Waking with Niamh in his arms felt amazing. It was as if all the others Simon had been with melted away in the heat of a summer’s morning.
Her wings had beaten so fast, the iridescent glow they’d emitted brighter than ever before. Her entire body had lit up with a glow from deep inside her. Was it the intensity of her emotions? The pleasure?
He didn’t know. Frankly, as far as he was concerned, these things were specific to Niamh, and Simon embraced that. Embraced her.
Loved her.
That she was a fairy might cause some issues, but they’d remain together. They’d construct a way to make it happen. Together.
With a light touch, he traced his fingers over her wings, the veins of purples and pinks soft now. The membrane of the wings themselves was near translucent.
She moaned in her sleep, legs moving as he continued his exploration. Small protrusions extended from her back, joining the sinews and membrane to her body.
He slid his fingers over them and her eyes shot open, shining, as did her entire body now. “Simon,” she gasped, body arching.
It fascinated him that she could be so responsive. He leaned in for a kiss, but she was there first, devouring and demanding.
She flowed over him, her small breasts grazing his chest, and he couldn’t help the exhalation of pleasure. “Gods, Niamh, what you do to me.”
His cock had quickly gone from somnolent to engorged, and he raised his leg, gently abrading the apex of her thighs. Finding it already dampened with desire, his hands moved instinctively to take hold.
His mouth found a budding nipple and laved it while she wound her hands in his hair.
Desire roared within him. He captured her hips, aligning them, while he tore away from the pleasure of her body, blindly finding her mouth.
He plunged so deep that knowing where his body ended and hers began was impossible. The rhythm of the beating of her wings, the cadence of his movements, each designed to bring them maximum fulfillment.
“Please, Simon, love me,” she demanded, ripping her mouth from his and swallowing a lungful of oxygen as he did the same.
“I do. I will. Mine, Niamh. Only mine.” His incisors descended, and he fought hard with his creature to not pierce her neck, not take what it demanded.
Mine. Make her one of us.
I will not take her choices from her, he countered.
Instead, he gloried in the sensations of loving. Feeling her body tighten, he opened his eyes to watch the flash of light that emanated from her at the point of orgasm, her body a glove around his.
“Simon…” The breathy exhalation brushed his skin as he found completion and roared with pleasure.
They fluttered down gently and once more found themselves entwined on the bed.
“That’s amazing, Niamh.”
She blushed a little. It entranced him to find the rosy glow extended down to her breasts. He touched the warming flesh with a careful fingertip.
“I’ve never done that before with anyone. Loving… It should mean something,” she murmured.
“Yes,” he agreed, cupping her face and bringing her closer. “It should. This time it does.”
Niamh frowned. “Last time it didn’t?”
His brow wrinkled, wondering how to explain that beforehand, he’d allowed himself to seek pleasure without the extension of the authentic emotion. “Not with you, Niamh. With you, it’s deep. I don’t want to let you go. I crave you. With the others, there was pleasure, but unlike this. It’s hard to explain.”
She nodded. “Okay. I understand now. I mean…” She scrunched up her face. “Many fairies use lovemaking as a pleasurable pastime. I’ve heard they use the flash of this pleasure like a drug, but the indiscriminate sexual activity blinds us to what can be. According to my grandmother, to wait for that connection, it allows us to see clearly, to feel more fully, and achieve a true enlightenment that very few experience.”
“That flash of light?”
She grinned. “I… Grandmother told me of it. ‘When true emotion glows, we have chosen well.’” With a cough, she moved away. “My grandmother taught me the old lore. The rules we should live by so we may be happy in ourselves, lend the earth the help it needs. That kind of thing.”
He slid a curl of hair from her face. “If the lore says that, then who are we to argue?”
She gulped. “But I’ve never heard of a were and a fairy. I mean…”
“Shhh,” he whispered, though he also worried about that. It seemed incongruous that they might be a pair, yet so very different. She was fragile and soft, him hard, driven, and tasked with the responsibility of looking after the entire pack.
His alarm trilled, and he grunted, wishing they could stay there together, but it was Niamh’s second day in Dr Arnett’s office, and he had much to do. He added an extra task: talk to Cressida. It moved to the top of the list.
They rose, and he watched as she flitted about, unconcerned by her nudity. He now saw a more playful and unrestrained side.
“I need clothes.” Opening the door to the hall, she strode away, and he gulped, catching sight of her curved derriere and the flitter of wings as she rose. Today they shone with purples and yellows and blues, as if they radiated her emotions.
The L-word loomed again, and this time he embraced it. Soon. He’d tell her soon. They’d go somewhere special, perhaps back to the glade? They’d make a day of it. Once he knew how to go forwards.
He showered quickly and then started with surprise when he returned to find her sitting on his bed, the covers returned to an orderly fashion.
She bit her lip. “I need advice.”
His brow quirked. “What about?”
“Fairy things,” she muttered, tracing a finger over the bold design of the coverlet.
“About us?”
She shrugged. “Yes and no.” When Niamh looked up, he read concern on her brow, creases there that hadn’t been earlier.
“What about your mother?”
“Mam? I’m not allowed contact. The banishment was very specific. No calls to Mam or Da. No texts or messages of any kind, not even from my family. Not until what will be passes.”
A single tear clung to the tips of her eyelashes.
He dropped the towel and lowered to his knees before her. It cut him to ribbons seeing the pain on her face. “I don’t know why they’d send you away, Niamh, and I can’t understand the pain you’re experiencing, but I will give you everything I can. I will be there for you.”
She gave a soggy sniff. “I know. I’m not daft enough to think this is forever, but when I need her the most, we can’t even communicate, and I don’t know why.” She swiped at the tear, but another took its place. “It hurts me.”
Simon gathered her close, letting her scent and the feel of her soothe his own ragged emotions. Seeing the pain she wore? He felt it just as keenly and needed to comfort her. To take just a small amount would give him no greater fulfillment.
When Niamh pulled away, he let her go, aware that not only was time limited but also that she intended to stand on her own. Not that she had to—all that was necessary was to ask—but she’d accepted the terms of this banishment. Gods, how that irked him!
“I need to get ready for work,” she muttered and shook her head. Her wings had dimmed, and now they were a dull colour.
“Do your wings change colour a lot?”
She glanced at him through her eyelashes. “Why?”
He smoothed a hand over Niamh’s cheek. “Earlier they were radiant. Now they’re not so much.”
She sighed. “Yes, they show our emotional state. It’s hard when you’re among fairies to keep a secret, or to be happy about something around another who isn’t. It’s such a giveaway!”
He laughed then, and she did too. He noted the slight lightening of the colour in her wings. “Well, I guess there’ll be no keeping secrets from me either.”
She scowled. “I guess not, you observant creature you.”
“Hungry creature,” he growled with a mock intensity, and her laughter tinkled around them.
“Come downstairs and I’ll feed you, and then you can take me to work… or I can walk.”
He shook his head. “I’ll drive you wherever you need to go.”
“Is it hard?”
He stopped on the steps beside her. “What?”
“Learning to drive. Is it hard?”
He stared. “You don’t know how to drive?”
She shook her head. “There was never any need in Ireland. We stuck pretty much to our forests and glades, flew where we needed to go. When I went to the airport, one of the witches drove, as I never learned.”
His mind whirred. “Then I’ll teach you. Get you a car so you can come and go as you want to.”
Now she looked dumbfounded. “You don’t need to buy me a car.”
He brushed off her worries. He’d find one small enough that it wouldn’t be too heavy for her to handle but still strong and sturdy.
“Don’t worry about it, Niamh. Now, I’m hungry.”
She rolled her eyes with exaggerated frustration. “What’s new?”
Finally back at his desk, coffee in hand, Simon stared at the screen. Cressida. He’d known her for a long time. She’d recently became the overlord of the vampires, and her life partner had assumed her role as councillor. What would she have to say? He also knew the power of the overlord overcame the fire of the sun. While it was another form of magic, he knew—or had recently learned—that they all stemmed from a single source of power.
Simon sucked in a deep breath and reached for his cell.
“Hello?” a female voice answered after several rings.
“Cressida? It’s Simon Bellingham. I’m wondering if you have a few moments?”
“Simon! Hi, yes. Samantha is asleep and so is Daniel, so I’m just trying to catch up on paperwork.”
“Never seems to end, does it?” He laughed, as did she.
“No. But what can I help you with?”
His mirth died away. “Fairies. I need to know more. Their lore, the process of banishment, and why a witch would seek to have one removed. Mating.”
“Wow. That’s quite a list, Simon. Backtrack for a moment, though. Why do you suddenly need this information?”
It felt wrong to tell her he’d fallen for one. He hadn’t even told Niamh yet, but he needed the information. “I’ve met one. She’s…” He stumbled over the way to describe her. Happy usually, driven and loyal, beautiful and fragile.
His.
“You’ve found a mate,” Cressida deduced. “She’s a fairy, I take it.”
He grunted.
“I can see why you’re confused. In all my years, I’ve never heard of a fairy-were mating before. But then, who’d have heard of a vamp-were hybrid like Jelani either? I’m sorry I can’t give you any further clarity. I’ll look through the library I had brought here from Gianna’s stronghold. There may be something there, but I’d advise that you talk with an elder of a fairy herd. They may shed more light on it. The one thing I know is that there is a change in the magic. As if the very essence has reshaped itself.”
Scrubbing a hand over his brow, he considered her words. “How do you manage it? Being overlord, mother, and life partner?”
“It’s all about balance and honesty, Simon. But you have to find your own, because what works for us may well be different for you.”
“Yeah.” He looked out the window and noted that Jessica was arriving. “I have to go, Cressida. I’ll think over your suggestions and will be in touch again soon.”
They disconnected, and he sat back in his seat, drumming his fingers on the tabletop as he considered all she’d said. The only logical conclusion was to talk to an elder fairy.
Niamh bounced out of work and hurried down the steps, looking for Simon. A small compact sat idling on the side, and it was only when she bent down that she realised it was Simon at the wheel.
She stopped, opened her mouth, then closed it again.
“Come on, get in.”
She did as he insisted and inhaled the scent of… new car? “What are you doing?”
“Taking you for your first driving lesson,” he answered. “Seat belt on first, though.”
“The car?”
“Is yours. I had it registered in your name, the insurance is good for a year, and—”
“Wait,” she cried. “I don’t have a learner’s permit even.”
“We’re going to do the paperwork today.” He handed her a book. “Start reading.”
She glared at him. “You’re joking!”
He shook his head. “You need a vehicle, and now you have one. You need a license to drive it, so we’re going to make it happen. I know you’ve got a quick memory. If you can pull this off, we can have you licensed and prepared to get on the road in no time.”
She grizzled but opened the booklet at the pages he’d tagged. “These are the important pages, I take it?”
He nodded, and they drove for what felt like ages. When he stopped, he grabbed a light jacket from the back and passed it to her. “You’ll need this. There’s the odd non-para who uses this office, so you must be careful.”
She shrugged it on, then climbed out and allowed him to lead her as she kept reading and into the office.
“I got you an appointment with a friend of mine,” he said and waved a hand at an older woman who’d just exited an office to the side.
“Lord, it’s good to see you again. This is the woman you spoke of?”
Niamh took a moment to inspect the woman. She was young and trim, but there was an edge to her voice.
“Yes. Niamh, I’d like you to meet Alara. She owes me a favour or four.”
Alara’s smile was more of a grimace. “You’d best come into my office.”
They entered the room, and Simon took the book from Niamh’s hands.
“But I’m not finished.”
“You’ll be fine,” he soothed and settled down beside her.
Alara’s eyes followed his movements, and the woman sighed. “Do you have identification on you?”
Niamh retrieved her passport from her purse and handed it over.
“An Irish citizen, hmm? And your address?”
Simon answered that question, and soon the paperwork was complete. It surprised Niamh when a sheet of paper slid towards her.
“You need to answer these questions without help.” Alara speared Simon with a look that told him if he interfered, there’d be problems.
He raised both hands and settled back. Not that Niamh was in the least convinced he’d prefer to be the one assisting.
Niamh worked her way through the sheet of paper. None of the questions appeared overly difficult. She could see one or two that may cause issues, but she’d only just read her way through the guidebook and they were fresh in her memory. The signs were different than those in her own country, but despite that, she’d seen them often enough during her time here.
She answered the last question and slid the sheet back.
Alara picked up the marking guide and ran through them. “Well done. Then we best go do the payment and photo. Your temporary permit will be good until your permanent one turns up in the mail.”
Niamh followed, shocked she’d achieved so much in a short time. The room was emptying, and that gave her some satisfaction. At the window, she paid the money, and Alara handed over the completed test to the cashier. Out of the corner of her eye, Niamh caught sight of one or two who watched, and it became clear that this wasn’t the usual flow of paperwork.
She then had a photo taken, received a piece of paper with instructions on how to sit for her driver’s test and the process, then another that the woman called a temp license.
Simon walked her through the double doors to the car. “Want to have your first lesson?”
She shook her head. “It’s nearly dark, and my head feels like it’s going to explode.”
He laughed as they climbed into the car. “Okay. This one time. But from here on in, I’m going to make you drive and learn the car, the rules, and get comfortable. I want you to feel in control of your life, Niamh.” He gathered her close, or as close as the gearshift would allow. “That’s why I pushed today. Once you have your license, you’ll be able to come and go as you choose.”
“So I don’t have to rely on you.”
He shook his head. “No. So you can do what you want. Not that I don’t want you around, because I do. But I want you to feel free enough to choose to be with me.”
His words made sense, but it was as if he were already untangling the strings between them. Had she been too clingy? Done something wrong?
“No, Niamh. I’m learning to read your emotions, love. There’s no underlying agenda. I want you and always will. Now let’s go home. We can cook dinner, then sit outside watching the night sky, or we could watch a movie or just cuddle. Whatever you want.”
She bit her lip. “I’d like a shower first, and then we can cook dinner. Then we’ll decide. Together.”
Her cell beeped, and she fished around in her bag and pulled it out. Her hand went to her mouth.
“What’s wrong?” Simon’s voice had deepened, and concern flashed over his face.
“Danny and Finn. They’ve been banished. They’re on their way to America.”
Her gut roiled. What could they have done?
“We’ve spare rooms,” Simon said matter-of-factly. “We’ll move your things into my room. It’s where I’d like you to be anyway.”
She glanced at him, her heart filling to bursting. “Really?”
He reached over and took her hand in his. “Yes, Niamh. I mean it. So when do they arrive?”
She glanced at the text. “Midnight.”
“Then we’d better go home. You can change, we’ll eat, and then head out to meet them at the airport. Can you text them?”
Niamh bit her lip. “I can. I mean, I’m not supposed to have contact, but we…” A thought flashed through her mind. “What if that’s what happened? Mam and Da found out that we remained in contact?”
“We’ll sort that once they’re here. Concentrate on what we can do. Fix the rest later.”
She nodded, her hands tightly bunched together.
Simon read the concern on Niamh’s face. He’d do just about anything he could to ease it. During the evening, she’d quieted, and now she stood beside him, her hand clasped in his as they waited for the great enormous doors to open, releasing those on the Dublin flight.
She wore jeans and a white shirt, her wings safely obscured by a long brown leather coat matching her knee-high boots. Men glanced at her as they passed her by, but she was oblivious.
The whoosh echoed in the busy arrivals area, and she scrunched in closer. He slid his arm around her waist, feeling the tension. “They’ll be here soon, Niamh.”
She answered with an abstracted nod, craning over the crowds.
They thinned as people found the connections waiting for them.
Suddenly she cried out and hurried forwards, Simon shadowing as she zigzagged around people. Two young men, their features so similar to hers, drooped until they heard her call their names.
She launched at them, and their arms closed around her. Her family. Those she was closest to had reunited with her. She sobbed now, and he moved up, touching her back lightly. “Niamh, let’s get them to the car.”
The biggest and burliest of them straightened, his face set with agitation. “Who are you, and what are you doing with our Niamh?”
“Oh…” She tugged away and settled in his arms, and Simon sighed, understanding the concern.
“I’m Simon. You’re coming home with us.”
“Us?” the other brother parroted.
“Aye,” Niamh answered. “Simon and I… we’re…”
“Together,” Simon finished, not yet willing to share that she’d be his for eternity if she would allow.
“Simon, this is Finn.” She pointed to the burly one. “And Danny.” The one who’d questioned their togetherness.
Simon glanced down at their single suitcase each and backpack. “Is that it?”
They nodded.
Niamh bit her lip. “I…”
“Later,” Simon repeated. “Let’s get to the car. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
They followed as Niamh and Simon took the lead, hands once more entwined. He opened the large black SUV back and stashed the suitcases. It was a sorry sight, Simon thought, when all their belongings filled a single bag and backpack.
Niamh climbed into the front, and the two men took up position in the back.
“So, what happened?” She turned to look at them.
A stomach growled, and Simon smiled. “Who’s hungry?”
The two men chorused, and Niamh grimaced. “They’re always hungry.”
He took them through a drive-through and ordered coffee for himself, tea for Niamh, and two meals for the men in the back. They ate and drank their way home.
By the time they’d settled the brothers into their rooms, it was nearly two in the morning, and Niamh was dragging.
“Your sister has to work this morning, so how about we hold off discussions until tonight? We’ll all head to bed, and if you wake before I drop her to the office, you can catch up then?”
With heads drooping, the four climbed the stairs. It was only when Finn and Danny realised they were sharing a bedroom that their stares narrowed. “Where are you sleeping, Niamh?” Finn growled.
“With Simon,” she answered quietly with a smile, then bade them goodnight.
He shut the door so they once more had their privacy. “Are you okay with this?”
“You don’t want to share with me?” Niamh countered with a saucy grin.
“My bed is your bed, Niamh. You’re my home now.”
Her eyes widened. “I…”
“Let’s go to bed.”
He stripped and climbed under the covers, and she did the same. He gave a sigh of contentment when she settled in his arms, her wings tucked back.
He stroked one, and she arched. “Simon, shouldn’t we sleep?”
“Yes, my Niamh. We should sleep.”