’m hungry,” she announced. “I feel like a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Do we have any hamburger and cheese?”
“That’s funny, you don’t look like a big fat juicy cheeseburger,” I said jokingly before I could stop myself. I wanted to hit my head on the wooden floor. She probably wasn’t up for joking just yet. What the hell was I thinking?
“Ha, ha,” she smiled and I returned it with my own. “I feel like eating a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Better Mr. English teacher?”
“Much better,” I said. “Yes, we have meat and cheese. Do you want me to fire up the grill?”
“If you want,” she said. “I’m sure I can do it quicker but I’m sick of playing dragon.”
“You’re a very beautiful dragon though,” I said gallantly
“That’s the best you could come up with Wolfie?” she retorted before walking into the house. I looked at her almost in shock. She was back, I thought hopefully, maybe not fully but there was a spark of the old Willa that I loved so much shining thru in her eyes.
I gave her a crooked smile when she turned back and grinned at me briefly before hurrying into the kitchen.
Chapter Thirteen
I walked into the small kitchen and searched around for the ingredients to make hamburgers. I knew that I had caught Mathias off guard. I could tell by his expression that he had been trying to be cautious when I walked out on the deck to join him. His little joke had been a slip of the tongue. I knew that he was cursing himself the minute it came out of his mouth.
I don’t think he’ll ever know how much that small, insignificant jest made me feel so happy. After days of being trapped in my own mind, any sense of normalcy was a gift. I tried to piece together everything that had happened the last few days, but it was all so foggy. It also brought me to a place I never wanted to revisit again. I knew I had to go over it though so I could move on with my recovery.
The problem was though I wasn’t sure if I was ever fully going to recover from my ordeal.
I remembered being in so much pain that I wanted to kill myself. I begged and pleaded, but no one heard me. The last straw had been when my grandmother had tried to cast a healing spell on me. The fairy nectar had been like liquid poison in my veins. The spell had only magnified the agony a million times more than I could’ve imagined.
The second Mathias had picked me up in his arms everything seemed to dim around me. I wasn’t pain free, but I was able finally to allow myself to drift into unconsciousness. I didn’t have to worry about Jeremiah or anyone else trying to fix me.
The only thing I had to focus on was my own wellbeing. Unfortunately, nothing made sense to me. The second I thought I was finding my way back; something else would pull me back under into my own personal hell. I constantly felt like I was swimming in murky water where every so often a scary obstruction would pop up in front of me.
I had been aware of a few things in the here and now. I remembered that I hadn’t wanted Mathias to see me on the toilet. No matter how fucked I was, I would never allow that to happen. I knew I was probably acting stupid. Mathias could hear me going pee from five miles away, but I still had some sense of self preservation.
I had a vague recollection of being hungry, and I had tried to get some food in my system but after Mathias had bathed me memories started to flood my mind. After that, I didn’t remember too much. I was aware that the only time I felt any peace was in the bathtub. I tried to sleep, but I would unconsciously call to the elements and even though I knew it freaked Mathias out, their presence did not alarm me but made me feel better.
I had to release them from my body. They were trying to let me acclimate to my new powers, but it was all so much right now. I needed to make an effort every day to play around with them. I knew how ridiculous that sounded. I also was perfectly aware that I referred to them as a human being but in a way they were. Their power was lifelike, and I knew with absolute certainty that they were trying to be careful and not overwhelm me.
If anyone had said these things to me a month ago I would’ve responded with, ‘Say what? Are you on crack?’ But it was the only way I knew how to describe what I was going through. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that it wasn’t so much as nature’s energy that was making me believe that they were human but my great-grandfather. After all, he had held their awesome power for thousands of years.
I wasn’t exactly sure, but I think he was still tied to them in some way. It would explain his appearance to me in the cave, and it would also make sense because the forces of nature didn’t have rational thoughts of being careful. My great grandfather did and even though the thought that there was some essence of him inside me creeped me out, I also felt comforted by that.
When I woke this morning, it was the first time that I was aware of my surroundings. I had turned on my side, and there was Mathias sleeping soundly next to me. I had pretty much clung to him, even in my sleep, and my hand that held his arm loosened as I looked at him. His beautiful eyes were shut, and his ridiculously long eyelashes twitched in his sleep. I had wondered what he was dreaming about, and I hoped it was something happy.
When he opened his eyes suddenly, I had almost pushed away from him because the thought of touching someone made me shrink in fear. It wasn’t that I didn’t want someone’s touch. It was that I felt almost unworthy. My skin still crawled, and I knew that I had tried to claw my own skin in an attempt to release some of the powers that coursed through my body like a racecar.
I was ashamed of how I acted but when Mathias didn’t shy away from me or try to reach out I felt surprisingly brave and curious. I needed to feel him. It wasn’t a want but an absolute need. I had traced his face slowly, and it wasn’t until I reached his lips did an idea occur to me. Mathias could drink my blood and maybe get rid of some of the pain.
I knew he didn’t want to feed off of me. He had tried to get away from me, but I wouldn’t let him leave. I had to make him drink from me. He resisted, but I knew he wanted me. The moment his lips touched my neck a feeling of longing stirred inside of me. When his fangs pierced my skin and started drinking, I moaned with happiness and desire. I could feel the achiness and pain leave my body. The remnants of the fairy nectar and healing spell left my body, and I finally broke through the surface of the murky dark water and into the light.
I wan
ted to talk to him, but my whole body relaxed and I felt myself slipping into a deep and restful sleep. I didn’t fight the slumber that took over me. I knew that I hadn’t slept in days, and I needed to embrace whatever chance I could so I could get my energy back. I had woken up and had been amazed that my thoughts were clear. I still felt the elements everywhere around me, but it wasn’t completely unmanageable.
I went to the bathroom and had brushed my teeth twice because it felt like something had died in my mouth. I came out feeling refreshed and went in search of Mathias. As I walked down the stairs I spied him on the back deck, and the view took my breath away.
The cabin sat perched in a large meadow that was bursting with spring wildflowers. A tall hill was directly behind the structure and beyond that were majestic mountains that still had snowcapped peaks. The scenery was stunning, and it made me feel safe for some reason. I knew that we were miles away from anyone and that was oddly comforting.
I looked around the roomy but cozy cabin and knew that this was Robert and Katya’s hideaway. When I had broken Mathias out of jail, Robert had found us instantly on Mathias’s island. He had mentioned that if we needed a place to hide to use his place in the mountains.
I was appreciative of his offer now more than ever. There was no way we could’ve stayed on the Isle of Skye or Mathias’s island. There was way too much magic there for me right now. I didn’t even know if I would ever be able to make it back there, but I still had a job to do and that was to kill Lord Fonn and probably Lord Cual as well.
I didn’t want to commit any violence against anyone. After being on top of the mountain, I now had more respect for human life than I did before. It’s not that I was a bloodthirsty killer but when you hear the sounds of life being created as well as dying you had a whole new perspective and a healthy appreciation for any being.
I said that, but I knew in my heart that I would still kill any Rau that threatened me or my family and if Fonn and Cual continued pursuing their objective then I would have no choice but to end their lives. I wasn’t fearful of them any longer. I knew in my soul that I could take them out and hang their dead bodies up to dry. I also had my concerns about after what would happen when this was over. I had a plan forming in my mind, and I hoped that Mathias would agree with me.
Patcoena said I had the power to bring peace and harmony to each realm. I also had the power to vanquish the Rau and maybe, just maybe, help the Gypsy’s finally have a normal life. I knew that there would always be a danger but if I could make it so they could take a vacation and leave the island every once and while if they wanted too then that was worth it to me.
The only way I could do that is if I beat Fonn and Cual and hunted the Rau to extinction. I was pretty sure Mathias would freak out if I suggested it to him right now, so I decided to keep this on the down low for the time being.
I rummaged around the kitchen and smiled when I saw all the fresh veggies and meat. I had no idea when he left to go pick up supplies but after checking out the small pantry and seeing all the canned food I knew he must have gone out right when we arrived. It was just another reason I loved him. He knew that I would refuse anything in a can even if I were cuckoo for cocoa puffs.
I looked up when I heard the slider open, and the smell of charcoal burning made my stomach growl. Mathias grinned when he heard it and joined me in the kitchen.
“Hungry?” he asked
“I’m starving,” I answered. “Thank you for picking up fresh food.”
“I figured you were liable to go even crazier if I tried to give you a bowl of Chef Boyardee,” he said
My smile dimmed when he made a remark about my insanity. He briefly shut his eyes in disgust.
“I’m sorry. That remark was uncalled for,” he said
“No, you’re right,” I said. “I would’ve totally gone postal.”
He started pacing around the small kitchen with his hands in his pockets. I watched him almost amused. Mathias looked uncomfortable, and I rarely saw him act this way.
“I don’t know what to say to you,” he said finally. “I don’t know if I should act normal and joke around or if I should be tender and caring.”
“Do you know how to be tender and caring?” I asked. “I think I would pay to see that.”
“See?” he asked. “If I said I only act this way when you lose your mind, I’m not sure how you will react. Will you find it funny or will you be offended that I brought it up?”
“I don’t know, Mathias,” I said after a few seconds. “I think if anyone else had said that I would find it funny, but you’re different. I don’t even know who I am anymore or if I’ll ever be the same and I hate it so much. You deserve someone perfect, not someone whose soul feels shattered into a million pieces.”
Mathias walked over to stand right in front of me. I breathed in his spicy scent, and my stomach twirled. Just having him close to me made me feel alive again.
“I’m not sure where you came up with the idea that I deserve to be with someone perfect but if there is any such person out there it’s you. You’re perfect for me in every way shape or form. I will never let you go away from me willingly ever again.”
I bit my lip to stop from crying. I can see he was sincere, but there was still that part of me that I had left in Fairlia that doubted his words. I was afraid that when he saw me control all these new powers he would have second thoughts.
“Don’t you dare insult me by questioning my feelings,” he whispered furiously
Shit, I thought. My block on my thoughts had been down, and he heard every word I was thinking.
“I could care less Willa if you are the most powerful being in the world,” he said. “You are mine and when I look at you I don’t think of you as anything but beautiful, stubborn, and courageous.”
“I don’t feel beautiful,” I said. “I feel like an alien is underneath my skin waiting to crawl out and rip me apart.”
Mathias looked thoughtful for a minute. “What color is this alien? Is she blue like Mystique from X-Men?”
I cocked my eyebrow at him and tried not to smile. “Yes, Mathias, I have a beautiful statuesque mutant underneath my skin just waiting to get out.”
“I still like you better,” he said
“Well, you better because you’re stuck with me.”
“Yes and that is my cross to bear,” he answered. “Are those burgers ready yet woman?”
I rolled my eyes at him before handing him the platter of burgers. I guess something’s would never change, no matter how much of a freak I became, and that thought made me deliriously happy.
We sat outside and ate in silence. I was glad that Mathias didn’t want to have some in depth talk while I was eating my double cheeseburger. I was way too busy enjoying my dinner. I knew that he was not going to wait forever, and as we finished up our meal I took a long sip of my glass of water before speaking.
“When we arrived in the Fire realm, and Patcoena told me that Summer had a vision of two guides helping us, I was pissed. I knew you would’ve been furious at the change of plans, and when I saw Jeremiah running to me, I felt joy and then fear. I realized it might be dangerous, but God help me I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.”
“Jeremiah told me Machall had come and fetched him from bed and that fear turned to anger. Machall showed up, and we had a little skirmish before he let me see his soul.”
“Excuse me?” Mathias asked in a low voice
“I saw his pain, and I felt his suffering,” I said. “I knew I had to be weary because he has the power to plant images in one’s mind, but nobody could fake that amount of agony.”
“You’re sure?”
“He had a mate Mathias,” I said. “She was a Fae that the Rau decided to turn into a vampire. They fell in love and were going to get married. When Fonn told Machall of his plan, he decided to turn him in for treason and that’s when Fonn and Sabine kidnapped Beatrice, wiped her memories of him and sent her out of Fairlia into th
e human realm.”
“He wants you to find Beatrice,” Mathias stated rather than asked. I smiled. Trust Mathias to get right to the point.
“Yes, he does,” I answered. “That’s why he initially wanted to help me, but I have to be honest we grew close in that short time. Not just me and Machall but all four of us. You can’t go through something like that without forming a deep bond. He helped me when I needed him too, and I will always be grateful.”
“Fine but just don’t expect me to have a beer with him anytime soon,” Mathias said
“I didn’t even know that you drank beer,” I said before shaking my head. “We found the cave and the whole experience was so weird. I felt like Luke Skywalker, you know? ‘The Empire Strikes Back’? He finds Yoda to train him and right before he leaves he goes into the cave. Yoda tells him he’s not ready, but Luke goes anyway…”
“Willa I’ve seen the movie,” Mathias interrupted
“Right, sorry,” I said. “So there I was being pinned to the wall with fire burning into every part of my body when he came to me.”
“Who came to you?”
“My great grandfather,” I answered. “The ghost of my great grandfather I should say. He said that I was brave and that I could survive this but mostly he talked in riddles. He said that I had to embrace the darkness before I could step into the light and all that good stuff. I was in so much pain I wanted to curl up on the floor and die. I even forgot who I was for a second.”
“After that we travelled to the Earth realm where we overheard a conversation with Machall and Lord Braonan,” I continued. “I think he can be convinced to fight for our side and that’s very good news. Between two Fae Lords, both my grandmothers and myself I believe that we can win this war.”
Mathias stared at me and didn’t respond. “What?” I asked
“Nothing,” he said. “What happened next?”
“O.M.G. is what happened next.” I smiled. “We went to Woodlia and met Polly’s parents.”
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 82