“I did. And this isn’t over. I thought you would like to take a walk with me out in the west gardens. The pack is there…” Dred slid his hands down and lifted her up off the chair, kissing her lips softly. “I want to introduce you formally to the pack this afternoon.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Edward too?” Beth hated to be around large crowds. When Edward had introduced her to his staff and others upon coming here last year, the glares were enough to make anyone hide.
“He was already introduced last month while you were under that spell. Now is the time for our woman to be introduced.” Dred lifted her another few inches till she was eye level with him. “No one will dare hurt you.”
“I’m not worried about that,” she blew out her breath and nodded. “Let me take these to our room and talk with Alton. I’ll meet you out there in an hour.” She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “But I’m warning you. Know that if one person glares or snarls at me, I’m turning them into puppy food.” Beth kissed the side of his neck and wiggled till he put her down.
“Do you want me to come with you? If anyone snarls at you, you’ll have to get behind me, because I’ll rip them apart.” he asked, sensing her discomfort.
“No. I have to do this, Dred. This is part of what I’m supposed to do and if people don’t like it, too bad. Now go, let me do this, and I’ll meet you.” She grabbed onto the boxes and followed Dred out of the kitchen after thanking Lancelot for lunch.
“I was thinking of inviting Lancelot to have supper with us tonight. He has no family and he’s been so nice to me. Would you mind?” she asked Dred as they stood in the hallway getting ready to go their separate ways.
He cocked his head to the side. “He’s been good to you? He hasn’t made any passes has he?”
She laughed. “No, he’s been a friend. Someone I could talk to about the staff. Something like Avril.”
“Then go, I’ll ask him. I owe him an apology anyway.” He turned her around and swatted her ass. “One hour, don’t make me wait,” he ordered.
“What is it with men and my ass, jeez?” She rubbed her butt and made her way to their quarters. Two guards stood at the doorway, waiting for her. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Could you have someone locate Alton and have him meet me in the Great Hall?” The one man nodded and took off when another stepped around her and took his place guarding the doors.
“Edward,” she mumbled, going down the stairs and instantly relaxing, feeling safe. “Raynard if you were in front of me, I’d give you a big hug. I so need this.” Apples and cinnamon filled the air, the smell of fall. She sat down on one of the new couches and just stared up at the stars of the galaxy above until one of the boxes in her hand started to tremble.
Carefully, Beth placed the other box aside while picking up the shaking box. The lid lifted on its own and the small book floated in the air, opening and landing on her lap. “Okay, what do we have here?” she looked down at written words and realized this page was in English.
The one word above the English spell, and it was a spell, read “Protector.” “So someone thinks I need more protection. Well it couldn’t hurt.” Beth nibbled her lip.
Raynard is this going to hurt us? As if on cue, the room grew warmer and she knew it was okay, but she’d bet Edward would have a royal fit.
Taking a deep breath, Beth stood and stepped away from the couch. The book floated before her as she read the words and formed the symbols with her hands that the spell called for.
Bright red sparks filtered around her, the air grew hot and Beth could have sworn she heard what sounded like claws on the floor behind her, but she still needed to finish the spell before she could look.
“So mote be it,” Beth mumbled and the book closed. It floated to the special crate that held it as Beth turned to see a creature staring at her. “Well crap, now I know I’m in big trouble.” The animal’s head was huge. Two horns stood up on the top, its orange eyes watched her as she watched it.
“Can you understand what I’m saying?” She asked before Beth even attempted to move. The creature almost snorted at her. “Well, you don’t have to be rude. How am I supposed to know. What are you and why are you here?”
“We call ourselves Neobinders. I’m called Deception. Our race must find and bind ourselves with a single being. You are mine. I’m here to protect and watch over you. While I do this I’m now allowed to find my mate and live.” His massive head turned to the stairs and stared. “Your man comes.”
“Little Witch what did you…” Edward stopped at the bottom of the stairs and stared at the creature. “Now I know you need to have your ass beaten. Step away from that thing very slowly,” Edward hissed and Deception did not like that.
The creature moved his body in front of hers. “He will not hurt you.”
She shook her head and placed her hand on the top of Deception. “Edward, this is Deception and please refrain from threatening me right now till he understands you mean me no harm. He is a species called, Neobinders and from what he’s told me, they must bind with a being in order to live. Well guess who he has bonded with?” She flinched when Edward’s heated gaze flicked up to her.
“And exactly how did he find you?” Edward stepped down into the room.
“I did ask Raynard if it was safe to say the spell. It was supposed to be a protection spell. I guess it is in a way it is for me, at least.” She laughed. “I’m sorry Edward but this is funny. Deception, please make friends with Edward before he… Well crap.” Both Rock and Dred came running down the stairs.
The orange colored eyes turned and focused on her. “Your men too? There is a way I can communicate with them if it is your wish?”
“Yes, those are my men too and I really appreciate it if they could communicate with you also.” She turned to grab up the boxes when Rock and Dred snarled. “What now?” she looked back to see Deception inches away from her men.
“He’s going to make it so that you can hear him. Stop growling already. Think of him as a…” She busted out laughing. “Well he’s too big to be a doggie,” she teased, but all three of her men just glared at her. “Fine, I’ll shut up.”
With that, she sat down and watched as the animal in front of her sat down in front of the three men and opened its mouth producing three small bug-like creatures. “They must allow these things to enter their body.”
His tongue rolled down to the floor allowing the small things to slither off his tongue. “He says those things must enter your body so you can talk to Deception.”
“And you believe him? With a name like Deception?” Dred snapped.
“Enough. I do have some common sense and Raynard has never let me down. Either you want this or you don’t, but Deception is now part of me, so get used to it. If you will excuse me, I have an appointment. I’ll meet you outside in half hour, Dred, if you still want me to meet you pack.”
“I must go with you,” the creature said as the three insect things inserted themselves into her men.
“That is fine. Just don’t go and scare everyone please. Oh and there are children too.” She stepped around her men and dodged Dred’s arms. “Don’t! Like you, I have responsibilities.”
She was furious at all three. They acted like little boys and right now she didn’t need it. Storming up the stairs her guards jumped back as Deception came up the stairs and snorted at them. “Not much protection.”
No matter what species, all men could be such jerks. “He’s with me. Ignore him and he’ll ignore you. Just don’t touch him or me.” She threw in, not knowing what the animal would do.
“Wait!” Edward shouted as she prepared to take off down the hall.
“What? I have a meeting with Alton.” And she didn’t want to keep him waiting, giving him another reason not to like her.
Slowly, Edward moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say…”
“Don’t, Edward. We both knew what you meant. I’m sorry th
is upset you, but I really did think it would ease the three of you. I know how much you worry about me so I thought it would just be an extra protection. I can’t and wouldn’t undo it either. He deserves a life and if he can have one being around me, I have no problem with that.” She reached up and kissed his chin. “I really have to go. I don’t want to keep Alton waiting.”
“Dred told me Alton has been giving you trouble?” Edward placed both of his hands on her face and held her gaze.
“It’s been a while since I’ve talked to him. Let me see how things stand now that we are all bonded together. If things are the same, I will inform the three of you.”
“There is no need to worry. If this Alton hurts her I’ll eat him.” Edward jerked his gaze the creature and she smiled.
“Now you can hear him?” Edward nodded and smiled.
“I would like to chat with you later?” Edward asked and he nodded.
“There is no reason to chat, but if we must. Just know nothing and no one will hurt her ever again. If she is hurt so am I and I do not plan to be hurt.”
Both Dred and Rock snarled, but stopped when Deception turned his gaze on them. “I understand the posturing but enough. I’m not taking your woman. I’ll be looking for my own soon.”
With that, Beth slipped out of Edward's arms and raced down the corridor to the Great Hall.
“I don’t see why the rush and why you are so nervous. This thing can’t hurt you.” His claws tapped on the ground behind her.
“It’s not that. How am I supposed to be Queen if my own staff does not respect me. In a lot of ways I’m still proving myself here among Edwards’s people and now, I have to do the same for Dred’s and Rock's.” She raced around the corner and ran smack into Simon.
She would have landed on her ass, but Simon caught her before she could fall. “Excuse me, my Queen, I didn’t…” His words died upon seeing Deception behind her.
“Yes, he’s okay. He saved my life already once.” She patted his arm. “I’m sorry. I should have been watching where I was going, but I was in a hurry.”
“What is that?” Simon asked and nodded behind her.
Stepping to the side, Beth smiled. “That is my new friend, Deception. He’s my protector. Now I have got to go. See you tonight,” she yelled and ran into the Great Hall to see Alton stand and glare at her.
“Why was I summoned here?” He stepped back when he noticed her pet.
“I am no pet and what is that offensive thing? He looks kind of skinny. I might have to go hunting for another snack later.”
“Enough!” Beth stomped her foot and glared at Alton, then at Deception. “You can’t eat him, even though right now I’m ready to turn him into donkey dung, so watch the mouth. Alton, I’ve had it,” she snapped and he actually straightened himself up and nodded.
“I’m sorry I’m late. As you can see, some things have come up and I couldn’t get right here. What I wanted to talk to you about is the guests we have staying here and the more that will be arriving.” She waved her hand to the two chairs. “Please sit.”
They both sat and she watched as Deception plopped down next to her. “I want to thank you personally for helping Dred and Rock with the pack. I know having them all show up has thrown the castle into frenzy. Then with the others arriving, I know it’s got to keep the staff extra busy. I was thinking we could open up the outer cabins for the pack. It would at least give them their own domain, but yet still be in the protective barriers. Also, I want our old quarters fixed for guests. That should give us another 30 rooms.” She tapped her finger on her lips. “I still feel as if we’re not going to have enough room, suggestions?”
Alton’s gaze snapped to hers. “Was he really going to eat me?” he asked nervously.
“He is my protector, Alton. If he felt you were a threat, I don’t know, but for now you are safe.” She tapped her foot and waited.
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to worry about all of this. As for more rooms, there are the castle keeps. They are smaller, maybe we could put your aunts in one, and the newcomers in one. Also that would free up those two wings. That would give us at least 200 more rooms.”
“Are the Keeps modern? Is there enough room for our guests?” she asked and he nodded.
“Yes, they were all updated over 50 years ago and one keep is like a separate house itself, having four bedrooms in each, kitchen, bathroom and such.”
“Good, have the keep nearest to us readied for my aunts. I’ll inform them tonight and we can have the staff move their things tomorrow. I’ll also talk with Simon and the others about moving them tomorrow. Maybe put them in the one in the front right side or whatever you call that one.” She waved her hand and he actually smiled. “Also with the holidays coming, could you get me a list of all the staff? I want their names and what they do. I’d also like to know where they stay, too.” She rose and looked down at her outfit, frowning.
“I’ll get right on it and, again, please accept my apology. I shouldn’t have offended you.” Alton bowed and left her standing there.
“Well, I guess I better go get this done.” Once more she pulled at her shirt before heading to the outer hall. Two guards snapped at attention as she passed them with Deception close to her.
“Question, what do you eat? I’m not going to have to worry about you eating our people, am I?”
“Now is not the time to discuss what keeps me fed. Did you know at least one of your men is always following you?”
She stopped and looked down at him, then at the guards. “Since we left our quarters?”
“Yes, and from what I can gather, they have done this before.”
“If they want to waste their time following me, oh well, but I wish they would learn to trust me.” She started to move forward. “One gets tired of everyone not believing in them,” she whispered, putting her head on the door that led outside.
With a gentle nudge, Deception turned to face her. “I’m sure they are just seeking to protect you. They are unsure of me still.”
“Maybe,” she placed her hand on his head. “I hope we will become friends…” A quick memory flash of her friend, Nora, brought tears to her eyes, but she refused to allow them. She shoved the door open and stepped outside, knowing there were more guards waiting with Dred and Rock.
“Are you ready?” Beth asked as both of her men stared behind her. “You-hoo, I’m here!” She waved her hand in front of Dred’s face and he reached up and twined his hand with hers.
“I know. I’m just worried how the pack is going to take to your new friend,” Dred said, finally turned his gaze on her.
“They’ll have to get used to him, because he’s part of me now. I’m sorry this upsets you, but it’s done and he was meant to be with me anyway. Can we get this over with please? I want to take a nice hot bath and relax before dinner.” She noticed his frown.
“You know this is important right? These people would give their life for you?” Dred’s voice dropped.
She inched closer to Dred, almost nose to nose if she would have been tall enough. “Listen and listen well. That is the last time today you will snap at me. I know damn well what this means, but did you ever think that this scares the shit out of me? Do you know what I went through with Edward's people? Oh, of course you did. You were there.” She poked his chest and hissed.
“Now let’s do this or I’m going back to my room without you.” She stepped to his left and waited. Beth refused to look at him again.
“Beth…” Was all he said before taking her arm and leading her out into the open gardens. Rock stood next to them and Deception was in the back.
There had to be over 400 men, women and children around as all their gazes turned to her. “May I introduce our woman and your Alpha female, Beth,” Dred announced, walking them into the middle of the group.
Behind them Deception sat watching. People hugged and greeted her. Even the little children came up to rub against her. There were only
a few that held back and watched, not saying anything, but nothing was as bad as it had been with Edwards’s people.
Slowly, Beth started to relax and looked up to say something to Dred, when she noticed women on each of his sides rubbing all over him. “Excuse me for a minute,” she said to one lady forgetting her name and made her way over to Dred. “If the two bimbos don’t take their hands off of you, I’ll feed them to my new friend,” she smiled the whole time and nodded to Deception.
Both women released Dred and moved away from him. “Thank you both. I hope you two do make sure to visit with us real soon.” Beth stepped up to Dred’s side and kissed his cheek when all she wanted to do was deck him.
“Oh, I forgot. Rock, I’ve asked Alton to open up the cottages for some of the families in the pack. I believe there are over ten of them. At least then they won’t feel so, well, lost inside,” she kissed Rock’s lips and whispered. “Thank you for not making a scene earlier. It means a lot to me.” Again she rubbed her cheek on his chest baring her neck to him, showing his submissive side when Dred snarled.
Before she knew what was going on, Beth was on the ground. Her stomach was on the grass and her ass was up as Dred covered her body, he bit down on her shoulder and she whimpered.
“Is he hurting you?” Deception asked which made things even worse, but Edward came out and stood next to Deception, shaking his head.
“No, he’s not hurting her. He’d die before that happened.” Edward said as Beth relaxed and waited to see what Dred would do.
She would not embarrass him here in front of his pack, but when they were alone his balls were going to be shoved up his ass so tight it would take a surgeon, or one of those sluts, to dig them out. Oh yeah, all of them were so out of the bedroom tonight.
“No,” Deception groaned and flopped down onto the grass.
Chapter Fifteen
“By any chance did one of you inform your mate on what not to do in front of the pack?” the strange creature asked, lying on the ground watching the scene unfold.
The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King: Book One: Weddings Bells Times Four (Vampire Witch and The Vampire Kin) Page 13