Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (35 page)

With a sad but reassured smile she says putting on a brave face, “Now that we have worked through this little bump in the road I think we need to let our family and friends get back to their celebration. What do you say?”

I look up to see mixed emotions on everyone’s faces as they have given us some space to work through everything that just went down. I look to Dagda as he steps forward and says, “Might I suggest that we tackle everyone’s questions about what just took place in the courtyard this evening? We can all move into the library and Alaric and I can shed some light on Tarron and his troubled past. This is of course an alternative if the young couples would like one.”

Ashlinn looks to Lexie and asks, “This is your party as well. Would you like to continue? I’ll be fine with whatever you decide. I mean, you haven’t even had a chance to dance with Declan and then there’s the whole completing of the binding. What would you and Declan like to do?”

Lexie and Declan look at one another and then she says, “I think we need to hear about Tarron.”

Then Declan pipes up and says, “We’ll excuse ourselves if the discussion becomes too lengthy.” Declan’s casual comment causes Lexie to blush furiously as he winks at her playfully and pulls her toward him effectively lightening the mood as everyone chuckles and there are even a few cat calls around the room suspiciously coming from Tolin and Torin’s general direction.

“Well then why don’t we all take twenty to thirty minutes to go get changed into clothing more fitting a story telling than that of a binding ceremony celebration. Well.., aside from you Alaric. You look pretty comfortable in that robe you’re wearing. Son, I think you shocked the indignation right out of Tarron when you shifted. The look on his face was priceless, I might add. Airmed, what did you think of your son’s new form?”

Mother and Father look at one another and then she looks pointedly at me as she smiles and says, “My son is handsome no matter what form he takes. Thank you Ashlinn for gifting our son the ability to shift to his new form, his panther is beautiful and will come in handy, no doubt, in the war to come.”

“Alright, everyone, lets meet in the library shortly.” Dagda says and his words are punctuated by loud clap of thunder as the heavens open to release a torrential down pour.

(
Ashlinn)

Things are spiraling out of control faster than I imagined they possibly could have. Alaric is right I need to bond with my new family and continue to strengthen our bond so that when the time comes I have something to hold on to. As we climb the stairs to our suite I’m frozen in fear as I wipe away the tears that I cannot hold back. Alaric sweeps me up without question and silently carries me the rest of the way to our chambers as I have a mini melt down. I make a promise to myself that this will be the last time I allow myself the luxury of tears as I steal myself for what’s to come. As we enter our chambers Alaric puts me down and allows me a little bit of space to rifle through my clothing. Affectively allowing me the time I need to pull myself together and lock my fears away. I find what appears to be a sexy black jump suit and decide that it is perfect for the remainder of our evening. I slip it on and tie the halter top at the back of my neck. Its solid black with an open back leaving my back completely exposed. Its form fitting to below my waist where the pant legs flare, the outfit gives with me and I’m instantly in love. I strap on my weapons from earlier and then slip on a pair of matching jeweled flats. I instantly feel better as I go about the mundane chore of changing my clothing and bathing my face in cold water to wash away my tears, I feel more in control. I’m about to remove my circlet when Alaric comes up behind me and stills my hand as he says, “Leave it, I like seeing it on you. It brings out your eyes. Besides we’re still celebrating our union. It’s early yet.” As he wraps his large, nicely muscled frame around me from behind. I love the fact that he’s so much larger than me. I always feel safe when I’m wrapped up in his arms. I turn to face my mate and looking up at those sapphire blue eyes of his I reach up placing both hands on either side of his neck stroking his jaw with my thumbs as I say, “Thank you. I love that you put so much thought into bringing me into this new world. Helping me to get acclimated, I’m sorry that for one moment I doubted you and your intentions. I know that you would never do anything that would cause me harm. I know that. I’m just afraid that I’ll lose myself and you in the process if I end up bound to Tarron thru dark majic.”

“I know you’re afraid and so am I but I believe in us and that we can overcome anything that is put in our way. We know we have some time so let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now? I believe we have family waiting for us. Are you ready to hear about Tarron? It could help all of us to understand him better. Including me.”

I take his hand in mine and notice the tingles that flare to life as our binding markings come to life. It is becoming a more common occurrence and I’m not sure what it means as the electric feeling continues to dance and thrum thru our bond. I smile up at Alaric and say, “Come on Elf Man, let’s go meet everyone else.” Suddenly feeling just a little reckless I declare, “I’ll race you!” I pull out of his hold as I tear out of our rooms with my hair flying behind me. I hear Alaric closing in behind me as I get to the stairs. The only way for me to out run him is to slide down the banister. So, in a moment of reckless abandonment I hop on the banister and slide.

Alaric skids to a stop at the top of the stairs and I feel his panic thru our bond for just a brief moment until I hop off the smooth banister at the bottom of the stairs, landing on my feet, sliding to a stop as fits of giggles threat to hinder my progress.

Alaric roars behind me, “Ashlinn Ryllae Faerondarl, you could have hurt yourself.”

A tiny thrill races through me as I hear my kindred calling me by his surname I glance behind me and realize that he’s quickly catching up to me as I round the next set of stairs and take them as quickly as I can as peals of laughter erupt from me. As I make it to the first level I take off at a full sprint struggling to catch traction on the slick floors only to have Alaric over take me picking me up like a sack of potatoes and throwing me over his shoulder giving me a firm whack on my rear.

I squeal and sputter, “Put me down. No fair.”

Laughing the entire time as he says, “That was for scaring the living daylights out of me and this is for cheating, you little minx.” He says with a chuckle as he whacks my bottom again.

I screech, “What? I didn’t cheat. I just needed a little head start. Your legs are almost twice as long as mine.” I retort, laughing as we enter the library. I’m slung over his shoulder presenting my rear to the entire room as everyone turns to look at our entrance. Alaric loosens his grip on me and allows me to slide down the front of him until we are eye level and he holds me there pressed against him, still smiling I say, “Let’s do that again.”

Eyes twinkling, he smiles at me indulgently and then leans in for a kiss. Thru our bond I say,
“Later, when we’re alone, maybe we can repeat that smack on my behind.”

To his credit he just groans and says, “Ash, sometimes you’re too much.”

As I’m placed back on the floor we turn to face the room. I realize that Lexie and Declan have yet to join us. In the far corner the musicians have set up and are quietly playing a soft ballad. Additional chairs have been brought in and almost everyone else has gathered around the fireplace. The terrace doors have been closed against the raging storm outside. Lightning continues to streak across the sky and I’m drawn to the dark view. I’ve always enjoyed thunder and lightning storms but this one feels different, more ominous and yet I’m drawn to observe the storm as it continues its onslaught. For a moment I catch myself wondering if Tarron and his men were able to find cover from the storm.

Jasmine makes her way to me and I smile as I take her in, all six inches of her. I’ve never seen her in anything other than a dress and now is no different. She has remained in her silver sparkly number she wore earlier. To say that she’s beautiful is an understatement with her long black and blue hair done up and braided in an intricate design.

As she gets to me she cocks her head and studies me before asking, “How are you holding up Ash?”

I think about telling her I’m fine but then opt for a more honest answer, “Could be better.” I say with a sigh.

Jasmine’s reply is almost instant, “You Ashlinn Ryllae Elan Faerondarl are stronger than you know. If anyone can survive this it will be you. You just have to have faith in yourself and your bond with Alaric. I have seen binding markings before but I have never seen them twinkle as if they are about to light up. That has to be significant, don’t you think?”

“I’ve been wondering about that myself. Maybe we should have Nemus look into it or maybe Clíodhna might know what it means. What do you think?” I ask my pint sized friend.

“We’ll figure it out. Even if we can’t break the blood contract before it’s activated we’ll come up with a plan before then. We have almost four weeks. That’s a lot of time. I overheard The Dagda talking and he’s pulling in the big guns. Before long this Keep is going to be overflowing with gods and goddess and allies from all around. Your father is calling for all shifter warriors to make their way to the Keep. I would say that with in one week’s time this place will be busting at the seams. It’s an official call to arms. Within a fortnight you should have a really good idea as to the size of your army. If Tarron takes you then there will be a whole army assembled to get you back. That’s all kinds of kick ass, don’t you think?”

I snicker before saying, “Only you Jas would put that kind of spin on this situation. It’s just not that simple.” I say as I sigh heavily. “I’ve seen it… I’ve seen what happens when Tarron evokes the contract and the dark majic takes hold of me. I’m helpless to resist. The longer I resist the harder it becomes to breathe. It will be like someone has me by the throat slowly pressing against my windpipe cutting off my air passage until I can no longer breathe. The moment I stop resisting the dark majic of the spell that was cast, dark tendrils of majic wrap around me pulling me to the dark prince.”

“Ash, I’m coming with you. I’ll hide in your clothing or your hair but I’m coming with you. I won’t have you endure this all by yourself. You won’t be alone.” Jasmine says with determination.

I smile sadly at her because I know that she will not be with me when the time comes. I will be alone, I don’t know how or why but I’ll be alone.

I turn to find Alaric and Dagda in conversation with his parents as Lexie and Declan enter the room hand in hand. I have never seen her looking so very happy and content as the pair share an intimate look as a silent communication takes place between the two. I smile and wave her over before we get started and as my oldest and dearest best friend in all the Realms approaches I pull her into a hug and just hold on for dear life. “I love you Lexie. Please don’t ever forget that deep in my heart I love you and I’m so happy for you. I’m so glad that you have Declan, he’ll protect you along with the Druids they…”

“Stop that Ash. Stop saying your goodbyes. I know what you’re doing and you can stop right now.” Lexie pulls back from me and takes me in, “We’re meant to do this together. You and I both know it. Now we have our kindred to help give us the strength we need when we come up short. So all we need to do is come up with a plan. We can definitely do that, so no more of this talk. By the way I love that jump suit it’s to die for. You look amazing.” She says with a grin successfully switching subjects.

“Well your little baby doll dress with the leggings is quite the ensemble, I love the off the shoulder shear sleeves. Very chic.” I say admiring her, “Both of my best friends are looking exceptionally beautiful tonight.” I say to them.

The Dagda’s booming voice can be heard throughout the room. “Everyone. Let’s gather round the fireplace. It’s story time.” He says with a grin. I see that Alaric has secured us a large overstuffed chair next to my parents. Danu and Rhespen are looking rather cozy sitting together as my father leans into whisper something in her ear. I hear her tinkling laughter at whatever he has said to her as she pulls her legs under her on the couch. My father literally can’t take his eyes off of her as he wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her closer to his side. He leans in and I think for a moment that he’s going to kiss her cheek, instead he runs his nose along the curve of her cheek to just below her ear and I swear that he’s inhaling her scent. I chuckle, must be a shifter thing. It’s only about damn time, I think to myself and smile.

Chapter 33

(Ashlinn)

The Dagda begins as everyone settles down. “To understand Tarron as he is now we first have to begin with his parents and their story. As some of you know, Tarron’s father is King Bres of the Southern Territories; he was placed on the throne by his father Prince Elatha of the Fomorians after the Battle of Magh Tuireadh. It was part of the accords to keep the peace. Bres was single and it was expected that he take a bride that would cement his place on the throne. The expectation was clear; he would not be binding with a Fomorian female but to royalty within one of the many races of Faerie. One day while he was out riding he came across a woodland nymph named Sarya. From the moment he laid eyes on her he was smitten. You see Sarya was exceptionally beautiful and she was a princess among her kind. They began a torrid affair and before long Sarya became pregnant. Bres made Sarya many promises, one of which was that once the child was born they would bind and he would name her his queen. Bres hid her away so that she would not suffer ridicule from her people or from the members of his court during her pregnancy. It would have been frowned upon for a princess to become pregnant outside of a binding.” Dagda pauses before continuing. “It is not uncommon for royalty to take consorts and Bres had many consorts in his harem and he sought to shelter Sarya from his consorts as he did not want her to be seen in the same light.”