“I know you do sweetheart.”
“I need a nap.”
“We’ll move your bedroom suite first thing that way you can sleep.”
“Thank you.”
“Not a problem.
“Come one let’s go so we can start moving stuff.”
Belladonna and Gatlin go back to everyone as they’re all waiting to move everything. The house has mostly new furniture inside of it. The bedroom suites have to be moves along with Destiny’s items and kitchen stuff but everything else is new in the house. Even the towels. Criss and Cooper made sure of it. A lot of the kitchen stuff is new as well. So they’re barely moving anything in. Belladonna gets to the new house with Destiny. They go into one of the empty bedrooms and play on the floor. Belladonna struggles to stay awake while destiny chews on her hand as she is teething. Cooper comes into the room “My Queen. The bed is put together go get some sleep.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I’ll take Destiny.”
“You are the best husband.”
“That’s what I always want to be.”
“Well, you are.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
Belladonna got into the bed and passed out as soon as her head hits the pillow.
She is in the cottage. Criss is staring at her. He is smiling at her brightly. He leans in and whisper. “My brother is King of Insanity.”
“He’s what?”
“King of Insanity. It’s one of the top five once worse things to be King of. Mine is one them.”
“How did he end up with that?”
“He asked for it is what I was told.”
“Does it work that way?”
“Not normally you have to prove yourself.”
“It doesn’t sound like Gatlin.”
“That’s what they’re saying, sweetie.”
Belladonna looks away on the verge of crying. “I can’t handle any more of this. First you aren’t who I thought you were in so many ways. Then Cage. Now Gatlin. I just can’t take anymore.”
“I’m sorry Bell.”
“I need to go.”
“Can I kiss you quickly before you leave.”
“Yes, that would be fine.”
Criss kisses Belladonna. Then the kiss is over.
Belladonna ends up at an abandoned house. It’s beautiful. It’s an old plantation home. There is a line of trees leading to it that looks like a canopy. Belladonna wishes she had a camera.
“It's gorgeous, isn’t it?”
“I think this is my favorite of all the places I’ve been to.”
“Well, that’s quite the compliment.”
“Yes, it is. Who are you if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m sorry I’m Easton. I’m your new teacher.”
“Hello Easton, you know I’m Belladonna.”
“Yes, I do. Now I’ll go ahead and tell you I’m one hundred percent fae. You may find yourself at times in a trance around me. Like wanting to kiss me, hug me, etc. It’s completely natural nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens with fae. Sometimes it can be from both. If I notice that happens, I’ll have someone present to split us up. I’ve never had it but just in case I like to warn people. I’ve only had one student do that. Be in a trance. It only lasted for a week and then it went away. So, we were good. So don’t worry about it.”
“Okay I understand.”
“Good I’m glad. “
“Is there anything else I need to know about you?”
“No that’s about it.”
“Alright then.”
Belladonna gets up to leave and Easton stops her. He moves her hair off of her face. “Be careful.”
“I always am.”
Chapter 13
Cage’s parents gushed over Belladonna as if she was their daughter. She could tell Cage must have spoken about her a great deal. They insisted that she sit with them during the service. Cooper took Destiny and sat with everyone else. She cried with his family and his mom held her hand during the entire service. At the graveside service again, Belladonna sat with the family. She felt a bit funny about it but she did it. Afterwards they went to Cage’s parents’ house for the visitation. His mom introduced her to everyone. As soon as she said her name everyone knew who she was. It was awkward. Finally, his mom took her upstairs to their bedroom. There was a manilla envelope with her name on it. “This is yours. It was in his safe deposit box. He said if anything ever happened to him. To give that to you. I’m going to close the door so you can look at it.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Belladonna opened up the envelope and in it was fifty thousand dollars. A passport in a different name, Dog tags that were his. A driver’s license that matched the passport for the name. Then there was a letter.
Belladonna-
If you are reading this I didn’t make it. I didn’t think I would but damn I hoped I would. I have included everything you need to get the hell out of dodge. Leave Destiny. I know that’s hard to hear and even harder to do but you have to in order to survive. Shit is going to go down and you may not make it. I love you so much. SO damn much. You can’t trust anyone. Not even Coop. Everyone is so tangled up with everyone it’s messed up. I could go through it but I’m wasting valuable time. Take this package and think movere and where you want it to be. It will be there. Trust me. Hide it where no one will find it. I wish you the best of luck. I hope I don’t see you soon.
I love you-
Cage
Belladonna says “Movere” and the envelope moves to the hiding spot she selected. She goes downstairs to Cooper. He’s making small talk with a man. Mercedes and Miller have Destiny. Cooper can tell Belladonna is about to pass out. He tells Belladonna to say goodbye to everyone. As she's about to leave Cage’s mother asks her to follow her. She gives her a ring which is far too nice for her to have. “Cage was supposed to give it to the woman he loved. He loved you. You have no clue how much he loved you. Please accept it and wear it.”
“Thank you. It means the world.”
“You’re welcome.”
Belladonna goes out to the car and tells Cooper about the ring. He thinks it was nice. Belladonna gets home and puts the ring up. She then gets into bed.
The cherry blossoms are beautiful as always. Nicolae is sitting on a rock far enough away from Belladonna. She smiles at him and nods. “I wanted to check on you.”
“I’m still breathing.”
“I figured as much.”
“It doesn’t seem real.”
“I know it doesn’t. Death never does.”
“I keep expecting to see or hear from him.”
“I know you do precious.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“You can ask me anything.”
“How many times did you sleep with her?”
“Seven.”
Belladonna looks to the right and takes several calming breaths. “You’ve almost….”
“Don’t say it.”
“Okay.”
“I’m visiting Harperion, so it never happens again.”
“That’s smart.”
“It never happens with anyone but you.”
“Nicolae you don’t know if I’m the only person you’re going to want.”
“You are and I don’t want to hear it.”
“Okay. I can’t tell you what to do.”
“That’s right.”
“I’m sorry I was trying to.”
“It’s fine. Just remember that.”
“I will.”
“You should get some sleep.”
“Yes, I should.”
“Goodnight precious.”
She is on the beach. It is nice and sunny. She is in a swimsuit. It is black and red. She is lounging by the cabana. There is a fruity drink beside her. The waves are crashing lulling her to sleep. She feels his hand on her calf going up her leg. Stopping as he gets to th
e bottom of her swimsuit. “How is my sweetheart?”
“Good. How are you?”
“I’m good,” says Gatlin.
“I do love the beach.”
“Do you approve of the swimsuit?”
“It’s black and red what’s not to approve.”
“I thought you would like a wink to Cooper and me.”
“Of course, I do.”
“I love you sweetheart more than the universe.”
“I love you.”
“You love him more.”
“We don’t discuss this.”
“That’s a yes.”
“Gatlin, why do you ask when you get upset?”
“I don’t get upset. I get upset when others come before me.”
“Others?”
“Someone other than Cooper. I know Cooper will always be your number one. Hell, the visions show that.”
“Yes, they do.”
“Okay then. I just don’t like that Criss is above me.”
“He isn’t above you.”
“I know he is.”
“Gatlin, I’m not going to deal with paranoid world.”
“Do you think that because you make love with me and not him you love me more?”
“I think it because I know.”
“He said I was King of Insanity?”
“Yes.”
Gatlin laughs. “That is hysterical.”
“I couldn’t believe it.”
“No, not even close.”
“You should get some sleep.”
“Okay.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
Gatlin stays behind as he hears his brother. Criss shows up. “Where is she?”
“Not here.”
“I’ve been searching for her all night.”
“Don’t know what to tell you.”
“Okay thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Criss went back to the cottage and laid on the bed. He just had on a pair of pants. He wanted to have Belladonna here. He wanted to be kissing her back with his arm around her midsection. He wanted to know he was making her wet. He wanted to feel her. He needed to feel her. He called for her and like that she was laying in front of him. She was sound asleep. He put his arm around her and cuddles up next to her. Going to sleep. Just knowing she was in his arms made him feel so much better.
It was Thursday and Belladonna was going to the club tonight to see Pete. She
felt really good today. She slept like a baby. She wasn’t going to say it was due to Criss holding her all night. He didn’t need a bigger ego. She was in Creative Writing with Damari when they were broken into groups. She was paired with a girl named Lucy. Lucy seemed to be human. Seemed to be. They had to write about a person being lost in the woods, finding a deserted house, and what would happen to them. Lucy and Belladonna started their outline in class. “
“What do you want the theme of the story to be?” Belladonna asks Lucy.
“You’re asking me?”
“Yeah.”
“No one ever asks me.”
“Well, I am.”
“I don’t know. I think it should be something about how the darkness inside of you is mirrored in woods and the house.”
“I like that.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you have a lot of darkness, Lucy?”
“About the same as the average person.”
“Well let’s work on this outline.”
They made quick work of the outline. “The paper is due Tuesday. I suggest you meet during the weekend to get this done.”
“Lucy, do you want to come to my place Saturday?”
“Sure.”
“Here is the address. Here is my phone number. Do you need anything else?”
“Social security number?”
“You have to be really good for that.”
“I’ll remember that. You have a good day.”
“You too.”
“Blue and blonde hair do it for you?” Damari asks.
“I’m blonde.”
“She was hitting on you.”
“So?”
“I didn’t know you swung that way.”
“I have.”
“Okay. Didn’t mean to offend.”
“Don’t be so close minded, Damari.”
“I’m not close minded. I just didn’t know.”
“Have you ever?”
“No. Never had the desire.”
“Men are funny about that. Women are much more fluid about it.”
“Very true.”
“Do you want to come with us tonight to hear Pete?”
“Pete already invited me.”
“Cool. Are you coming?”
“Yes. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone you guys talk about.”
“I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to meet you.”
“Okay well I should get to my class.”
“Okay have fun.”
“You know it.”
Belladonna was in the office with Gatlin learning a spell. The door was shut, and a silencer was put on the room. “Today we are going to work on making yourself invisible. It wouldn’t be for a long period of time. It would be long enough to pass through a room.”
“When would I need this?”
“You never know.”
“Okay. Is there a cloak like Harry Potter?”
Gatlin laughs. “No there isn’t.”
“Okay I’ll work on it.”
“If you need help, I’ll be over here. Do not come over here unless you need help.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
Belladonna works on saying everything. Slowly going through the phrasing. Her phone rings. “Hello.”
“Hey Belladonna, it’s Lucy.”
“Hey what’s up?”
“I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight. Maybe to a club or something.”
“I am actually already going to a club already if you’d like to join.”
“Sure, where at?”
“Sunsets.”
“Oh yeah.”
“I’ll be there about 8. At the banister in front of the bar.”
“Okay I’ll see you then.”
“Yes, you will.”
“Bye.”
Gatlin looks at Belladonna. “Your mind is running overtime what are you thinking?”
“Threesome.”
“Don’t look at Cooper or me. I will beat you if you try with either of us.”
“No, I was thinking Criss.”
“I like the way you think Q.”
“I thought you would.”
“Let’s get back to the spell.”
“I might need one of those little white pills.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Cooper comes up behind Belladonna as she is getting ready. She is putting on a red and black dress he has never seen before. It makes her look sexier than normal. He feels as though he won the lottery every time, he looks at her. He begins kissing her neck and he feels how she responds to him. He bites down on her. I love you. I missed you so badly today. I wished you’d lift this skirt up and take me fast and hard. I want you so badly. Now I’m getting wet for you. So wet for my King. Shut the door Cooper and take me. Yeah, you feel how wet I am. Oh god I love when you touch me. You never drink this much. You forgot. Cute. Take me Cooper. Now.
Cooper locks the door and takes his wife from behind.
Cooper and Belladonna arrive at the club behind everyone else. Mercedes smiles when she sees Belladonna, she then motions for her to come with her. Mercedes then whispers “Threeway. Some girl, Criss, and you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. But you don’t really do anything with them. It’s strange.”
“That is strange.”
“Just a heads up.”
“Thank you.”
“Belladonna!”
“Lucy! Hey you. Glad to know you found m
e okay.”
“Of course.”
“Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my husband Cooper. This is my friend Mercedes and her boyfriend Miller. This is Criss and his brother Gatlin. This is Nicolae. This is Roger and Sam. This is Damari. Finally, the lead singer of the band is my best friend Pete.”
“I don’t think you have a big enough posse.”
“I try.” Belladonna laughs.
“Come on let's go get drinks,” Lucy says
Belladonna and Lucy go to the bar. “I don’t drink for the record.”
“That’s cool.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“That’s great.”
“Thank you.”
“Well in solidarity I won’t drink either.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t drink much so it’s not a big deal.”
“Okay.”
“Can I have two non-alcoholic mojitos.”
“Sure, not a problem.”
“Thank you,” Belladonna says once the drinks come out.
“You’re welcome.”
“To a beautiful friendship.”
“To a beautiful friendship.”
“So do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“No, I don’t like guys.”
“That wasn’t going to be my question but thanks for clearing that up.”
“Oh god I feel like an idiot.”
Belladonna laughs. “I already figured that out.”
Lucy’s face is bright red. “I want to find a rock.”
“It’s cool. I like both. Does that make you feel better?”
“A ton thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I still can’t believe I just declared that.”
“It was funny.”
“Yes, it was. Let’s go listen to the band.”
“Okay. Come on. Maybe you can yell it to all my friends.”
Pete was already on the stage singing. He looks up and sees Belladonna. He nods at her and continues. Belladonna looks on the first floor and sees Easton. He is looking up at all of them. Belladonna focuses back on Pete. he gets on the piano. He is pouring his heart out on the song. She hears in her head. “For you.” Pete doesn’t look at her but there was no mistaking it was his voice in her head. She keeps the tears at bay. Mercedes looks at her and gives her a supportive smile. Belladonna doesn’t want to say. It would have been four months ago she would have jumped at the chance. Now it isn’t ideal. She has too many guys. Too many. She can’t deal with it. She finally says she has to go to the restroom. Lucy and Mercedes follow after her. Lucy looks at Belladonna when she gets in the restroom. “I’m going to assume that was meant for you.”
Queen: Part One Page 20