by Bonnie Lamer
When the door pushes forward, it is not Taz who saunters in. It is Felix. On a leash. There is no one holding the other end, though. “Taz?” he grunts. “Who the hell is Taz, you twit brain? There is no Taz here.”
There are two reasons my mouth opens and then snaps shut, and does this repeatedly, for a full thirty seconds. First, Felix is not lying. He doesn’t even set off a flicker in my natural lie detecting ability. He has no idea who Taz even is. Second, he never, ever, speaks to me like this. He goes out of his way to be polite and kind in an effort to leave his awful past behind. “What is wrong with you?” I finally choke out.
A snarl curls the Tasmanian devil’s lip. “Nothing a trip back to my universe wouldn’t cure. Keeping me in this hell hole is crueler than any torture my master ever devised. At least she was honest about her desire to break me. You cover it up with niceties and ply me with food. I will never tell you her secrets. Ever.”
Tabitha comes hurrying into the room. “Sorry, little beast got away from me when I was trying to feed him. He bit me and took off. I figured he would come up here to cause trouble.” It is only now I notice the bandage wrapped around her finger with blood seeping through it.
“He bit you?” I repeat like an idiot.
“You seem to have trouble grasping the concept. Let me show you exactly what happened.” Felix is bounding toward the bed, teeth gnashing. In a flash, he is slumped on the floor in a pitiful heap and whimpering. He hit a solid wall of magic that I was too stunned to create. Kallen did it.
“Take him back downstairs and this time, do not lose him,” Kallen orders Tabitha. “We will be down in a minute.”
The older Fairy nods. Edging closer to the beast, Tabitha grabs his leash and tugs not so gently on it until Felix is forced to his feet. She drags him from the room.
For the second time in a minute and a half I am left stunned. First, that Felix tried to attack us, and second, that Tabitha did as Kallen ordered her to do. He didn’t ask her nicely, he told her to do something and she did it. Without once trying to smack him in the head. Though, she did give him a pretty nasty look before leaving the room. I am beginning to suspect that this day may be stranger than the last. Not only that, it seems my only ally in this strangeness is now missing. My heart clenches. I hope Taz is okay.
As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, Kallen asks, “Who is Taz?”
I shrug noncommittally. “Just another Familiar from my dream. Not sure really where the name came from,” I lie. It’s getting easier and I don’t like that.
Kallen wraps his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. “Thank goodness it was just a dream. The last thing we need is another Familiar from an alternate universe being left in our care.”
I feel the need to defend Felix. After all, my Felix has been nothing but loyal and kind. “He’s not so bad.”
Kallen makes a choking noise and stares down at me. “Just last night you were suggesting we have roasted leg of Tasmanian devil for dinner.”
“I was?” I am less concerned about the fact that I may have made such a comment, I make them about Taz all the time, than I am that Kallen has memories of conversations that we’ve never had. That’s plain disturbing.
Shaking his head, he smiles. “Your dream really has thrown you off.”
Yes, let’s go with that explanation. “It has.”
“Breakfast will help. Tabitha should have it finished by now.”
I glance at the clock on the wall and frown. It’s about two hours after the time Tabitha would normally have breakfast done. Regardless, I let Kallen lead me from the room and down the stairs. As we pass through the large living room on the way to the kitchen, I notice little things here and there that are different. Several paintings which normally adorn the walls are gone. Some knick-knacks are missing, replaced by others. Just little things, but enough of them that it is unlikely it would have happened overnight.
Seated at the kitchen island counter, we find Dagda drinking coffee and going over some papers. I have a smile ready for him, but it fades when he lifts his eyes to us. They are so filled with malice it takes my breath away. “Finally deigned to get out of bed, I see.”
“Good morning, Dagda,” Kallen says casually as he heads to the coffee pot and pours himself a cup. His tone is casual, but there is ice buried in his words. It puts me on edge. Kallen pours another cup of coffee and hands it to me. Frowning, I take it but immediately set it on the counter. I much prefer juice first thing in the morning and so does he. Normally. The fact that we are suddenly out of sync is so disconcerting, I don’t hear the conversation around me until there is a loud clearing of a throat. I turn to my biological father.
“Do I finally have your attention?” he snarls.
A vision of the future pops into my head. Not because I’m psychic. But because if he speaks to me in that tone again, I am going to use my magic to cover him in honey and then roll him around in the sand. If he’s lucky, I won’t leave him for the fire ants to devour. “Yes,” I say between gritted teeth. “You do.”
There is wariness in his eyes now, but Dagda pushes forward anyway. “You insist upon me coming here every morning to go over every decision I am to make for the day, yet every morning you insist upon making me wait. If you are so determined to make a mockery of me, why not simply take the crown for yourself? You essentially wear it behind closed doors already.”
Um. Yup, just ‘um’. I can’t think of any other reaction which is appropriate at the moment.
“You will take care with the tone you use when addressing my wife,” Kallen growls. He looks ready to kill the Fairy. I’ve seen this look on his face before, but this is the first time I believe he may actually do it.
Trying to clear the cobwebs spun out of complete and utter confusion taking over my brain, I shake my head. I need to go with the flow here. I need to try not to make too many waves until I figure out what is going on. Obviously, I woke up in a drastically different world than I did yesterday, but I can handle it. It seems likely that my typical response would be snarkiness, so I go with it. “Did Tana kick you out of the wrong side of the bed this morning?”
Dagda’s face turns a shade of red akin to that of a clown’s bulbous nose. “It is none of your business who shares my bed. However, I do not know this Tana you mention.”
He doesn’t know Tana? How can that be? Ah, it’s starting to make sense. That’s why Taz isn’t here. Tana created Taz as a twisted sort of revenge that ultimately backfired since having a Familiar can actually be useful at times. Not many times, but there are times. If she and Dagda never met and married, he wouldn’t have cheated on her when he seduced my mom and Tana would not have had reason to create a Familiar for me. Hence, no Taz in this strange world. My heart aches for the loss of him. I need to figure this all out so I can get the foulmouthed little beast back where he belongs. With me. Whether he is a pain in the butt or not most of the time, he is still one of my closest friends. Obviously, things are not this screwed up in the alternate universe if Felix was still created. How strange to think that universe is currently more normal than mine.
I wave my hand in the air as if it doesn’t matter. “Just a maid I saw you ogling,” I lie. Kallen gives me a strange look but lets the comment go. He knows I’m lying and he has no idea why, but he won’t call me out on it in front of Dagda.
There is a loud and annoyed sigh behind me. I turn to find Mom floating in the doorway. “Xandra, you promised he would not be here this late anymore. I have the right to roam the house freely and not have to worry about running into him.”
I want to cry. I want to rage at the cosmos. I can’t believe it. Mom is a spirit again. Which makes sense, I guess. Tana was the one who figured out that Mom and Dad’s bodies were still alive and well. If I end up stuck in this particular world, I am going to make sure I miraculously come to the same conclusion so I can fix this. For now, I need to address her concerns as she looks about to explode. Her making a scene will not help my c
urrent stress levels. “He’s leaving soon, Mom,” I promise even though I have no idea how long Kallen and I usually meet with the King. He could be here for hours yet.
Thinking of the King, I really hope I don’t end up stuck in this world. I like the relationship I have with Dagda in my world. I don’t want to boss him around, and I certainly don’t want us to go back to hating each other. Considering the malice and contempt in his eyes as he stares at me, I seriously doubt there will be any chance of fixing it, though. That is some deep hatred he is harboring for me. I wonder what I did, besides being born, to deserve it.
“See to it that he does,” Mom sniffs and floats back out of the kitchen.
“I will find a way to exorcise her,” Dagda mutters under his breath.
Nope, no chance whatsoever of us fixing the rift between us in this world. “How long has it been since I tossed you through a wall?” I ask sweetly.
Kallen chuckles behind me, but says, “We should get down to business. Hand them over.” He indicates the pile of papers in front of Dagda. For the next fifteen minutes, my husband and I go through them, vetoing this, agreeing to that, making notes on other things. Actually, Kallen does this. I simply agree since I have no idea what is going on in this realm currently, so I don’t really have an opinion. Considering how it goes unnoticed, I can’t help but wonder if I am this little help every day in their world. That’s discouraging for my future as Queen in my own world.
When we are finished, Kallen dismisses Dagda. Handing him the papers back, he growls, “Leave.”
My eyes widen in shock. Obviously, there is no love lost between them, but Kallen is never so gruff. Or rude. That’s my job. After Dagda gathers the papers and shuffles out the door, I turn to my husband. “You were kind of mean to him.”
Kallen’s brows shoot to the top of his forehead and for a second, he looks like he had really bad plastic surgery. “The Fairy tried to kill you, again, not three nights ago.”
Oh. That explains a lot. “I guess he deserved it then,” I admit sheepishly.
Cocking his head, Kallen assesses me. “You have been behaving oddly since we rose. Are you unwell?”
I’m beginning to think I am. Since I will not be saying that out loud, I go with, “I think I just need some fresh air. Maybe a walk on the beach.”
“I will come with you.” Good to know he is considerate toward me in every world. It makes me smile.
Still, I shake my head. “No, I just need a minute alone to clear my head.” And think about how I am going to stop this awful world jumping I am doing.
After another moment of studying me, Kallen finally nods. “Alright, but if you do not return soon, I will come looking for you. Dagda is likely to have Fairies on the lookout just waiting to catch you alone.”
More curious than afraid, I ask, “Do they have a chance against me?” Maybe I’m weaker in this world.
Kallen snorts. “No one has a chance against you, my love.” He pulls me into his arm and kisses me, making my heart glow. That glow is instantly doused by his next words. Pulling back, he says, “But the last Fairy who tried to assassinate you is still in a coma. I fear you will not be able to keep to your ‘no killing’ policy as the attacks grow in intensity.”
I gulp audibly. “Oh.”
His brow scrunching together, Kallen asks, “Had you forgotten?”
My eyes wide and round as Jupiter, I step back. “What? Forgot that I almost killed someone? No, of course not.” I back away from him. “Um, I’m going for that walk now. I’ll be back soon.” I turn and hurry from the room before he can argue.
Behind me, I hear Kallen say to someone, “Follow her. Make sure she is okay.” The true concern for my wellbeing in his voice more than makes up for him instructing someone to tail me. Who could it be, though? The only other Fairy I’ve seen was Tabitha. Surely she wouldn’t agree to something like that. The Tabitha I know would tell him what he could do with the whole idea. Then again, the Tabitha I know doesn’t exist here. Despite my curiosity over the matter, I don’t stop to find out. My need for fresh air is growing exponentially.
Mom is floating back and forth in the large living room and I groan aloud. She is waiting for me. With a stern lecture, no doubt, about Dagda being here too long this morning. A lecture I have no intention of listening to at the moment. “I’m going for a walk,” I say as I hurry past her.
Knowing a blow off when she hears one, she says, “I will accompany you.”
“No, I want to be alone,” I say in a tone which I hope will convey this is not up for debate.
“Xandra! Do not speak to me in such a way!” I guess my tone was not impressive, just irritating.
I try again. Narrowing my eyes, I take on the haughtiness Kallen had in his voice when addressing Dagda earlier. “I am going for a walk alone. We can talk when I get back.”
This time, she understands that I mean it. Taken aback by my rebuff, Mom huffs, “We certainly will.” But, she floats off in the opposite direction of the terrace doors. Thank goodness.
I step outside into the hot and blinding sun. I didn’t realize the morning was so warm already. Shielding my eyes, I look up and down the beach deciding which way to go. Remembering the path I took when I came across the talking crab, I decide to go the opposite way. Not that I think I’d run into the crab again, but the fewer things which make me think I’m crazy the better. I won’t go as far as Alita’s cottage, though. I still can’t face her knowing that Keelan is missing. I need to figure this out so Alita can have her son with her. And her husband.
It is Tabitha following me. I can sense her. She keeps a good distance between us and stays close to the tree line. I doubt it is so she can hide if I turn around. I suspect she is searching the forest for signs of Dagda’s men. I find it both sweet and insulting at the same time. If there is someone lurking in the trees, I am just as likely to sense it as she is, and I’ve proven on many occasions that I can take care of myself. Even in this world, apparently.
After that little speech in my head, I feel rather embarrassed when the flapping of wings near my head makes me jump. I swat at the bird flying too close. “Get away from me!”
“The girl has spirit and is long of arm, but to me she will cause no harm. Adroit and swift of wing, to the air I will cling while dazzling you with this bird’s many charms.”
Sighing loudly, I shake my head. “Not another rhyming creature. This really is a special kind of hell I’ve found myself in.”
8 Chapter
“Talking to yourself?” Tabitha calls from behind me. At least she knows she’s not being stealthy. She was just trying to give me some privacy.
Still, I don’t need a babysitter. I turn toward her. “You don’t need to follow me. I’m fine.”
“That last attack was a nasty one. Cannot hurt to have an ally close by if it happens again.”
I wish I could ask more about the attack. It must have been nasty if Kallen is so worried about me being out here alone. Tabitha would probably think it odd if I asked about it, though, since I was actually there when it happened. And I won. At least, a version of me was there and won.
“Sun sure is bright today,” Tabitha remarks, shielding her eyes. “Seems to be growing brighter by the second.”
Now that she mentions it, I realize it’s true. It is so bright, the light reflecting off the sand is actually hurting my eyes. My retinas are being permanently damaged, I’m certain of it. Shielding my own eyes, I point them toward the heavens. The sun is huge in the sky. I’ve never seen it appear so large. And it seems to be on fire. What the hell?
It doesn’t take me long to figure out that the sun is not on fire. Because that’s not the sun. Unless the sun is falling to earth at a gazillion miles per hour. Nope, that is something else entirely.
“Xandra!!” Kallen’s shout reaches me over the sound of the growing waves. He is barreling toward us. I have never seen him run so fast.
Grabbing Tabitha’s hand as I pass, I drag her alon
g with me to meet him. When we are close enough, I shout, “I know. I see it!” He came to warn us. A lot of good that will do, unfortunately.
Engulfing me in his arms, Kallen crushes his lips to mine. “I love you,” he manages after a minute. “For eternity.”
“I love you, too.” I press my lips to his again. I know I should try to stop it. I know I should be working a spell. But, I couldn’t stop a tsunami. The likelihood of me stopping a meteor the size of the sun falling to earth is too inconsequential to even think about. Okay, it’s probably not the size of the sun. But, I’ve seen enough disaster movies over the years to know that a meteor this size is going to wipe out the entire planet. Or, at least, our portion of it.
So, I am not going to waste my time on a spell. I am going to kiss my husband for the final few seconds we have before everything is gone.
9 Chapter
The feel of Kallen’s legs tangled with mine is so delicious, I can’t help but snuggle closer and press my lips to his smooth skin even before opening my eyes. My hands wander over his muscled body, my arousal growing with every touch. I will never tire of touching him, of waking up next to him. He is forever mine.
Turning toward me, Kallen purrs softly, “Good morning, my love.” He kisses me with a promise as to how good the morning is about to become.
When I do finally open my eyes, Kallen is the only thing I see. I am so wrapped up in the pleasure of being with him, making love to him, no other thought penetrates my mind. It is only after that thoughts finally begin to creep in. Meteors, Dagda, talking birds. I can’t help a soft groan, but it is not in pleasure this time.
“What is it?” Kallen asks with a furrowed brow. He is holding my naked body close to his and is tracing invisible circles on my back. This usually calms me, but not now.
“What do you remember of yesterday?” I ask.
With a confused chuckle, he says, “I remember all of yesterday. Why do you ask such an odd question?”