“God I just flat out turned down.”
“In all seriousness I won’t stand for it. So just be aware.”
“We understand,” Ava says at full attention.
“Belladonna if you’d come walk with me, please.”
“Everyone else let’s practice, “Stephen says.
Criss and Belladonna walk a distance from everyone before he starts talking. “We will meet three days a week. The same as you do now. I would like to meet tomorrow if that would be okay. I know you have finals this week so I’d like to let you study.”
“Not a problem.”
“Every Thursday we will work on spells. We’ll focus on mental on those days.”
“Alright understood.”
“I would like to meet at my place. No reason for you to be out in the cold every time.”
“Okay I can do that.”
“Do you remember where I live?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Do you have any questions for me?”
“Not that I can think of.”
“If you think of anything you can call me morning, noon, or night.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Belladonna looks and sees Ava waiting for Criss. “She has no chance,” Criss whispers.
“I have no claim to you so you can do what you want.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just because I don’t have a claim doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim to me. Also I’d like to check something out.”
“What?”
“We’ll talk about it later.”
“Alright. Cooper wants to talk to you.”
“He already told me.”
“I think he’s scared.”
“Well, we both are.”
“I want to touch you.”
“Can you do me a favor?”
“Yeah what?”
“Imagine if you were connected to me. Find the connection and then feel like you’re touching me.”
“Okay.” Belladonna imagines she is touching him and then she feels him touching her back.
“I feel you. Oh my god I feel you. Do you know what this means?”
“What?”
“That the claim isn’t gone.”
“But I can’t see it.”
“I need to speak to Hyperion.”
“I’m sure Cooper will go with you.”
“I don’t know.”
“Well go if you need to go.”
“I need to go. I love you.”
“I love you.”
Cooper followed behind Criss. He had already called Hyperion about what was going on. He offered to help however he could. Cooper had informed Belladonna she may need to teleport to the office which she agreed to. Cooper couldn’t believe he was offering to help Criss but there was something about a guy who had everything stolen from him four years ago that Cooper couldn’t help but want to fix. He was secure in his relationship with his beloved. Nothing was going to change anything. They got to Hyperion office and went through the maze to get to his office.
Hyperion greets them as they come into his office. They sit down and Hyperion sits down as well. “Okay now I understand Criss you believe you still have a claim with Belladonna?”
“Yes. I can feel a thread between us.”
“A thread?”
“Yes.”
“Can I look you over please?”
“Yes.”
Criss stands up and Hyperion looks him over. “Revelare”
Criss’ claim mark is revealed. Cooper looks devastated.
“Cooper you are still claimed to Belladonna and it is protected don’t worry about that.”
“How can she be claimed to two people?”
“Cause the witch who took away the claim didn’t take it away she made it another claim. It’s actually quite smart. I need Belladonna.”
Belladonna shows up in the office. She sees his claim mark and looks at Cooper. We are still claimed and protected. We’re good my Queen. We’re good. I love you.
I love you, my King.
“Belladonna, Cooper and you are safe.”
“I understand that.”
“Okay good. The witch when she took away the claim made it another type of claim. You still have a claim mark, but it isn’t where the claim is. The claim is tied to your heart now. It is automatically protected. It was by the witch. It's done by a thread tying you two together.”
“So, I have two marriages?”
“You have one marriage. You have one sacred bond.”
“What does that mean?” Cooper asks.
“You two men are going to have to figure out a way to live together. Also, that one thing about your agreement is void with him, Cooper.”
“I gathered that.”
“I can keep my claim mark?” Criss asks.
“Yes of course. I will also include that no one can erase your memories. It would be my pleasure to do so.”
“Thank you.”
Belladonna and Criss are put into a circle with black sand. There are twelve candles put around the circle. All the candles are lit. Harperion began, “Servare tutum ab iacer et dolo mentis. Nihil occultum aut deleri erit.” The candles all go out. “It is done. You can get out of the circle.”
Criss hugs Belladonna and kisses her cheek. Cooper stands up. “Okay Belladonna I’m done with you. You can go back to where you were.”
“Okay. Love you , Cooper.”
“I love you, beloved.”
“Bell, can I have a hug before you go?”
“Of course Criss.” Belladonna hugs Criss
“I’m going to leave now. I’ll see you both later.”
Belladonna leaves.
“You two need to figure this out between the two of you. Cooper and Belladonna have a child together, Criss. They will also be having another child soon. I wouldn’t normally disclose that information but it’s important. I hope you two can do this civilly.”
“Thank you,” Criss says.
“Thank you, Harperion.”
Criss and Cooper go to a diner to talk. Cooper gets coffee to drink and nothing to eat. Criss orders breakfast and coffee. “Not hungry?”
“No, I feel like I’m going to be sick, and I don’t get sick.”
“It’s a vampire thing.”
“Yes.”
“I’m part vampire.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I’m not detectable. See I’m sharing with you.”
“I appreciate that.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I don’t know how to handle this.”
“I don’t either.”
“I’m going to have two children with her, and she is going to have another man. God I feel sick again.”
“Can I share again with you?”
“Sure.”
“I want you to take my hand and I’m going to show you something. Watch the whole thing regardless of how sick it makes you okay.”
“It has nothing to do with sex, correct?”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Okay I want to see it.”
Criss shows him a large farmhouse with five children. Cooper can tell three of them of his and two of them are Criss’. They all live together. The largest bedroom Cooper and Belladonna live in. The second is Criss’. Belladonna is in there two to three nights a week. They are all incredibly happy. Criss no longer trains anyone. After Belladonna he stopped. He is a stay-at-home dad. Cooper still works for his company. Belladonna works for several magazines. It’s Destiny’s thirteenth birthday. Everyone from the coven is there. He takes note that Nicolae is there but not with Mercedes. Her father is there. The vision is a certainty. It will not change.
“Everything you see is set in stone. Doesn’t matter what paths we take or anything. In the end we end up there.”
“I noticed that.”
“She has one to watch and so do you. Normally i
t's just a fae thing but I made an exception for you.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. Another good faith effort.”
“When can I do it?”
“Now if you want.”
“Do you want to touch me while I do it?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
Criss hands Cooper a vial and Cooper drinks from it. They all have a beautiful life together. All the kids call Criss and Cooper dad. Cooper and Belladonna are very happy. Hidden from Criss’ view, Belladonna loves Cooper more. She does a special ceremony to tie them together further. They have four kids. Three are Cooper’s and one is Criss’. Things are hectic but happy. Criss’ brother has returned to cause trouble. It isn’t a long battle but it’s scary. The coven helps as well as Nicolae.
“Who is the guy with the blond hair?” Criss asks.
“That is Nicolae.”
“That is the guy from last night.”
“Yes, that is her other mate.”
“Should we have him at the meeting?” Criss asks joking.
“He kisses her. He loves her. She loves him. It’s tricky.”
“Sounds like it.”
“I think we’re going to be tricky enough.”
“I don’t think we’re going to be too tricky.”
“It feels like it. I need to go. I’m sorry.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah tomorrow.”
Belladonna could feel Cooper feeling so sick. She sent him soothing vibes. All he wanted was her. That’s it. It’s all he wanted. Belladonna had only been studying for a little bit but the pull of her mate was too much. “I’ll be back,” she says. She doesn’t wait for a response. She ends up in the car with Cooper. Belladonna kisses him right before the light changes. He pulls off to the side of the road. He starts kissing her. They are like two teenage kids in heat. He lays her seat down and back. She takes off her shirt while Cooper takes off his. He takes off the rest of his clothes before he gets on top of Belladonna. She undresses and waits for Cooper to enter her. They are hard and fast. They haven’t made love at all today, so they are just trying to reconnect. Belladonna bites him. I missed you so badly. So much has happened I need to tell you about. So much. I don’t know if I can handle it. I don’t know. I love you. God I love you.
She bites him again. I am going to take care of you all night long. You know I will. Let me love you.
She bites him one final time. I need you, my love. I want you to be with me every night. I can’t stand the thought of being away from you. Please always be with your King.
She felt like he was going deeper and deeper inside of her. She moans and screams loudly. “God I love hearing you,” Cooper says.
“Bite me.”
“Whatever you want, beloved.”
Cooper bites Belladonna. I love you so much. SO damn much. I can’t stay away from you. I love you too much. I will always be with you. ALWAYS. Every night. I can’t be without you either. I need you.
Cooper stops biting her and kisses her. Belladonna is ready to climax. Cooper brings her to the point and she bites him to keep from screaming at the top of her lungs. I love you my Queen. I will always love you more than anything.
Cooper shows Belladonna the two visions from the diner. He also shows her the part he hid from Criss. Belladonna is crying after seeing the two visions. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
“Two kids with him.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t get me wrong I love him but I can’t imagine not having all my children with you.”
“It’s a certainty.”
“We’ll see.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
“Quick question did you get something strange with Nicolae there.”
“What do you mean?”
“I would have sworn if anything one of the kids that was supposed to be Criss’ was his.”
“Tell me you’re joking.”
“Nope just a feeling I got.”
“Well, when you watch see if you still get the feeling.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“You should get back.”
“Yes, I should. I love you.”
“I love you. Don’t forget about tonight, my love.”
“I definitely won’t.”
Belladonna is falling asleep on the couch studying. It's ten o’clock and she didn’t get much sleep last night. “Belladonna, are you ready to go home?” Pete asks.
“Yes, I think so.”
“Let me call Cooper to come get you.”
“I’ll just teleport home.”
“Okay. Good idea. Be careful.”
Belladonna teleports home and Cooper is sitting on the couch. “You are home.”
“I was too tired to drive.”
“I’m glad you were safe and teleported.”
“Me too. Where is Destiny?”
“Passed out. Do you need sleep for a little bit before we begin?”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Cooper starts kissing Belladonna.
“You keep that up I won’t be sleeping.”
“Would I be doing that?”
“Yes.”
“Let me take care of you. Then you can sleep. Then I’ll do it again.”
“Okay I can handle that.”
“I thought you could.”
Belladonna is in the bed in the cottage again. She gets up and Criss is sitting in the living room. “I didn’t want to make things confusing.”
“I appreciate it.”
“I have the visions to show you.”
“Okay. You have one for me.”
“Yes.”
Belladonna sits on the couch and drinks from the vial.
The three of them have a beautiful life together. They have three children together. They are all Cooper’s. They are all very happy together. Nicolae lives in the house with them. Nicolae has lived with them since they moved into the house. He helps with the kids. He also helps Cooper with his business. Criss is incredibly jealous of Nicholae. Belladonna knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that her fourth child is Nicolae’s. Her fifth child is Criss’.
“The fourth is his.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m almost positive.”
“Oh my god.”
“Criss I could be wrong.”
“I need to see Cooper.”
“Okay.”
Belladonna and Criss end up in the bedroom with Cooper. Cooper looks at Criss
who looks like he is going to be sick. Belladonna shows Cooper the vision. He looks at Criss. “I’m so sorry.”
“You think the same thing?”
“Yes. Yes, I do.”
“I put an offer on the house,” Criss says.
“I guess you should meet Nicolae soon,” Cooper says.
“I guess so.”
“You all can do that Monday or something when I have finals.”
“Yes beloved.”
“Well, I’ll let you two get some sleep.”
“Thank you Criss.”
“Goodnight Criss,” Belladonna says.
Chapter 8
Cooper and Criss just got done explaining to Nicolae everything. They have shown him the visions. Told him who Criss is. Then explained about the child. Which he came to the same conclusion about without being told. He is sitting in Cooper’s house listening to Destiny in the bouncer trying to contain his excitement that he’s going to have his own child. “Where the hell am I after my child is born? I’m not leaving the house.”
“No one expects you to,” says Cooper.
“Well, I’m not there.”
“I’ll get you a vial and we can see what happens.”
“Thank you.” Nicolae calms down.
“Like I told Cooper and Belladonna I put an o
ffer on the house so I should be getting it soon.”
“We’d all be moving in together soon.”
“Yes.”
“That should be interesting.”
“Nicolae,” Cooper gives a warning.
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Sure, you didn’t.”
“When will she be home?”
“In about an hour.”
“God that is too long to wait.”
“You can go see Mercedes and tell her it’s over.”
“I already did that. I hadn’t done anything with her. Didn’t even kiss her.”
“That’s your other mate?”
“Yes.”
Criss’ phone rings. “Excuse me.”
“Is he on the up and up?”
“Yes, he is.”
“This is all insane. I have a child. A boy! Who actually looks a bit like me.”
“I know it’s crazy. Our next child looks like me and our third is a perfect mix.”
“Criss’ looks like a mini him.”
“Yes, it does.”
“It felt like something was missing like something that wasn’t certain was missing.”
“Yes, you got that too.”
“Yes, in Criss’ vision.”
“Yes.”
“Alright I got the house.”
“That’s great!” Nicolae says.
“That’s terrific news!”
“Thanks.”
“Guys I’m home.”
Nicolae runs through the house and gets to Belladonna first. He picks her up and hugs her. “Hello Nic, I missed you too.”
Nicolae kisses her cheek. “I missed you.”
“I can tell.”
“I got the house.”
“That’s great, Criss.” Belladonna hugs him.
Belladonna hugs and kisses Cooper.
Nicolae laughs.
“What’s so funny, Nic?”
“We’re like small children with mom coming home. This is what it’s going to be like when we live in the house. Dear lord.”
“I think I’ll have to teleport in different rooms.”
“You’ll tell me, right?” Cooper asks.
“Of course.” She kisses him again.
Criss looks away. Nicolae notices and wants to pat his back.
“How was your final?” Nicolae asks.”
“It wasn’t too bad. I only have one tomorrow and then Wednesday I have two. I don’t know how I’m going to handle that.”
Queen: Part One Page 10