Two months later, Nikolai’s sentence was finally over. Bertrand decided to invite all who lived within the castle, and loved Nikolai, to his chamber and they would have a little release party.
Darth couldn’t wait. He had avoided Nikolai the entire time he was in jail, because he did not want to get his heart broken again. He had to look his grandson in his eyes and know Nikolai forgave him. If Nikolai had indeed forgiven him, he promised himself that he would think of a way to accomplish his goal of making Nikolai king. Darth waited all this time to have a sincere conversation with his great-grandson, and hoped for the best.
Bertrand’s small banquet room consisted of a table that would seat twenty, various plants, and shrubbery that would grow without sunlight, and of course, beautifully decorated in Bertrand’s two favorite colors, black and white. With everyone seated and with their preferred drinks in front of them, Bertrand stood and proposed his first toast of the evening.
“Family, friends and loved ones, it is my honor to toast Master Nikolai Thorn. He is leaving us after three long months of confinement. I am very close to his family, and I know they will welcome his return two days from now. He returns to the Baby Farm with a mate by his side. Mistress Angeline has stood by him, no matter what. I am happy to say that she loves him. This alone has kept him sane. I know that his thoughts rested on seeing her again. So let us all raise our glasses to Nikolai and sanity!”
All in the room raised their glasses and said in unison, “Nikolai, and sanity!”
Bertrand looked at Nikolai and asked, “Would you like to say something?”
Nikolai stood with glass in hand and said, “At the time, I did not realize my anger could cause so much pain to those who are close to me. First, I will apologize to the king and queen. I put you through a lot of shame and I am sorry for this. Grandfather Xander, I realize I am not your favorite grandson, but your grandson nonetheless. Your blood is my blood. I have hurt you by my actions and I am sorry.
“Even though they are not present, I apologize to my family and all those at the Baby Farm. I put them through unnecessary trauma because I could not control my temper. Master Bertrand, Lady Jayde, thank you for being such wonderful hosts during my stay. Although I will never do anything that will require me to stay here this long again, I look forward to returning for a short visit.
“Master Damon, it is because of you I did not try to kill myself. You allowed me a short moment of happiness before I was condemned. Had you not let me join with Angeline, I would not be speaking to you now.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the woman I love, my mate, Angeline Thorn. You are my rock. Without you, I do not know what I would have done. The only thing that kept me going these three long months was the fact that if I held on long enough, I would get to hold you in my arms once again. Thank you, beloved, for being you.
“When I leave, I will miss all of you. I hope it will not be long before we are together again.”
Nikolai sat down and Bertrand said his final words. “There you have it. Nik is leaving us, and I will agree with him. I never hope to see him confined in my chamber again. Enjoy everyone.”
Nikolai leaned in and gave Angeline a gentle kiss.
“I will ask the king to build a house for us. Would you like that?” Nikolai asked Angeline.
“As long as I can be near you, where we live will not matter.”
“Before the night is over, I will ask him. Soon there will be two external residences outside of the castle of the Clan of Farmers.”
Angeline saw Darth coming in their direction. “You may not have to wait to ask. He is on his way over here right now.”
“Good.”
“You are ready to speak with him?”
“Angeline, I had to make him suffer for what he allowed Master Boris to do to me. I may have been angry with him, but I do not love my grandfather any less.”
“Good luck, beloved. I am going to speak with my parents.”
Nikolai sat and waited for Darth to address him.
“Nik, can I have a word with you?”
“Certainly, my lord.”
Darth sat down in the chair Angeline vacated and said, “Forgive me. I realized it too late, but I should have stopped Boris in his plan. You did not have to be humiliated publicly. Your punishment could have been administered privately, but I was angry and conflicted.”
“I understand your anger, but not your conflict. Tell me of this.”
“When and if you are one day king, you will understand. Always divided between doing what is right for one, or what is right for many. Being who I am, I chose the many. I did not wish for this to happen to you, but as king I had to do what was right for the coven.”
“It is not your fault the accused happened to be related to you. Grandfather, if I have hurt you for what I have done, I am sorry. If I killed your dreams, I am sorry. Although, I am unique, I am still a man, a man deeply in love and would do anything to protect that. Lucas was wrong in what he did, and when I learned of the truth, I snapped. The only thing going through my mind at the time was how to remove the threat. Killing Lucas was the only way, so I acted on instinct. It did not matter that he was my brother. The only thing going through my head was protect Angeline.”
“I love Ulsa in the same manner, so I understand your point. Grandson, I will do anything within my power to make this up to you. All you have to do is ask and your wish will be granted.”
Nikolai smiled and said, “It is funny that you speak of that. Before you came over, Angeline and I were discussing our living arrangements. I would like very much to have a private residence on the property at the Baby Farm.”
Darth smiled. “It is done. How many bedrooms would you like?”
That night, Darth and Nikolai re-bonded as if nothing had ever happened.
Two days later, the Bloodworths and the Thorns were having dinner in the Bloodworth chamber.
Alec looked around the room. “Nik should be home any day now.”
Brie smiled. “Angeline will be with him. I can hardly wait to hear their vows to each other.”
“You will be impressed. I have never heard Nik speak so highly of anyone other than himself.”
Regan was uncomfortable in listening to such high praise about Angeline. Although Regan loved Byron, she could not help but be jealous of her lover’s joining to a woman that was not her. She chose to excuse herself from the table.
“If you will all excuse me, I am not feeling well.”
Brie looked at her and asked, “What is the matter, child?”
“Mother, I think it will take a little more time for me to learn to feed without my prey screaming in my ears.”
“If you wish to hunt, I will take you,” Alec offered.
Byron interjected and said, “Father, this is my duty now. If Regan wishes to hunt, I will take her. Do you wish to go out now, beloved?”
“Yes, please.”
Byron wasted no time in wiping his mouth, laying his napkin on the table and saying, “If you will all excuse us. Come Regan, let us go hunt.”
Regan stood up and followed Byron’s lead. She didn’t wish to hear any more about how great Angeline was. Byron took her hand and they left. Isabella commented on Regan’s sudden sickness.
“She will never be a lady of high society if we cannot get her out of the woods.”
“Patience, my dear. She will come around,” Boris said as he smiled at his mate.
Isabella sighed. “I certainly hope so. I have received many complaints from our launderer. The blood from her feedings is hard to remove from her dresses. I tire of such complaints.”
“You are in charge of the upkeep of the house, my dear. You must hear every complaint, regardless of how ridiculous.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “Do not remind me.”
Boris glanced at Tabitha. “How are you adjusting to life on the Baby Farm, mistress?”
“I rather enjoy being close to the animals. It is hard work to feed all of them, but I am happy nonetheless.”
“Master Kristopher is a good teacher?”
“He has only had to fuss at me a few times, but yes, he is a good teacher.”
“In this, I am glad.”
Moments later, the dining room door opened and Nikolai said, “Are there any leftovers for an ex-convict and his new bride?”
Brie immediately jumped up and was the first to hug him. “You are home!”
Nikolai smiled and hugged his mother.
Brie smiled, let him go, stood back from him, and said, “Let me take a look at you.”
“I am fine mother, really. Master Bertrand took very good care of me.”
Brie then hugged Angeline and said, “You are still one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Welcome home, daughter.”
“Thank you, mistress.”
“You are my son’s mate. You will call me mother from now on.”
Angeline smiled and said, “Okay, mother.”
Everyone got up and welcomed Nikolai back home. Nikolai didn’t see his youngest brother and his woman, so he asked, “Where are Byron and Regan? You would think they would be here to welcome their elder brother home.”
“Byron has taken her hunting,” Alec said plainly.
“I suppose I will see them tomorrow. Mistress Tabitha, it is a surprise seeing you here. How long are you going to visit?”
“I have moved here, Master Nikolai.”
Nikolai smiled and turned toward Kristopher. “Congratulations, Kris. Now we will no longer have to hear you moaning about how you miss her. This is a happy day for me, family. I joined with the love of my life, and she is here with me. I am very glad to see all of your smiling faces. This must mean that you all still love me and have forgiven the disservice I have done to you.”
Isabella said, “Come and sit down. I will have Willow bring you something. You must be hungry.”
Nikolai nodded. “Yes, my lady. Thank you.”
“Angeline, forgive me, but I do not yet know your preference. What would you like?”
“I will have the blood of my kin, mistress, and thank you.”
Isabella smiled and said, “One human and one vampire, coming up.”
Isabella left the dining room to tell Willow what she needed. Moments later, she returned and rejoined the conversation.
“Master Boris, if it is all right with you, Angeline and I would like to have our own private residence on the land,” Nikolai stated.
“I suppose you have already asked Darth to build it for you?”
“We have.”
“It is fine with me, just as long as you choose a spot that will not hinder the animals from grazing, I have no problems. Do you have a spot in mind?”
“I was thinking of the small clearing just beyond the grove of black wood trees.”
“This is fine. We have not been back there in a while, so the land will have to be cleared before construction starts.”
“I will take care of it myself.”
“Outside of your normal duties, I presume?”
“That was my intention.”
“Have you thought what you might want to do as your daily duty, mistress?” Boris asked.
“Honestly, I have not given it much thought. These past three months, my mind was focused only on Nik’s freedom.”
Willow entered the room with two goblets of blood, and everyone stopped talking. She handed one to Nikolai and said, “It is good to see you home, my lord.”
Nikolai smiled, thought of the last time they were together, winked at her, and said, “Thank you, Willow.”
She handed Angeline her goblet and said, “Welcome to the Baby Farm, Mistress. My name is Willow Dupree. I am personal servant to Lady Isabella.”
“It is nice to meet you, Willow.”
“Thank you, mistress. You truly are as beautiful as everyone says.”
“Willow that will be all,” Isabella sternly said.
Willow lowered her eyes. “Yes, my lady.” She quickly left the room.
Once Willow left the room, Isabella said, “I have the perfect position for Angeline.”
“What would that be, beloved?” Boris asked.
“She has been formally trained in leadership and management skills specific to running a household. She can help me.”
Boris nodded and said, “That will be perfect. Mistress Angeline, do you have any objections? If so, we can find you something else to do.”
Nikolai nodded as Angeline replied, “I have no objections, my lord.”
“Good, then it is settled.”
Nikolai looked at Boris and said, “Master Boris, would it be all right if I did not return to my duties right away? Angeline and I have not had any time to ourselves.”
“She was allowed to see while you were confined, was she not?”
“Yes, but only for short periods.”
“Nikolai, Remus has been short one man on his team for quite some time. The donor bank is getting low and it is time to gather more.”
“I am not asking for a month, Master Boris. Only one week.”
“I will grant you that, but no more.”
“Thank you. Can I ask one more favor?”
Boris was already tiring of Nikolai, and he hadn’t yet been home an hour. “What is it, Nik?”
“Can my time with Angeline start after I say hello to Byron and Regan? My plan is not to leave my room the entire week. If my time begins now, I may not get to say hello for quite some time.”
Boris sighed and said, “Yes, Nik, I will not start the clock until you have seen your brother.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Alec turned to Nikolai. “I have told your mother how beautiful your vows were to each other. Would you recite them for us now?”
“Father, it is hardly the time. I wish for all to hear them.”
“It seems as though once you have spent your time alone with Angeline, you will be most busy and will not have time. Please son, let your mother hear your words. She will be quite surprised.”
Nikolai turned to Angeline and asked, “Do you mind?”
“Of course not.”
“Mother, would you really like to hear them?”
“I would be honored,” Brie said with a smile.
Nikolai smiled, put down his glass, and stood up. Angeline did the same. He took her hands in his and began, “My sweet Angeline…”
When Nikolai was finished, Angeline began, “My wonderful Nikolai…”
When they were finished, all the women in the room were in tears. Brie couldn’t believe her son felt this way about anyone.
She wiped the tears from her face and said, “I am so proud at this moment to call you my son. I wish I could have been there.”
Nikolai walked over to his mother and said, “But you were there, mother. You were in my heart.”
Brie hugged her son and said, “Congratulations, son. I hope you will stay as happy as you are today.”
“I will.”
Boris decided to make a party of the homecoming. Perhaps Byron and Regan would return before it was over.
The following day, Boris, Remus, and Emma were in the nursery talking about Nikolai and Angeline. To their surprise, Angeline walked in, looking quite radiant. She only had one thing on her mind. She had to know more about Nikolai’s relationship with Faith. Angeline knew that Faith was a Daywalker, and she worked in the nursery.
“Good morning.”
The three of them replied, “Good morning.”
“Aunt Emma, is Mistress Faith here? I would like to have a word with her.”
“Whatever for?”
“It is a private matter. Is she here?”
“She is not due for another thirty minutes.”
“Where might I find her chamber?”
“She is on the first floor of the residence wing. You will know her room simply by the smell.”
“Thank you,” Angeline said, lowered her eyes, and left the room.
Boris asked, “What was that all about?”
“I believe my niece has heard about Faith and Nikolai, and she is going to stake her claim.”
“Claim? Why would she have to do that?”
Remus and Emma sighed at the same time. Emma looked at Remus and said, “You tell him.”
Angeline made her way to Faith’s door and knocked. Moments later, Faith opened the door and was surprised to see Angeline standing there.
“Mistress Angeline. I was not aware you were here. Is Master Nikolai home?”
“Yes, he is. May I come in?”
Faith backed away, let Angeline in, closed the door behind her and said, “We do not have much time to talk. I am due in the nursery.”
“I am fully aware of this.”
“Why did you come to see me?”
“I will get straight to the point. I have heard you and Nikolai have been together.”
“Who told you this?” Faith asked with a surprised look on her face.
“He did. Deny it.”
“I will not deny this, mistress. We have been together.”
“I have also heard from another source that he is in love with you. Is this true?”
“No, mistress it is not.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
“Are you in love with him?”
“No, mistress. Of course not. I could not fall for him because I know that I could never have him.”
“Are you aware that we have been joined?”
Faith was shocked. “No, mistress. No, I was not.”
“Well, now you know. I am here to tell you that you are not to see him again.”
“No, of course not. I would not dare dream of it.”
“I am very glad to hear it. I am a Daywalker, just like you. I will be watching. If you even look in his direction, I will rip your head off, eat it, and throw your body to the wolves. Is that understood?”
“Yes, mistress.”
“There is something else I wish to know.”
“What is it?”
“Have you also been with Master Alec?”
Faith knew she had to lie. She could not tell anyone she was seeing Alec, or he would be very angry with her. “No, mistress. Did Nikolai also tell you this?”
“This reached my ear by Master Lucas first and then by Nik.”
“He is mistaken.”
“Who is mistaken? Certainly not Nik. Nikolai does not lie. I have every reason to believe him and none to believe you. Mistress Brie is a remarkable woman. If you are not seeing Master Alec, you will get no more questions from me. If you are seeing him and are lying to me now, there will be hell to pay if he manages to hurt Brie.”
Faith then decided to make something up. “All right, mistress. We have been together, but it was only once and it was a very long time ago.”
“When?”
“I believe it was right about the time when Master Nikolai was born.”
“You lie.”
“No, it is the truth.”
“So, Lucas just made up your affair with Master Alec?”
“He would have had to. Lucas had not yet been born.”
Angeline remembered Nikolai’s trial. Lucas, known to play games with peoples’ lives and that it almost got him killed. “I believe you.”
“Thank you, mistress.”
“Very well, I will let you get to work.”
Angeline walked out of the door and Faith breathed a sigh of relief. Nikolai had touched Faith in the same manner that he had hundreds of other women. Faith was not about to give him up so easily. On the other hand, she had to get to Alec and let him know that their secret was no longer theirs alone.
When the sun went down and Brie showed up in the nursery for her shift, Faith left the nursery in search of Alec. Her mind was racing, and she couldn’t find him fast enough. She finally found him in the last place she thought he would be. At home.
Faith burst into the front door and yelled, “Master Alec! Master Alec, are you here?”
Alec appeared in his own sitting room and asked, “Faith, what are you doing here? I told you that you were never to come here.”
“Angeline knows.”
“Angeline knows about what?”
“About us.”
“Close the door.”
Faith closed the door and sat down, all worked up. Alec had to calm her down so he could hear what she had to say.
“She is going to tell Brie, I just know it. Xander will not put up with this. I have endangered you. I am sorry.”
“Faith, calm down. Tell me what happened.”
Faith took a deep breath and replied, “Angeline came to my chamber before I was to report for work and confronted me about you.”
“Why would she do this?”
“It seems as though Master Lucas told her about us.”
“How did Lucas know?”
“I do not know how Lucas knew, but it does not matter. Angeline knows and she is going to rat us out.”
“Did you admit to being with me?”
“I did. I had to.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her that we had been together over twenty years ago, and only once.”
“Did she believe you?”
“She said that she did.”
“It seems as if our secret is safe.”
“Alec, what are we going to do?”
“As much as it pains me, my dear, we are going to have to stop seeing each other.”
Faith was hurt. “What?”
“I will not risk your life, and I will certainly not risk my relationship with Brie.”
“But you promised we would be together.”
“Only if our secret remained ours. Now that there are others who know, we cannot continue. I am sorry.”
“Alec, you cannot do this. I love you.”
“Since when?”
“Since the first time I spoke of one day being your mate. I would not have said this if I did not love you.”
“You know of my situation. You were not supposed to fall in love with me.”
Faith was distraught and began to cry. “So you do not love me?”
Alec had to lie to her. He did love her, but not the way he loved Brie. He didn’t want to risk his lifelong relationship with his woman, his children, and his friends. He had to give her up.
“Faith, you know I cannot love you because there is too much at stake.”
“You are leaving me?”
“I am sorry.”
“You did not answer my question. Do you not love me?”
“I am sorry Faith, but no.”
She had nothing to lose. She decided that since Nikolai had recently joined and Alec had rejected her, she would go down fighting. She wiped her tears, stood up, and said, “Since I mean nothing to you, I will tell you who has desired me.”
Alec tilted his head in confusion. “Who is it?”
“Before I tell you, I will tell you why. I have wanted you for over twenty years. When you finally came to me, I was happy. It was just you and I. No one knew of our indiscretion. You promised me the world, and now you are tearing it from me. On first instinct, I was going to go directly to Brie, tell her of this, and take my chances. In the passing moments, I have changed my mind.”
“Who is it?”
“The one who wants me is your very own son, Master Nikolai himself.”
Alec was shocked, “You have been with Nikolai?”
“Yes. As recently as Byron’s party. When you came to give me a kiss, I had not long left him.”
“Why?”
“Why not? I have been with several men within our clan. I have also been with Lucas, Remus, and dare I say, Master Boris himself.”
“Now I know you are lying. Boris would never cheat on Isabella.”
“I will not say when, but yes, I have been with every one of them. But I was a fool and had to fall in love with you.”
“That was never my intention.”
“It no longer matters. You have pushed me aside, and I will move on.”
Alec said nothing for a long time. He was contemplating what to do. If he allowed her to continue to live, eventually she would tell. If he killed her, Darth would murder him. He decided that he would allow Faith to live, and take his chances.
“You go ahead and do that. I no longer care. As long as you keep your mouth shut, you will no longer have to worry about me. However, if I hear anything more about this, I will have to take action.”
“What would that action be, exactly?”
“You think me a fool? I am not going to tell you. Just know that I wish for you to walk the hallways in fear for your life.”
“Is that a threat?”
“I have no need to threaten you. You must have forgotten who I am. I am Master Alec Thorn, the great liberator and second in command of the very clan on which you happen to belong. I will say nothing further on the subject, so please leave my sight, Faith Valentine. What we had is dead.”
“You will never find another like me.”
“You have just stood here and admitted to me that you are a whore. There are plenty of whores within our coven. In the future, if that is what I desire, that is what I will seek. Please leave me, mistress. I believe that since you are officially off duty, you have someone on your agenda for this time and I know it is not me.”
Faith said nothing else. She got up and walked out the door. Alec was right. She did have something else to do.
Alec was furious. How is it that the one woman that allowed him his sexual release had been with his very own son? Alec had to know. He decided he would ask Nikolai himself.
In the meantime, Nikolai and Angeline were in Byron and Regan’s room, talking.
“Brother, I cannot believe the improvement to this room. Even I can be intimate in here. I am so happy that you have redecorated.”
Byron smiled coyly and said, “Nik, I just added a little color. That is all.”
“Well, the maker knows that you needed it.” Nikolai looked at Angeline and said, “Beloved, you should have seen it. It was horrendous. Dreadful blacks and browns all over the place.”
Angeline smiled gently and said, “Nik, perhaps you should not insult your brother this way.”
“He already knows of my feelings. I do not hide anything.”
“But you are making him feel bad. This is not good for your relationship.”
Byron was insulted. The tone in his voice showed it. “It is all right, Angeline. It is good to know that my brother has not changed. He is still a brutally honest asshole who cares for no one but himself.”
Nikolai looked at Byron as if he had suddenly sprung another head and said, “Watch your mouth, baby brother. I am still your elder brother and you will respect me.”
Byron had just about all he could stand from Nikolai. Since Regan’s turning, Byron had undergone a few changes himself. It seems that it was as Alec said. A little wild, passionate sex had indeed grown him up.
Byron stepped closer to Nikolai, stuck his chest out and said, “No Nik, it is you that will finally respect me. I am no longer a child. I have listened to you, respected you and obeyed you all of my life because you are my eldest brother. Blind, unreciprocated respect ends now.”
Nikolai hadn’t changed. He still had an ego as big as the world, and he wasn’t about to let it be bruised by anyone. He still had a quick temper and if he didn’t use his head, he would instantly be out of control. His first instinct was to punch Byron in the face. He decided against that.
“Little brother, just because you have gotten some ass does not suddenly allow you to talk to me like this. I am still the eldest, and you will until the end of your days respect me as such.”
Byron did not back down and replied, “When is it my turn to get some respect around here, Nik? Must you and Kris be dead before that happens?”
Nikolai’s mind was beginning to spin out of control. “If you think you can kill me, go ahead. Try it.”
Angeline sat back and didn’t say a word. She was afraid that if she interfered, he would turn on her. Regan had to be the voice of reason. She had all that she could stand and yelled, “Stop it!” Both Nikolai and Byron turned their attention to her and listened. “Nik, do not be stupid. You have just returned home. Is it not enough that you had to spend three long months away from your family for this very thing? Byron, I realize that my turning has been stressful on you, but it was my choice and you knew the consequences. Please do not take this out on Nik. You are brothers and you are supposed to love each other. Can we just love one another and live in peace?”
Byron was the first to back down. He glared at his older brother, grabbed Regan by the waist, and said, “Regan, you are right. Forgive me.”
Nikolai stared at Byron, still angry for two reasons. Byron’s sudden disrespect and his own jealousy. He didn’t stop staring at Byron as he held his hand out for Angeline. Angeline stood and took his it. Once he felt her touch, he calmed down enough to say, “Come, Angeline. Let us go and enjoy each other. We will see Byron and Regan another day.”
Nikolai and Angeline left his brother’s chamber. He was thankful that Regan spoke up for him or he might have done something he would have regretted. He cared for both Regan and Angeline. Angeline was his soul mate, his rock. The woman with whom he chose to spend the rest of his life. He couldn’t possibly fall for Regan.
Boris allowed Nikolai and Angeline one week together, and then it was back to work. As it happened, Nikolai had to leave the castle to do his normal duty with Remus, to gather donors for the blood bank. Angeline was to begin her training under Isabella. Nikolai grabbed her around the waist. “I will miss you while I am gone.”
“How long?”
He stroked her hair. “The blood bank requires twenty-five active and no less than ten inactive donors. We do not have any inactive donors. As the years pass, we have to go further away to collect them. In my father’s day, he would be gone for no more than a week. I will be gone for two weeks at the least.”
“Be careful.”
“I will come back to you. Besides, you will have no time to think about me. You are going to learn about the workings of the Baby Farm. Master Boris takes care of the actual operations, and it is Lady Isabella’s burden to take care of the upkeep of the castle and staff. Your lessons will not be easy.”
“I will be fine. Mistress Isabella is a nice, easy going person.”
Nikolai smiled and said, “You have not seen her run a household.”
“Nik, say goodbye. It is time to go,” Remus said as he appeared out of nowhere.
“I will see you soon,” Nikolai said as he gave her a chaste kiss and left her where she stood.
Angeline watched Nikolai until he was out of her sight. Suddenly she heard, “Mistress Angeline. It is time that your training began.” Isabella was eager to teach Angeline all she needed to know.
Angeline turned around and said, “Yes, my lady.”
Isabella wasted no time in telling her what was required to keep the household going. “Mistress, it is my duty to keep the castle clean, everyone fed and deal with the staff. I have not had someone as skilled as you to help me before, so I welcome all suggestions.”
“I will help where I can, my lady.”
“I need you to know that once you are trained, we will split the duties in half. Because I am senior, I, of course, get my choice.”
“Of course.”
“As I said, it is our duty to ensure the castle is clean. The laundry must be catered specifically to each individual. The beds, and I do mean all, are made daily and the linen changed when necessary. We also ensure that the main kitchen is stocked, the plants and animals do not die, and the silver is polished.
“We negotiate contracts and maintain the clan’s finances. We ensure that all inhabitants’ closets have the proper seasonal clothing as well as ensure that everyone is fed, daily and on special occasion. During special occasions, we assist Master Boris in receiving guests and ensure their comfort. Finally and most importantly, we are the regular house sitters when Master Boris is away from the castle. Did you get all of that?”
Angeline smiled and replied, “Of course. You do not have to worry, mistress. It is my plan to get this castle in tip-top shape.”
“It is already in tip-top shape,” Isabella said, as she was slightly offended.
Angeline smiled at Isabella. “We will see.”
Isabella smiled, reminded of a certain half-breed that came to the castle a century earlier. Brie once told Isabella of the first time Alec came to the nursery. It was at that moment Isabella believed she was safe. Angeline was Alec reincarnated. Alec fixed the operational side of the farm, now Isabella would be privy to one that would help her fix the household side of the farm. Two days later, Angeline had gotten her chore list prepared to show Isabella.
“Mistress, we must reorganize some duties.”
“Why is that?”
“There are Daywalkers assigned where they are not needed. Since the animals sleep at night and do not require attention, there should be no one in the stables when the sun goes down.”
“We can fix that, but where do you think they should be?”
“For the time being, they can assist Nikolai in clearing the land for our house. Afterward, they can help in the main kitchen.”
“And if they are not skilled enough for the kitchen?”
“Then they make beds, mop floors, or clean the courtyard. It matters not to me.”
Isabella smiled and said, “You are truly one from the maker, child. Do go on.”
“When there are less than ten children in the nursery, there are several nannies that have nothing to do.”
“You are encroaching on Master Boris’ territory, but go on. What should they do?”
“They can work in the garden, seeing as there is always upkeep to be done.”
“I will speak to Boris about this.”
“We also need more assistance in the laundry. I suggest we call to the Castle of Kings to get more help.”
“You have learned your lessons well. I am thankful Nikolai has chosen you.”
“I aim to please, my lady.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Of course. Master Alec’s house could use a new coat of paint, and…”
Angeline went on and on about her plans. Isabella listened, hanging on to every word. She was happy that Angeline arrived so she could do less and have time to see to her own needs.
The day that Nikolai was to return, the castle had been reorganized to Angeline’s taste. The staff was acclimated to the changes and learned that Angeline was not one to trifle with.
Alec couldn’t wait until his son’s return so that he could confront him about Faith. He was sitting in the office of his private residence, with his elbow on the desk and his head resting in his hand. His other hand was quietly tapping on the desk.
Brie noticed he was agitated and asked, “Beloved, what is wrong with you?”
“Nothing. Why do you ask?” Alec said dryly.
“I have not seen you this restless in many years. Are you certain nothing is bothering you?”
“Brie, I am fine. Do you not have something to do?”
“It is my night off, so no.”
Alec, focused on getting to his son before anyone else replied, “Are you asking me to be with you?”
“We have been together for over a hundred years. Do I have to?”
Alec looked at Brie as he never had and said, “Yes. Yes you do. We are no longer as we were before.”
Brie didn’t understand his words and asked, “What do you mean?”
“All of our sons are grown. You have no one left to look after. It has been years since we have been together.”
“Alec, we have been intimate since the boys were born.”
“When you wanted it.”
“I do not understand.”
“Forgive me if I have been jealous. I love you as I always have, but the birth of our children has changed you. I am no longer the center of your world, our sons are. You have only been with me when it suited you, not when I desired it.”
“They were the center of your world as well, if I remember correctly.”
“Do not mistake me, they were and still are. You… you are my sunshine, my light. Not the boys. When they were born, you began to reject me more and more. How do you think that made me feel?”
“Alec, they required my attention. They were just babies, for goodness sake.”
Alec looked up at Brie and asked, “What about now? They are joined, about to be joined, or somewhere else. Brie, our sons are men. I think it is time you turned your attention back to me.”
Brie gasped and said, “Alec, you cannot seriously be jealous of our children.”
“Why not?”
“Because you know that I love you.”
“Love is nothing without the attention that accompanies it.”
“You are jealous.”
“I have been for a long time, and it is about time you knew it.”
Brie’s heart began to beat faster. She felt a fight coming on. “Alec, are you trying to pick a fight with me?”
Alec slammed his hand down on his desk and yelled, “Yes, I am trying to pick a fight! Do you not even notice when I am angry anymore?”
Brie closed her eyes for a moment and calmly said, “I am very sorry if I put our boys ahead of you. I was only trying to be a good parent. However, I will not fight with you just because you wish it. I will leave you to whatever is bothering you. If you wish to see me, I will be in the castle.”
Brie walked out of his office and decided to go and speak with Isabella. She found Isabella in the main kitchen watching Angeline as she supervised the kitchen staff. Isabella was quite impressed.
Brie walked into the kitchen, stood next to Isabella, and asked, “What is going on?”
“I am watching Angeline work. She is incredible. I am pleased the staff knows that she means business.”
“Is she harsh with them?”
“No. I do not know how she does it, but they listen to her.”
Brie smiled and asked, “Jealous?”
Isabella nodded. “I will not deny it. Yes, I am. I practically had to scream in here on a daily basis to get things done. Angeline has not raised her voice once.”
“Perhaps she has a power similar to mine.”
“Perhaps. Is there something you wanted?”
“In fact, there is. Do you mind if we speak in the hallway?”
“Not at all.”
The two women stepped outside of the kitchen and Isabella asked, “What is it?”
“Alec just raised his voice to me.”
Isabella couldn’t believe it. “Alec raised his voice to you?”
“I know it is hard to believe, but he did. Something is bothering him. He tried to pick a fight with me over my raising of the boys. He tells me that he has been jealous of them for a long time.”
“That makes no sense.”
“I know.”
“Where is he?”
“He is in our house, in his office.”
“I will go talk with him.”
“Thank you, Isabella.”
Isabella left Brie and went to see Alec. She didn’t bother to knock on the door. She simply walked into his house and called his name, “Alec!” Isabella continued through the house towards his office and called his name again, “Alec!” He didn’t answer. She made her way to his office door and found him in the same position he was in when Brie discovered him. “Alec, did you not hear me calling you?”
“What do you want, Isabella?” Alec asked in an irritated manner.
“Brie has told me that you raised your voice to her. You have never done that before. What is the matter?”
“It is a family matter, and does not concern you.”
“We are family, Alec, you and I. We have been family for a very long time. What is the matter?”
Alec turned, looked at Isabella, and asked, “Has the hunting party returned yet?”
“No, but they should be here very soon. The collectors have all returned and no more have left.”
“When was this?”
“Three days ago.”
“When Nikolai arrives, please tell him I would like to see him.”
“He will make a straight line for Angeline upon his return. You know this.”
Alec again raised his voice, this time at Isabella. “Damn it, Isabella! I am second only to Boris and my word goes just as far as his, does it not?”
“Yes,” Isabella quietly replied.
“When Nik gets home, tell him that I want to see him, and that he is not to see Angeline first. Do I make myself clear?” Alec yelled.
“Alec, what is the matter?”
Alec sat back down, resumed his position, and quietly said, “I do not wish to discuss it with you. When Nik gets home, I want to see him, even if you have to drag him from in between Angeline’s legs. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I will be here in this house. When he is here with me, no one is to disturb us. Not even Brie.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Now you can go and report to my mate that I am still in a very foul mood, and raised my voice to you. Leave me, Isabella. I wish to be alone.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Isabella left the Thorn home quite surprised. She found Brie in the kitchen watching Angeline as she worked with the staff. Brie also found Angeline to be quite stimulating. Isabella stood beside Brie and said nothing.
Brie didn’t take her eyes off Angeline and said, “He raised his voice to you as well?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, he did. He told me that what was bothering him was a family matter and it did not concern me. It seems he has a strong desire to speak with Nik.”
“Nik has not been home long enough to cause any mischief. What does he want with Nik?”
“He would not tell me. He pulled rank on me and told me that Nik was to see him upon his return, even if I had to pull him from between Angeline’s legs.”
“This is serious.”
“He also told me that when he is speaking with Nik, no one, not even you, are to disturb them.”
“It is my night off. What if I wish to sleep?”
“If they are still in your house, I suppose you will have to find somewhere else to sleep. He was very adamant about this.”
“I suppose we will find out what is going on when Nik returns.”
“I suppose we will.”
Four hours later, the hunting party rode into the courtyard and stabled the horses. Nikolai was on his way to his room to shower and change clothes when Isabella met him.
“Master Nikolai, your father wishes to see you.”
“Mistress, I have been away from home for two weeks without so much as a shower. Can he wait until I have cleaned myself up?”
“He requested your presence as Master Alec, second in command. I suggest you forego the shower for now.”
“Is there something wrong?”
“I am not sure. He has raised his voice at both your mother and me. He would not tell us what was bothering him. He only said that it was a family matter.”
“I will see him at once. Mistress, could you please inform Angeline that I have returned and for her to wait for me in our chamber?”
“Angeline is still working, but I will tell her that you have come home.”
“Thank you, mistress,” Nikolai said as he went to his family home. When he arrived, he opened the door and yelled, “Father!”
Alec hadn’t moved from the position he was in. When he heard Nikolai’s voice, he sat up straight in his chair. He heard Nikolai say, “Father, are you here?” Alec took a deep breath and stood up, but didn’t turn around. “Father, where are you?”
Alec turned around and said, “I am in here, Nik.”
Nikolai made his way to his father’s office and said, “Oh, there you are. Lady Isabella told me that you needed to see me. What about?”
All of the anger that Alec had held onto for two weeks, he released in a punch that sent Nikolai flying across the room. Nikolai, stunned, could not get up. Alec moved with lighting speed, grabbed Nikolai by the collar, and hit him again.
Not knowing why he was receiving punishment, Nikolai yelled, “Father, what did I do?”
Alec backhanded Nikolai as hard as he could and yelled, “Bastard!”
Nikolai was now concerned for his life and began to beg, “Father, please tell me what I have done!”
Alec let go of Nikolai’s collar, backed off, and said, “How dare you sleep with Faith.”
“I have not been with Faith, father.”
“You are a lying, egotistical, bastard. You have been with her. She herself has told me so!” Alec yelled.
Nikolai regained composure, stood up, and said, “Faith is a whore. I have been in love with Angeline for more than ten years. Why would I be with Faith?”
“Because she is everything any man would ever want in bed. ”
“Faith is lying to you. I have not been with her.”
Alec again moved with incredible speed, backhanded his son again, and said, “Angeline herself knows of this. She mentioned it to Faith and Faith told me. Deny this!”
Nikolai then realized that his father did know the truth. He decided to try to turn the tables on him.
“Fine. I have been with her. I even care for her. My question to you is why?”
“Why? Why what, Nik?
“My mother is the most beautiful and giving creature on the planet. Why did you seek another?”
“It was because of you and your brothers.”
“That makes no sense!”
“You, Kris, Lucas, and Byron took her away from me. She would not be intimate with me because you needed your diaper changed. She would not be intimate with me because Kris was hungry. She would not be intimate with me because Lucas was crying. She would not be intimate with me because Byron needed attention! It was all of you that took my mate from me. I sought out Faith to relieve my sexual desires and it was you alone that took that away from me!”
“You are jealous.”
“Brie is mine. I vowed almost a hundred years ago that no one would take her from me. Then the four of you came, and she changed. She did not want me to touch her. She did not want me to hold her. One of you always held her attention. What else could I do? Plain and simple Nik, I wanted to fuck my mate, and I could not do that. One of you was always ahead of me, so I decided I would seek another. One who had no children and had all the time in the world for me. Faith was that one.”
“You speak as if you love her. Do you love her, father?”
“Do you think I would be acting an ass if I did not? Yes, I love her. Give her up now or I will kick your ass and force you to do so.”
Nikolai looked at his father in confusion. “Listen to you. You are speaking about making the clan whore my stepmother. This is not acceptable.”
“You have possessed many women over the past years and I have said nothing. You will not take mine!”
Nikolai knew that in order for his father to get his head back on the right way, he was going to have to fight him. Nikolai tried to negotiate with Alec, “Father, I do not wish to fight you. Please rethink this.”
“Give her up!”
Nikolai’s temperature went up a notch and he said, “Father, you love my mother.”
Alec didn’t hear a word Nikolai said and yelled, “Give her up!”
“Father, I am giving you a chance to back away gracefully. You are acting like me right now. Acting like me will get you thrown in jail. Faith is not worth it.”
“Give…her…up!”
“Do you wish to fight for her?”
“I love her and will not give her up to you.”
Nikolai then made his decision. He would let Alec have Faith if he could win. Another made his heart beat faster than his own Angeline did. He would give Faith up and pursue his brother’s woman, but only if Alec could win.
“Before I kick your ass, I wish to know one thing,” Nikolai said.
“You will not kick my ass, but what is it?”
“My mother has loved you for over a hundred years. I have modeled my own relationship after yours. I thought you above cheating on her. Why did you choose to do this?
“I was well prepared if Brie died giving birth to you. Do you think that I was going to do that alone?”
“Fine. If a fight is what you want, a fight is what you will get. Winner gets Faith to call their own.”
Alec didn’t wait until Nikolai was ready. He moved with the speed that he did before and punched Nikolai in the face again. Nikolai went down and quickly got up and charged his father. Alec expected him to do this. Alec watched him closely and when Nikolai was within arms’ reach, he stepped out of the way. He passed his father with his head down. Alec elbowed him in the back, sending Nikolai to the floor. Alec raised his foot to stomp Nikolai in the back, but Nikolai rolled toward Alec while his leg was in the air, knocking Alec off-balance enough to get him to the floor. Nikolai stood, straddled his father, and punched him in the face.
The two of them were at it for quite a while. Alec would get the upper hand on Nikolai, but he would not yield and vice versa. They were destroying everything in the house.
Kristopher and Tabitha happened to step out on the balcony that overlooked the stables and the Thorn household.
Kristopher leaned on the stone railing, pulled her close, and said, “I am glad you are finally here with me. We can be joined anytime you like.”
“Regan has told me that she and Byron are going to be joined in a few months. She and your mother have already started the plans.”
“Fine. We will join after Byron and Regan, we can have a joint ceremony, or we can do it tomorrow for all I care. I do not need all the fluff, just so long as you are with me.”
Kristopher leaned in for a deep, passionate kiss when he heard glass breaking. He turned toward his family home and asked, “What was that?”
No sooner than he turned around, he witnessed Nikolai flying through one of the upper story windows. He then saw Nikolai get up and go back into the house. “Come on Tabitha, we have to go find Master Boris.”
They searched the castle until they found Boris in the catacombs talking with Remus.
“Master Boris, you must come quickly. There is something going on in my parents’ house. I just saw Nik fly from one of the upper story windows.”
Boris knew that Alec hadn’t been himself for the last two weeks. He didn’t bother him about it, because he knew Alec almost as well as Brie. He turned to Kristopher and said, “Find your mother. Remus, you are with me.”
“Wait, what do I tell her?”
“Tell her that your father is attempting to kill her eldest son.”
“What?”
“Go,” Boris, yelled as he and Remus ran up the stairs toward the house. When they arrived, they found the front door torn from the hinges, lying gently on the front porch. Boris and Remus stopped and looked at each other. They knew Alec and Nikolai were fighting. What they were fighting about, they didn’t know, but knew they had to stop it.
The two of them quietly stepped over the solid oak door and entered the house. Nothing was as it was before. Every bit of furniture in the sitting room was in pieces.
Remus looked around the room. “Brie is going to have a fit.”
“She is going to be more upset that Alec and Nik are fighting. We have to stop them.”
Boris and Remus heard more furniture breaking upstairs. “Ready?” Boris asked.
Remus nodded, and they ran up the stairs. It was there they witnessed an even bigger mess. Where an old family portrait once hung, a gaping hole had replaced it. The portrait lay on the floor, torn to shreds. Light fixtures were torn from the ceiling, and doors that lead to each room lay on the floor. Alec and Nikolai weren’t aware that anyone was in the house, and kept on fighting.
Remus looked around at the broken pictures, holes in the walls and torn wallpaper and said, “Correction. Brie is going to die.”
“Come on, we have to stop them or they are going to tear it down.”
They listened to find Alec and Nikolai and ran to break them up. When they entered the master bedroom, Alec was straddling his son, punching him in the face. One of his punches missed, and he felt his body lifted off Nikolai. Alec saw Remus pick Nikolai up off the floor and held him fast.
Alec was not finished fighting for Faith. At that point, he wanted to destroy his own son for his whore. He didn’t know who pulled him from his task until he got the scent.
“Damn it Boris, let me go,” Alec yelled.
Boris calmly, but firmly said, “I will not let you kill your son.”
“Let me go,” Alec yelled.
Boris remained calm and said, “No. You do not want to do this. Regardless of what he has done, he is still your son and you love him.”
Alec didn’t stop in his struggle to get away. Boris was getting frustrated that Alec wouldn’t hold still. “Alec, stop it!”
Alec was breathing heavily, blood all over him. He didn’t seem to notice. “Let me go, Boris. I have to end this.”
Across the room, Remus held a winded, swollen, and bloody Nikolai in his arms and Nikolai said, “Yes, Master Boris. Please let him go so that I may kill him.”
“I will do no such thing! Nik, if you continue, your father is going to kill you!”
“If I die by his hands, it will be my honor.”
Boris was confused and yelled, “What are you saying?”
Nikolai glared at Alec and Alec glared at Nikolai. Neither one of them were about to tell what they were fighting about.
Moments later, very distraught, Brie walked into the room to discover two very important men in her life, extremely upset about something and she wanted to know what it was.
Alec was angry that Brie had ignored his order and yelled, “I thought I told you not to come in here!”
Her house was a mess; her eldest son and her mate were trying to kill each other. She was not about to back down. “Alec Thorn! Why have you struck my child?” she yelled, not realizing she was pouring salt into the wound. “The two of you have destroyed my house!”
Alec, still angry, yelled, “First it was the boys, now it is the house. Do you not even care that Nikolai is trying to kill me?”
“Mother, it is him who is trying to kill me!”
Brie breathed a heavy sigh and stood between Alec and Nikolai. She then turned up her powers enough to calm them without putting a strain on her own body. She stretched her arms out on both sides as far as they would go. “Remus, Boris, please let me touch them.”
Remus and Boris did as she said. Moments later, both Alec and Nikolai had calmed down enough so that they would no longer yell at each other. She looked at Alec and asked, “What are the two of you fighting about?”
Alec calmly said, “Beloved, this is a matter that is no importance to you. It is between me and my son.”
“You are my mate and I love you. We are Nik's parents and we both love him. Why do you wish to destroy each other?”
Nikolai lovingly looked at his mother. “Mother, if we told you why we were fighting, it would hurt you more. Please, leave and let us finish this.”
“No. If either of you were to die, I could not bear it. Tell me what it is, so you can end this.”
Nikolai looked at Alec, as if to say, “You started it, you tell her.” Alec looked at Nikolai as if to say, “I cannot do it.”
Brie, irritated already, couldn’t take the silence between them any longer. “Nik, what is it?”
“Mother, it is not my place to tell you.”
Brie looked at Remus and said, “Remus, please take Nikolai to his room and do not let him leave. Shackle him to his bed if you must, but keep him there. Boris, once Nik is out of the house, you may let Alec go and then leave yourself. I will speak with Alec alone.”
Boris nodded and waited. Once he was sure that Nikolai was away from the house, he let Alec go and followed Remus and Nikolai into the castle.
Alec, defeated, sat quietly in one of the only remaining chairs. Brie paced back and forth, not knowing which question to ask. She finally settled on, “What in the hell is wrong with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Alec, you have been an absolute ass for the past two weeks. Nikolai comes home and the two of you start fighting. It is obvious that you have started this. I want to know why.”
Alec still didn’t want to admit his infidelity. He replied, “Nikolai has already told you that if you knew why we fought, it would hurt you. Why do you not let this be the end of it?”
“Because the next time the two of you are alone, it will begin again. Look at my house. You have managed to destroy just about everything. Why were you fighting?”
Alec sat in the chair with his head hung low and thought about his life with the woman he loved. He had been with Brie for over one hundred years and didn’t want to lose her. He watched her from afar, fell in love with her, and couldn’t have her. Alec fought with his adoptive father so he wouldn’t have to come to the farm. He killed his birth father so they could be together. His adoptive parents died because he wanted to protect her. Alec loved Brie with all he had, and he had almost lied to her.
He had always told her the truth, no matter what, except when it came to Faith. His affair with Faith made him feel unworthy of Brie’s love. He had been unfair to her and decided he had to tell her.
“Before I tell you, understand that I have loved no other woman in my life the way that I love you.”
“In these past weeks you have not acted as if you love me.”
“That is because recently, I have learned of something. That something upset me in a way it should not have.”
“Alec, we have already established that you love me. I know this, our clan knows this, and the entire coven knows this. The fact that you love me is not news to anyone. Why where you and Nikolai fighting?”
Alec allowed a tear to come to his face. He looked at his mate of one hundred years and said, “I have been unfaithful to you.”
Brie took a step back. She gave Alec a confused look and quietly asked, “What?”
“Forgive me beloved, but you have heard me correctly. I have been unfaithful to you. Nik and I were fighting because he and I have been with the same woman.”
“You have feelings for her.”
“What was I to do? We have four children. When they stole your attention, I still desired you to love me. I still desired to be touched. I looked to another for this and received it. You did not want me when I needed to be wanted.”
“Who is it?”
“I will not tell you.”
Brie was beyond angry. “You will tell me. I will kill her and eat her flesh.”
“Brie, please, do not do this. I have failed in my duties as your mate, but I will not live if Darth has no choice but to destroy you.”
“My father is the second in command in the coven. He will not allow me to be destroyed.”
Alec shook his head and replied, “I will not take that risk. I will not tell you who she is.”
Brie walked up to Alec, slapped him hard across the face, and said, “If you think me cold now, you have yet to see it. First, you will return my house to the way it was. Once that is finished, you will not sleep in our bed. You will sleep without me until you tell me who she is. I will not upset our son’s happiness, so I will not go to him for my answer. You and you alone, will give up her identity. Until then, dream about me, Alec Thorn. As of this moment, I will not see you until I know who she is. When we are working, do not look at me and though you may speak to me. I am off-limits to you until you give me her name.”
“Brie, please. Do not punish me like this.”
“The choice is yours, Alec. When you decide you want to tell me her name, we can begin again and I will take my chances with the council. Until you tell me her name, I will have nothing to do with you. I do not wish to throw away a hundred years of happiness, but I will move on if you do not give me her name. I do not care where you live, but you will return my house to the glory it once was. I am leaving now. I do not have the desire to speak to Nik, so do not worry about that.”
Brie turned, left her house, and the man that she has loved for so many years. On first instinct, she wanted to leave the farm and tell her father what happened. Afterward, she thought against it, and stayed. Regardless of what Alec had done, she loved him. She decided she would give Alec the chance to tell her the truth. If he never revealed her name, she would move back to the Castle of Kings and forget she had ever heard the name Alec Thorn.