Light of Dawn

by Angela Colsin

  As a result, Ulric began moving—and good lord, did he know how to do it.

  His hips rocked sinfully, grinding between her legs, and she could feel the evidence of his own arousal through his jeans, offering teasing brushes to her clitoris that made her ache so badly she thought she'd die if he stopped.

  All she could do was cling to him as he continued that wicked rhythm, whispering, “I've never ached like this, Ulric.”

  His erotic groan against her ear made her shiver. “I've never wanted to satisfy it so badly.”

  His hand found its way to the button of her jeans as if to silently ask permission, and she nearly demanded he keep going. There was a chemistry between them that could've set the motel on fire, and Charlotte longed to experience that kind of pleasure, know what it was like to make love without any trouble enjoying it.

  But the thought had her going rigid beneath him. Worry assaulted her senses, and not simply because she was reluctant to get involved with this excruciatingly attractive man and his intense kisses. Instead, she wondered what if this is just a fluke? The same old song and dance—he tried to please her, and she lost her way.

  Ulric's gift of being able to excite her more easily didn't guarantee she'd stay aroused. Even if she decided to have a full on fling here and now, Charlotte realized she feared going further, recalling the way her ex looked at her sometimes—annoyed and disappointed.

  She couldn't stand the thought of seeing that look on Ulric's face.

  “W-we can't,” she rasped quickly, grasping his wrist to pull away.

  Ulric growled like she'd denied him some hard earned reward, but thankfully relented, breathing deeply as he lifted his head with a frustrated groan.

  After a moment, he apologized on a gruff tone, “I'm sorry, sweetness. I got carried away.”

  So did I, she thought, having to remind herself of one immutable truth. We're from different worlds. This can't be.

  “I'm sorry too. We just shouldn't get this close.”

  Ulric gazed down at her with a heat in his eyes that almost made her forget what she'd said as he murmured, “I just wish I could better understand what's between us, learn if it's possible for you to transition.”

  “Do you really think I'd be yours? Not that I'm insinuating anything.”

  At that, he smirked, asking, “You're starting to like me, aren't you?”

  Charlotte groaned, pushing herself up, grateful when he rolled to the side to let her move. As she sat with her feet on the floor, she replied, “Maybe, but I'm just not looking for a relationship. I'm still getting over a divorce.” And I'll tell myself that the next time I'm dry humping him.

  She pushed the thought away and looked back, instantly regretting it. Not only was he shirtless, laying on his side with a hand beneath his jaw, looking as sexy as any man she could've imagined, but he was scowling.

  As hard as it was for her to believe, Charlotte knew he was jealous of her marriage and didn't like the fact that she was resisting the possibility of something coming between them because of it. But he hadn't lied to her, and she couldn't do the same.

  “Don't look at me like that, haven't you ever cared for someone and missed them when they were gone?”

  “Not specifically,” he muttered. “I took a vow to wait for my mate, and most of the relationships I've ever had before that were only for gratification.”

  Charlotte was stunned. He'd vowed not to be with anyone but his mate, yet he'd just been intimately grinding against her like he'd found her. If anything, that was definitely proof of how strongly he felt.

  “Ulric, do you know how overwhelming that sounds?”

  “I think I can imagine. But I won't lie about it, and because there could be a chance for us, I don't want to back away.”

  “Then what would you do if I were receptive?”

  He smirked. “You should probably ask what I wouldn't do. But for starters, I'd get to know everything about you, find out what you like, and learn how to please you so well you couldn't remember anyone before me. Is that really so bad?”

  Bad? No. Intense? Oh yeah.

  Charlotte tried not to think about the last part in specific, but she couldn't ignore the fact that she was wishing they could try for something more.

  Did she really still care for Mitchell as much as she thought? Or was she merely clinging to the idea of the man she'd married, maybe even hiding behind it?

  “I have to admit,” she started, “last night scared the hell out of me. So maybe I am a little interested, and no, it doesn't sound so bad. But now isn't the right time to talk about those things, Ulric. I'm confused, and we still need to get to Tallahassee anyway. Maybe when I go to that Spire, I can learn more about everything going on with me, and then think about it. I just need some time.”

  Ulric looked thoughtful, then nodded. “You're right, you do need time. But tell me one thing, Charlotte.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Do you trust me now?”

  Charlotte held his blue gaze—starting to adore that color—and thought of the best way to respond, which was by freely giving him the address he'd sought all along.

  Ulric was honorable, and she believed in him completely. He was even smiling with her answer because her trust was important to him. Maybe the reason was a little hard to get used to, but she found herself smiling back.

  Sitting up, his expression grew serious with his next request. “Then let me continue protecting you once my job is concluded. It won't take long, and until we're sure you're no longer being hunted, you'll need help.”

  Two days ago, the answer to that would've been hell no, and yesterday, she would've needed to think about it. But now?

  “I can't ask you to keep looking out for me when I can't offer—”

  “I don't want payment for this,” he stopped her. “All you have to do is say yes or no.”

  If he was offering, then her answer was simple. “I'd say yes,” she admitted, adding blandly, “as long as you don't ransack my place again.”

  Ulric grinned, and she admired the look, even felt heartened in some strange way when he admitted, “I can't promise I'm not also using your protection as an excuse to get closer to you, sweetness.”

  Charlotte gave him a small, bittersweet smile. “I can't make any promises either, Ulric.”

  She wished she could say differently, but her future was uncertain at best. Still, she got the feeling he didn't need her to make promises, as if he'd do whatever it took to earn her affection.

  A part of her hoped he'd succeed.

  But there was a question in the back of her head, one that had briefly surfaced from time to time since their encounter with Lillian earlier that morning. The vampiress mentioned something about Ulric satisfying her needs, and countless others.

  What the hell had that meant? Did it have something to do with the seventy years Isaac mentioned? Ulric also hated vampires, and all of those clues combined made her think he'd suffered some kind of abuse at their hands that she couldn't imagine the extent of.

  If Lillian had a hand in it, then Charlotte hated her even more.

  Sadly, she couldn't ask without prying, but damned if she didn't feel the need to comfort him, no matter how long ago it'd happened.

  Might as well face it, Charlotte, you're starting to care about him.

  Still, she felt vulnerable and unsure. Maybe it was the thought that their journey together was so close to ending, and the unknown awaiting beyond it, but she hoped whatever turns her life made next would be easier to handle than those she'd already come across.

  Chapter 18

  Ulric had mixed feelings on the way to Tallahassee.

  They got moving after Charlotte took a quick shower, putting the items he'd bought for her to use, and while waiting, he couldn't shake the uncertainty settling in the pit of his stomach.

  Though elated to know she trusted him, Ulric was reluctant to simply drop her off at a Spire as they'd agreed upon. Maybe their intimate encounter was fee
ding that hesitation—he couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such a heavy yearning—or maybe it was just instinct, but Ulric wasn't so sure he could pry himself away from Charlotte, even temporarily.

  Still, their trip was made enjoyable with jokes and sharing interests. As it turned out, she was a gamer, and he related that he used to have an entire room devoted to the hobby with every console ever made.

  Hearing this, Charlotte looked at him in awe, and they discussed the topic for quite a while.

  But the closer they got to Tallahassee, the more their talk slowed down, as if becoming too focused on what might happen in the near future to idly chat.

  They found Julian's address with ease. He lived in a two story cottage style home, and as Ulric parked on the side of the road in front of it, Charlotte seemed impressed, mentioning, “Julian has a nice place.”

  “It’s okay.”

  She turned a raised brow in his direction. “Just okay?”

  “I have more extravagant tastes, remember?” he spoke matter-of-factually before climbing out of the truck. It took a lot to get a money loving draconian to give a compliment after all.

  As he walked around the vehicle to join her, Charlotte asked, “I guess that means you live in a fifteen bedroom mansion with servants everywhere, huh?”

  “Dalris owns an estate with seventeen bedrooms, mostly because we have so many siblings, but I'm living with another brother in his penthouse.”

  “How many siblings do you have?”

  “Nine in total, and only one is a sister, Victoria.” At Charlotte's surprised expression, he asked, “Single child?”

  “Yeah, so it's hard to imagine.”

  “They're not always pleasant,” he admitted, then grew silent to take in their surroundings. Once convinced that it was safe, he announced, “I don’t sense anything off, but I’m going with you. Do you know what you're going to tell your friend?”

  “Yeah,” she started as they headed to the front porch, “I'm telling Julian you're a tenant in my building, and the box was sent to the wrong place. I figure we can say it's an old heirloom that means a lot to you or something.”

  Ulric gave an approving nod, thinking that was good enough to keep questions from being raised as they reached the door where Charlotte began to ring the bell.

  But she suddenly stopped with her hand in the air, confessing just as Ulric sensed magic surrounding the entrance, “Actually, I don't think this is a good idea.” Backing away, she added, “We should just leave.”

  He hooked an arm around her waist before she could take off, pulling her against his side as he qualified, “That's because someone's cast a repelling spell on the door.”

  “What?” Charlotte asked uncertainly, watching him knock for her. “Then why aren't you leaving?”

  “I feel the push,” he related, “but draconian's are resistant to most basic magics.”

  Just as he'd explained, they saw someone moving behind the ornate plate glass, and the knob turned. Ulric kept Charlotte at his side, wary of whoever might emerge, but still got the feeling he knew what was coming.

  Surely enough, his suspicions proved to be accurate.

  “Isadora,” he started when the fae opened up for them. “I thought you might be hiding here.”

  Charlotte was staring rather blankly at the fae, likely because of her looks, which were very pleasant. She was wearing a thigh length skirt and a blue silk blouse, looking as radiant as ever with her long, deep chestnut brown hair that shimmered in the sun, curling down to her mid section.

  It was all hanging freely save a few strands tucked back behind her pointed ears, and her eyes were an ethereal ocean blue, darker in tone than Ulric’s, but just as vivid.

  Seeming dismayed, she asked, “Was I really that predictable?”

  “Predictable? Maybe, but I'm still not sure why you did this.”

  “I'll take that as a consolation,” she grinned, motioning to Charlotte, “but it's more important that you brought her in one piece!”

  “You couldn't call me to tell me that?” Ulric asked pointedly.

  Snickering, she stepped to the side while waving her hand. “Come in, we've got a lot to discuss.”

  Ulric didn't hesitate, ready to finally get some answers, and Isadora locked the door behind them as they stepped inside.

  Charlotte turned to face her in the foyer, asking curiously, “You’re Isadora?”

  “That's me,” the fae confirmed. “I'm glad to finally meet you, and an explanation is coming. First, I know you’re worried about Julian, but don’t, he’s just asleep. And Ulric, I believe this is what you’re after.”

  She held out her hand, the curse box he'd been pursuing all along settled in her palm. Seeing it, Ulric sighed in relief, muttering, “Damned thing's been a pain in the ass.”

  “I figured half a million was worth some pain in the ass,” Isadora commented.

  “True,” he agreed, opening his jacket to shove the box into the inner pocket before casting an agitated look at the fae. “So, explain. You were worried I wouldn't get her here?”

  Wordlessly, Isadora walked into the living room, motioning for them to follow, and took a seat on the sofa while Charlotte occupied the recliner across from it. Ulric simply leaned on the wall nearby.

  “Do you really think we should just sit in here while Julian’s asleep?” Charlotte asked.

  “He’s asleep because I put him to sleep when I saw you two coming,” Isadora explained. “I've been here for a few days, making sure no one came looking for Ulric's curse box and keeping Julian safe. I also intercepted his calls, so he knows nothing about this, and later, you can just say the box was lost in the mail. So!” she changed the subject, “How was the ride?”

  “Long and tiring,” Charlotte replied unenthusiastically.

  Isadora looked sympathetic. “I knew vampires were going to be after you. It’s why I sent you the box, so Ulric would go and protect you.”

  “What?” Charlotte asked in surprise.

  Ulric had already figured as much, so he didn't comment as Isadora sat back and crossed one leg over the other, shrugging casually. “I snatched it from some lupines before Yules could find it, then sent it along with a temporary binding spell to ensure you'd be more willing to stick with him. That should be wearing off by the way.”

  Charlotte nodded to confirm she didn't feel such a strong draw to the box anymore, and Ulric sighed, annoyed by the thought that Isadora had snuck it away from him.

  “You did all that so I’d protect her?” More suspiciously, he inquired, “Did you cast some kind of spell to make me feel this way about her?”

  “Feel what way?”

  Isadora sounded completely oblivious, proving she hadn't known he'd feel any differently about Charlotte than he would another person.

  “Protective, possessive.” After admitting that, Ulric added, “I thought you might've known from your vision.”

  “No, can't say I did. I simply saw you adamantly protecting her in my divination, and knew it was my best bet when a fae would be at twice the risk going up against vampires. Oh, and don't worry, Yules, I've prepared compensation.”

  Ulric didn't care about compensation anymore when he was so relieved that Isadora hadn't tampered with his feelings, unwilling to reverse what had come between himself and Charlotte. When he thought about just how far he'd go to make sure she was safe—I'd give my life—he knew compensation was no longer important.

  Charlotte was.

  “What do you mean by divination?” Charlotte asked as he was thinking it all over.

  “Like many fae, I practice witchcraft, and though it's not my forte, I sometimes divine the future,” Isadora answered. “As for the way Ulric feels, if I had to guess, I’d say you’re actually his mate and he can’t fully recognize it unless you transition. It’s happened to a few of our kind before.”

  Ulric’s head snapped toward Isadora when he heard that. “So it is possible?”

  “For mortal bor
n fae to transition? Yes,” Isadora confirmed. “I don’t remember any draconian matches, but if Charlotte transitions, she could be yours.”

  “If,” Ulric pointed out. “What would it take to make her?”

  “Hold on!” Charlotte countered.

  “She’d have to tap into her fae abilities laying dormant from years of a human upraising,” Isadora answered despite her objection.

  Charlotte grew quiet as if it was still good to know, asking, “What do you mean? Like using magic or something?”

  “Something like that,” she confirmed. “It’s in you, but finding it might be tough.”

  Ulric watched Charlotte looking down in thought, then glanced back at Isadora. “How tough?”

  “That just depends on if she chooses to learn, or ignores it’s there altogether.”

  “She’ll learn,” he qualified before he could think better of it, and unsurprisingly, Charlotte took exception.

  “You slow down. Having an affinity for me doesn't mean you get to make my decisions. Besides, what if I transition and you don’t feel any different? My entire life would change for nothing. Trying just because I might be your mate isn't enough, Ulric.”

  Ulric growled in frustration, seeing it differently because of how long he'd waited to find her. Still, he couldn't argue for two reasons, the first being Charlotte's track record of determination.

  Telling her she'd probably be better off as an immortal anyway would only make her resist even more. Ulric needed to be gentle with persuading her, no matter how badly he burned to know once and for all that she was his beyond all doubt. Let her get used to the idea. Don't pull an Isaac-bugging-Chandra on her.

  The second reason he held his tongue was because Isadora took the floor first, announcing, “Before you two discuss this, there's more you need to know, Charlotte.”

  She gave her attention back to Isadora, asking, “Like what?”

  “First, there are different types of fae, and you’re what they call a sun fae. If you don't guess it by the name, sun fae are those of light and fire. They thrive in it, absorb it, and most of their abilities are based off of it. Unfortunately, their blood allows vampires to walk in the sun for a while, even a mortal's.”