Isabelle Saint-Michael's Blog, page 15

I’m back!

Hi everyone!

My laptop has been repaired and we are back in business. To make up for all the fun we missed last week I have extras on top of stories for you this week. There are new recipes, pictures of the kitten, book updates, book sale and DLC. Happy Holidays, right?

If you buy your Kindle books through Amazon US, this week Practical Uses and Holiday Spirit are both on sale. If you use Amazon UK not to worry the sale starts Thursday for you and will also run a week. If you have been considering picking up a book, this is the week to get them on Kindle.

Happy Christmas!

Love,

Isabelle

Another Word From the Management

To all of our lovely, lovely blog readers:

A tragedy has happened today.

The author’s dear, beloved computer has passed on from this world.

Oh, its mortal shell is still here, pink case sitting quietly on the desk as if at any second it could come to life again, but no more.  No more shall fingers type nimbly over its keys, no more shall Christmas music come from its speakers, no more shall City Girl be played upon its screen.  Gone are the pictures of friends now so far away, of times and places now past; never to be recovered, now only memories.  Scattered are the Word documents and Excel files, adrift are the PDFs, and once lively games now sit silently unplayed.

And…

And the story.

Dear readers, it is my tearful duty to tell you that what has been written may now be lost.  It will not be lost for all time – there are wizards in the world, and even now they ply their trade upon the inner circuits – and the author will send her eagles of Thought and Memory to retrieve it, but it will take some time.  This is not the end of the story, for there will never be an end to the story, but there may be a small pause while the words are re-collected.

The blog will continue on, though Management may have to substitute kitten pictures for story updates a couple times.  The books will still be published – no power in the universe could stop them.  But we would like to ask that you take a small moment of silence for this passing.  So often losses such as these are greeted with terror and dread panic, and these have come and passed, so we would like to now honor a long life of near-constant operation.  Helpmate, colleague, sure tool at our hands – we will miss you.*

-The Management

 

 

*Until you are replaced, probably with a better model.  But such is the life cycle of the computer.

Holiday Shopping with Hue

“What about that one?” Hue pointed at a linen shirt with large billowy sleeves.

“My dad would totally never dress like a pirate. He lives in the Human realm with companies like Gap and Brooks Brothers,” I informed him.

“I’ve seen Humans in this realm dressed like this.”

“Yes – actors, history peeps, restaurant workers, and costumed weekenders. My dad isn’t any of those things.”

Hue huffed a big sigh. “Well I think they look nice,” he mumbled under his breath. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Hue clicked on another Amazon listing. Up popped a pair of knee high riding boots. “What about these?” Hue asked.

“Really?” My tone was far flatter than I had planned it to be. He offered me a shrug. “Are these things YOU want or things you think my father would like?”

He thought about it for a moment. “I think they are good presents for any man, but yes, I do like them.”

I smiled. “Ok, well then we are getting somewhere. I was thinking of ordering a cheesecake for my dad this Christmas.”

“You mean for Yule,” he corrected.

“No, I mean Christmas.”

“But you’re a Dragon, Dragons celebrate Yule.” There was a sudden flare of panic shooting through him. He looked at me like he was afraid I would run away and never come back. I grabbed his hand and gave it a loving squeeze.

“I grew up in the Human realm, attended church, and celebrated Christmas. This doesn’t mean I won’t celebrate Yule. What if we celebrate both?” I reached for anything that would calm him down.

“You’re right, we should observe both since both are a part of you.” He paused for a moment to consider his words carefully. “Sometimes I get these irrational fears about you like you will one day decide you don’t want to be a Dragon or an Elf anymore and will just turn your back on all of it.”

It made sense. I cupped his cheek with my hand. “Hue, you and I share something greater than our heritage. I can’t just walk away. Yes, this year will be complicated with the whole Ian’s family thing but I’m certainly not giving up on us. Part of why I have agreed to Ian’s family request is because of the proximity of my own family. That, and I want to see Cariss choke on his turkey over dinner.”

He eyed me carefully. “Don’t start another war please.”

“I won’t.” I reached around him and clicked on a dark chocolate peppermint cheesecake. “That’s what I am ordering for my Dad.” Hue turned to look at it. His eyes widened and turned round.

“Can we order six?” he asked softly.

“Why? Dad only needs one. He is already complaining about getting soft around the middle in his old age.”

Hue snorted. “Old age indeed. I have boots older than your Dad. No, I want to send one to my parents and four to the nest for Yule. They look decadent.”

“What if we ordered four different flavors for the nest? That way people could try different things.” He nodded his approval. Half an hour later one cake was on its way to New England, one to Australia, and four (Dark Chocolate Peppermint, Raspberry, Pumpkin, and Pomegranate) were headed for New York where they would then be shipped to the North Pole.

“Let’s order cookies for your mom next.” I laughed and closed the laptop.

“No, I hand make those.”

“Really?!? Are they good? I mean I love and adore Lady Jura, but she can’t cook.” He winced as a memory flitted past.

Trying not to laugh I nodded. “My Human mother is an AMAZING cook. Since she was the one who taught me, you and everyone else will enjoy them and live to see another day.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank the goddess of the hearth.”

 

A Word From The Management

The management would like to apologize for the lack of a blog post today.  There has been a cute overload.

(New kitten, squee!  His name is Mac Flurry and he’s a Scottish Fold isn’t he adorable?)

In the meantime you can check us out on the the blog tour!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go buy a Santa suit size XXXXSmall….

The Practical Pixie (Dani’s POV)

“Oliver, slow down!” My words seemed to be swallowed up by the cold wind. I brushed past hundreds of shoppers in Seoul’s busy shopping mecca of Myeong-dong. Christmas as a concept was fairly new to Korea, but with each passing year the country seemed to take on more of the Western stance on holiday shopping. People rushed around with their arms loaded down with brightly colored bags from popular stores. The night was alive with festive blinking lights and my Vampire beau was lightyears ahead of me. Taking a deep breath, I chased after him, hoping he would realize I wasn’t behind him.

When I caught up he stood slack jawed in front of a brightly lit lingerie boutique. The mannequins modeled skimpy outfits of red velvet, white fur and gold sequins. Oliver wasn’t alone. Half a dozen guys stood with the same glow of holiday delight children get in front of a candy store. I tugged on his hand, hoping to move him away and back on path towards our other stops. Instead I was dragged into the store while he giggled with an almost evil glee. His only words were, “We need to go in here.”

Once inside I found a large velvet chair I settled into while he loaded his arms full of what I can only describe as glittering velvet dental floss. Every so often he would look in my direction with a large grin and wag his eyebrows at me. The shop workers would giggle amongst themselves at each encounter. As his pile grew so did the shade of red I was turning. Finally I caught his attention. “Oliver, what are you doing?”

“Christmas shopping,” he replied too matter-of-factly.

“For whom?”

“You, of course,” he responded, looking at a corset to my left. As he reached for it I rolled me eyes and he noticed. “Don’t you think it’s pretty?”

“Yes, it is pretty, but it’s not practical. None of this stuff is practical.” I crossed my arms over my chest to emphasize my point.

“Why does pretty have to be practical?”

“It doesn’t, but why buy something if I’m never going to use it?” I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to get through to him on this. Each sparkle seemed to draw his attention away from the conversation.

“You can wear them at home with me,” he offered, hoping it would sell me on the idea.

“Buy one. I don’t need a closet full of things I can only wear for fifteen minutes when you’re around. For the record, these are not for me, they are for you.”

His brows knit together. “Five, I will narrow it down to five.”

“Three,” I argued back. Finally he sighed, rolled his eyes, and turned back to the pile, trying to decide on three. I laughed as he had each of the items wrapped and addressed from me to him before sliding them into a shopping bag. “How are they gifts to you, if you paid for them?”

He took my hand and led me out of the store. “Well, we share everything, so I’ll just say we are sharing my credit card.”

“The credit card you pay for each month?” I asked skeptically. With a giggle I teased, “Wanna share it on my Amazon Kindle account?”

He didn’t laugh. Instead he shrugged. “Sure, I’ll give you the info when we get home.”

I stopped dead in the street, tugging him to a stop. “Do you know how dangerous that is? You don’t know what you’re saying. I’m a book junkie.”

He tugged me against his chest then lowered his lips to mine. The kiss tickled as he fought back his laughter. When he lifted his head his eyes twinkled. “I live for danger.”

“You must if you dragged me into that lingerie store,” I muttered under my breath.

Young’s Homecoming

Young stood in the entrance of the cave that would lead him to his brother. The last few years of training had proven annoying and now that his life finally had direction Young was ready to explain to his brother why he was destined to be a bard. With a deep breath he adjusted his bags one last time and slid through the opening at the back of the cave and down the large stone steps.

The kitchen glowed with the soft light of early morning lanterns. Smells of fresh bread and warm soups greeted him. A tall figure stood in the corner with her hands wrapped around a mug protectively. The corners of Young’s mouth turned up as he recognized the statuesque lines of Lady Jura sipping her morning tea. The Dragon elder had joined the nest a little over thirty years before, after having lived in captivity within the Human realm. Vallen had sent numerous letters telling him of the adventures that Lady Jura’s daughter had brought with her return and was excited to meet the prodigal daughter.

“Young?” a soft voice said to his left. He turned just in time to be bombarded by three sets of hands as the maids took hold of him. He was quickly forced onto a stool where he was poked, prodded and fed by three young ladies. He tried to greet each of them between bites of food shoved into his mouth and hugs. Nothing was quite like being a long-gone Dragon Lord returned home. With his title and looks the maids had always flocked to him – and his brother.

Nervously he smiled at the three young ladies. “It’s good to see all of you. Is my brother home?”

After an hour of giggles, blushes and stammering Young freed himself from their clutches with a full belly and a spring in his step. He wasn’t surprised when he found his brother awake before most others, sitting by the fire with a book in his lap. Without a word he sank into the chair beside Vallen and just watched the flames dance.

“Welcome home little brother.” Vallen didn’t look up from his book though his mouth did turn up in a smile.

“It’s good to be home,” Young said, glancing in the direction of the kitchen maids.

“I trust your welcome was warm then?” The mirth written on his brother’s face told Young all he needed to know.

“It was.” Young took a look around, noticing the lack of decor for the season. “Have we stopped decorating for the season?”

Vallen sighed, finally marking his place with a blue ribbon and closing the book before looking up to meet his brother’s gaze. “We have been busier than usual. The lantern was damaged by the Whelps and was made worse when it was hidden. It has been found and is being prepared, but I guess we are running a little behind these days. Lord Hudraer is at the Pole fulfilling his yearly obligations. There was a short time where we were at war with the Werewolves because of Lady Alizeyah…” He paused and let out a slow sigh. “Things have been turned on their ear this year.”

“Lady Alizeyah?” Young clicked the words into place. “Lady Jura’s daughter? How could she possibly have started a war?”

“She was being courted by a Werewolf Chieftain’s heir and is most likely Hudraer’s Mate.” Vallen shook his head. “Boys will be boys,” he offered.

Young laughed. It was hard to picture Hudraer fighting with anyone over a woman. Geren, absolutely, but Vallen and Hudraer were cut from the same cloth and rarely looked up from their work or studies to notice a member of the opposite sex. When they did it was for a passionate night or a short-lived fling. Young always felt a certain sympathy for his brother and sometimes even Hudraer, because they didn’t understand how wonderful love could truly  be. Yes, though he was tender in years, Young understood (or at least believed he understood) love.

Young wanted love. Real love that would make him want to do crazy things. He didn’t want to live for hundreds of years with little regard for his feelings. He had heard stories that once Vallen had been just like him, but it was hard to believe that such days ever existed. Vallen was a pillar of logic, strength, and calm for the clans. He had upon rare occasion seen his brother with his friends and caught a glimpse of a Dragon who embraced fun, but normally Vallen was all business, all the time. He narrowed his eyes on his brother once again. “So tell me all about Lady Alizeyah. Does she cause you, Hue and Geren to practice breathing exercises for restraint? Is she hot headed? Lady Jura is very emotional – is Lady Alizeyah the same? Does she plan to challenge Hue for his title since she has claim to it? Details man, details! You’ve had me locked away for a long time with only your letters to keep me company.”

Vallen rolled his eyes. “She is young and impulsive but she is also thoughtful, a fierce warrior, and an even fiercer Tempest. She does tend to lead with her heart, which causes all of us to grimace, but that will temper with experience and mellow with age.”

“You do know you are talking about a woman and not a wine or cheese, right?”

Vallen shook his head again. “The wine or cheese would behave better and make less noise. She is Hue’s problem though. He gets the Tempest Halfling for a Soul Mate.”

“Soul Mate? Are you sure?” Young’s voice resonated with the sound of disbelief.

“I’m fairly certain, but both of them are stubborn so it may take a while for them to figure it all out. Heavens help us when they do. I’ll be glad that their chamber is at the far end of the nest.” The older brother seemed restless the more he talked about his friend finding his Soul Mate. Dragons rarely were given such a gift, so a Soul Mate within the clans only helped to strengthen Hudraer’s claim to power… or Alizeyah’s, if she ever decided to act on them.

“I know he’s your friend, but do you believe he can lead?” Young’s entire tone had changed.

“With her at his side, yes, I think he could. She tempers his darkness. As fierce as she is on the battlefield, she takes no joy in it.”

“But can she lead?”

Vallen stood and walked over to the fireplace watching the flames dance. Concentration weighed on his features. When he finally turned to face his younger brother they locked gazes in a powerful bond that spoke with more than words. “I have no doubts in my mind in her ability. The Werewolf heir swore fealty to her after his defeat, as has his mate. She has a Pixie, a Vampire, and a Dark Elf Elder all with in her inner circle, and even the Queen Mab’s familiar recognizes her. She defeated the High Priestess Avrae with no training while looking for her mother. She without question embraced our laws and traditions. Yes, she absolutely CAN lead us, but the question is, will she choose to? She’s not hungry for it.”

Young stood, nodding. “Then she is both a curse and blessing.” He closed the distance between them and embraced him. “It’s good to be home. I look forward to meeting all the newcomers to the nest.”

 

Family Obligations Part 1

The weekend was quiet for the most part. Hue, Ian, Briar and myself found a calm routine where we spent our down time together watching movies, consuming warm drinks and helping gift wrap. I would say the days passed without anything to mark the time except for a phone call.

Saturday night Ian received a call from his cousin Grace. We were all curled up in blankets in Hue and Ian’s room watching “A Muppet Christmas Carol” when it came through. I was very surprised when Ian handed me the phone with a shocked look on his face. “It’s for you, my cousin Grace called for you…”

I accepted the phone, pressing the warm screen to my ear. “Hello?” I asked, unsure what to expect.

“Hello Kat, my name is Grace and I’m Ian’s cousin. I need you to pay close attention and only answer yes or no to my questions. Do you understand?” I pulled the phone away from my ear to study it.

Glancing at Ian I answered, “Yes.”

Grace rattled on about Christmas with the Werewolves in Boston. She seemed unaware that we were no longer an item but I agreed to help get Ian home for the Holidays. Going back to the Northeast wouldn’t be an issue for me as my folks were there too. Considering the recent steps I had taken with Hue I knew it was time to take him home to meet the Human family. With little prodding on her part I agreed to help make sure Ian went to see the clan.

I hit the end call button and handed the phone back to Ian. “So what was all that about?” he asked.

“Oh, not much. It would seem we have Holiday plans. That’s all.” I shrugged in hopes it would lessen his obvious discomfort.

Hue leaned close to my ear. As he spoke the vibrations and heat of his breath on my newly acquired erogenous zone had a dizzying affect. “Are you really sure  you’re ready to take me home to face them in person? Video chat was a HUGE step.” I nodded, unable to speak. Images flickered through my head of all the naughty things I wanted to do to him at that moment. There was a soft chuckle from him but he said nothing else.

Ian eyed us closely with a quirked brow. “Sometimes I think the two of you exist in a different world than the rest of us.”

“Perhaps we do,” Hue answered, pulling me back to lean against his shoulder.

Monday came all too soon. The heavy pounding on my door alerted me to some sort of shenanigans underway. Wiping the sleep from my eyes I rolled out of bed, tucking my robe around me. When I blinked away the morning blur and threw open the door I was surprised to see a short, annoyed looking Briar. “Good morning…” I mumbled in her direction.

“They left without us for breakfast!” Her lower lip quivered and large crocodile tears filled her eyes.

“Whoa… it’s early still. Maybe something just came up?” I offered a half-hearted, half-asleep excuse. When the tears overflowed I rolled my eyes and stepped back inside my room, motioning for her to follow. “Well, at least we know you’re really pregnant this time,” I muttered to myself.

Glancing at the clock I noted it was only six AM. I normally wouldn’t wake up for another two hours. I stared longingly at my bed but went to the fireplace where I knelt to add some logs and build up a flame. “Aren’t you concerned about them leaving us?” Briar’s voice was weak and made her seem fragile – a description I had never once thought to apply to her.

“If they were in trouble I would know.” I shrugged, leaning in to blow on the flame and fan it to life.

She sniffled behind me. “How can you be so sure?”

I stared at the flames. “Hue and I are linked. We can feel and hear each other.”

She paused. “So you fought over Ian and have a Soul Mate. I can’t decide if you are selfish or brilliant.”

I shrugged. “Briar, I’m thirty two. By the standards of either of our peoples I’m barely more than a teenager. Think back to when you were my age.”

She sighed. “You are so powerful and so much more worldly then most Otherworlders your age. It’s easy to forget you don’t have a couple hundred years under your belt. I was a handful at your age too.” Her sobs were gone. “Lady Dragon, I have sworn myself to you, and now more than ever I understand what sort of fulltime job that will be.”

I grinned before turning to face her. “Great, so I was thinking of going back to bed for a few hours more, BUT if you are hungry I will walk over to the cafeteria and fetch us some food to eat here in the room.”

As if on cue her stomach growled loudly, filling the air with its opinion. I looked pointedly at it before meeting her eyes. “Let me find my bunny slippers.”

Two Dragons for the Price of One (Reader Beware 18+)

Hue arrived back early yesterday evening. It would seem the OAC became involved in finding the artifact. (Want the full story on how? Click here!)

He mentioned something in passing about a Holiday Spirit but I was honestly too distracted by his return to care. All that mattered was the holiday was saved and Hudraer was back. “And then she located an artisan in a nearby village to repair the lantern…” I squeezed a little tighter. “You’re not even listening to me, are you?”

“Huh?” I looked up at him and blinked innocently.

Hue rolled his eyes and offered me a devilish grin. “Is this what I get for being gone two nights in a row? Am I to be punished by having all circulation in my legs cut off?” His teasing did nothing to inspire his release. Finally with my own eye-roll I let go.

“I thought you were going to come back each night. Then you didn’t…” I resisted the urge to pout.

Chuckling he said, “Yes, but those rather scandalous thoughts you shared last night were almost my undoing. They came at a rather inopportune time. I’m not sure I like that you have figured out how to use this telepathic bond to your advantage so quickly. Even when I tried to ignore you, I couldn’t.”

I grinned. “Really, so all those thoughts… Let me guess, you were eating dinner?”

“Yes, and that brings me to the other thing I wanted to discuss. We have seven other Dragon lords from other nests coming to the Yule celebration. Their clans were originally part of our nest, and were here when the lantern tradition began. It’s not uncommon for more of them to show up as we get closer to the holiday. I think it may be better if you avoid the nest from now until after Yule.” I considered his words carefully.

“Why? Other Dragon lords don’t frighten me.” I shrugged, collapsing back into the chair behind me.

“Yes, but they do frighten me where you are concerned.” I motioned for him to continue. “You are one of the first high-born females that has become available at an age when so many are looking for mates.”

“Are you afraid I may like something else I see?”

“No, I just know it will be bad for clan relations if I have to kill so many of their heirs to get a point across.” His tone even sounded dangerous.

“You know I can handle myself?” I reached out and took his hand, lacing my fingers though his.

“Yes, but I am not known for my mercy when it comes to what is mine. You know what they say about a Dragon and his treasures?” He tugged on my hand, pulling me to my feet. He tucked my arm behind my back where he still held my hand and pressed my body against his. “Make no mistake, if I would decimate armies for what is in my vault, I would scorch a realm to ash and cinders to keep you.”

“So I am a possession?” I bit my lip, processing that information.

He shook his head slowly. “No, you are my heart. You are the very reason I continue to draw breath and exist each day. That pain you feel inside of you when we are apart is your very soul calling to mine because I am the same to you.”

His words rocked me to my core, leaving me breathless. All I could do was bite my lip again and process the profound level with which his words had stunned me. When I finally felt like I could offer a coherent thought I opened my mouth to speak. “Then why not claim me as yours? I would gladly support that claim.”

“There are rules in Dragon society. When I declare you are mine, even as a Soul Mate, any member of a recognized clan can step forward and make a challenge for you.” He paused. “Actually it goes both ways. Someone could potentially challenge you for me.” He shrugged. “As I said, I don’t feel like killing a bunch of clan heirs. You are a high born and a Tempest. That makes you a special rarity.”

I pulled my hand free from where he held it behind my back. Reaching up I started to undo the lacing on his shirt. He stared at me in question. I undid the buttons on his vest and slid it off his shoulders, pulling it free, then dropping it to the floor beside me. With a firm tug I pulled his shirt free of his snug-fitting breeches and slid my hands under the light, airy fabric. He sucked in a deep deliberate breath as I ran my hands up over his stomach, across his chest, and settled them on his shoulders. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” he asked, quirking a brow.

“Undressing you.” A sly smile parted my lips as I urged the shirt off over his head and pulled it free from his arms. Defiantly I tossed it to the floor.

“And you think that wise?” he asked, trying to ignore my hands as they caressed his chest. I nodded and reached for the ties on the front of his breeches but his hand captured both of mine. “Alizeyah, as entertaining as all this is, I am doing my best to be a gentleman here.”

I leaned up on my tiptoes, not tall enough to meet his lips unless he obliged. I tried to pull my hands free but he held them firmly in place. “Just because you are a gentleman doesn’t mean I have to be a lady.”

“And what is it you think is going to happen if I let you go?”

“I’m going to strip you down, seduce you, make you plead with me, then enjoy a passion-filled night with you.” His jaw dropped open.

“I have met my fair share of brazen women, but I never pictured you as being that direct.” He let go of my hands and took a step back. “That doesn’t work for me,” he said, shaking his head.

“Really?” I asked flatly. He walked to the door and seemed to inspect it closely. “Is this because you think we should wait until after all the Dragon lords leave?”

“No.” He leaned down and pulled his boots off before turning back to face me. “I was just merely disagreeing with your plan. I have every intention of seducing you, pleasuring you, and making you plead for me to take you… and I will gladly claim you as mine in our night of passion.” He walked up to stand before me. “For what it is worth, I do still think we should wait until after the holidays, but if you are this hellbent on binding, I would be a fool not to make you mine.”

“The ritual won’t be completed until an actual ceremony and branding are performed.” I grinned. “I’ve been reading while you were gone.”

Resting a hand on his hip he considered me. “You’re only half Elven. The binding ceremony is a blood ritual. We have already completed that step. That’s why the distance is so painful. Your soul knows we’re supposed to be connected now.”

I shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

Hue extended a hand to me, letting it hang in the air with expectation. I stared at it for a moment then slid my own into it. With a gentle tug he pulled me close, cupping my cheek in his other palm and lowering his mouth to mine. His eyes were hooded and his features soft but his kiss was anything but. He slid his tongue over my lower lip, teasing its sensitive skin and causing a small ticklish ripple to run through me. Pushing past my trembling lips he laid siege to my mouth, demanding entry, drinking me in hungrily.

I released his hand so that I could slide both of mine along his chest, around his neck, and draw him closer… deeper. Taking full advantage of his newly freed arm he captured me at the hip, pressing me tightly against him where I would feel his own growing desire. When he finally broke the kiss he stood for a moment staring longingly into my eyes. “Keep your mind open to me, no matter what,” he whispered, stroking my bottom lip with the pad of his thumb.

I nodded, lowering my gaze. I gasped as he swung me up into his arms and cradled me against his chest. No matter how often he did it, it always seemed foreign to me. Something only children and waif-like women enjoyed. His heart beat wildly in his chest as he turned towards the fireplace and chairs. Strolling forward he effortlessly sank down into the highback chair. I started to squirm but he tightened his grip on me until I settled down. When I stilled on his lap, resting a hand on his shoulder to stay balanced, he reached out and unzipped the front of my hooded sweatshirt.

I began to try and pull an arm free but Hue leaned close to my ear. “Not yet,” he said, and I paused. “First I want to introduce you to your Elven ears.”

I leaned back to give him a glare, then remembered what the light caress a week before had done. “My ears?”

“Oh yes, and so much more. Stand up for me please.” Taking his hand I slid off his lap and stood. Pleasure lit his eyes as he slid the hoodie off my shoulders and dropped it to the floor with his vest and shirt. Carefully he undid the buckles on my skirt, folding it neatly when it fell free of my hips. Then with a slow, deliberate motion he stood and pulled my tank up over my head. I stood before him in no more than a few bits of black lace. “Lovely…”

“You’ve seen me in less,” I offered.

“Yes, but this time I am welcome to enjoy it rather than feel like a pervy boy who’s been caught peeping.” Wrapping an arm around my waist he lifted me against him, his own desire pressing hard against my hip. He leaned his head down and captured the top tip of my newly pointed ears between his teeth. With a flick of his tongue my legs turned to jelly and I was forced to cling to him to keep my feet under me. He continued to assault my ears in turn and soon I was rhythmically moving my hips against him in time with sharp gasps. His enjoyment radiated through me and I realized he was sharing as much with me as I was him.

“Oh my god, EARS!” I gasped again.

He withdrew, chuckling. “Elves only let their most trusted lovers touch their ears. I can see why I’ve heard such stories now. You like it?”

Nodding my head in answer I tried to formulate words. “Yes, ears…. good.”

Still smiling he began kissing a path starting at my earlobe, down my neck, across my collar bone, and reaching the edge of my bra. Sinking to his knees before me he pushed my hands away as I tried to fumble with its clasp. “Mine,” he said in a deeply husky possessive voice. At the hands of an expert I felt a familiar pop and he tugged it free, tossing it over his shoulder. Before I could consider his skill, his burning hot mouth closed over a breast and my whole body went numb from over-excitement.

In a far off place I could hear soft moans and heavy panting but it wasn’t until a more aggressive love bite that I snapped back into reality to realize all those sounds of pleasure were my own. His hands pulled at my hips and I steadied myself by clinging to his shoulders. Kissing a trail of fire from my breasts along my stomach I felt my body tighten as he took hold of the last bit of clothing I was wearing and dragged it down my legs. With skillful hands that felt blistering hot, he ran his fingers along my thighs before stopping and making tortuously slow movements towards my womanhood. When finally his fingertips touched upon my heated core I swayed on my feet.

Hue looked up at me with a raging hunger and need and all I could do was hold on. With our shared link I felt every ounce of his excitement and need. His deep desire to make this moment between us last as long as possible. He wanted nothing more than to claim me and at the same time was scared and hopeful I would ask him to stop. His hands clasped my buttocks firmly, urging me to open myself to him more and more. Then without warning he pressed his mouth to me. His hands held me firmly in place as my head rolled back. There was nothing for me to do other than to bury my hands in his hair and forget about the gasps and moans I was making.

His pleasure kept rolling through me and my own over his. A fire began burning deep within my core and I felt dizzy. I thought the pleasure was becoming too overwhelming and tried to plead with him to slow down but there were no words.  Shhhh, mo shíorghrá it’s alright. Let go. His words seemed to caress my frantic mind, trying to retain some shred of control. I came undone and release swept through me, rocking me on my feet, with sensations were so pleasurable I couldn’t make heads or tails of them. He refused to stop pushing me over the edge again and again, forcing me to stay there.

When my legs fully gave out I found myself pleading with Hue. I sank to the floor in his arms. “Please, I need you,” I whispered over and over again.

He brushed the hair back from my face. “Need me to do what?”

His question infuriated me and I struggled to find the words. “I need you to complete me. I need to complete you. Please Hudraer…”

“Are you sure?” he asked concern, showing on his face.

I pulled his mouth to my own while I nodded. “Yes, there is nothing I am more sure of.”

I was reaching, trying to fumble with the ties on his breeches but found they were no longer a barrier between us. In a single motion he me pressed me back down to the floor and lifted my hips. His manhood pressed against me and I wanted nothing more than to feel him deep within me. I bucked against him. “Slow down, shhh, we should take it easy. You’ve never been with a Dragon and there are a few things you should know.” He leaned down kissing a line in the valley of my breasts. “First, Dragons can be a bit well-endowed.” I grinned evilly up at him . “Size queen,” he mumbled. “Second, the orgasm can be outrageously hot. Painfully hot at times.”

I quirked my head to the side. “Like fire?”

“Exactly like fire. You’re a Dragon and have nothing to fear at all, and most Otherworlders don’t either. It won’t actually burn you, but it might be uncomfortable for a blink. Most of us don’t finish within our partners unless they are mates, other Dragons, or at least prepared for it.” He had a look of fear in his eyes, like what he was saying would be the deal-breaker.

“Thank you for telling me.” I pulled him back down into a kiss. Through panting gasps I leaned into his ear. “Anything else?”

He shook his head. With deliberate slowness he pressed into me. If I tried to control the pace he would withdraw. Finally I fell into pace with him, meeting his slow forceful thrusts. Each made me cry out in disappointment when he next didn’t come as fast as I would like. I closed my eyes, focusing on him, and I realized the amount of control he was forcing on himself. Though it was painfully torturous to him, he was going slow for my benefit. I pushed my feelings and needs on him and it was like something broke.

With a sudden torrent of need out of either of our control, he thrust into me fast and hard. Each motion filled me deeper until there was nowhere else for him to go ,and still he pushed deeper. My gasps had turned to quiet shrieks as I tried to stifle them in hopes of not alerting the entire building. I ran my nails down his back, feeling them tear at his taunt flesh, causing him to throw back his head, gasping. I felt myself on the verge, growing hotter, climbing higher, then teetering on the edge. “Oh god Hue… !” He tugged my hands free from his back and pinned them over my head. He then captured my mouth with his, swallowing down my scream as I finally tumbled over the edge. My muscles screamed with me, happily tightening around him, and he responded in kind with more force and speed until I was gasping and screaming against his kiss ready to fall again, and this time when I did he joined me and we cried into each other. A searing heat ran through me, making me feel alight and alive.

Almost collapsing on top of me he pulled me against him, tangling out legs, refusing to withdraw and lying naked by the fire. I rested my head against his shoulder. Gently he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Smiling, he traced the curve of my jaw. “Thank you,” he whispered.

I grinned evilly. “Five minutes, then let’s do it again.” He looked at me, his eyes flaring, and dropped his head back to the rug with a light laugh.

“You’ll be the death of me,” he teased.

“But what a way to go.”

Am I falling? (Dani’s POV)

I stared at the ceiling of my little apartment. Sheldon was perched happily on my stomach as I lay across the couch. His warmth and purring acted like a hypnotic beam, convincing me to keep petting him.

“Sheldon, what do you think of Oliver?”

Sheldon opened his eyes ever so slightly to stare at me for a moment before closing them again. “That he is far too attached to you.”

“What do you mean?”

The cat sighed happily, kneading its paws on my shirt. “Just what I said. When I first found him he was devoted to me and my cause. Now I realize it was foolish of me, because he has fallen for you, and you now control the Vampire. He is useless to me while he is all love-struck.”

“Love struck?” I asked.

“Oh yes. He knows of my special friendship with the Fairy Queen and has decided to use it for his own selfish desires to help you.”

“Wait, how are his desires selfish if he is doing it for me?” I grinned at the cat.

He opened only one eye to look at me this time, his tail swishing back and forth with annoyance. “Fine, I withdraw the use of the word selfish. Knowing my fondness for you, he asked me for a favor. He had me take him to see Queen Mab on your behalf. A fool’s errand for him, since she controls sunlight.”

Concern ran through me for a moment. I hadn’t heard from Oliver in two days. “Did she hurt him?”

“Yes,” he said bluntly. “She gave him quite the sunburn. I’m sure he’s had to drink several bottles of blood to heal himself.” Sheldon chuckled. “He was so determined. Mab really doesn’t like Darklings. When I finally convinced her he was there for good reason he was looking rather charred. He pleaded with her to give you a hearing for consideration and training. He wants you to have the option to become a full Pixie if it’s what you want.”

My heart swelled at the knowledge. “What did she say?”

Sheldon smiled. “That, little Pixie, is not my part of the story to tell. You will have to wait for him to tell you.”

I sat up and gently pushed Sheldon off. I felt around frantically for my phone. When I found it I flipped through the contacts quickly locating Oliver. It clicked after the third ring.

“Dani? Is everything alright?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I haven’t heard from you in a few days.” I sat patiently listening to him breathe on the other end of the phone.

“I’ve felt a little under the weather.”

“Come over, have a warm meal. I can make pasta, cereal and milk. You can snack on me?” I offered.

His rich voice chuckled on the other end of the phone. “That sounds nice. Should I bring anything? Ice Cream? Real food?”

I shook my head knowing he couldn’t see it. “No, just you.”

“I’ll see you shortly.” The call ended and I glanced around the room. Pulling off my hearing aids I sat them on the table and grabbed a clean towel, ducking in the bathroom to take a quick shower. When I emerged from a sweet-smelling steam cloud Oliver was sitting quietly on the couch.

“Wow, that was fast.” I looked him over from head to toe. His skin was ghostly pale except for a few blisters that were still healing. His eyes were black and looked sickly. “Oh Olive, you look like death warmed over.”

He tried to laugh and all that came out was a cough. “I brought a few bottles of O neg with me. If I drink too quickly it makes me sick. Believe it or not, this is a vast improvement.”

I wanted to cringe. I walked over and sank carefully onto his lap, tugging my hair over my shoulder. “What’s better? Neck, wrist, thigh… You tell me what is easiest for you.”

He shook his head and leaned in, taking a deep breath, seeming to inhale part of me. “Neither. I want our times to be special. The gift you share with me means the world. You’re not some fast food burger.”

I laughed. “As much as I appreciate the sentiment,I can’t help but feel like an allowance can be made this once. I promise to let you make it up to me later.” I gave him an affectionate grin.

“Are you sure?” he asked eyeing the blue vein near the base of my neck. “I will be as gentle as possible but it may not be as comfortable as last time.”

I leaned into him, doing my best to make an obvious offer. He lowered his head, pressing icy kisses to the delicate skin there. His cold hands pulled me close and though I wanted to squirm away from the chill radiating off of him I held my ground. Running a hand under the edge of my towel he pressed me close, his lips hesitating for a moment. There was a sudden sharp pain and rather than cry out I squeezed my eyes shut tightly against it.

The pain slowly pulsed away and I felt myself floating in a euphoric state. I could feel Oliver’s gentle hands running over me and my body relaxed. When my eyes finally fluttered open I was laying curled up on top of him with his arms around me on the couch. He had pulled a heavy blanket over both of us. I shifted slightly to look at him.

The blistering was gone altogether and while he was still pale, his skin was no longer ashen. The darkness around his eyes had receded dramatically and even his temperature had increased. He was no longer icy to the touch.

He lifted his head to look at me. I started to say something but he shook his head. “Shhhh, rest. I took a bit more than I should have. Not a dangerous amount, but you may be a bit woozy for a few days. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

“Please forgive me for being a bit reckless. I’m normally in more control then that. Does anything hurt?”

“No, it’s ok. Really.” I rubbed my hand over his chest. “I’m just glad you’re looking better.”

“I promise to be more careful in the future.” He smiled weakly. “Are you OK, do you want me to take you into the bedroom?”

I pulled the blanket up around us more and snuggled down, closing my eyes and shaking my head. “I’m comfortable if you are.”

He let out a slow breath. “I could stay like this forever.” All I could do was grin.

The Emptiness

“Lord Hudraer isn’t coming back until the artifact is found.” Justin Kringle looked up from his paperwork with raised brows.

He motioned for me to take a seat and I slid into the chair across from him. He took a slow, deliberate sip of coffee from his favorite mug and considered me carefully. “Why didn’t he tell me this?”

“He is busy preventing a Dragon melt-down at the nest. Lord Geren didn’t take the news well at all,” I explained.

“Great, now I am two Holiday Spirits short, and down a Harbinger of the Season,” he grumbled as he turned to his laptop, pounding out commands on it.

“Actually, Ian MacGregor has agreed to assist me until Lord Hudraer returns.”

Justin began giggling like a madman. “You want me to allow the Werewolf and Dragon who had a nearly fatal duel work together?” He shook his head. “You’re crazy.”

“Ian and I were dating, he had a mate and failed to mention that to me. Haven’t you ever been jilted by someone you love? Wouldn’t you still trust them if you knew their intention was never to hurt you?”

He sighed heavily. “Yes, I do understand the feeling, and you’re right – I would still trust her. Just because you don’t see eye to eye doesn’t mean that you can’t be professionals. Tell Ian to get to Uniforms and get fitted. He can be Lord Hudraer’s roommate. We’re running short on space in the dorms.”

I nodded and started to get up. “Wait, Lady Alizeyah.” I paused and sat back down. “May I ask you something? Personal, not professional.”

I nodded. “Sure…”

“You and Lord Hudraer seem like you were made for each other. Have you considered you may be Soul Mates? I don’t normally pry in people’s lives, but it seems pretty obvious.” Justin looked concerned and almost caring.

“Careful, Justin Kringle, or I may have to tell everyone just how nice a guy you actually are.” He grinned widely, showing a dimple.

“I’m not worried, nobody would believe you.” He winked. Taking a measured breath he seemed to consider everything. “I will hope that the Lord Dragon returns soon then. In the meantime, you’re in charge of getting things done. Don’t let me down.”

With a nod and a thank you for his understanding, I left his office hellbent on not getting Hue in trouble. I slid into my room and latched the door behind me. Just thinking about Hue made my heart ache with him not there. Hue?

There was a pause but I could sense him. Yes? Are you alright?

Yes, sorry. Just checking.

I basked in the feeling of his emotions as he sought out my reason for contact. Are you sure you’re alright?

I hesitated, but realized he could read me like a book if he chose. I miss you. Even in my head that sounded pitiful.

I’ll be back soon. We just have to figure out what’s going on and then I will be there. How did Justin take the news?

Less than stellar but he seemed alright with it. I think if there is one thing he can understand and respect, it’s family tradition. Just talking about it caused me to look around.

Good. are you sure you’ll be ok? he asked again.

Do I have a choice? I have to go meet Ian and Briar shortly. After that I have some paperwork to take care of. Would you mind if I stayed in your room and had Ian stay in mine?

Is it really that bad?

I feel like I am on the verge of a panic attack. When I think of you my whole body feels empty and the only thing I feel is pain… right where my heart used to be. Something within him seemed to grow and puff at this knowledge. Was he happy I was hurting?

I’m glad you miss me so much. It just convinces me further that you and I are meant to be. I could feel his joy. He really was happy about my feelings.

Jerk!

Alizeyah… Kat? What did I do? Why are you so upset about this? he pleaded with me.

Can you come back? Just for tonight? Tears began to prick at the back of my eyes.

Mo shíorghrá… Don’t be sad! There was a long pause and I felt the first of the tears run down over my face. “Shhhh, crying isn’t going to help anything.” Hue was there as if some Genie had granted my wish. His arms slid around me and held me close. The crying turned to sobs.

“It’s only been twenty-four hours and I couldn’t face the idea of you not being here another night. Why am I so weak?” The words were spoken with such emotion it was maddening that they came out as little more than a whisper.

He shook his head. “You’re not weak. The pull you are feeling towards your Soul Mate has been building within me for months. I’ve slowly worked up to it. You awaken and suddenly are faced with it full force. I can only imagine what the feelings must be like. You haven’t been training for a century like an Elf or  a Dragon might to deal with the heightened emotions.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and shifted so I could look up at him. Don’t leave. I begged through our mental connection. I could feel his inner turmoil as the battle raged on between his duty to the nest and a duty he felt to me.

He reached up and wiped away the tears still on my cheeks with the sleeve of his shirt. I have to go back. I wish I could stay or that you could come with me. I could feel how true the words were.

Then stay long enough to complete the bond. I don’t think I can go on this way.

His jaw dropped. Mo shíorghrá, you don’t know what you’re asking. He took a deep breath, holding it for a moment and pressing his eyes shut. His body was alight with a dozen emotions. When he released the breath he looked at me again. I would love nothing more than to do just as you are asking. You deserve more than that. 

I don’t care. If you leave me here alone you had best plan to put the Werewolf on suicide watch until you return. His eyes flared with shock at my words. Concern radiated off of him as he searched for an answer. Biting my lower lip, I did my best to control my emotions. “You have things you need to do. I’ll figure something out.”

I started to pull away but his grasp tightened. “Stay in your room. Summon me when the door is locked and the windows are drawn. Nobody is to know I am here. Geren and Vallen would understand, but the rest of the nest might not. Nobody knows we are Soul Mates. Nobody can until the time is right and we can complete the bond.” He smoothed the hair from my face before lowering his lips to mine. I’ll explain more later. With that he faded away.

With a heavy sigh I went to clean myself up and go meet Ian and Briar.

An hour later I was standing in the lobby facing two very cold looking Werewolves. In just the last few hours the snowy cold weather at the North Pole had turned bitter. “Hi guys!” I waved and offered a warm smile. They both looked frozen.

I reached out and handed Ian an envelope. “That has the key to Hue’s room in it. He said you’re welcome to use anything you like, just don’t sleep on his bed, take the other one. I figure it has something to do with scent.”

Ian smirked. “I would have chosen the other bed for that very reason. Although it smells like the two of you have been around each other all day. Where is the golden lizard anyway?”

“There is a pressing matter at the nest and Hue had to return home for a few days. As soon as the strings are tied up he will be back and I’m sure will get you caught up on everything. In the meantime you are to take his place at activities. Once you get settled in, go to Uniforms and get your clothes assigned for the next few days.” I turned to face Briar. “If you’ll follow me to the front desk I will get you a dorm assignment. I’ve arranged a job for you in letters. I didn’t want you to do anything with heavy lifting or anything.”

Briar considered me for a moment with a strange stare of almost appreciation. “Alright, I’m ready,” she sai, reaching out to grab her suitcase. I shoo’d away her hand and grabbed the handle.

Ian was already headed down the hall. “Hey, Wolfboy!” I called after him. “Keep your phone on. When I get Briar settled in, the three of us can go grab some food together.” He saluted me and continued on his way.

I dragged the suitcase behind me towards a set of double doors and a large desk beside them. Behind the desk sat a short lithe man with black hair and think framed glasses. “Excuse me?” The man marked the place in his book and looked up, startled when he saw me.

“Oh, Lady Harbinger. How can I help you?”

I smiled brightly. “My friend is here for the season and will be working in letters. She needs a dorm assignment, please?” I watched as he flipped through multiple screens.

“The only open slots in the dorm are in either Lord Hudraer’s room, which has clear directions not to have anyone added, and a slot up with the Holiday Spirits.” He looked like he was at a loss.

“Actually, Lord Hudraer has a roommate for the rest of the season. Ian MacGregor will be here working on the Harbinger project with us.” The man blinked at me again. I quickly looked down at his name tag. “Leaf…” I said his name reaching out and laying my hand on top of his. “She’ll be OK up with the Holiday Spirits, right? After all, they are the backbone of the Holiday Season.”

His brow furrowed. “Well, I guess. We were leaving it open because Justin was trying to get one more Spirit in for the season.”

I smiled at him. “If he doesn’t have one by now, what’s the likelihood he’ll get one at all? All hands were due on deck last Friday.”

He sighed. “You’re right.” With a nod he began typing Briar’s information into the computer. Shortly thereafter I helped her by carrying her suitcase to the third floor and rolling it down the hall to her room.

I knocked before unlocking the door and opening it. Her roommate wasn’t in but she seemed delighted to see the half of the room with a window above the bed was the free half. I took a seat while I watched her unpack. “Are you going to be alright up here?”

She shrugged. “Can I ask you something?”

“You just did,” I pointed out with a smile. She rolled her eyes and I nodded.

“Why are you being so nice? I caused you a lot of trouble, broke you and Ian up, and despite all that you put me under your guardianship. Why?” I considered her question carefully.

“I believe you got an unfair deal as much as Ian did. Even if he and I are not together I know he will lay down his life for me until the day I or he dies. One can never have too many friends that would be just as willing to go to hell and back as I am.” I watched as she chewed on the words. “I was afraid if you returned with Cariss, once the baby was born you would be cast out. He sort of implied you might be.”

She nodded. “You’re right, and I would deserve it too.”

“Having grown up a Changeling and had to learn about what I am so late into my adult Human life, I really wish my mother Lady Jura had been around. Any child of Ian’s will always have my love and I believe it should have its mother’s as well.”

“So just like that, you would forgive me and take me in?” I nodded silently and didn’t say a word as a single tear rolled down over her cheek. “I swear to you Lady Alizeyah, with my life’s blood I will not disappoint you again. I will prove myself worthy of your kindness.” I just smiled. I didn’t have any words that would have added to the moment.

Just then my cell phone rang. Without hesitation I answered it. “Hello?”

“Kat, would you mind terribly if I skipped dinner with you and Briar? I ran into some kinsmen and they want to grab a drink.” I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at it.

“Do you care if Ian skips dinner with us to hangout with some old friends?” I asked Briar.

“Actually, I would really like to just order some food up and call it a day. I’m feeling really tired lately.” Her words made total sense so I offered a smile and nod.

“No worries Ian, I have work I need to get done and Briar is looking forward to an early night.”

“Alright, I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast. If you need me for anything give me a call.”

“Thanks,” I said hanging up the phone.

I slid from Briar’s room with simple pleasantries and all but ran to my room. Closing the door with a shuddering thud I latched the deadbolt and the knob lock. Making haste I drew all the curtains shut and built up the fire. I closed my eyes as I settled back on the floor leaning against the footstool. Hue? Are you free?

Not really. came the answer. But I will be soon. I need to excuse myself for bed. I want Vallen to at least know where I am if there is an emergency.

Alright, I’ll be here. I felt myself smile as I waited for him.