by Cree Storm
“I don’t know everything you’ve been through, Shadow, but I know that you can’t keep it all bottled up inside. You have to let it out or it will only fester,” Deja softly stated.
Sighing heavily, Shadow replied, “I know, and I want to try. I just don’t know how. There’s a lot inside me and I don’t know what to do with it.”
“Can I ask what it is?” Deja asked, lifting up and looking at Shadow in concern. “York said that mates want to protect, help, love, and cherish each other. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s going on.”
Pulling Deja into a tight hug, Shadow kissed him lightly, then softly started to talk. “I grew up in a loving family. My younger brother and I were the best of friends. That all changed when my father discovered I was gay. He not only kicked me out of the house, but he called a hunt out on me. When he caught me, he and others attacked. My father gave me what he thought was the killing blow. I don’t know how long I lay there when a man, the shaman of his tribe, found me and took me to his tribe. He healed me and took me in. Just as I thought I finally belonged, he told me of a vision he had and that I had to leave the tribe. I argued, but he said that there was no going against the gods and I was forced out.”
“Oh, Shadow, that had to be so hard. Two families rejecting you. I’m so sorry,” Deja whispered, lightly kissing his chest.
Licking his lips, Shadow continued, “I kind of hardened myself after all of that. I was alone, starving, cold… so I joined one war after another. Every time I thought I could get close to someone they would die. So many lives just gone. One second laughing and joking and the next… bloody and dead. It wasn’t until Savage came to me and asked me to join his SEAL team that I found where I thought I belonged in life. However, I still kept my team at arm’s length, or more. I couldn’t… I just…”
“You couldn’t take the chance that they would cast you out, or die like the others,” Deja stated in understanding.
“Exactly. However, I realized something when I had my meltdown. Snake, Wade, Bullseye, Flyer, Radar, Six… they… they really are my family. They are my brothers and if I ever need anything, they will always be there for me. I realized I can’t keep existing. I need to live again, and I want to do that with you, Songbird,” Shadow explained.
“How long were you in the military?” Deja asked thoughtfully.
“I’m two hundred and I was in the military since I was twenty-eight. So that would be one hundred seventy-eight years or so,” Shadow replied
Deja gasped, but didn’t say anything. Shadow started to get nervous. Did his mate regret their coming together? Did he…
Deja smacked Shadow on the chest, and chastised, “Stop that! I don’t know what the hell you’re thinking but stop it. I just needed a moment to figure out how to say what it is I need to say without you thinking I was trying to push you into something you might not want to do.”
“I’m sorry, Songbird. When you didn’t say anything, I thought you might regret allowing me to claim you,” Shadow admitted.
Deja gasped and sat up, his eyes wide. “I will never regret our mating, Shadow. Nothing in the world would make me regret joining our lives. I was trying to find a way to suggest that maybe counseling might help. I’m here to help in any way I can, but maybe, if you talked with someone who can help with PTSD… maybe… I know it would be hard for you, but there are others suffering with the same condition, and you’ve been through so much, Shadow. Just serving our country in a human life is hard… you served for multiple human lives. Knowing you aren’t alone, and it doesn’t make you weak… I just think that professional help would heal you, and they can’t tell anyone what it is you talked about.”
Shadow thought about what his mate was saying, talking to people he knew was hard enough, but talking to someone he didn’t know? Then again, he could say things he wouldn’t normally tell anyone else for fear of judgement. “I’ll think about it.”
Deja sighed. “That’s all I’m asking.”
Shadow didn’t remember the last time he felt this content. Just lying there holding his mate, brought a serenity to him like never before. It was such a strong feeling he knew it wasn’t just him feeling this way. “Songbird, do you have some kind of paranormal within you?”
Deja scoffed, “No. I mean, I don’t have the strength thing like Lon and Casius and I don’t smell things from far away, and I definitely don’t shift into an animal.”
“I was thinking maybe you have some diluted pixie or elf in you, or something,” Shadow replied.
Shadow felt his mate shrug. “I couldn’t tell you if I did. I was found on the streets by my gypsy tribe when I was two. I don’t have any memories of a mother and father other than the ones who raised me. Casius and Lon and Vano took care of me for as long as I can remember.”
“I wonder if Destrain might be able to tell.” Feeling Deja tense, Shadow quickly said, “It isn’t a problem, Songbird, but it might answer what happened when I claimed you. Even if you aren’t, it would be nice to understand what’s going on. I’m not explaining it well, Deja. My gut is just telling me that we should find out what that claiming was all about.”
Shadow watched as Deja turned and picked up the landline phone. He pressed a button then said, “Jagger, can you get a hold of Destrain and ask if Shadow and I could see him? We need… oh he is? Cool, we’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Once Deja hung up, he turned and scooted off the bed. “What are you doing, mate?”
Deja turned saying, “Getting cleaned up and dressed. Destrain is downstairs in the club and he is waiting for us to go and talk to him. Get your sexy ass up, so we can get those answers. Maybe the guys are still around and we can get in some practice sessions too. We have a heck of a show planned for this weekend. And I’m starving. I could really go for those tamales Blake made.”
Shadow slid his legs off the bed and grabbed his pants, then shoved his legs in, and stood to fasten them up. “Oh about your performance the other night. It was wonderful, but I have one request.”
Deja pulled on his spandex style leggings with the mesh panel accents and hot-pink crop tee. Then slipped on a matching pair of dance sneakers. “What request is that?”
Shadow felt his mouth go bone-dry as he panted. Son of a bitch, his mate was fucking hot. The outfit he wore left nothing to the imagination. It was so form fitting and… “Do you not have a longer t-shirt? How about the one you wore earlier?”
Deja tilted his head and Shadow could see the man’s confusion. Taking a step towards his mate, Shadow rasped, “Fuck, you’re so damn sexy. That...” Shadow motioned to Deja’s outfit, “outlines every part of your delectable body, Songbird. I don’t like that others can practically see what is mine and mine alone.”
Deja’s eyes fluttered as he gave Shadow a come-hither look. “But just think about this. Everyone might think they know, but you are the only one who can be sure of what I have to offer, and you can unwrap me every time just to make sure.”
Shadow followed his mate down the few steps to the main room, picking up his shoes and shirt as they went. Once he finished dressing, he grabbed Deja and lifted him into his arms, pressing his back to the elevator wall once again when then entered. “Fine, but no more slithering your body around another. I almost killed your dance partner for touching what is mine.”
Deja held onto Shadow’s shoulders. “I’ll see what I can do.”
CHAPTER 13
Deja had no idea when Shadow had hit the down button. One second he and his mate were in a passionate kiss with Shadow’s hands gripping his ass cheeks, and the next, whoops and whistles were bringing that kiss to an end.
Shadow slowly lowered Deja and made sure he was steady, then took his hand. Deja was surprised to see all of Shadow’s team were still at the club as were his brothers, and it seemed that Vano was in a heated argument with Bullseye. “What’s going on?”
“Wade and his men are just getting out of a meeting of some sort,” Lon replied, taking a sip of hi
s beer.
Deja looked over towards Vano and Bullseye. He could see Bullseye taking Vano into his arms, but Vano remaining stiff. “What’s going on with Bullseye and Vano?”
Lon looked towards the two men, then back at Deja. “They’re dating. Don’t worry, I’m watching them. We don’t want a repeat like before.”
Deja nibbled on his lip, then looked to his mate. “What kind of guy is Bullseye?”
Shrugging, Shadow replied, “Loyal, funny, dependable...”
“Okay, but does he have a temper?” Deja asked.
Shaking his head, Shadow replied. “Not unless you are someone he’s hunting. Otherwise, he’s pretty laid back.”
“Deja. Shadow,” Jagger called out.
Smiling at his brother, Deja said, “We’ll be back in a minute.”
Lon nodded and sipped his beer, not saying anything.
Deja was nervous. He had met Destrain a couple of times, but it still was kind of nerve-wracking knowing you were about to talk to a king. Deja never knew if he should curtsy, or what name to call the guy.
“Songbird, calm down. It’s going to be alright,” Shadow insisted.
Shaking his head, Deja quietly said, “I get nervous when I have to talk to the king. I don’t know how to act or what to do.”
“Be yourself, Deja. I may be king, but I am king of the pixies and you are not a… holy shit!” Destrain gasped.
Jagger looked at Deja and his eyes went huge. “I thought your kind were dead.”
Deja looked at Shadow in confusion and his mate was looking at him in the same manner.
Destrain stood from the chair he had been sitting in, and said, “My gods, I can’t believe it. I should have known. The magic in your voice. The way your body moves on the stage… I should have seen it.”
“Seen what? I don’t understand. What’s wrong with me?” Deja asked fearfully.
Jagger gave a wide smile. “Nothing is wrong with you, Deja. It’s just that your kind was thought to be extinct.”
“My kind?” Deja asked, his eyes going wide.
Shadow must have finally run out of patience and growled as he said, “Look, just spit it out already. What the hell are you two talking about?”
Destrain walked up to Deja and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You are a nymph, Deja.”
Shaking his head, Deja asked, “What the heck is that?”
Destrain indicated for the two men to sit. Once they were all comfortable, Destrain explained. “In the old days… before the Shuite War, the nymph was a merry tribe of paranormals. They lived in the forest and were beloved by all paranormal and the gods themselves.”
“All paranormals except the Satyrs,” Jagger stated in disgust.
Nodding, Destrain replied, “Very true, Jagger.” Then turning his attention back to Deja and Shadow, Destrain explained, “The nymphs were known for their entertainment and internal healing abilities. Your kind spoke to our souls through song and dance. Nymphs were revered.”
“If they were revered, then why would they have been extinct?” Shadow asked.
Sighing heavily, Destrain explained, “Because of the Satyrs. During the Shuite War, the dragons and phoenix were so into destroying each other, that all they had protected for so long were left vulnerable. It’s why I took my own people to another realm, and the elves and some others did the same. However, the nymph have no real magic outside of their voice and movement, and therefore they were left at the mercy of the gods. The satyrs invaded the nymph lands and slaughtered them all. It was for this reason that those that could go to another realm did so, quickly.”
“So, how is it I didn’t know I was different? How did Jagger not know I was a nymph until now?” Deja asked.
“Because a nymph doesn’t come into most of their paranormal traits until after they have intercourse. Once mated, all traits come forward,” Jagger answered.
Deja looked at Destrain. “If that’s so, how would you have known what I was before Shadow and I mated?”
“To be honest, your features should have told me immediately who and what you are. I don’t want to offend you Deja, but you are very feminine. It’s one of the most telling features of a nymph. It’s why in mythology they always said that nymphs were women. Your hair and the slight pointiness of your ears. All are indicators I should have recognized. Maybe it is just the fact that I really thought your kind was eradicated so long ago. I hope you and your mate choose to continue your line,” Destrain stated with a smile.
“Whoa! Whoa! Now wait a minute. What the hell do you mean continue his line?” Shadow asked gruffly.
Destrain simply replied, “Nymphs have always been male and therefore the gods have given them the ability to bear children. It was their way to continue in time.”
Shadow looked at Deja, looking petrified. “I love you, Deja, but I’m just starting to get my shit together. Maybe later… I don’t know… I just…”
Deja cupped his mate’s cheek and smiled. “I’m not ready for that either, Shadow. I guess we have to invest in a shit ton of condoms.”
“I hate that we have to do that,” Shadow muttered.
Jagger quickly said, “Actually, if I remember correctly, there was something nymphs used as a form of birth control. Destrain, do you remember what it was?”
“Oranges. Nymphs that were mated ate oranges every morning,” Destrain replied thoughtfully.
Deja looked at Jagger. “I need to tell Blake to order a truck load of the damn things.”
Jagger laughed. “I will make sure you get a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice every morning for breakfast, Deja.”
“Thanks,” Deja replied.
“Can I ask, why your parents never told you who you are?” Destrain asked.
Shrugging, Deja explained about being found on the streets at the age of two and how he ended up with his gypsy tribe. Destrain shook his head, then stated, “Well, I can only say that I offer my guards for your protection.”
“I am Deja’s protection!” Shadow snarled, uncaring that he was speaking to the king of pixies.
Nodding, Destrain replied, “Yes, Shadow. However, you cannot be with Deja every hour of every day, and although I suspect their must be more nymphs in our world, they must still be at extinction level, and as such, Deja needs to be protected at all times.”
Deja stood holding up his hands in defense, “Whoa, now wait a damn minute. I will not be made to feel like a prisoner. I appreciate your offer, Destrain, but I don’t want a shit ton of bodyguards around me like I’m some type of royalty. No offense. I’ve done pretty well in my twenty-five years without having some loon trying to kidnap or kill me.”
Destrain sighed, “Yes, Deja, but that was before you mated. Now that you have, other paranormals will come and it could become far more dangerous for you.”
“I don’t understand any of this. Are you saying I can’t perform anymore? Are you saying I have to give up a dream I’ve had for as long as I can remember? Wait! What about Shadow? Does this mean his life is danger now too?” Deja gasped, then turned to his mate. “I’m so sorry I didn’t know. Gods, Shadow, I don’t want you…”
Shadow stood and took Deja into his arms. Deja felt his anxiety lowering with each stroke of Shadow’s hand down his back. “Hey, calm down. No one is going to get hurt or killed. Don’t forget, even if I am a shifter, I’m also a soldier. I will never let anything happen to you.”
“Deja, allow me explain the differences from prior to your mating to now. Your voice and dance have always drawn people to you. Although, before you were mated it was kind of muted, it will now be like a megaphone to a person’s mind and soul. Your song brings thoughts and feeling into a person’s mind that they would normally hold back. By doing this you allow them to face their hidden fears and tragedies. It allows others to heal from the inside. Your songs will also bring hope to those that need it. If they feel lonely, you will bring them a sense of kinship and allow them to understand that there are others around they can count o
n to be there,” Destrain explained.
Deja listened as the king continued to speak. “Where you didn’t put off any indicators of your paranormal heritage before, now you have an energy that surrounds you and it will be felt. No one will get hurt from this energy. Only by acting on what they are feeling can cause them harm. People will be drawn in more than usual.”
“You mean like that guy who attacked me on stage?” Deja asked.
Nodding, Destrain replied, “Kind of, yes. I can teach you to control this energy, but you will always have it. You already know about the ability to become pregnant. What you don’t know is that when you mated you passed part of your magic to your mate. Shadow has always been a strong shifter and soldier, however, he will find that some of his abilities will increase as well. It is the gods way of keeping you safe.”
“Which abilities?” Shadow asked.
Shrugging Destrain replied, “That I can’t tell you. It was always different for nymph mates. Some barely saw a change. Others, well, they might find they can scent better, or see better. Almost like what happened with Nick and Jagger when they mated. It can be one ability or many. That is determined by the gods themselves. I would think because of the fact of Deja’s bloodline being one of the few to have survived the slaughter of so many, the gods would want to protect Deja far more so than what would have been done in the past.”
“Why? And how can you be so sure there are others like me out there?” Deja asked.
Destrain smiled. “Like I told you before, nymphs were not just revered by paranormals. They were cherished, looked after, and esteemed by the gods themselves. Dionysus, Hermes, and many other gods and goddesses, would often call upon the nymphs’ services. It is said that Artemis herself mourned for years after the slaughter of your people. And I believe there must be others, because you are twenty-five, Deja. You had to be born by someone who is also nymph, and if your father survived, then it can only mean that other nymphs must have as well. It is something I shall have to discuss with the council.”