by A. C. James
Kieran followed Maelíosa out the door. He murmured something Cyn couldn’t hear. She was surprised at Maelíosa’s laughter, and wondered what was so special about him. Kieran was dishy, but all of the male púca were mouth-wateringly gorgeous. It was curious how Maelíosa responded differently to him than to anyone else.
Cyn looked from Darcy to Niall to Tomas. “I can’t take this anymore. I’m going in.”
Darcy nodded, and moved to comfort her brother.
“Please see to my wife,” Niall said quietly.
Cyn took a deep breath, walked up to the chamber door, and knocked three times. There was a sharp cry from inside, and she pushed against the door with all her might, shoving her way inside.
Cyn gasped. “Bloody hell!”
Chapter Three
Nathan belched unceremoniously and dropped the empty vodka bottle at the same time. It clattered across the floor and stopped under the coffee table, where it landed next to his scuffed loafers. His ceiling was studded with pockmarks from all of the times he’d laid on the couch and thrown a pencil into the air, desperately hoping to get a story idea by the time it made its way back to earth. Out of habit, he dug through his pocket.
“Bloody hell,” Nathan muttered under his breath, pulling out a handful of change and some crumpled papers.
When he realized the crumpled papers were the VIP tickets Cyn gave him at the club, he made a fist and whacked it against the back of the couch.
“Damn her. Bloody stupid git,” Nathan said. He sat up, fighting off a massive headrush. “How could I possibly compete with all the blokes chasing after her, let alone a stallion?”
Nathan didn’t feel sorry for himself. No, he was angry he’d confessed his feelings. Deep down he’d always known she would reject him. As he lumbered around his flat, he could think of little else. Cyn’s beautiful face, her generous and curvy body, the way she laughed when she was a little too squiffy. Nathan trembled, remembering all of the times she’d pulled him close and kissed him on the cheek. He shook his head, desperate to rid himself of the woman. No matter how he tried, she invaded his thoughts.
Cyn never loved him, or thought of him as anything but a friend. She’d been so incredibly dynamic when he met her. He’d assumed there was a connection, and that he’d have a chance once she got tired of messing around. Her countless admirers meant nothing. He knew how vulnerable and scared she was of committing, but Nathan thought he could get through to her. Felicity tried to persuade him that Cyn was flirtatious with everyone, but he couldn’t stop thinking he’d meant more, and perhaps she was just unwilling to settle down. But even now, Nathan wasn’t enough for her. She’d fallen in love with a horse, for fuck’s sake.
She was perfect, an unattainable goddess. And not because she was a famous model. Cyn couldn’t walk into a room without charming everyone. Not only was she beautiful—she was funny, smart, gracious, and incredibly loyal to her friends. It was difficult not to think of Cyn affectionately, and he hated fighting with her. But it was also hard not to be furious when he was heartbroken.
Had she wanted to settle down with an ordinary bloke, he could have accepted it. He wouldn’t have been pleased, but as long as it made her happy then he would live with it. Nathan knew nothing about the púca, and the discovery of another species, some supernatural creature, would change the world. He doubted they’d ever be completely accepted. She didn’t have a clue about what she was getting into, and he had to protect her. Of course, it came out all wrong when they went to lunch together. Nathan could barely think straight and hadn’t been able to explain what a bad idea it was to get involved with someone who wasn’t human. He’d tried to convince her of his love, hoping it would change her mind. How could he have been so stupid? Now she’d chosen Fallon...
The betrayal had been building for years. Felicity always dismissed his concerns by saying “it’s just who she is”, but Nathan never believed for a second Cyn wouldn’t eventually realize what she was missing. And now she had developed a serious relationship. It just wasn’t with Nathan. He walked over to the loo and flicked the switch, gazing at himself in the mirror. He wasn’t exactly GQ’s Man of the Year, but he was a decent-looking bloke. When Cyn finally grew up, he thought she’d choose him. Nathan ran a hand through his hair, scowling. He’d had loads of girlfriends back in the day, but he hadn’t dated anyone since he’d met Cyn. With a pang of regret, he realized he could barely remember anything about the women he’d loved before Cyn. All of them paled in comparison.
“And he’s a horse,” he said into the mirror, hating his scowl. “I hope she’s bloody happy with Mister Ed.”
Nathan shook his head. He never imagined his life’s work at Everyday Supernatural would end up taking away the woman he loved. He and Felicity made a great team. For years they’d uncovered scandals and intrigue instead of ghosts and hauntings. It seemed fitting that the most ridiculous story he’d ever heard of actually turned out to be real. Nathan wondered how many other legends were true.
Nathan thought about his disastrous lunch with Cyn. When he’d threatened to reveal everything to the world, it seemed like a ridiculous idea. He’d been desperate to get her to stay, and his threat was a last resort. But since she’d reacted like a love-struck teenager and left anyway, maybe he needed to follow through with it. If she experienced the repercussions and fallout that would come from being with a púca, she’d see her mistake. And she wouldn’t stand by her horse when the whole world turned against him.
Nathan muttered to himself in his empty flat. “I’m going to write about it.”
With one last glance in the mirror, he trudged down the hallway. Nathan stumbled around, looking for his laptop. He couldn’t tell if his drunkenness was starting to turn into a hangover or not. Either way he was overheated. Nathan pulled his t-shirt off and sat down at his desk. There was a little sketch of a unicorn Felicity had drawn for his birthday a few years ago. It was a private joke about their investigative work. When he saw it, his mind immediately went to Cyn and the creature she was shagging.
He flipped the unicorn sketch upside down. “Fuck.”
Nathan spotted his laptop under a pile of books on the Black-Eyed Children and wendigoes. At least she’s not with a bloody wendigo. He chuckled in the back of his throat. A hiccup brought up the taste of vodka, and he grimaced. There was a half-empty bottle of red wine on the floor. He picked it up, tilted his head back and took a massive swallow. In the back of his mind a tiny thought emerged, with a shred of guilt prickling at him.
He’d made a promise to Felicity before she left. She’d warned him about the dangers in the púca world, and said if he revealed any information about it could be perilous for them. It might even prove fatal, she’d warned. Nathan had listened and taken it very seriously, but it seemed like a minor concern now. Cyn broke my heart, and being with those horrendous creatures is dangerous. Nathan thought about Cyn, his thoughts raging. Now she’ll be devastated. Broken forever just like me.
He’d expose the púca to the world. Their lives would be a living hell. It would hurt Felicity too, but he pushed away that thought. Felicity must be out of her mind. She’d given up her partnership with him at Everyday Supernatural. She was probably so in love with one of those beasts she couldn’t see the truth. The thing had undoubtedly used some sort of magical persuasion to seduce her too. He’d be doing them both a favour.
Nathan tapped the keys on his laptop: “A few months ago, I wrote a post on the mythical púca of Ireland. Felicity took a trip to investigate a supposed sighting, which she was supposed to blog about here. I know that readers have asked for an update. As editor-in-chief, I feel obliged to provide one.”
He leaned back in his chair and grabbed the bottle of red wine. So far, so good. He took a long gulp and bent forward over his keyboard. It was going to be a long post. Writing was making him feel better already.
Chapter Four
Cyn was really nervous. She couldn’t help it. Felicity was her best fri
end, and the birth was long, and arduous.
“Any progress yet?” Maelíosa asked.
Cyn turned around, regarding Maelíosa and Kieran. She shook her head. “None. The healer says it’s important that she rest between contractions, and everyone needs to give her some space.”
Maelíosa crossed her arms over her chest. “I have some training in the healing arts, perhaps I should go in.” She waved her hand over the doorknob, and suddenly the door to the birthing chamber swung open.
“No!” Cyn yelped and pushed past Maelíosa.
Cyn slammed the door shut as she entered the chamber and bolted the lock. She didn’t give a bloody rat’s ass what Maelíosa thought or how much they bickered. All she cared about was making sure her best friend was okay. She was horrified. Felicity was splayed like a rag doll across the bed. It was dim and hot, but a chill ran down her spine despite the roaring fire in the birthing chamber. Cyn choked back bile and shuddered. There was an awful lot of blood.
“And just what do you think you’re doing in here?” the healer asked as she stood up from a rocking chair next to the fire. “You’re going to cause her distress. Get out!”
Cyn clenched her jaw. “No. I am married to the chieftain of this clan, Felicity is my best friend, and I’m not leaving.”
Fear rose in her throat as she edged closer to the bed. Felicity grunted and winced as she shifted positions. Cyn rushed over and grabbed her friend’s hand, stroking the pale, sweaty skin.
“Cyn,” Felicity whispered. “You’re here. I knew you’d come.”
“Don’t be daft. Of course I came. I’d never miss this for the world.”
Cyn realized Fallon was right. She’d never really left. The Realm was her home. Cyn was always going to come back, but she didn’t know that before.
Felicity looked pale and doughy. Cyn was glad she’d made it in time. She’d never seen Felicity like this, and she was afraid her friend might not make it.
“She’s been in labour for far too long,” the healer said. She no longer seemed determined to eject Cyn from the chamber.
“I know.”
“She’s very weak,” the healer said in a quiet voice, so Felicity wouldn’t hear. “She’s been struggling. It may kill her if the baby doesn’t come soon.”
With a pang, her worst fear was confirmed. Cyn blinked back tears. No! she thought desperately, gripping Felicity’s hand even harder. She’s my best mate! She can’t die!
Felicity clutched the sheet and groaned. Cyn watched her enormous, swollen belly pulsate with contractions, and winced. There was nothing more uncomfortable-looking than giving birth.
“How are you feeling? Can I bring you anything? Fallon took me back, and I can’t wait to tell you about it. You have to hurry up and pop this sucker out,” Cyn joked, stroking sweaty hair away from her friend’s face. “Niall is practically wearing through the floor, pacing out there.”
Felicity smiled, and squeezed Cyn’s hand. “Promise me you’ll take care of my baby. I’m not afraid of what will happen, but you have to take care of my baby if...”
Cyn nodded, furrowing her brow. She swallowed to keep her voice from breaking. “Of course.”
“I always knew you’d come back eventually. I love you, Cyn. I don’t know anyone I’d trust more.”
She turned away and coughed loudly because she didn’t want to cry in front of Felicity. “Sorry, must be allergies. I guess my body hasn’t acclimated to the Realm.”
“Don’t be scared, Cyn. Everything is going to be okay.”
Cyn wouldn’t let her down. She’d do whatever she must and take care of that baby if Felicity didn’t make it. But Cyn hoped with all her heart that she’d pull through. She couldn’t lose Felicity.
FALLON’S HEALTH HAD improved drastically in the short time since Cyn returned. He wasn’t quite back to normal yet, but he was confident his full strength would be restored soon. His stallion was thrilled, and pranced around merrily, tossing his mane. She is back, Fallon thought triumphantly. No matter what happens, she’s ours forever.
All the hurt of the past few months faded from his heart and soul. He’d always worried about her. Even though he’d been in incredible pain, Fallon never stopped hoping she was happy. It was difficult not to contact her, especially after giving her the communication portal, but he knew it wasn’t a good idea. His condition deteriorated more quickly than he’d anticipated, and Fallon couldn’t let her know what he was going through. He wouldn’t let her see him that way. He’d wanted her to come back out of love, not pity.
Adjusting to their way of life wasn’t easy. He understood her reasons for leaving. Fallon found all the stories Cyn told him about London and the outside world intriguing, although he sincerely doubted he’d enjoy the busyness of the city. The Aran Islands were the only place in the human world Fallon ever visited. He couldn’t imagine the world of concrete, honking metal, and smog that Cyn described. The Realm contrasted drastically, and leaving the familiar, fast-paced grind would be hard for her. And that was on top of Cyn’s fear of committing to anyone, let alone him and his stallion.
She’d spent many hours talking about London: the food, the places, everything she loved. Fallon remembered a particular conversation about a human favourite called ‘fish and chips.’ Cyn was giggly from drinking too much wine, and she’d insisted it was important to use a certain kind of sauce on the chips. Fallon hadn’t understood, but he was bowled over watching her talk. It wasn’t because of the type of food she chattered on about, but because of her passion toward her home. At that moment, their future together had seemed bleak. He’d wished she had that kind of passion for the Realm, and would take her rightful place as his queen. Her return was impossible to fathom when she loved her home and career so deeply. She’d told Fallon her lifelong dream was to become an actress. He thought she’d prioritize a career above anything else. He grinned. Nothing was better than realizing how very wrong he’d been.
When she first stayed with Fallon in the castle, she’d try to convince him to visit her in London. “I’ll show you the tube!” she’d say, drawing a crude illustration of something that resembled a corridor with small covered boats inside. It was fun to fantasize about being in her world, but only because of how much joy it clearly brought her. When Cyn turned mournful about missing London, they no longer had those conversations. Every time it came up, her face had fallen. Fallon knew how much she’d have to give up unless life with him in the Realm was what she desired. Her return mended his soul in more ways than one. He’d been a broken man, lost without a wife, and his stallion forgot how to love. She’d resurrected him.
He wondered about Cyn’s visit to the healer. A sense of unease about his daughter-in-law put his stallion on edge. She’d been in the birthing chamber for hours, and Niall was probably panicked. He quickly dressed in leather leggings and a dark green tunic before heading downstairs. The great hall was eerily silent. He headed for the healer’s hut, where he found Niall, Tomas, and Maelíosa standing in a huddle outside her cottage.
“How’s Felicity?” Fallon asked as he approached.
“I’m so worried,” Niall said. “She’s not doing well. The healer said she was strong. Why is this happening?”
Fallon wrapped an arm around Niall in a rare display of affection. “Everything will be fine, my son. You’re going to be a wonderful father.”
Niall smiled weakly. “I hope so. I’m worried that I’ll lose her.”
He knew exactly how Niall felt. He’d lost his wife and he thought he’d never get through it. Raising Darcy was a challenge. Maelíosa helped, but she’d become jaded about love. Losing her mother changed her the most. Out of all of them, she’d taken the loss the hardest.
Fallon shook his head. “You lot weren’t exactly easy to raise without my wife. But having children is one of the most fulfilling joys in life.”
“Aye, but right now I’m worried about Felicity. I can’t even think about raising a baby without her,” Niall said.
Niall ran a hand through his hair. His face was dark. Fallon squeezed his son’s shoulders before releasing him.
“If the healer says that she can do it, she can.” Fallon spoke confidently, but a worm of fear wriggled its way into his heart. Not wanting Niall to sense his fright, he turned to his daughter.
“I’m glad you’re here to support Niall and Felicity.”
“Of course. I care about Felicity,” Maelíosa said.
It seemed to suggest that she didn’t care about Cyn, but Fallon would hold back unless she got mouthy.
“You’ve always approved of the lass,” Fallon said.
“Aye, she and Niall are well-mated.”
“They are,” Fallon said, his voice stern. “And so am I.”
“It’s good to see you up and about, Father. How are you feeling?” Maelíosa asked, giving him a quick hug.
Fallon was relieved she’d changed the subject. “Better than my daughter-in-law.”
“I’m going to go check on her,” Niall said.
He bolted inside, clearly desperate for an update. The whole scene made Fallon recall the births of his children over the years. As usual there was the slight twinge of pain that came with the memory of his first mate.
Maelíosa was staring at him. “Why were you so eager to take her back? You didn’t have to do that. At least not right away.”
“Maelíosa,” Fallon said slowly. “You can’t choose who you fall in love with. I’d have thought you’d be more understanding after you were so adamant to break your betrothal.”
“But her? She left you...”
“She’s my queen. She’s the woman I have chosen to be with. I hope you can learn to respect that.”
Maelíosa sighed. “I know. But she really hurt you, and I can’t understand why she left or how you could forgive her so quickly.”