He pulled up to his two-bedroom ranch-style house. He and Tony had painted the place just last year, so it was in decent shape. The furniture was a bit outdated, but he kept it clean—and why was he thinking of these things when he’d never cared what a woman thought of his place before?
He pulled the keys from the ignition and exited the Jeep, waiting for Theda to do the same. He closed the car door behind her and headed to the stoop, unlocking the front door. “You hungry?” he asked as he walked inside.
Theda removed her hat, her blond hair tumbling down her back in a thick braid.
Alex’s breath caught, choking off oxygen. Blonde, she was just a blonde—nothing out of the ordinary. But her pale beauty mixed with that steely strength he’d glimpsed had an odd effect on him.
He shook it off. She didn’t need some guy ogling her; she needed a warm, safe place to stay for the night.
She peered down, and her lips pressed together before softening back into a pretty heart shape. “I am a bit hungry.”
He’d found her in a shed. Who knew when she’d last eaten? And Alex had the instinctive urge to feed and protect her—this girl he didn’t know. Which bothered him.
He’d always been good to women, even the ones he wasn’t interested in. But he’d never felt a reflexive need to care for someone who wasn’t his family.
Theda was unusually pretty, but there were plenty of attractive women around, and he’d dated many of them. Theda was fair, which wasn’t as common in these parts, but that wasn’t it either, because Alex had never preferred blondes to brunettes. He liked a pretty face as much as the next guy, but what had always kept him coming back for more was humor, kindness, and warmth—which he hadn’t yet found in one person. It was also why he had never dated anyone long-term. And why he’d never experienced instant attraction.
The things he admired you couldn’t see. They ran beneath the surface.
But with Theda, a woman he’d just met, he found his heart jumping around, pumping faster with every little flicker of her eyes or subtle movement of her hands. It was bugging the crap out of him.
He jerked off his work jacket and threw it on a hook by the door. He was helping a woman in need. Nothing out of the ordinary about that. He had to get out of his own head.
“Have a seat at the table and I’ll make you something.” He toed off his work boots and made his way to the fridge, pulling out bread and other ingredients.
She walked over and sat tentatively at the table.
“Turkey okay?” he asked.
Her eyes widened, then she nodded. God, he hoped she wasn’t a vegetarian. The Rosaleses were big meat eaters. He had no idea how to prepare vegetarian food, but he could certainly buy her whatever ingredients she needed to fix her own. Something to worry about later.
He poured her a glass of milk and set it in front of her.
“Thank you,” she said, tracking his movements, sending heat wherever her gaze touched his body. She seemed pretty fascinated by a guy making her a sandwich.
What jerks hadn’t made her food before?
Not his problem. He shouldn’t be worrying about how other men had treated her…though if she’d been mistreated, that was something to consider. How would he get her help if he didn’t know why she was hiding in his shed? He needed to figure that out first.
“So, Theda,” he said, slathering mayo and mustard on a slice of bread and loading it with turkey, cheese, and lettuce. “You said there’s no one you can go to, but you didn’t say why you left. I don’t want to intrude, but I think you should tell me what happened. I might be able to get you help.”
Theda shifted in her seat, her gaze dropping to her lap. “I would rather not talk about it.”
Alex paused, the butter knife suspended in his hand. “Was it that bad?” She didn’t look beaten, but abuse could be hidden…
She must have heard something in his voice, because she looked up. “I was not physically hurt, if that is what you are asking.”
He studied her face for a moment and decided she was telling him the truth. He continued making her a sandwich, and prepared one for himself as well. Not much of a dinner, but he was starved, and too tired to make anything more elaborate. “If it wasn’t physical abuse, then did someone threaten you?” He placed the sandwich and plate in front of her.
She smiled her thanks and thumbed the napkin he’d given her. Her mouth turned down as she took a moment to respond. “They—wanted to control my life. In a way I did not wish.”
Alex stretched his neck, tension building behind his shoulder blades. “Was it a guy? Was he trying to force you to…”
Her brow puckered. “No, not like that. It is difficult to explain. My family wanted me to do something that would cage me. Something that would have taken away my freedom, such as it was. If I hadn’t left, it would have been forced on me.”
Alex sat in the chair next to her and bit into his sandwich, chewing woodenly as he considered her words. Was she from one of those religious groups where they made young women marry older men and work from sunup to sundown? Jesus, he’d read too many of Leti’s—secretly Tony’s—rag magazines. This wasn’t daytime television. At least, he hoped not.
Theda didn’t seem to be in imminent danger, but he didn’t like what she’d told him, or the tension around her pretty mouth. That mouth told a story all of its own. Pretty, resolute, and infinitely kissable.
Kissable? Dammit, what was his problem? She was his guest, not a one-night stand.
Theda took a delicate bite of her food. She was being vague. Intentionally so. She didn’t want to talk about where she’d come from, that much was clear, but eventually she would need to tell him. At least she’d shared some of her ordeal. Enough for Alex to know that she felt she’d had no choice except to leave.
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” What was he saying? Her past could bring him all sorts of trouble. And he had no right offering her a place to live. He didn’t own this home; his boss did.
Alex rented his place below market value from Old Bob. The same was true of Tony and his wife, and Alex’s father. They all lived on the land for low rent in exchange for running the farm. They made a decent living on top of that, but Old Bob liked having them on site in case of an emergency.
Old Bob was a nosy old goat, though. He’d have something to say if he discovered Alex had moved someone in without checking with him first. Which meant his boss couldn’t find out about Theda until Alex had a chance to talk to him.
“Maybe stay close to the house on this part of the farm. You know, for your safety.” And so Old Bob doesn’t see you.
He must be tired; he wasn’t himself—harboring runaways who could get him in trouble.
Theda brightened. “Yes, that would be best. It is most kind of you to allow me to stay. And to prepare food.” She studied his face as though she’d never seen anyone like him before.
If she were any other woman, he’d think she was coming on to him. But Theda looked at him with true admiration, not as a means to seduce.
This girl was dangerous to his low-key existence. The quicker he got her help, the faster things could return to normal.
He finished off the last bite of his sandwich and stood, turning his back to her. “No problem.”
And it wouldn’t be. Alex would talk to Old Bob about Theda tomorrow morning. Then he’d figure out a way to help her and move her safely on her way.
4
Theda folded the soft white shirt Alex had lent her last night to sleep in, and placed it on top of the dresser. He’d even given her his bedroom for the night and slept on the couch because the other room in the house contained only a desk and chair. Alex had no notion of her roots, yet he’d been a complete gentleman, treating her like a princess more than her own fiancé ever had.
In her land, men did not cater to women; women catered to men. But Alex had prepared a meal just as a servant might. Perhaps these humans were different from the ones her people had
studied? Or maybe humans had simply been observed through the eyes of male Fae—who hadn’t noticed such kindnesses.
Fae were not normally abusive to women, but neither was a woman viewed as an equal. A woman who wasn’t clever never rose above the role of breeder unless she possessed strong magical powers. But even then, she was still used for procreation to ensure her powers lived on. Women weren’t allowed to lead soldiers, and very few became advisors. This was changing, but a long history meant a long memory of how things had always been done. Millennia-long habits were difficult to extinguish.
Theda was a part of the royal family and allowed privileges because of it, but she didn’t possess aggressive powers. She wasn’t much more than a breeder. But maybe in this land—where a man like Alex had found no shame in catering to her—Theda could become more than she’d ever hoped in her realm. She could build a life for herself on her own terms and earn the respect of both women and men.
It was more than she’d imagined possible when she’d entered the portal and left her home. For the first time since she’d arrived, a small smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.
She slipped outside Alex’s bedroom to the water closet he called a bathroom. Though she trusted Alex thus far, she was too nervous to use the shower. Instead, she removed her clothes and sponged off, then put her clothes back on and cleaned her teeth with the new toothbrush Alex had given her.
She took a deep breath and re-entered the hallway, taking in the sketches along the walls. They were of the landscape she’d run past as she made her way to this property—farm and animals and sunsets—all beautifully rendered. Somehow the emotion pouring off these images gave her hope. Hope for a better future. Though she still had to figure out how to survive in this world. She couldn’t live with Alex forever. Sadness filled her at the thought. Which was silly. Of course she couldn’t live with him forever. But he was kind, and she would miss that.
The smell of cooking meat and bread filled the room as she entered the kitchen and silently sat at the table. A plate and fork, as well as a glass filled with something orange, had been set out. Alex stood with his back to her, wearing thick blue pants like the ones he’d worn last night and a clean, fitted white shirt that stopped just above the large muscles on his tanned arms. She stared at his trim waist and the muscles in his back moving beneath his shirt as he worked over the stove, then glanced away, mentally scolding herself.
No wonder Fae had been tempted throughout history to make love to humans, siring the half-bloods known as Halven. She found herself more tempted by Alex’s physical appearance than she’d ever been by the Fae men she’d known. But then, Fae men had always treated her as a possession, while Alex had treated her like a person. Now that she no longer feared for her life, she was able to notice how handsome he was. But not so handsome that she’d risk more than friendship.
When born, Halven were the most unfortunate creatures, kept on Earth and never allowed in the Fae realm. They weren’t tolerated by her kind, and neither were the Fae who produced them. Unless it was a male Fae who sired the child—then her people overlooked his indiscretions.
Over the years, a few males of noble blood had created Halven without punishment, though the children were never formally recognized. In fact, she’d known of at least one instance where the child had been slaughtered like an animal.
Barbaric.
Theda had never agreed with this treatment of Halven. Perhaps it was her connection with animals and the common spirit she saw in all living things. Killing wasn’t something she wished to do in her long lifetime.
Alex began to hum, his deep voice sending a rush of heat down her chest. The tone of his voice, the way his body moved around the kitchen, his kindness—all of it had a powerful effect on her.
She shook her head. He’d offered his home, and she couldn’t stop staring. Maybe she was more ready for marriage than she’d thought. Perhaps her father would let her return and marry a man of her choosing…? But no, that was why she’d left. Her father wouldn’t budge on whom she married. To marry was to doom herself.
“Good morning,” she said, to let him know she was there. “Did you create the drawings along the walls?”
Alex turned quickly. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you slip in.” He glanced down the hallway. “Those are old. I don’t sketch much anymore. How did you sleep?”
“Better than in the small room.”
A vee formed between his dark eyebrows. “You mean my tool shed? Yeah, I would think you’d be happier in a bed.” He shook his head, looking unhappy. “No more sleeping in sheds, Theda. You’ll stay here until you get back on your feet. Agreed?”
It was a kind offer she couldn’t afford to pass up. Alex’s home on the large farm was isolated, and the perfect place to hide out while she determined her next move. “Agreed.”
“Good. How about some bacon and eggs?”
She had no idea what bacon was, but eggs she loved. “Sounds wonderful.”
Alex carried over a pan and scooped scrambled eggs onto her plate. He set it back on the stove and grabbed a dish with strips of meat above thin paper, the grease soaking through. He forked two strips onto her plate and dished out some for himself. He glanced around the counter and picked up a platter with a cover on top. He set it in the middle of the table. “Toast.”
The scent of warm bread and grease filled her nose, making her stomach rumble. She’d eaten very little these last few days, aside from the sandwich Alex had made her last night. This was her first proper meal.
Theda waited for him to finish putting dishes in the sink before she touched the food, but her belly rumbled again.
He sat, scanning her. “Dig in. You don’t need to wait for me.” He scooped a large forkful of eggs and shoved it in his mouth. Once he swallowed, he bit off a piece of the meat and chewed, watching her.
Theda took a small bite of the strange meat, and decided it tasted like herm, a type of stout animal raised for food back home. She preferred to not eat meat, because she spoke with animals. Eating what one considered to be a friend wasn’t the most appetizing. But here she’d eat what was provided and be grateful.
They chewed in silence for a minute or two, until Alex began to drum his fingers on the table. “Theda, have you thought about what I asked last night? About where you came from? I know it’s not a comfortable subject, but I want to help. It would be easier if I knew more about your past. Or pretty much anything about you. Are you in danger? Should we reach out to the police?”
“The authorities? Please do not.” She kept her tone even, but inside her heart raced. The human authorities were the first place her father would send men. Most Fae in the Earth realm lived on the Dawson University campus secretly owned by her kind, but there were others spread throughout the human realm, and many were connected to the authorities and other high-ranking positions.
“You said when I found you that you weren’t in trouble with the police…”
“I am not, but they also cannot help me.”
He scratched his head, looking perplexed. “So there’s no family or friends you can go to, and the police can’t help… Did you have a job?”
A knock sounded at the front door and Theda looked over, thankful for the interruption, but also wary. It could be anyone—including a palace guard in search of her.
A pretty, dark-haired woman with a baby in her arms waved in the window, a bright smile on her face.
Theda’s shoulders loosened. This woman was no Fae, though she seemed to take in every detail of Theda and Alex at the table.
Alex groaned and set down his toast. “I spared you from my family as long as possible, but they’ve arrived. I’ve got to let my sister-in-law in. I’d like to continue our conversation later, if that’s okay?”
Theda didn’t answer, because she couldn’t lie and she couldn’t tell him the truth. Anything she shared about her past put her or Alex in danger.
5
Theda stood as Alex opened the door. The wo
man who’d peeked in the window stepped inside with a baby in her arms and a small puppy at her feet.
“Alex,” she said in a tone that was more of a scold than a greeting. She peered over at Theda. “Hi, I’m Leti.”
Alex leaned down and kissed the top of the baby’s head. “Theda, this is Leti and my nephew Mateo.”
Theda blinked. She’d never seen a man show this kind of affection for a child. Plenty of Fae spent time with their children, and the young ones were very well cared for, but open displays of affection weren’t common. She liked this warm side of Alex.
Yet another characteristic to admire about him.
“Nice to meet you,” Leti said with a genuine smile.
“Sis, Theda is staying here while she figures some things out. I’ve gotta go to work. Do you mind helping her—uhh…” Alex glanced over.
“I could use different clothes,” Theda suggested. Her court clothes would have stood out dramatically on Earth, but her commoner clothes did not blend in either. Both Alex and Leti wore the same type of dark blue pants in the thick fabric, along with casual tops. Theda wanted to look like a human.
“Of course,” Leti said, scanning Theda. Her brows pinched together, and Theda felt every inch of how much her clothes stood out. The other woman plastered on a smile that was soft with kindness. Though she darted a look at Alex, which Alex ignored.
He grabbed his beige jacket and tied on his boots. “Okay, then. I’m off. You’ll be all right?” he asked Theda. “Remember what I said about staying here?”
He’d said he didn’t think it was a good idea for her to wander far right away, and with that she was in full agreement. She had no desire to draw attention to herself. “Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for the breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled, and Theda’s heart stopped in her chest. It whooshed back to life the second Alex stepped out the door.
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