Murder Between the Worlds: A Between the Worlds Novel (15 page)

“I want you. Now,” she said, wishing he could understand how she felt. How she didn’t want to feel. She tried to show him with her body and his hesitation evaporated beneath her insistent hands and lips. He kissed her again, the naked skin of their bodies pressing together as he pushed her back onto the floor. She went willingly, grabbing his arms and pulling until he lost his balance and fell with her. They landed together next to the bed in a tangle of limbs.

He shifted his weight slightly, sliding himself between her thighs and she arched her hips up to meet him. Caught up in her frenzy he thrust forward; by the time he felt the slight resistance in her body, he had already pushed past it. He froze and she writhed beneath him, gasping, “Please, don’t stop, please.”

Slowly he resumed, giving in to her need despite himself. The feel of her body beneath his was too much to withstand when she kept urging him on, faster and harder. Even after his own passion was spent she clung to him, holding him tightly so that he could not withdraw from her. They lay, twined together, their breath slowing. He lifted his head slightly after a while and tried to meet her eyes. “Allie,” he said softly. “You should have told me you were a maiden still.”

“If I had, would it have changed anything?” she asked. She was still holding him tightly, letting his emotions wash over her and counteract everything else. She felt a thousand times better now than she had before. He said nothing at first and she nodded slightly, “Then I’m glad I didn’t.”

“I could have been gentler with you; made it better for you.”

“I didn’t want gentle, and it was plenty good. Don’t ruin it for me now. Besides, you’re a guy. Aren’t you supposed to be, I don’t know, gloating or something?” She relaxed, feeling the texture of the carpet under her back and wondering what people usually talked about after sex.

“Gloating?” that seemed to amuse him. “Well, I suppose there is a certain satisfaction in knowing you belong completely to me.”

She wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, “Keep talking like that and next time you fall asleep around me I’ll shave your eyebrows off.”

He laughed lightly, “You told me to gloat. Or maybe you think I should be flattered?”

“Maybe you should be,” she shot back, only half-joking herself.

Without warning his mood turned serious. “How old are you?” He sounded hesitant and she thought,
little late to ask that now, isn’t it?

“I’m 37. If I were human I’d be almost middle aged,” she reached up to brush a stray lock of hair out of his eyes.

“And if you were Elven, you’d be a child.” He sighed resting his forehead against hers.

“I’m neither. So where does that leave me?”

                         ***********************

Bleidd was led down through the house by his escort and out into the yard. Standing near the road several hundred yards from where the body had been found was a cluster of a dozen Elven Guards–3 full squads–and he felt himself tensing even more at the memories that flooded back. Bracing for whatever unpleasantness awaited, he walked forward, knowing that at least they couldn’t accuse him of Aeyliss’s death as he’d been with the two other Guards the entire time.

As they arrived where the group was standing Captain Zarethyn looked up, giving Bleidd a measuring look, “Commander Jessilaen tells me that you believe you can find the Dark Elves that are in this place.”

Bleidd relaxed slightly. “Yes, I believe I can find them, if they are still here to be found.”

The Captain seemed to consider that and then, “He also says that you believe you were unfairly Outcast.”

Bleidd tensed again, cursing himself for being too quick to let his guard down, even slightly, around this group. He nodded slightly.

“I find that very difficult to credit, but if it is true and if you aid us in this I may be able to assist you.” Zarethyn said, his voice giving away nothing.

Bleidd repressed a grimace.
And what a lovely carrot you must think you have found to dangle for my cooperation
, he thought before saying “I find it equally hard to believe that you could assist me in any way, Captain. But rest assured, if I can find these Dark Elves, I will, and it will be for you to deal with them.”

The Captain’s eye narrowed. “You understand why the humans were so quick to believe you were a suspect?”

“Oh yes, “he responded, bitterly, thinking,
and now the carrot is switched for the stick
. “I know.”

“And yet you claim you are innocent of the crimes for which you were outcast?” Zarethyn’s skepticism was reflected in the faces of the other Guards who watched the exchange.

“No,” Bleidd said simply.

The answer obviously surprised everyone. “No?” the Captain repeated.

“No, I am not innocent, but yes I was unfairly punished,” he gritted his teeth. “It was only a scant few decades after the end of the last war between my King and the humans. The local Guard didn’t want to risk my–perceived actions–causing problems. So I was cast out with the belief that I would take my own life. Obviously I did not oblige.”

Many of the gathered Guards were shaking their heads. Zarethyn pressed, “I do not understand how you can be guilty and innocent at the same time.”

I have certainly chosen the wrong night to sober up
, Bleidd thought. And then, seeing no way around it, he forced himself to speak, telling these strangers something he had not spoken of except in drunken fragments over the last 5 decades. “Believe it or not Captain, I was a member of the Guard once.” He ignored the shocked looks, “I was assigned to protect a trade group; keep in mind the wars were still fresh in everyone’s minds and all traders were under Guard. It was an easy assignment and much sought after because it was low risk and allowed time to experience human culture.”

He paused slightly, frowning, “When we were with the traders as they did their business, one of the human merchant’s daughters was flirting with me, and I foolishly saw no harm in returning her interest. I did not realize then that humans are as rigid about the age of consent of their offspring as we are and the girl was too young. It is so hard to judge with humans and I erred in assuming she was older than she was. Her father noticed her absence and questioned her afterwards and she broke down and told him that she had been with me–he was outraged and called the human police and reported me for what they call “statutory rape” and then he sought me out himself. I was arrogant and told him that the girl was no maiden, and in a fury he drew a small knife and attacked me. I killed him. When the police he had called arrived, they found him dead, clearly by my hand, and they did not believe that I had been defending myself. Rather, they believed that he had pulled his iron knife to ward me off. And then when they went to speak to the girl and she found out that her father had been killed, she told them that I had forced her. They would have seen me in their justice system and hanged for a rapist and murderer, except that the treaty gave the Guard jurisdiction. The Guard Captain–my Captain–knew my story was truth, but he would not risk starting new hostilities with the humans over one person. He spared my life and Outcast me to satisfy the humans’ desire for vengeance. No one had survived being Outcast more than a few years and it seemed a solution to all their problems.”

He stopped talking abruptly, and no one else broke the silence. Finally, Zarethyn spoke, “What was your name?”

Bleidd looked at him sharply, “It matters not. I am an outlaw now, so I take the name of wolf. It seems fitting.”

“If, when this is all over, I can help you redeem your name, I will.”

“I expect nothing from you.”

Allie woke up alone in her bed with the morning sunlight falling on her face and looked up to see Jess standing at the far window, back in full armor. His face was unreadable, but she suspected he was thinking of Aeyliss. She bit her lip, unsure what to say, either about his Squad mate’s death or about what had happened between the two of them the night before. She slid out of the bed and scooped up the first clothes she found on the floor, dressing quickly. Jess turned at the sound of her movement.

“Good morning, love.”

At the word love, term of endearment or not, she felt herself flushing, and mumbled back a barely distinct “’morning.” And then in a rush, “I need to hit the bathroom and get a quick shower.”

For some reason that seemed to amuse him, and his lips twitched into a smile. “Of course, I will escort you.”

She gave him a warning look and his smile widened, although his voice was serious, “I will wait out in the hall until you are done.”

She rolled her eyes, stretched and realized that she felt considerably better today; the residual aches this morning where decidedly of her own making, and there was something oddly satisfying about that. For the first time since the Dark Court Elves had appeared in her store, she felt back in control of her own life. That thought got rid of any possible regrets she might have had for her out of character behavior the night before. She paused, eyeing the dull metal of his armor, “What’s with the battle gear?”

He smile faded and he looked grim, “We do not know who killed Aeyliss, or how she was caught unawares, but Zarethyn does not want to risk another such death. We are all to work in pairs at all times and to stay in full armor. Had she been in armor, Aeyliss would have had a fighting chance, even against an iron knife in the back.”

“Call me crazy, but aren’t you working alone now?” she asked

“Brynneth is here with me, and there are two Guards from another squad here as well.”

“Why?” she was genuinely puzzled by the extra Guards.

“For whatever reason, my love, you seem to be at the center of all of this. We must find the book and understand what has been going on here and Zarethyn will not risk you being killed or harmed,” he said gently.

She had no idea how to feel about that and there was that love word again.
I guess the store’s staying closed again today,
she thought,
that’ll kill my bank account
. Aloud she said, “I need to go to the bathroom,” and ducked out the door, almost colliding with Brynneth who was coming out of Jason’s room directly across the hall from hers. Her first thought was to wonder how the Elven Guard Captain would feel about both his on-duty Guards keeping company during the night, although given the Elven love of all things sensual and the presence of the two extra Guards downstairs, maybe he wouldn’t care after all. Then she caught sight of Jason’s chagrined face peering out of the doorway of his room, and she thought,
Good for you Jason, Carpe diem
. He looked like he was expecting criticism, instead she said, as casually as she could, “Hey Jase, I’m grabbing a quick shower. Any chance you might be able to whip up some pancakes?”

Jason looked immensely relieved, “How about chocolate chip pancakes?”

“You’re spoiling me. And yes,” she smiled at him and dodged into the bathroom as he popped back into his room. In an odd way she really was happy for Jason. He’d always been nervous and uncomfortable around the elves, at least the few who she’d seen him around. It had even taken him months when he first moved in to get used to Bleidd. Maybe this was a sign that he had gotten over whatever weird issue he had about non-humans.
Or maybe he just decided Brynneth was really hot,
Allie though, smirking to herself as she turned on the shower.

A little while later, with her wet hair pulled into a rough braid, Allie followed her nose to the kitchen with Jess in tow. She had a feeling until all of this was solved she was going to have to get used to being followed around, even though it seemed unnatural to have someone walking behind her everywhere.
With any luck
, she thought,
this will all be over soon. And I can have my life back.

Jason had cooked a heaping plate of pancakes, which sat like a mountain on the kitchen counter and Allie served herself with enthusiasm. Jess had walked over to stand with the other elves off to one side, talking quietly; she wasn’t sure if they had already eaten or were abstaining from this particular meal. The two new elves were both male and dark haired, bearing enough of a resemblance to Brynneth that Allie wondered if they were from the same clan. Elven government was a monarchy, but within that structure it tended to be organized by clan groups, with each clan led by a clan head to whom the other members owed loyalty. In practice, each clan was an extended family who were all related by varying degrees.

Allie sat down with her food and began eating enthusiastically. Liz, who had refused the pancakes in favor of an English Muffin with marmalade, was, as usual, taking small lady-like bites, “Honestly Allie, I can’t believe you’re eating that. It’s children’s food.”

“Relax and enjoy life, Liz,” Allie said between mouthfuls. She was determined to hold onto her new attitude moving forward.

Liz gave her a long, disapproving look, “Sometimes you need to enjoy life a little bit less and be a bit more focused.”

Syndra stopped chewing and glanced between the two cousins. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I just think with everything going on around here some people should be a bit more professional.” Liz sniffed.

Allie and Syn exchanged a puzzled look before Allie asked “And what does that mean?”

“I think you know what I mean, “Liz looked pointedly over to where Jess was standing talking with one of the new Guard.

Allie felt herself starting to get mad but tried not to let it show. She knew that Liz was under a lot of stress right now and also that she was used to lecturing Allie on exactly how Allie should live her life. Usually Allie took it without complaint. Liz had always watched out for her when they were growing up, and had often defended Allie against bullies when they were in school. Liz also knew how much Allie disliked confrontation and over the years the other woman had gotten used to Allie simply following where she was led. “I really don’t know what you’re trying to say Liz, so why don’t you just spit it out?”

Liz frowned, “Well, quite frankly, if I didn’t know better, having him in your room all night I might assume something inappropriate went on”

Syndra snorted loudly, “Inappropriate?”

Allie dropped her silverware onto her plate with a loud clang. Everyone fell silent and she found all eyes in the room–her roommates, Jess, Brynneth, the two new Guards–focusing on her. “Yes, I had sex with him. We had sex. I enjoyed it and I intend to do it again. I might die horribly tonight, tomorrow, the next day–and I am, by the Gods, going to make the most of whatever time I’ve got. If I want to have chocolate chip pancakes every meal, and sleep with someone I just met, and do whatever else I enjoy doing then, by the Gods, I will. I’m tired of being a victim. I’m tired of feeling out of control. And if you don’t like that Liz, I’m sorry, but it’s my life and I’m going to live it.”

Her cousin’s eyes had gone wide and round. Liz was used to Allie going along with what she wanted and had never expected resistance on this. She paled and then flushed, “Well I find it baffling that a few days ago you’re assaulted–beat up, almost raped–and now you’re jumping into bed with someone you barely know. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that I was assaulted and almost
killed
and I don’t want to die knowing I lived a great, moderate, boring life and never did anything I actually wanted to do for myself.” Allie shot back, wishing she could make Liz understand. She resented her cousin, who had always had an active social life, boyfriends, and diverse interests, for acting like Allie trying to enjoy herself even a tiny bit as much as Liz did on a regular basis was out of line.

Liz stood up abruptly, shoving her chair back into the wall. “Well, when you realize what a huge mistake you’re making being so irresponsible, I’ll be here to help you fix everything, but don’t expect me not to say I told you so.”

Liz stormed out of the room, leaving stunned silence in her wake. The elves all looked thoroughly confused and Allie doubted they understood any of what had just happened, beyond that she and Liz had gotten into an argument. Bleidd was tight lipped, but Allie suspected that was probably over her loud declaration about sleeping with one of the Guard. Allie had expected Syndra to be the first to speak, but it was Jason who said, “Good for you Allie.”

Syndra was nodding. “It’s about time you told her to butt out. She acts like your mother half the time.”

Allie shook her head, perversely feeling the need to defend her cousin, “She’s always had to kind of look out for me when we were growing up. She just wants…”

“She’s just flamingly jealous.” Syndra talked over her. “And letting her push you around makes her feel like she’s the boss, which she isn’t. It’s about time she start treating you like an adult and not her snot nosed little cousin.”

“She’s got nothing to be jealous of.” Allie said, shaking her head. Syn gave her a long look. “Anyway, enough of that. I’ll give her some time to cool off and then go talk to her. Meanwhile, after I eat I’ll get back to hunting for that book. Once I can find that we’ll be much closer to figuring this all out.”

“I have to work later, but I’ll help this morning.” Syndra said.

Jason nodded, “I was out early last night–well, this morning. And I’m on 3
rd
tonight. I can help as long as you need me to this morning as long as I can catch a nap later this afternoon.”

“Then we have a plan”, Allie said, spearing another chunk of pancake.

“Pardon,” one of the strange elves said, obviously hesitant to interrupt.
He probably thinks we’re all entirely insane
Allie thought, caught somewhere between amusement and annoyance. “But if it’s possible for you to restrain your dog after you eat, that would be helpful to us.”

“Dog? What dog?” Jason asked

“We don’t have a dog,” Syndra confirmed. “We have a cat around here somewhere, whose probably hiding because of all the strange people, but no dog.”

The elf looked genuinely puzzled. “We saw the dog when we came in. A large black dog at the edge of the woods.”

Allie stood up quickly “In the woods! I bet he was in the woods last night too.”

“What are you talking about, Al?” Syndra asked. Allie ignored her, heading towards the door that led from the back of the kitchen out to a small mud room and then the backyard. Alarmed the elves started to follow her but she stopped abruptly and turned, dodging past them and jogging down the hall. Syndra yelled after her, “Allie! What the fuck!”

Allie ran into the small sitting room off the right side of the main hallway which served as an unofficial library, her eyes scanning the shelves of books. Quickly she grabbed half dozen paperbacks off the nearest shelf, which she promptly dropped, unable to keep them all in her small hands. Casting her eyes around she noticed Liz’s canvas sowing bag sitting near one of the Victorian style chairs and she upended it, scattering yarn, knitting needles, and half-finished afghan onto the hardwood floor. She shoved the books into the bag with an unusual disregard for them.

“Allie, what is wrong?” Jess asked, his voice cautious.

“He roams the woods at night,” she said, distracted. “He might have seen who killed her. I mean maybe. Maybe not, but I can ask…”

The elves exchanged uneasy glances, “A witness to Aeyliss’s death?”

“Yes! Maybe…” she replied, shouldering the bag and walking quickly back down the hall. Jess caught up with her and seized her arm, forcing her to stop.

“Allie, what are you talking about?” he said seriously.

She took a deep, steadying breath, “There’s a kelpie who lives in the woods behind the house. He wanders sometimes at night in the form of a large dog–which is probably who you saw earlier–and he might have seen something. I didn’t even think of it before, but we–I–can ask him.”

“No” Jess said, shaking his head, “It’s far too dangerous. Kelpies are difficult to deal with at best and the risk is too great to you.”

It was her turn to shake her head,” He’s been my friend for over 20 years. He wouldn’t hurt me. You, possibly. My other roommates, probably. But not me.”

They stood staring each other down for several seconds as the elves waited for Jessilaen to make a decision. Finally, with obvious reluctance, he nodded and Allie took off towards the back door. All four of the elves followed in her wake, across the backyard and over the stone wall. As they entered the woods the elves fell back and fanned out, taking up defensive positions; Allie ignored them.

At the edge of the lake she reached out with her magic, hoping Ciaran would answer despite the elves. To her relief she saw the water ripple and moments later the kelpie emerged in his horse form. She opened the bag and carefully pulled out the books, trying to hold all of them without dropping them this time.

“Good morning Ciaran. I brought you some books.”

The dripping, dark horse regarded her and the elves who were staying back well within the tree line. He spoke without changing his form, something that had unnerved her as a child.