The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  “Where did you get this?” I asked as I opened the passenger door and sank down on the black leather seat.

  “I thought it would be fun to drive around instead of flying,” he explained before driving out of the parking lot. I could barely even talk. This car was the same model of vehicle that we had driven across country in many months ago when we first met. I was besieged with memories as he pulled into traffic.

  “I can’t believe you did this,” I said in wonder.

  “I thought the next few days we would drive around a bit,” he said. “Take a couple of mini road trips.”

  I kept a big smile on my face for the rest of the day. After a big lunch, we drove around Boulder and checked out the beautiful mountain city. I looked at people in wonder as they went about their day. I saw couples holding hands as they strolled around and laughed together. I chuckled at the group of teenagers that were roaring with laughter when one of their buddies tripped and fell down.

  I was delighted with the number of families that were out enjoying the beautiful day. I spied the most adorable little girl all decked out in a princess costume, and I tried to ignore the ticking of my internal clock that seemed to get louder and louder the more babies and children I saw. I had no idea where this longing was coming from all of a sudden. I had made peace with the fact that the likelihood of me becoming a mother was about zero percent, but I was still a woman deep down that would’ve liked a shot at it maybe.

  I felt Mathias’s hand on mine, and I squeezed it tightly. I would never in a million years give up being with Mathias just for the possibility of maybe having a child. I did however think that when this was all over that I may look into options. I certainly had neither the time nor energy right now but maybe in fifty years or so.

  I was looking out the car window drowsily a few hours later while we were on our way home when I noticed a sign on the highway. I straightened up right away.

  “Take the next exit,” I said

  “Why?” Mathias asked. “Our exit is up one more.”

  “I know, but Wal-Mart is on this one coming up, and I need to go and pick up a few things there.”

  “Willa, please do not make me go to…”

  “Oh, shush it and pull over.” I said. Mathias sighed and got off the highway. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat inside. I did need a few things, but I just wanted to introduce Mathias to Wally World.

  We parked in Wal-Mart’s crowded parking lot, and I almost had to drag him through the door. As I got a cart I almost laughed seeing him standing there looking lost by the front door.

  “Oh for goodness sake Wolfie,” I said. “You can charge right into a fight with dozens of vampires but going into a Wal-Mart freaks you out?”

  “Don’t say things like that in public,” he hissed

  “It’s Wal-Mart Mathias, believe me there are far crazier things that are being said in this store right now.”

  Mathias had followed behind me for about five minutes before he announced he was going to look for batteries. I waved him away and continued my shopping. I hadn’t been inside an American box store in months and every aisle I went down I found something that I needed or had missed while being over in England.

  An hour later I headed to the check out and looked around for Mathias. I groaned when I realized he must be waiting on one of the benches up front. When I didn’t see him, I started to get slightly annoyed. Wal-Mart is the worst place to lose someone. I was just about to go aisle by aisle when I saw him pushing a cart that was overflowing.

  I started laughing hysterically the closer he got to me. I received several looks by other shoppers but when Mathias pulled up to me a woman laughed.

  “I think your husband has more in his cart then you,” she observed

  “I know,” I replied smiling. “And to think he didn’t want to come here. It was like pulling teeth.”

  “That’s what they all say honey,” she said before walking away

  “So it looks like you found a few things,” I said

  “Look at this,” he said excitedly digging through his cart and pulling out a package of razors. “Do you know how much these would cost at home?”

  “Considering your hair grows at a much slower pace the family pack ought to last you five years.” I said before peeking in his cart. “What do you need all these batteries for?”

  “You can never have too many batteries Willa,” he said seriously

  “Who are you and what have you done to my Mathias?” I asked

  Mathias rolled his eyes, and I followed him to the checkout. The cashier seemed completely enamored with him. I wasn’t sure if it was the British accent or just the fact he was so damn sexy as he grinned and joked around with her.

  “We really should stop and pick up some groceries at the market,” he said as we pulled out of the parking lot

  “Let’s see, clothes shopping, a trip to Wal-Mart and now groceries at the market?” I gaped at him. “This is almost too much for me to handle.”

  We spent an hour strolling through the grocery store and throwing food in our cart. The easiness of it all struck me funny. I pretended that we were just a normal couple that had been out shopping for the day. I was so lost in my little fantasy world as we drove home that when Mathias’s phone rang I jumped in surprise. He looked at it quickly before setting it back down in the console.

  “Who is it?” I asked curiously

  Mathias went quiet, and I knew right away who was calling. I picked up the phone and recognized my mother’s number. I took a deep breath before I set it down and stared out the window. My good mood had evaporated.

  “She just wants to hear your voice Willa,” he said

  “I know,” I answered. “I’m just not ready. I don’t want to have to get into everything right now. I just want to forget for a few days. Is that so wrong? Am I a horrible daughter?”

  “No,” he answered. “But she loves you and it’s killing her not knowing. I don’t even think you have to tell her anything. All she wants is to hear that you’re alive and well.”

  “I’ll call her in a few days,” I finally said. “I promise.”

  We drove up to the cabin and dragged our bags inside. We both looked at the mountain of purchases and let out identical sighs.

  “You put the clothes away and I’ll do the groceries and Wal-Mart stuff,” I said

  An hour later we sat outside on the back deck with a glass of wine and a small platter of appetizers. Mathias lit a fire in the small fire pit, and we sat outside for hours talking about nothing in particular. Later when we went to bed that night, I snuggled under his arm and drifted off to sleep. My last thought was how happy I was and how I wished we could stay here forever.

  Over the next week, we relaxed and drove around the countryside. One day we even ventured into Wyoming, and I could tell Mathias’s fascination with cowboys had tripled. Those days were probably the best times of my life. I got to know a side to him that I never dreamed lay underneath the hard exterior. I also became increasingly aware almost every minute of the day that I was horribly attracted to him now more than ever.

  He had been a complete gentleman the entire time we had been at the cabin. The only affection he showed was holding my hand or hugging me tight in bed. He wouldn’t even feed off my neck. I could tell he was getting hungry one afternoon and had offered him a drink. He surprised me by reaching for my wrist and proceeded to drink from me in a businesslike manner.

  I knew he was holding back for me and I while appreciated it, there was a part of me that just wanted him to slam me up against the wall and have wild sex.

  I was sitting in the meadow in front of the cabin one day practicing with the elements when a paper airplane flew towards me. I opened it up and giggled.

  “Will you go out to dinner with me tonight?” I read. “Aww and you even drew big boxes next to yes, no or maybe, how six grade of you,” I called out

  I grabbed a stick and poked a hole in the yes box. I stood up and calle
d upon the air to lightly give it back to where he was standing on the front porch. He smiled when he read my note and went back inside. I made my way up to the cabin and heard the shower running. I grabbed a water bottle and was taking a sip when Mathias’s phone rang.

  I walked over to the table and when I saw my mother’s number I mentally steeled myself before picking it up and saying hello.

  “Willa?” she asked. “Oh sweetheart, it’s so good to hear your voice. I’ve been going crazy here…oh not crazy, but you know…”

  “It’s cool Mom,” I said. “I have no problem with any references to insanity. I’m an expert now.”

  “How are you?” she asked anxiously. I took a deep breath and started telling her my story and everything that happened. I tried to make it sound as casual as possible, but every so often she would cry out upset. I glossed over some of the other parts, like almost killing myself because frankly it wasn’t something I wanted to tell anyone except Mathias and my mother would only freak out even more.

  “Oh Willa,” she said after a long pause. “I don’t even know what to say. You were so brave doing what you did, but I have to admit though I do not want you to use those powers ever again.”

  I laughed. “It’s not something I can suppress mom.”

  “I realize that but I think the best thing is for you to focus on getting your mind and body healthy,” she said

  “I’m trying,” I answered

  “Do you think?” she started to ask before starting again. “Do you think you will ever come home?”

  “I don’t have a choice,” I said. “This war is not going to wait forever. Lord Fonn and Lord Cual will try to make a play to overthrow Sidra and to do that they want me. Well, me and my powers.”

  “But they don’t know you’re the Fae Sanctity,” she said. “They never have to know. We can make sure they think that you looked for the weapons and couldn’t find them. They’ll leave us alone if they think you’re of no use to them.”

  “I wish it was that easy,” I said sadly

  “It is Willa,” she cried. “I can’t lose you. You’re all I have.”

  “That’s not true,” I said. “You have dad.”

  She was so quiet I almost thought the call disconnected. I heard her blowing her nose, and I instantly went on high alert.

  “Mom,” I said. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing Willa,” she answered tearfully. “I just miss you.”

  “I miss you too,” I replied. “Hey is dad right there? I want to say hi.”

  “He’s not,” she said. “I know he’ll be upset he missed talking to you.”

  “Well, tell him to call me anytime.”

  “I will,” she said. We talked for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. I felt Mathias near me, and I smiled as he wrapped his arms around me.

  “I’m sure Cecily is very happy now,” he said

  “Yeah, I’m glad I answered and talked to her.” I said. “It was weird though. I think she’s upset about something else, but she wouldn’t tell me.”

  “Well I’m sure there’s a lot going on right now,” Mathias said casually

  “My dad wasn’t with her,” I said. “I wish I got to talk to him.”

  “Next time,” Mathias said. “So are you going to get ready? I believe we have a date. I have the paperwork that says so.”

  “I didn’t know a paper airplane note was legally binding.”

  “Move your ass princess,” he said before smacking me on the rear

  “That’s sexual harassment,” I said

  “Is it?” he asked. “Forgive me your highness if I offended you or your ass”

  “I can only hope you’ll offend it even more later on this evening,” I flirted. The second I said it his eyes darkened and time seem to stand still. My heart raced as we stared at each intently. I licked my lips as I thought about him kissing me.

  “Get dressed,” he said. I nodded before practically floating upstairs. I was so getting lucky tonight, I thought to myself and laughed under my breath.

  I wish I could’ve known that the day would’ve been my last before my world fell apart. I would’ve enjoyed it more. I would’ve dragged Mathias to the ground right then and made love to him. I had been so blissfully unaware of everything but myself lately. I would soon learn what it was like to lose something more precious than anything in the world.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mathias drove slowly to Boulder. He had grabbed my hand when he started driving and hadn’t let go of it since then. Every part of me was screaming with anticipation. The air between us was electric. I almost told him to turn back a hundred times, but I knew we had to go into town. Mathias wanted to drop off the car at the dealership. I was going to be sad to see it go, but the time had come to start focusing on bigger things.

  I had to start preparing myself to go home, and I also needed to do some small spells using my new powers. I knew that I would have no problem with the spell casting part, but the idea of being around so many magical people made me fearful.

  We dropped off the rental car, and the sales person was kind enough to give us a ride back to the open air mall area where we went shopping. Mathias led me into a busy steakhouse, and I was surprised when we were shown a table right away.

  “You made reservations and everything?” I asked as I opened my menu

  “No,” he said. “I slipped the hostess a donation for her shoe fund.”

  I smiled and perused the menu offerings. Mathias ordered a bottle of white wine, and we both ordered steak and salad. I held out my glass after he poured us both some wine.

  “I propose a toast to the most amazing vampire boyfriend on the face on the earth.” I smiled

  “I told you not to say things like that in public,” he muttered

  I rolled my eyes at him and started to flip him off before I caught myself. He grinned at me mockingly. He knew what I was going to do but I had stopped myself.

  “Did you know that since we came here you don’t swear as much?” he asked

  “Wow, I didn’t notice that,” I replied. “Just think when I tell my mother that it took me going crazy to stop cursing every five minutes.”

  “I’m sure she will be overjoyed,” he said dryly

  “Yup, halle-fucking-lujah,” I muttered

  We ate our dinner and joked around with each other the rest of the night. When we finally left the restaurant, I was pleasantly full and content. Mathias guided me to an alleyway and tapped his back playfully but I stopped myself from climbing on top. Instead, I walked away and started chanting under my breath.

  “Willa, no,” Mathias started to say but it was too late. I had opened a portal to the meadow by the cabin. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or out of control. My whole body sang with happiness that I was finally using my powers.

  “Are you coming?” I asked as I walked thru the portal. Mathias jumped in behind me, and I grabbed his hand to pull him close. My heart was pounding at his nearness, but there was something I had to say.

  “I have to tell you something,” I said. “I love you. I know I had said it before I left to go off power hunting in Fairlia, but I wanted you to know how much I truly, deeply love you. I find it funny because I feel like I’m in love three different people sometimes.”

  “Excuse me?” he asked as his brow furrowed

  “I love the Mathias on the island that has a big stick up his ass. I love the sexy and insatiable lover, and I love the easygoing, caring man that I’ve been with these last few weeks. I know that the future is uncertain, but the only thing I am positive about is the fact that I will love you until my last dying breath. Of course, I don’t think I can die now, so you’re stuck with me for the long haul which is like forever.”

  “No,” I said putting my finger up to his mouth so I could silence him. “I don’t want you to say anything. I don’t want to have some in depth discussion about our feelings. I just want you to get naked because honestly I am primed and ready right now f
or sex.”

  “As you wish,” Mathias murmured before lowering his mouth to mine. I sighed as his lips touched mine. It had felt like it had been years instead of a few short weeks. The slow pace of our kissing soon turned fast and furious. I ripped his jacket and shirt off and threw it to the ground. He peeled off my dress with the same impatience, and we started running our hands all over each other’s naked bodies.

  I felt my body being laid on the flower strewn grass, and I raked my nails down his back. His growl only intensified my impatience. I had no desire for foreplay. There would be plenty of time for that later, but Mathias was in no rush. His lips trailed down my neck and to my breasts that were suddenly begging for his touch. He lavishly suckled and nipped each one before continuing further down to my stomach.

  I grabbed a handful of hair as he went lower, and when his tongue started to swirl on my inner thigh my eyes rolled back in my head. He sank his fangs into my flesh at the same moment he thrust his finger deep inside of me. I cried out as waves of pleasure came over me. It went on and on for what seemed like hours until he finally lifted his head and covered my lips with his once more.

  Again we were lost in a kiss that was so intense it almost took my breath away. I kept running my fingers through his hair trying to deepen our kiss more if that was possible. Our tongues danced, and our lips were crushed together so firmly that I was sure I would wake up with swollen lips in the morning. His hands were molded to my breasts, and I arched my back as another orgasm ripped through me.

  We both froze when a ringing of the phone broke through our haze. I looked into Mathias’s eyes and begged him not to answer. When he grabbed it out of his pants, which had been thrown to the ground, I laughed as he hit the power button off, and the ringing ceased. I decided to take advantage of the situation, and I rolled on top of him.

  I kissed him with everything I had before I positioned myself on top of his swollen cock. I let out a moan as I took him inside of me. The sensation was incredible, and I had to take a few seconds to adjust to his size. I slowly started to move around and up and down. I tried to go faster, but Mathias held my hips to try and get me to slow my pace. I couldn’t stop though. My only goal was his and my pleasure. I could feel the crescendo build and when I heard him groan I knew he was close.