by D E Boske
“So, I may never know how many women you’ve slept with,” she stated, looking down.
“Gods! I should hope not,” he blurted without thinking. “Okay, that came out wrong,” he said quickly and captured her hand in his.
“Reny, I love you, but I don’t want us to always have this doubt between us. If you don’t think you can trust me, we should end this now before we go too far.”
“What are you saying, Mage?” she snapped, glaring at him. “You’re dumping me?” Her eyes had a dangerous gleam in them and the elves took a collective step back from them.
“No, babe. We need to trust each other if this has any chance of succeeding. I know it’s a shitty loophole, but we weren’t together until today. Now, I am committed to you and I promise I will not sleep with anyone else. I want you to know that I have no interest in other women. All I want is you, understand? Now, I don’t care if you wanna’ get possessive in public. You wanna’ kiss me, touch me, or make love to me, I will not balk. What I will not tolerate is your mistrust of me. I will share everything with you that I own. I will tell you anything that you want to know, okay? I want to be with you and Hunter, Reny. And when the time is right, I want to have children with you,” his words were husky and soft and tears welled up in her eyes. He kissed her and she went to him, snuggling against him.
“I just love you so much and I’m terrified of being hurt, Darian,” she whispered breathily.
“I know, babe. I know what you’ve been through, Ren and I can promise you that your heart is safe with me. Do you believe me?” he asked, looking into her eyes.
“I do,” she said and a brilliant smile erupted on his face. He picked her up and swung her around and kissed her as her legs hugged his waist.
“You know what I realized the day we met?” she asked him.
“What’s that?” he mumbled, as his lips began placing sweet kisses on her neck and earlobe.
“That I never even loved Gal. It was just a crush. It took meeting you to put my relationship with him into perspective. I thought I was in love and wasted so many years pining after a man who’d dumped me. You are the first and only man I’ve been with since him,” she quietly confessed.
“But Ren, when we met, you’d broken up with Gal more than thirty years ago,” Darian muttered.
“Yes, but I hadn’t met anyone who I felt safe with until I met you,” she whispered, stroking his left cheek with her right hand.
“And you felt safe with me? I was a lecher, Reny. Had I known what you’d been through…
Aw hell, no sense in lying about it, I still would have made love to you that day. The truth is, I’ve
always been crazy attracted to you, but I could never explain why. It scared the shit out of me so
I ended it abruptly and I’m sorry.” He kissed her, his tongue plundering her mouth and she grabbed his ass. He laughed, but didn’t stop her and she reveled at her newfound power over him.
He’d said she could be possessive with him and she intended to put that to the test. He never let anyone do that before. Her heart was full to bursting and she could hardly believe this was happening. Darian Brade in love with her? It was too good to be true.
Something occurred to her then. “Where’s Kel?” she asked, looking around. She hadn’t seen him since their reunion and this was highly unusual.
“We kind of had a fight,” Darian said.
“What does that mean?” she asked. “Darian, what happened? Tell me everything,” she coaxed, so he did. He left nothing out. He told her how he convinced Kylee to meet them on the beach, explained the elf’s violent reaction and Kylee’s hasty retreat. He even told her how they battled each other.
“Darian,” her tone was mildly reprimanding, “Are you saying that you haven’t seen him since? Why have you not looked for him?”
“I figured he needed time to cool down. I thought that if I went after him too soon, that he would automatically reject anything I had to say.”
“You do plan on going after him, don’t you?” she asked, gripping his hand.
“I do,” he said, kissing her forehead. “You’ll be good for me, babe.”
“Nym,” he called and the elf trotted over. “Where is Kelindril?”
“I have no idea,” the elf responded quickly. A little too quickly by the Mage’s estimate.
“Nym, I know that you’ve known him for a long time. Are you trying to tell me that you have absolutely no idea where he is? Where did he go when he needed to think or when he was upset?” the Mage persisted.
“Does he seem like the trusting type to you? He prefers to be alone as you well know, Darian.”
“Let’s try this again, Nym. Where is Kelindril? If you know anything, tell me now,” Darian commanded.
“No, you’ll kill him,” said Nym.
“Nym, I have no intention of killing him. I want to bring him home.”
“Are you serious? You’re not gonna’ kill him for what he’s done?” asked Nymdal, shocked and disbelieving.
“No, I’m not going to kill him. I realize I overstepped and pushed too hard. I know Elyssa hurt him and he doesn’t trust anyone. I just wanted him to be happy and I know Kylee is good for him. Nym, help me to bring him home where he belongs,” Darian said and the elf looked to
Renlyss and she nodded.
“Nym, Darian is nothing like Thelarki and you all have been at the receiving end of his kindness and generosity. Please believe him, Darian’s not going to hurt him. I would never stand for it and I hope you know that,” she said, taking Nym’s hand in her own.
“Okay, I’m trusting you both. He always goes back to the place it all began; his home,” Nym finished and signaled for the Gor Li’ Khan to fall in.
“Nym, I think it best if only those that he trusts accompany us. This will be difficult for him and he doesn’t like to show weakness,” the Mage advised.
Nym nodded, feeling stupid that he didn’t think of that first. “Brandiel, Stilhan, and Gavil, with me,” said Nym. “The rest of you will remain behind and wait for our return.”
“Nym, you’ve done a good job taking charge while Kel’s been away,” complimented Darian.
“Thanks, Darian,” said Nym, smiling a genuine smile. He trusted Darian to bring his friend home and knew the Mage would keep his word.
Nym led the way and the others fell into step. They moved silently and made their way to the elf’s home. It was facing the ocean, granting a beautiful view of each sunrise. The house was a medium sized two story that looked like it had been abandoned for years. Nym knocked, but there was no answer. The elf tried the door and it was open. They walked through the door into a frozen space of time. Drawers lay open, the contents strewn on the floor or hanging from the open drawers. Dust covered everything. There were hand-drawn pictures of Kelindril and the woman who had broken his heart and Darian felt a cold rage simmering beneath the surface of his calm façade. She did this to him. He looked around at the carefully hidden private life of an elf that he barely knew.
Kelindril kept himself distant and the Mage could understand that caution. After all, wasn’t he the same way? He looked around, trying to find something that he could use to connect with Kelindril, but quickly realized there was nothing here that would help. This was a place of pain, darkness, and solitude. He needed to find Kel and make this right.
Double doors opened onto the beach and Darian spotted the elf standing outside on the shore. He made his way onto the sand and walked slowly so as not to startle the elf. He had no reason to believe that Kel had no idea he was there. He was Gor Li’ Khan. The Mage left a respectable distance and stopped, giving the elf his space.
“Kel, I’m sorry for pushing you too hard. I care about you and hate to see you like this,” Darian began.
“How’d you find me?” asked Kel, without turning around.
“You have a beautiful view here. Why have you left this place in such disrepair? The
painful memories are overwhelming, m
y friend.”
“After she left, I kept myself constantly busy so that I wouldn’t have to come back home. I hate this place and the images that offend me every time I cross the threshold.”
“Why do you let her continue to hurt you? Shed the feelings that you once had for her. Let the memories go, Kel. It’s time to make new ones,” tried Darian.
“With Kylee?” Kel asked acidly. “I doubt she’ll ever want to see me again.”
“Kelindril, you’re effectively destroying yourself and I cannot abide that. Don’t you see that you’re letting her continue to torture you? Was she that great a lay? Seriously Kel, I need to understand what it is about her that you cannot let go.”
“What does it matter anyway? I’m no longer your problem,” he said emotionlessly.
“Says who, you?” Darian asked.
“As if you’d give me another chance after what happened,” he said, still not looking at the Mage.
“Kel, I’m here to bring you home where you belong,” said Darian, coming closer.
Kelindril laughed bitterly, “Is this some kind of joke?” he asked, finally turning around and saw only his most trusted companions and… Renlyss? She ran to him and embraced him, tears in her eyes.
“Kel, come home where you belong. We’ve all missed you so much!” she kissed his cheek and she was amazed when he returned her embrace.
“He isn’t here to kill me then?” he whispered.
“No, Kel. He’s distraught about what passed between you. He feels terrible and just wants you to come home. Kel, Darian’s right, you cannot surround yourself with memories of this bitch.” Her words surprised him and he looked at her with fresh eyes.
“Do you think she’s in any pain? Why are you letting her rule your life? Do you know that you have empowered her? Is that really what you want? Be your own person, Kelindril. Stop letting her win. Stop letting her dictate your life. Kylee is a great girl who really cares for you. She would be good for you,” she said and Kelindril listened to her.
“The best vengeance is happiness. Let her see how happy you are with Kylee. That will be your victory,” said Renlyss.
“There are a few problems with that. I’ve never been able to find her. I’ve tried. I’m Gor Li’ Khan and never failed in finding my prey. I’ve never been able to find a trail, no hint of where she is. And Kylee, she’ll never want to speak to me again after the way I treated her.
“I was so angry at you, Darian, for constantly pushing me into Kylee and I was angry at myself for feeling the way I do about her. I like her. I mean, really like her and I want to be with her and I just couldn’t handle it. I’m terrified of falling in love again after the last disaster. I don’t
ever want to feel that kind of pain again. I exploded and didn’t handle that well. I’m sorry for attacking you.”
“Kel, I understand why you did. I’m an ass and I’m sorry for pushing you so hard. I can’t promise that it won’t happen again, but it’s only because I care about you. You’re my friend and I want to see you happy. Now come home,” said Darian.
They walked back into the house and it looked brand new. The dust was gone and everything was clean. Kelindril looked to Darian who just shrugged. The elf burst out laughing and realized that what they’d been trying to tell him was right. He’d been living in the past and letting her memory dictate the life he would live. No more. He let go of her memory and admitted to himself that he was better off without her. They hadn’t gotten along that well anyway and he never should have considered proposing to her.
“Darian, thank you, for everything,” said Kel, sincerely touched.
“You’re welcome, my friend. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Kylee likes pink roses and Lily of the Valley, by the way,” the Mage slipped in.
“Darian, she’s not gonna’ wanna’ talk to me after that pitiful display,” he said quietly.
“Are you so sure? Are you just gonna’ let her go, or are you gonna’ do something about it?”
Kylee opened the door to find Kelindril standing there, holding pink roses and Lily of the Valley. Her heart swelled and tears fell from her eyes. He gently wiped them away, took her in his arms, and kissed her as she clung to him. Long moments passed as he explored her mouth, but finally, he broke the kiss. She whined and he chuckled.
“Kylee, I’m so sorry for the way I treated you. I understand if you want nothing to do with me. I was deeply hurt by someone and I’m terrified to get involved again. I handled it poorly and I’m hoping you’ll forgive me and grant me a chance to make things right between us,” said Kelindril, holding his breath.
“Oh, Kel,” she said, touching his face and then kissed him again. He returned her passion, but once more, he broke off the kiss.
“I want to take things slowly, okay?” he admitted. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?” he asked.
“That sounds lovely, Kel. But I want to kiss you right now,” she said, bringing her lips to his. His tongue swept into her mouth and he pressed himself into her. She could feel how excited he was, but she knew now was not the time.
“You better put these in water,” he said, his voice raw with emotion. She laughed and took the flowers.
“They’re beautiful, Kel. Darian told you, huh?” she asked knowingly.
“Yeah,” he said shyly.
“Thank you,” she said, kissing him once more.
He groaned, loving the feel of her in his arms. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he placed her back against the wall. He pressed himself into her and she wiggled against him, eliciting a soft moan of approval from his lips.
“Kylee, you feel so good. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good, but I really do want to take it slowly, okay?” she nodded her agreement.
“I don’t care as long as we’re together. Take all the time you need, Kel. I’ve been hurt too, but when I’m with you… I can’t seem to control myself,” she said, looking up at him through her long lashes.
“I know what you mean,” he said, placing her back onto the ground. “I want to get to know you, Kylee,” he said and she smiled.
38
Once Kelindril left to see Kylee, Darian turned his attention back to Nymdal. He was determined to get to the bottom of the elf that almost destroyed Kelindril.
“Nym, where is this girl?” asked the Mage, and it was clear he expected an answer.
“I don’t know. We looked for her for a long time, but never found her,” Nym admitted, looking sheepish.
“And has that ever happened to you before? On any of your missions, did you ever fail or did you always find your prey?”
“Since I’m standing here with you, I can honestly say that we always found what we were looking for. This always perplexed me. There was never any trace of her. How could that be?” said Nym.
“So, neither you nor Kelindril ever found anything on her? Do you know what this means, Nym?” asked the Mage, as he felt the pieces slide into place.
“No, what?” asked Nym, feeling dumb as hell. How could Darian have figured it out already? They’d been looking for years and never found a trace of her passing.
“She’s with Thelarki. She’s protected, which is why you’ve never found her, Nym,” Darian concluded.
“What? No. He barricaded himself after Mishtari’s death and that’s when he began changing. He hasn’t been with a woman since, Darian.”
“Think, Nym. What better reason could there be that you never found her? Did you search the palace?”
“No. Thelarki wouldn’t allow it…” Nym trailed off, as the Mage’s words finally sunk in. “Takasha!” He exclaimed. “I can’t believe we never figured this out.”
“What better way to control Kelindril, than to take his girlfriend? Thelarki needed Kelindril to become what he did; to be a ruthless killer for the crown. If he had nothing waiting for him at home, he wouldn’t have a problem working. Thelarki had a hand in making Kelindril what he is today,” Darian explain
ed.
“Damn! You got all that just now?” said Nymdal, surprised at the Mage’s deductions.
“It’s not hard, Nym. Think about it,” assured Darian.
“I am, you bastard,” said Nym, grinning. “I feel like a stupid Ni’ Kulana for not seeing this
before.”
“I’m going to see if I can get in to see Thelarki. Someone has to get him under control,” said the Mage.
“No offense, Darian, but you think you can do it?” asked Nym.
“Are you kidding me, Nym? Did I not just figure out a… Wait, how long ago did this happen?”
“Seventy-five years or so,” said Nym, clearing his throat.
“So, I solved a seventy-five-year-old mystery and you doubt that I can change Thelarki? Have I not changed all of you since you came to work for me?” asked the Mage with a sly smile.
Once more, Nym looked thoughtfully at Darian for a long time. “Yeah, I guess you did. Although, to be fair, I think a few of us were ready for change, but afraid to admit it to Kelindril.”
“Were you among that number?”
“Yes, though not at first. I did not become aware of those feelings until we were well on our way to Kiri A’ Nouell,” said Nymdal.
“What would Kel have done if he knew?” asked the Mage, already suspecting.
“He’d have killed us for sure,” confirmed Nym.
Darian looked around at his Gor Li’ Khan and nodded to them. “I appreciate each one of you. Your commitment and attention to detail are unsurpassed. I am honored to have you work for me,” said the Mage and meant it.
“We are the ones who are honored, Darian,” said Brandiel, coming forward. “You have given us a chance to redeem ourselves. You’ve given us a purpose and worthy enemies to pit ourselves against. We owe you everything,” said Brandiel.
“You owe me nothing,” said Darian seriously. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” he said, looking at each of them.
“How did you know, Darian?” asked Renlyss. “I’m stunned that a Monarch would act this way. So, he stole Kelindril’s girlfriend to force him to become a killer so that he could use him for his wicked plans?” the elven mage was disgusted.