Bittersweet (4 page)

 

 

Still processing what had just happened I wandered back out to the café, at the same time Neil strolled in the front door.

“You're late.” I said with raised brows.

His face folded in a wide grin, but then it quickly faded. “Think I'm just in time actually.” He grunted and his icy stare reached past, landing on something behind me.

A shiver rippled through me and I whirled around, expecting the worst.

Adrius
.

I blew out a quick breath.

I rushed to him, but then opted for a quick kiss on the cheek when I realized all eyes were on us. Neil stalked into the kitchen, still glowering and muttering in that thick Irish brogue that came out when he was annoyed.

I shook my head. “When is somebody going to tell me what his beef is with you?”

Adrius just shrugged and took my hand.

“You're back early. It can't be Samhain already.”

He chuckled lightly. “You mean Solstice. And no it hasn't arrived yet. There's a lot happening in Mythlandria. None of it good. Things grow stranger by the day.” His eyes darkened.

I was getting better at reading him. He had the benefit of seeing straight through me, but without the Inner Eye necklace, I was left with deciphering signs like the changing hue of his eyes.

“The king is still at odds with everyone, including Hawthrin, whose council he's relied on since before I was born. Tensions are high and I haven't been forgiven for disobeying my father and setting you free. He's accustomed to unquestioning allegiance, thanks to Oct
ãhvia
's curse. Fortunately, he still isn't aware of what was behind my blind loyalty, which is for the best.”

Not like the king needed yet another reason to hate my kind. He already marked me for death. I blinked up at him doubtfully. “Where does your father think you are right now?”

“Searching the realm for my brother. It explains my lengthy absences from court. Things are strange,” he said.

I nodded, momentarily lost in his eyes. “Well, things are almost as strange here.” I filled him in on the bizarre stuff happening with Peterson's call and finding Camilla's scarf and the note. And the extra-freaky episode with Phyllis. “She thinks the Shadow fey are behind it and that whoever took Dr. Greenbalm wants me.”

Adrius tensed. “Did she say anything else?”

“Not really… aside from her scarier-than-anything transformation, that was pretty much it. When she snapped out of it, she didn't remember what happened.”

Creases worked their way across his forehead. “Lorelei, I don't like the idea of you going off to meet Peterson alone. We know nothing about this man.”

“I had Abby and Brianne with me.”

“You know what I mean,” he said. “It's too dangerous. You all could have been hurt.”

I aimed a finger at him. “So you think something's up too. Do you know what's going on? And don't you dare hide it to protect me.”

“Wouldn't dream of it. And no, I don't know what's going on yet. But Hawthrin did mention new predictions to the prophecy had arisen.”

My stomach knotted. Prophecies, I'd come to learn, seldom predicted anything good. At least not when they involved me. “What were they?”

He looked at me and smiled. “You know Hawthrin…”

Yes I did. He was the kindly, ancient, dark-skinned wizard who spoke in obscure literary quotes, fully expecting everyone to make sense of his Buddha-isms. His words were rhymes wrapped in a riddle.

“He did impart one rather important piece of news.”

I sucked in a breath. “What was it?”

Neil bellowed my name from the kitchen. Probably discovered the dented kettle and broken lock. How was I going to explain that?

“Uhm, I better get back there. Pick me up later?”

Adrius stroked my hair then kissed the top of my head. “Try and stop me.”

****

By the time we finished with the early dinner crowd, things were fairly quiet at the café. The familiar din of quiet conversations and the clinking utensils was hidden behind the soft melody of contemporary music. I watched Neil settling in at the counter for a rare break. He looked tired.

“Hey.” I perched on the stool next to him. “We need to talk.”

He raised a bushy eyebrow, looking at me quizzically. Then he reached for the pitcher of lemonade in front of him and poured me a glass. “About?”

“About Adrius. And why you dislike him so much.”

He leaned away from me, folded his arms over his chest, face blank, body stiffening. “Now what makes you think I don't like him?”

“Do you?”

He scratched his forehead and frowned.

“See,” I gestured at his guarded posture. “That's what I'm talking about. Is it because of who he is, what he is, or where he's from that bothers you?”

He watched me quietly for a time and then heaved a long sigh. “Your grandmother was an herbalist. A knowledgeable one at that. Estelle could toss a simple salad guaranteed to cure the common cold, or peel the skin from your bones. Of course she didn't make a habit of using herbs to harm. Only to heal.”

“I knew it,” I said, “You
do
know about all of this. Why didn't you say anything?”

“You know your grandmother and I go way back. Even before I took over running her café. I made a promise to Estelle before she died, to keep you safe from that world. A world she fought hard to free you from. But when that boy showed up,” he shook his head, “I knew it was gonna be hard to keep you safe much longer.”

This was progress. It seems I had an army of people protecting me from my fate. I frowned. “We found a hidden garden behind her house the other night, overrun with poisonous plants. Any idea why?”

He chuckled. “She sure knew her poisons. Had a way with potions she did, mixing toxins like they were tonics. It was an art form truly.”

I twisted on my stool. “I don't get it. What would a healer need with a garden full of poisonous plants and lethal potions?”

“When one is at war, the normal rules are laid by the wayside, aren't they? Doesn't do a heap of good to bring a bouquet of flowers to the battlefield.”

“Who was she at war with?”

“Hunters,” he said, then lowered his voice. “Witch hunters. They wanted you, but she offered them a powerful Fey instead.

I sucked in a slow breath through my teeth as my stomach twisted. “Do you mean… you're talking about my father aren't you? Gran must have really hated him to do something like that to us.”

“When the prophecy became clear, the Fey stole your mother from her. If she died, then the prophecy died with her. Your father, King Oberon, had the power to grant her freedom, which he did by convincing the Fey they could use the prophecy for their gain. Falling in love with her wasn't part of the plan. Strictly forbidden in fact. And wee ones born of their union, even more so.”

Wee ones… plural, meaning me and my twin sister. She'd died at birth, and no one outside of Gran had ever mentioned her existence until now. “I had no idea we were born in Faery.” Looping a curl of hair around my finger, I leaned toward Neil, encouraging him to continue.

“Your grandmother, firecracker that she was, risked everything to bring her daughter back, but your father was willing to give up everything to be with her. They all knew they'd come for you one day. She couldn't let that happen. That's what all of this was for.” He gestured to the café. “I assure you, any intent to harm would have been to protect those she loved. You and your mother mostly. Camilla to a lesser degree.”

“Camilla's gone. No one seems to know where, but I think it has something to do with someone called MBD. Have you heard the name?”

His bushy grey brows tightened. “I've heard your grandmother mention the name and never to say a kind word either. Don't know any more than that.”

A waitress starting her shift waved at us as she passed. I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable with having this kind of conversation in a public place.

“So, Camilla was a witch too?” I whispered the word “witch.”

“Your great aunt turned from her gifts long ago, Lorelei. For the best I'd wager. Her heart was always filled with darkness.”

That didn't surprise me in the least. If Camilla had gotten involved with these people, it might explain the seedy hotel room and her sudden disappearance. Maybe Greenbalm's as well. But what happened to Phyllis? No human could have inflicted that. It had to be some kind of dark magic. And Adrius had sensed there'd been Fey in Gran's cottage.

Questions swirled like mini tornadoes, but a small group burst into the café cutting short our Q and A.

“Well, back at it.” Neil patted my knee and got up. “No worries, dearie. I promised your gran I'd keep you safe and ‘tis what I'll do ‘til my last breath. Even from the likes of those you think you can trust.” He angled his head toward the door with a rueful smile. Then he re-tied his apron and disappeared into the kitchen.

My shift at the café ended at six o'clock, but Adrius arrived at five sharp, a full hour earlier than planned.

Against the monochromatic backdrop of Drearyton Cove he looked exceptionally vivid. Stunning. My pulse skipped and my heart leapt. Would there ever come a day when the sight of him didn't stir me to the center of my soul? Despite his torn faded jeans, and casual black T-shirt, he looked crisp, elegant, and moved with a panther's grace that no mortal teen could touch.

“Do you think this will ever subside, the crazy way my heart races when I see you?” I murmured as he reached me.

He smiled and I flushed with heat.

“I hope not.” He kissed the top of my head.

“Did I mention I've missed you?” My question came with more intensity than I planned.

He watched me for a moment and the world slowed. I wondered what caused the flicker of shadow that crossed his eyes. Even his momentary pain caused me pain.

“You deserve so much more than what I can offer you, Lorelei. A stronger being would have let you go by now.” His voice was laden with guilt over events past.

“I'm just as strong as you are,” I reminded him. “And I would never have let you let me go.” Reaching up I stroked the chisel of his cheek. “We went that route already... it didn't end well.”

His jaw relaxed under my touch, and I felt silent gratitude that I still had that effect on him too.

Our moments alone together seemed too few and too short, but we always held on to the magic that lured us together in the first place. The bond that neither time nor space nor threats of death could break. And although Adrius was bonded to Venus, I knew that it was our connection that would endure. Not theirs. I just had no idea how.

“Come on, I want to take you somewhere. Will Neil let you leave early?”

Neil had been trying to get me to take some time off for days, but I'd refused. Working kept me busy, and busy was what I needed to keep from missing Adrius too much.

“Pretty sure that won't be a problem,” I said, untying my apron. “Where are we going?”

“It's a surprise.”

The corners of my mouth turned down.

He scanned my face. “What's wrong? Afraid to be alone with me?”

“Just not crazy about surprises. You know I feel completely safe with you.” I smiled, hoping to ease the tense set of his jaw.

The twinge of angst that hid just behind his eyes returned. “You'll never be completely safe when you're with me, Lorelei.”

“Okay, so our situation isn't perfect… and curses binding you to psychotic ex-girlfriends aside, we have some... challenges to overcome, I get that.”

He gave a humorless laugh.

“The point is we'll find a way to overcome them,” I insisted. The trauma and drama were all worthwhile, because in the end, I knew we'd be together. Even the darkest fairytales ended in happily ever after, didn't they?

He sighed. “I'm taking you out to forget about all of the craziness. Even if just for a little while.” His warm hand stroked my cheek. “Since this is an official date, I'll start over and begin by telling you how beautiful you look.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sure, nothing says stunning like ripped jeans and a coffee stained T-shirt,” I muttered, silently wishing I'd bothered to put on something a little more fitting for an impromptu dream date with a god.

His gaze intensified as he brushed my hair aside, letting his fingers lazily graze the length of my neck. “Lorelei. If you had any idea how irresistible I find you in jeans and a T-shirt you'd wish you had worn a full length coat.”

A warm shiver rippled through me, but I managed to hold his gaze, in spite of my escalating body temperatures. My pulse quickened, as I took shallow uneven breaths. The aching sensation pulsing between us deepened to more of a hunger, threatening to consume us. For a change, it was Adrius who looked away first, his face flushed with color.

He drew in a deep deliberate breath and glanced at me again.

“You ready?” he asked, as he held out his hand.

Still rearranging my heartbeat back to normal I nodded, placing my trust, my heart and my hand in his.

 

 

We didn't often venture into the forest. His avoidance was deliberate; he never wanted me to find my way back to the Nevermore. Somewhere in its depths was an invisible doorway to another realm, and in that realm, my ultimate demise. It was also the realm where my father was, which was the reason I had to find a way back.

“Can you at least give me a hint as to where we're headed?”

He flashed a crooked smile. “So curious.”

“Like that's anything new. Just tell me.” I hate surprises. Too many of them turned out to be bad. Very bad.

He shook his head like I was a lost cause, a quick action that sent a lock of hair sweeping over his gorgeous forehead. “You know most girls your age would love to be taken on a mystery date to a secret location.”

“I'm sure I don't need to tell you, I'm nothing like most girls my age.”

“This is one surprise you will enjoy. Trust me.”

I knew that was all he would say. I'd have to suck it up and wait to discover where this out-of-the-ordinary trek would lead.

In the midst of the navy blue dusk was a secluded alcove by the river. A full picnic table was set with a tablecloth, candles, crystal and real china. The wicker basket was surrounded by sparkling lemonade, assorted cupcakes and dozens of white daisies. I shook my head in wonder at the decadent spread.

“When did you do this?” I said, just noticing the chandelier handing from a branch above us. If it was even possible I fell deeper in love with him by the moment.

“While you were busy serving customers. Do you like it?”

I stretched up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “This is beautiful.”

Tall torches surrounded the table, their flames casting a mellow light as well as providing some warmth to the chilly air. It was always cool and damp in the evening, but for once the rain didn't spoil things. Of course if it had, I'm sure Adrius would have erected a full sized gazebo.

“You know, I would have been satisfied with burgers at the diner,” I said, peeking inside the basket. I ambled over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “It's perfect. Thank you.”

I pressed my lips to his. He responded, cupping my face, tilting my head back to deepen our connection. His tongue brushed mine, and I shivered.

Finally, he pulled away, his eyes glazed and his breathing as ragged as mine was. I blinked slowly to dampen the fire he'd ignited.

He trailed his fingers down my arm and a slow grin spread across his face. He knew what I was thinking. And with all of my energy going toward keeping my restraint, I had little left over to keep my thoughts shielded from him. Even without his backward, outdated rules when it came to our relationship, there were other reasons forcing us to wait.

Venus.

She was still bonded to Adrius, which meant that in his world, he could only belong to her. He risked a lot being with me, and while his physical pain had subsided, he could never give himself to me fully the way he wanted to. It was my mission in life to break the curse so we could be together.

My cell buzzed and I pulled it out briefly to check in case it was Peterson.

Adrius gave me a look.

Sheepishly I turned it off. “Sorry.” I shrugged. “I'm lost without my cell phone.”

“I know, it's like another appendage.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No, but you're also lost without your MP3 player, your e-reader and your laptop… I'd say you're a little addicted.”

“I value communication.”

He laughed. “Really? Remember the time you forgot it at home and you barely made it through the day?”

“Well, you know, withdrawal.” I shrugged.

His hand caressed my cheek and smiled. “Yes, I know. Like I said… addicted.”

After the third shudder rippled through me, his eyes locked on to mine. “Are you cold?” he asked, knowing very well I wasn't.

A head shake was the only response I was capable of.

“And you're flushed.” His hand stroked my cheek which flamed under his touch. All the moisture in my mouth evaporated, rendering me speechless and motionless. I licked my lips and Adrius inhaled a sharp breath. Then he ran a hand through his hair and narrowed his gaze, suddenly becoming preoccupied with my mouth.

“How is it I'm the one who's willing to throw the rules out the window?” I was startled by the rawness in my voice.

His eyes narrowed. “Is that what weighs on you? That you don't tempt me— that it doesn't take every ounce of strength to keep from consuming you right here, right now?”

I felt the redness return, and I looked away, trying to fill my thoughts with small talk. There were a lot of things we could talk about, but this special moment he'd planned called for a limited topics of discussion. We meticulously avoided anything of real importance, like the curse still binding him to another girl, Camilla's disappearance, or the dark magic now swirling in my world.

I dipped my spoon into the lemon pie and pulled it out again, not really hungry for food at the moment.

When I looked up he was staring at me with questioning eyes. “What are you thinking now?” His voice was cautious, as though he wasn't sure he could handle my reply.

I drew in a deep breath. “I was wondering why magic is suddenly working in a world where isn't supposed to. And I was remembering what happened that day in Mythlandria....with
Octãhvia
.”

His shoulder relaxed, but then his eyes softened and the smile vanished. “I still have her magic inside me, Adrius. I can feel it,” I murmured.

He nodded slowly. “I remember.”

“And… I don't know. It could be nothing really, but my finger… when I pricked it on a thorn in Gran's garden.” I held up my index finger to examine it closely. It no longer hurt, but a tiny red mark remained, something I'd never experienced before. “It seemed to take a long time to heal,” I said.

He glanced at my finger and frowned, then reached into the picnic basket to pull out a book. “There's something I have to tell you. I'd just planned on discussing it a little later.”

“What is this?” Running my fingers across the worn leather cover, I looked up at him. I carefully untied the thin straps binding it, and flipped through the yellowed parchment pages filled with handwritten notes. Recipes, lists of ingredients, botanical instructions, covered most of the book. There were a few sketches of moon phases and horoscope signs, and some symbols I'd never seen before. Some of it was written in English, and some in an unknown language. It was a spell book.

“It belonged to your grandmother. Maybe whoever broke into her house was looking for it.”

I studied the book again, the handwriting familiar. I'd come across countless herbal remedy blends Gran had scrawled around in the café and her garden house.

My gaze shot up. “Where did you get it?”

“After I took you home that night I went to Camilla's place, looking for more info on who or what had been there. The book was hidden behind a false wall in the den, and it sort of found me more than I found it.”

“What could be in here that was so important someone would trash her house and possibly hurt her for it?”

A fierce look came into his eyes. “That's what I was going to tell you earlier. I gave the Book of Shadows to Hawthrin to translate…”

He paused mid-sentence, dragging his hands through his dark hair. His head fell forward and his hair partially hid his face. “I'm sorry, Lorelei. This was supposed to be a romantic evening. Not one filled with horror stories. Let's eat something. You look like you haven't had a decent meal in days.”

It had taken my stomach a while to get over the disgusting trip to meet with Peterson. But food was the last thing on my mind.

Adrius opened the picnic basket sorting through its overflowing contents. “What would you like to start with? I brought some of those goat cheese and tomato sandwiches you like.”

“Tell me what Hawthrin said, Adrius.”

He sighed and set down the basket.

“We have to make the most of the time we have. I wanted this evening to be special.”

My heartbeat picked up in tempo. “You're freaking me out. What did he say? Please. Tell me.”

Dark olive eyes met mine, the flickering torchlights reflected in them.

“The book contains a spell that cuts off the human world from the Faery realm.”

I felt as lost as I had the time I'd wandered into the woods alone when I was five. “What are you saying?”

Adrius broke our gaze first. He stared past me at some invisible point through the darkening forest.

“I'm saying the veil between our worlds is going to be sealed. If that happens, we'll be separated. Permanently.”