Elixir of Eve: The Keepers, Book One - A Fae Series

by Alex Temples

  My eyes met his and I badly wanted to understand the emotion I saw there.

  I nodded. “I’ve never wanted anything more than I want you right now.”

  At my words, he gave a sigh of relief, kissing my neck as he slid gently into me, pausing to gauge my reaction.

  I sucked in a breath as pleasure screamed through my veins. I was ready for him. Seeing I was comfortable with his size, he thrust the rest of the way, burying himself to the hilt. His groan echoed off the rock walls around us and was met with my own moan of pleasure.

  He scooped me off the rock, and my legs went around his waist. Wrapping my arms around his neck I inhaled his musky, spicy scent.

  He grasped my hips and began moving me up and down.

  I writhed and moaned. Seeking some leverage, he walked me to the stone wall until my back was pressed against it.

  The cold stone contrasted with the hot tangle of sensations he was creating within me. The sounds of our lovemaking filled the air and I knew there was nothing I could do to contain myself. My moans filled the air around us. I surrendered fully to him, letting the walls come down around me for the first time in my life.

  Here, in this place, with this man, I suddenly experienced the feeling I’d been seeking. He was meant to be. This was meant to be. There was something between us, something beyond this world.

  Aiden must have felt it too, because his rhythm slowed. He looked up and when his eyes met mine they were filled with wonder.

  He didn’t know what it was either, I realized with surprise.

  I’d assumed it was something magical, something he would explain to me.

  He moved slower now, pulling me down on top of him ever so slowly, letting me feel every inch of him as me made love.

  Yes. I like it like this. I said it in my head, but suddenly his eyes shot to my face and he tilted his head.

  You like it slow like this? He asked.

  I nodded my head and he gaped at me in shock. That was when I realized we weren’t speaking out loud. We could hear each other’s thoughts.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Evrei

  “I told you to leave him unharmed, Gethin!” Evrei slammed the book he’d been reading down on the table with a force that reverberated throughout the room.

  He felt the Keepers recoil at his anger and shuddered. If only there were a way to block them out entirely.

  Gethin stood in the corner of the room, head held high. His cool eyes appraised Evrei. “No, my lord. You merely said I couldn’t kill him.”

  Evrei replayed their last conversation in his head, realizing Gethin was correct. He’d have to be more specific in the future. The dark fae was just barely under his control, and grudgingly so. First the murdered keeper, now this.

  “You murdered twelve of their soliders.” Evrei said, his jaw tense.

  “Yes, my men did take some of their soldiers, it was critical that we put up a fight, or they would have realized they were on the wrong trail.”

  Gethin sat down, sinking into one of the gothic armchairs and throwing his feet on the dining table.

  Evrei sighed.

  He was right. Without bloodshed, the light court wouldn’t believe the Keepers were being held in the Netherealms. At least the boys were safe.

  “What is your interest in those boys?” Gethin asked curiously, considering Evrei carefully.

  Evrei felt his face darken as rage bubbled to the surface. He raked a hand through his hair and rubbed at his jaw, which was now covered in a few days growth. The gray stubble was rough against his hand. His blue eyes darkened, a flicker of warning in them.

  Gethin raised his hands in surrender.

  “Fine, it is none of my business. I do have other news to share with you.” He added, a gleam in his eye.

  Evrei tilted his head, interest creeping into his expression. He walked to the table and sat down.

  “What sort of news?” He asked

  Gethin grinned.

  Evrei’s eyes narrowed with impatience.

  The dark fae sat patiently, clearly enjoying the suspense. He rubbed his hands together slowly, studying Evrei before replying.

  “The other boy may be up to something more interesting than I previously thought. He has a woman with him, and I believe there’s something unusual about her.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Oh my god.” I gasped, paralyzed with uncertainty at the realization that we could read each other’s minds.

  Aiden lifted me and carried me back to the rock. He pulled me into his chest, giving me a comforting squeeze.

  “Shhh, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I’ll explain it to you. It’s a normal ability for someone part fae.” His voice was soothing. He ran his hands through my hair, caressing my back and shoulders.

  I felt the pounding in my chest diminish.

  Are you okay now? He asked gently, entering my consciousness.

  I swallowed, unsettled by the foreign sensation and pulled back enough to stare up at his face. His eyes were serious, his concern apparent.

  I did a mental inventory of my insides. I was shaken, but I felt fine. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, cocking an eyebrow in a devilish mien. Reaching out with sure fingers, I caressed the side of his face.

  I’m fine, and I don’t remember telling you to stop.

  Aiden laughed, a deep rumble. He captured my hand and kissed my palm. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and mimicked my gesture, caressing the side of my face. You are so beautiful, so strong. You are unlike any mortal I’ve ever met.

  That’s because I’m not a mortal. I thought back, teasingly. You said so yourself.

  He laughed. No. You aren’t, are you? He scooped me up and carried me to a grassy spot nearby, laying me down before settling next to me.

  I’d had enough of him being in charge. Before he could protest, I sat up, pushed him back on the grass and mounted him, grinning with delight at his groan.

  It was my turn. He grabbed hold of my hips. I swatted his hands away, reveling in my newfound confidence. I sank down on him with a moan.

  He threw his head back with a deep groan. We rocked together in an ancient dance, moving as if we’d been made for each other until the skies opened-up above us and rain began to spill down on our love nest.

  Thunder rumbled and fat drops of water hit my back. Aiden gripped my hips. This time I let him. The storm was but a distant fury. I could see nothing but him beneath me. We were stillness in-the-midst of chaos, enclosed in our own private world, untouched by the world around us. I felt his essence mingling with my own and we floated together on a cloud of bliss. Suddenly a great boom shook the ground, shattering the illusion and we came together.

  The world exploded before my eyes in a flash of light and sparks and I cried out with joy, pleasure coursing through my veins. Aiden came with me, calling my name and then flipping us over and rolling on top of me.

  The storm around us raged as we lay there in the rain, folded in each other’s arms. Aiden kissed me on the forehead and I began to cry.

  “What’s wrong?’ He asked softly in a concerned voice.

  I stared up at him, unable to speak. I’d never felt like this before. I couldn’t put a name to it. I’d discovered something I’d spent my life searching for – this foreign sensation that somehow filled the void inside me I hadn’t known existed. Aiden had something to do with it, but I didn’t understand exactly what.

  What is happening to me? I asked hesitantly, fearing the answer.

  He smiled down at me, his relief apparent.

  Nothing you need to fear, Brinmar. This is your destiny. The magic will take getting used to before you can control it better, but all is right.

  “Magic.” I bit my lip, thinking back to the fury of the storm as I glanced around the suddenly silent clearing. “The storm…” My voice trailed off.

  “Yes, we created the storm.”

  “We what?”

  Aiden’s eyes twinkled with amuse
ment. “We made the Storm when we joined. Like I told you, everything in nature is connected to everything else. You cannot do anything without creating a series of chain reactions. The power of our joining created the storm.”

  I considered this for a moment. After what I’d seen today, after what I’d done today, I believed him. There was no reason not to. I’d felt the way the storm mounted with our escalating passion, and now that we lay sated, the rain was beginning to slow to a drizzle. Wow. We made a storm.

  Aiden brushed a strand of unruly red hair out of my face and smiled. “Did you enjoy our joining, Brin?”

  His voice was filled with curiosity and I sensed there was another question there, but I chose to answer the one posed.

  “Yes, it was incredible. You are a very skilled lover.” I added.

  Aiden smiled at this. “As are you.” He replied, leaning down to place a kiss on my lips. It was gentle, unlike the kisses of our lovemaking.

  I decided to ask the question that had been plaguing me. “We talked to each other without talking…” I began.

  “Aiden! Brin!” Neil’s calls reverberated through the clearing only moments before he stepped off the trail and spotted us naked, limbs tangled together.

  I gasped in horror and reached for my clothes, wadded in a heap beside us.

  Aiden moved quickly to shield me with his body.

  ‘Neil, turn your back.” It was a command, his voice hard and I was shocked when Neil obeyed, spinning around wordlessly.

  Aiden stood up, collecting my clothes and shaking them out before handing them to me.

  I stumbled to my feet, quickly pulling my clothes on.

  “Neil, what are you doing here?” Aiden admonished.

  “There was screaming. Everyone was worried.” Neil said in a dry voice. “I see now that you are fine.”

  My face burned hot as I scrambled to finish dressing, mortified to be caught naked in a clearing.

  Aiden shot a sharp look at Neil’s back. “Go back to camp. We’ll be along shortly. Say nothing of what you’ve seen.”

  “As you wish.” Neil replied testily. “My apologies Miss Yates.” He called over his shoulder as he walked back the way he’d come.

  Aiden turned, looking apologetically at me. “I’m sorry. I hope you aren’t embarrassed.”

  Fully dressed and with a clear mind, I suddenly realized what I’d just done was reckless and unprofessional. How could I think to indulge in pleasure with Oren lying in a coma, counting on me to save his life? Hot shame coursed through me, turning my stomach. Worse of all, I couldn’t blame Aiden. I had seduced him. I had offered myself up.

  I forced myself to focus on my breathing, pushing the uncomfortable feelings to the back of my mind. When I looked up, I was calm.

  “It’s fine. We’re all adults. I shouldn’t have done that. We have work to do. It was a momentary lapse in judgment and it won’t happen again.”

  Aiden stared back, a spark in his eyes. “You’re sorry? Sorry we made love?”

  The way he said it made my stomach flop, as I realized I’d offended him.

  “Well, no, I enjoyed that. I’m just sorry that I put us in this position. It is my professionalism that is lacking, and for that I apologize.”

  Aiden studied my face for a moment. He seemed to be trying to decide whether I was serious. Finally, he chuckled.

  I released the breath I’d been holding.

  “You haven’t the need to apologize for seducing me Brinmar Yates. I hope you’ll do it again.” With that, he spun on his heel, heading down the trail after Neil, leaving me sputtering in his dust.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Aiden

  Aiden was baffled. For the first time in his life, he had no idea why things had happened the way they had. He and Brin had joined each other’s consciousness. He had no explanation. Of course, he knew it was possible, all fae possessed that potential, as he’d told Brin. The part he’d left out was that a fae could only do it with one other being their entire lives. Their soulmate.

  What did it mean that he’d unintentionally done it with Brin? If they didn’t intend for it to happen, this didn’t count as his one, right? Aiden spun ideas around in his head on the walk back to camp. He he’d just experienced the most incredible joining he’d had in his life. Brin possessed a fire he craved with the very depths of his being.

  Their joining had been powerful and earth shattering. He didn’t know what to do about the mind pairing. It was something he would have to consult Meurig on when he had the chance. It wasn’t like he could ask his mother.

  The camp came into view, as did Neil, who was standing there tapping his foot impatiently, clearly waiting to talk to Aiden.

  Aiden looked over his shoulder, making sure Brin wasn’t right behind him. She must have taken a moment to clean up. Good. He didn’t want her to overhear this. “What is it cousin?” He asked quietly so no one else would overhear.

  Neil just stared at him, a look of disappointment evident on his face. “You aren’t supposed to be seducing her, Aiden.”

  Aiden knew he was wrong in making love to her. He knew the mission they were charged with was bigger than the two of them. They didn’t’ have time to waste. He simply hadn’t been able to help himself. She was incredible. She drew him to her like a magnet. He was helpless to resist, but that didn’t’ excuse his actions. ‘I know that, Uncle. I shouldn’t have taken her. I lost my head, but I haven’t lost sight of our goal.” Aiden reassured.

  Neil considered him carefully, hearing the truth in his words. Finally, he nodded, seemingly satisfied with what he found there. “You can take your mortal pleasures, as long as you ensure we find the plant and create the elixir. If we cannot do this, Gethin wins and the Crystal court loses the thrown.”

  Neil’s voice was somber, his gaze serious as he tried to impart to his nephew the importance of their success.

  Aiden nodded. “I understand.” Any further conversation was interrupted by the sound of Brin trudging down the trail towards them.

  “I can’t believe you left me out there.”

  She said it jokingly, heading straight for the well to get water.

  Aiden admired her fortitude. She acted as if Neil hadn’t just caught them sprawled naked on the ground.

  She drank thirstily, swallowing the cold water in big gulps.

  He realized how thirsty he was himself and walked over to join her.

  Sensing he wasn’t wanted, Neil excused himself with a nod to Aiden to remember their conversation.

  “You should have followed me. You never know what danger is hidden in the trees.” He said winking, his hand settling onto her shoulder. He dropped his voice to a low timbre. “There could be hungry beasts lurking in the shadows, ready to take you at any moment.”

  Brin threw her head back and laughed. Her voice was music to his ears, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at him. The strain and worry of the past few days eased and her expressive blue eyes softened.

  Aiden gazed longingly at her mouth, which had relaxed into a rosy pout that turned up at the corners as she noted his attention.

  “Sounds like an adventure.” She said, her gaze burning into his.

  It was the only invitation he needed. He took her lips with his own, kissing her long and hard and deep, seeking the answers he knew she couldn’t yet give. When they pulled apart it was only because he needed to tell her what he hadn’t had the chance to.

  “Later.” He promised, giving her one last kiss on the mouth. “There’s something I didn’t have the chance to tell you, Brin, about why people are really getting sick.”

  “What do you mean why they are really getting sick?” She asked, her eyes narrowing. “Are you saying there is more to the lie you told me?” Her eyes blazed.

  This wasn’t going to go as well as he’d planned. She had quite the temper, he mused, wondering if it was too late to change the subject.

  She turned more fully to face him, her expression suddenly sharp. />
  Eyebrow raised, she waited. “You have my full attention.”

  Regret swallowed him, but he knew he had to tell her. She deserved the truth, even if it meant losing her.

  “Brin, you know how I told you the story of the Keepers?”

  A slight nod from her made him continue.

  “You understand it’s your destiny to become a keeper someday?”

  Again, a nod, but she was growing more and more reserved and he was feeling increasingly nauseous. Unfortunately, it had to be done.

  “There is a dark fae called Gethin. Ever since Adahm and Eabha divided the tribes, there have been fae who’ve resented the division. Gethin is descended from an ancient line that has constantly fought the existence of the Earth-Eden barrier. His people have lobbied for the wall to be vanquished and for mortals to be made slaves to fae.”

  Disgust spread across Brin’s face.

  Aiden pressed on. She had to hear it all.

  “Gethin is thousands of years old. He’s walked the earth many times, but not just to observe as the light fae do. He has sought to wreak havoc in the mortal realm, to bring disease and famine, to rape and pillage. He’s walked the earth to destroy mortals. His mission is to abolish everything they hold dear. He has had many names, he’s worn many faces. He’s taken many lives. Torn wives from their husband’s arms, kidnapped children from their nurseries, bringing them to Eden to serve as slaves for the dark fae. Gethin is incredibly powerful. Our war chiefs have spent many years fighting him, trying to destroy his armies.”

  Aiden paused, waiting to see if she had questions.

  She stood, her face stoic, her expression willing him to continue.

  He sighed. After the next part, she probably wouldn’t feel much like visiting his tent.

  “Unfortunately, in the last 20 years, Gethin has gained strength. He was won over many undeclared fae houses, pulling them from the ranks of the crystal court. As mortals have continued to damage the earth, Gethin has rallied more fae to his cause. If there is one thing upon which the light and dark courts agree, it is the importance of preserving nature, protecting the earth from further ecological damage. Mortals have in the short space of a few decades, a mere blink of an eye for fae, begun to do irreversible damage. Species are dying off. The oceans are warming. Lands are going bare of water. This cannot be allowed to happen.”