 
# By Keltic Design

Double Keltic Triad Book One

### *lizzie starr

Copyright © 2001, 2011 by Elizabeth Struble

This re-release has had minor corrections from the original edition.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Smashwords Edition

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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Publisher's Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Book Layout © 2014 BookDesignTemplates.com

Cover Design by JinGraphix

This book is dedicated

to the tattoo which sparked the story;

and to John

for insisting I write a tale

about his big, black, goofy dog.

## CONTENTS

One 6

Two 23

Three 36

Four 51

Five 67

Six 81

Seven 91

Eight 108

Nine 122

Ten 136

Eleven 155

Twelve 167

Thirteen 176

Fourteen 188

Fifteen 198

Sixteen 210

Seventeen 219

Eighteen 240

Nineteen 252

Afterward 257

Dear Reader 260

Meet *lizzie starr 261

The Starr Library 262

The Double Keltic Triad 262

The Keltic Multiverse 271

Children of the Keltic Triad 273

Contemporary Romance 275

Anthologies and short stories 277

279

## One

With three chubby fingers on one hand stuffed into his mouth, the child pulled himself upright. Wadding a corner of the blanket he sat on in his other hand and holding it to his face, he looked around. Something was different here. The colors were not so bright. He sniffed tentatively. The air was dirty and his fingers slipped from his mouth when he coughed.

He coughed again, and shook his head. This was not his place. Mother and Da were not in sight. Rolling forward onto his hands and knees, he scooted to the edge of the blanket. Making sure he had a good grip on the plaid material, he crawled onto the soft grass surrounding him.

The trees to one side looked dark and scary. He crawled away from them slowly, the blanket dragging a soft trail of leaves behind him. Tears filled his dark eyes and rolled down his rosy cheeks.

Crawling until his knees were stained green and tiny sticks made dents and scrapes in his small palms, he searched for his parents.

Finally, giving voice to his tears, he howled as only a lost child can. Suddenly, there were people around him, lifting him, comforting and cuddling. They were not his Mother, not one was his Da, but he curled safely into their arms. The tears slowly subsided, his loud sobs muffled by the dirty fingers filling his mouth.

A woman in rough, scratchy clothing came, took the child and held him awkwardly. She carried him and set him inside a loud, smelly machine, wrenching his blanket from his tiny hand. He curled into a ball of frightened silence. Just once, he looked back over the shoulder of the rough woman as the machine rumbled around him. The trees faded into the distance. He was alone.

Jaye struggled from sleep, fighting his way out of the dream and a tangle of sheets. Curled into a fetal ball, the blanket was wadded and clutched tightly in one of his fists. His other hand lay beneath his cheek, palm damp with the tears still trailing down the side of his face.

Tight muscles protested as he uncurled slowly. He swung his feet over the edge of the bed and drew his hand across his face to dry the wetness there. The crumpled blanket was still wedged in his fist.

Disgusted, he threw it to the floor and wiped his palm on the side of the bed. Another damn dream. Why now, when life was going so well, couldn't he get a decent night's sleep? After rolling his head, he hunched his shoulders and stood. The shudder of a yawn made him stumble when he started across the room. The phone by the bed rang shrilly. Clearing his dry throat, Jaye picked up the receiver.

"Zeroun."

"You asked for an early wake up, sir. It is now 5:30." The voice was bored and detached. "Have a nice day and thank you for staying at the Towers." Before Jaye could take a breath, the connection ended with a soft click.

Well, that was about 3 hours sleep. Jaye scraped his fingers through his unruly hair, headed for the shower and visualized a list, mentally ticking off each item needing completion before he checked the final set up for the evening's event.

In the bathroom he winced, leaned against the sink and lifted his leg to rub at the persistent itch on his thigh. A sigh of relief expanded his chest. He bent sideways to peer closely at the nearly healed tattoo on the outside of his thigh. A lazy smile of satisfaction stretched his lips. It was a wonderful piece of body art.

The smile turned down into a frown. He hadn't been much of a dreamer before he had the tattoo done. Could there be a connection? Chuckling to himself, he reached for his toothbrush. No time for such foolishness. It would be a tough day.

Hours later, Jaye folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall at the ballroom entry. The picture of calm nonchalance, his eyes darted around the room, stopping here and there while he made quick mental notes. Finally, he nodded satisfaction and stepped into the large hall--the silk of his tuxedo swishing softly with his movement.

One by one, his staff stopped and turned toward him as if he had been announced by a trumpet fanfare. He could feel the tense anticipation; hear the sudden silence of held breath. He maintained the silence a moment longer. "Everything looks great, folks. Another job well done."

His deep voice carried to the far corners of the room. Jaye shook his head slightly, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes skyward when the faces turned toward him relaxed and a soft, collective sigh floated around the room. "You'd think I was a tyrant," he muttered.

"Sir?"

Jaye turned to the young man who had paused statue- like with one flower shaking slightly while suspended in mid air. The already perfect arrangement followed the swirl of a flowing ice sculpture. "Just talking to myself. Nothing to concern yourself with. The arrangement looks fine." The young man smiled tentatively, the flower still trembling in his fingers. "Oh, carry on before you shake that flower to death." Jaye turned away and did roll his eyes toward the ceiling.

"What do you expect? Everyone is in awe, amazed at the good fortune of being able to work with the great Jaye Zeroun, event planner to kings, to the stars, to the world. In fact, to the universe." Jaye's brows came together and he turned toward the laughing voice.

"Enough, Tommy." The stern voice and stiff posture couldn't hide the twinkle in his eyes when he faced his assistant. "Anyway, this event will be history in a few hours." Jaye relaxed slightly.

"You should take a vacation. Have some fun. You're definitely looking stressed." Tommy smoothed his impeccable shirtfront and looked down, fiddling with a button. "Honestly, Jaye. You've worn me out. The whole crew could use a rest."

Jaye smiled. "I know. I'm such a slave driver. Here. Take a look at the calendar." Jaye pulled the company's ever-present day planner from under one arm and passed it to his assistant. Tommy kept his hazel eyes glued to Jaye's face while he ran his finger along the edge of the planner and felt for the plastic ruler marking the day. Finding it, he looked down, eyes growing wide when he scanned empty, crossed-off pages, counting to himself as he flipped through them. He counted through the pages twice in growing disbelief.

"Two weeks? You kept two weeks open? Weeks? Are you feeling okay? We've been so busy lately I haven't even taken the time to check the upcoming events." The young man stopped to take a breath. "Hey, this isn't a joke you're playing on your long-suffering assistant, is it?" Tommy's gaze rose hopefully to Jaye's face.

After lifting one finger to quiet Tommy, Jaye turned to face the room again. He cleared his throat. Instantly, all activity ceased. Jaye snorted softly, shaking his head. "It would appear," he began slowly, "that there has been a scheduling, ummm, problem." The staff glanced at each other warily. "But, a problem which is easily solved. For whatever reason, there have been no events scheduled for the next two weeks. Since there will not be work to keep you all busy," Jaye paused for effect, "you will be forced to take a two week vacation."

Jaye turned back to Tommy as a low murmur of disbelief raced around the room. "Satisfied?" Tommy could only nod, disbelief at the good fortune coloring his expression.

Jaye crossed to the wide doorway where he stopped and hit his forehead lightly with his palm. He turned back to the assembled staff. All eyes were still focused on him. "With pay, of course." He slipped quickly from the room with a smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

Late that evening, Jaye stood packing the last of his special glasses into padded carrying cases. He sighed and lifted the heavy container to the top of the stack on the handcart. After a quick glance around the small service room, he nodded with pride. The crew left the area spotless. Grunting softly, he pushed the handcart to one side, stashing the carriers away from the main traffic flow. Hotels provided their own distinctive fine china but he would, more often than not, use his own specially designed stemware. Jaye Zeroun was very particular and had the growing reputation of his business to consider.

The ballroom received a final quick glance when he wandered through. Another satisfactory wrap-up job. The staff would be complimented on their thoroughness--after the two-week vacation. One sharp nod and he could delay the inevitable no longer. It was time to return to the room he had reserved on a whim for the weekend. _What am I going to do for two weeks?_ He didn't need to look at the calendar left in the storage area to know the next two weeks were highlighted and empty. No parties, no receptions, no nothing. Jaye was not accustomed to an empty calendar.

He wandered the deserted hotel reception area, nodded briefly at the bell captain, who brushed at his ornate uniform and nodded in response before picking up the phone. Jaye ambled off. It was even too late to stop in the bar for a drink, and he didn't feel like leaving the hotel to look for a 24-hour eatery.

So he took off his jacket and threw it casually over one shoulder. He wandered the common areas of the hotel, peered into empty rooms and silent waiting areas, critiqued the décor and furniture placement in each room and stopped to sketch a flower arrangement on the back of an envelope.

In one large meeting room a young couple were arranging tables, chairs and boxes. Jaye watched for a few moments from the doorway before wandering over to the pair. Moving behind them, he peered over their shoulders at the pile of brochures on the table.

"Oh, my God." The young woman jumped when Jaye's sleeve brushed her bare arm. "You scared the heck outa me." She glared up at him and then glanced down at her watch. "What're you doin' here anyway? Registration doesn't start for another six hours. Now, go away."

Her companion laughed. "Calm down. Maybe he just wants to make sure he gets a place for the good presentations." His eyebrows lifted when he glanced at Jaye's formal attire. "But you will have to wait for registration to start."

"Registration for what?"

The young woman snorted. "Why, for the Con, of course."

"Con?"

"Yes", she said slowly, "the Con. The Sci-Fi and Fantasy Convention. It starts tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. Well, registration does anyway." The young man held up a brochure and waved it slowly back and forth. She grabbed it roughly, but smiled at him before turning the smile on Jaye. "Sorry, sir. We just have so much to do before then. The rest of the committee won't be here until morning. Here's the info about the Con. Come and enjoy yourself."

Jaye returned the smile. "I'm sorry to have startled you. I've been wandering the hotel, trying to work up a tired feeling so I can get some sleep. But, no luck yet." He shrugged and looked around at the piles of tables. "You know, I have a little experience setting up tables. Would you like some help?" When the young couple looked skeptical, he added quickly, "To make up for the scare?"

After a glance at each other they both turned in unison to Jaye and nodded happily. Producing a hastily drawn diagram, the young man directed Jaye in table placement and the distribution of brochures, forms and other papers for the Con.

Two hours later, the room set up was complete. Jaye had tactfully offered suggestions for improving the traffic flow and opening the gathering areas within the room. Stretching and rolling his sleeves back down, Jaye promised he would be back for at least part of the convention. The pair waved happily and turned away, involved with each other.

Jaye thought he might finally be able to rest, so he headed for the elevators. When he passed the hotel bar a small piece of paper balancing precariously on the edge of a large potted palm caught his attention. He reached down, swiped up the paper and glanced at it. Pale yellow in color, the words Bedtime Story were printed across the top. A low chuckle rumbled through him. It was one of those romance coupons popular around Valentine's Day. But it wasn't even close to February.

He ran his fingers over the surface of the thick paper. Circle one it read, listing Romantic, Funny, Sexy and Traditional. "I wonder which one I'd choose?" he asked himself.

"Sir?" A night custodian paused, duster held high in his hand.

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Have a good night." Jaye retreated into the open elevator and pushed the button for his floor. The custodian was still watching him as the door shushed closed. Amused, Jaye shook his head. When he reached into his pocket for his key card, the coupon slipped from his fingers.

Much to his surprise, Jaye did wander into the convention early the next day. Leaning against the wall, he watched the wide variety of participants. Although he thought there would be only teenagers or college students attending, from what he could tell under some of the wild costumes, all ages were represented.

Jaye registered for a couple of seminars at the insistence of the couple he had helped during the night. Before the first was scheduled to begin, he visited the sales room and chuckled under his breath at some of the strange items convention goers were buying. He couldn't believe all the booths selling alien masks and fantasy weaponry.

Making his way around the room, he stopped here and there to examine an object or chat with one of the participants. A strange, continual pull tugged him toward one far corner of the room. Trying to shake the feeling off as an overactive imagination, he turned away. But before long he would find himself heading in that direction again. He fought the impulse, slipped his hands into his jeans pockets, and pretended interest in the tiny pewter figurines on the table in front of him.

Finally, unable to defy the pull any longer, he stomped to the small corner table and glared down at the display. A collage of hand-drawn Celtic designs covered the surface of the table--the swirls and spirals of the patterns flowing from one design to the next. Jaye relaxed and smiled, his inner artist appreciating the effectiveness of the display. Perhaps it was a good thing he had come to this end of the room after all.

Occasionally tracing a plastic covered design with one long finger, he slowly scanned the display. All at once, a design at the furthest corner of the table popped into sharp focus and seized his attention. He snatched up the ink drawing, peered at it closely and gasped.

"Something you like?" A soft female voice asked.

"Where did you get this design?"

"It's one of my own. As is every design on my table."

"That can't be." Jaye rubbed absently at a sudden itch on his leg. "It's exactly like a tattoo I just had done." Jaye looked up. A pair of deep violet eyes watched his hand as he rubbed his thigh. Embarrassed, he jerked his hand away, using it instead to gesture at the drawing. "I drew this design for the tattoo myself."

Light brows lowered in speculation and the woman lifted a delicate hand to nibble on her thumbnail. She sighed, looked at her thumb and brushed the end of her red-gold ponytail back over her shoulder. Twinkles of humor lit her eyes when her gaze met Jaye's. A jolt of recognition spun deep into his belly before fading quickly away. He wondered at the amazing eye colors achieved with contacts. The drawing vibrated when she reached out and touched it lightly.

"I'm sure they may be similar, if you used the basics of Celtic design. But exactly the same?" She cocked her head and looked at him.

Jaye shook the drawing at her. "It is exact. I'll show you." Dropping the drawing, his hand slapped to his thigh. A sheepish grin crossed his lips and he looked around, suddenly conscious of the milling crowds edging toward the far doors.

She laughed; her tinkling giggle made him smile. "Umm, not now." She giggled again. "I'm signed up for a seminar anyway. I've got to go. The room will be closing, too." She came from behind the table and walked away. Jaye watched the sway of her long floral skirt and the bounce of her hair, his lips stretching further into a silly grin. Denying the rise of emotion, he shook his head to clear it.

"Wait. I want to buy this." Jaye held the drawing out to her when she turned back. "How much?"

Crossing her arms, she closed one eye in thought before lifting her shoulders in a graceful shrug. With a quick wave of one hand she turned away. "It's yours."

"No. Wait. I really want..."

The skirt swirled around her legs when she turned to face him again and jammed small fists against her hips. "I said it's yours. Since you say it's the same as your tattoo, then the drawing should be yours also." She waved away the proffered artwork.

"Now,' she paused, and then continued, spacing each word as if explaining to a wayward child, "I have a seminar to lead. You undoubtedly have somewhere to go." One eyebrow lifted in speculation.

Jaye held the picture to his chest for a brief moment then moved forward. "Since you're giving me presents, I'm Jaye Zeroun." A faint floral scent filled his nostrils and he inhaled deeply when he passed her. "Coming?"

Accustomed to having his name recognized, Jaye didn't think further about the slight narrowing of her eyes at his name. She fell into step beside him. "I'm Allyn. Allyn Keely."

In spite of his misgivings Jaye enjoyed the two seminars he attended. Of course, the focus was on Celtic art, a personal passion. When he discovered Allyn Keely was the facilitator of both sessions, he was doubly pleased. Jaye learned more of the history, styles and creation of Celtic knot work than he would have thought possible in two short hours.

Their eyes met repeatedly during the seminars, and Jaye was sure her eyes rested on him in speculation when he wasn't looking. But that wasn't too often. He enjoyed looking at Allyn Keely. The sureness of her hands when demonstrating a knot pattern on the whiteboard entranced him. By the time he had almost decided her eyes were truly violet, not enhanced by contacts, the second seminar was over.

He needed to talk with her about the design he still carried carefully, about the seminars, about her. So he remained in his seat while other conventioneers pressed forward with continued questions and admiring comments.

Jaye studied the design they had both drawn. The longer his eyes were fastened to Allyn's drawing, the more he was convinced the designs were the same. So convinced, he felt tiny prickles of hair lifting on the back of his neck.

Retreating voices became softer until the room was filled with silence. Jaye looked up and everyone was gone, including Allyn. Rushing to the door, he paused to look around. The hall was filled with milling conventioneers, but no Allyn. Knowing he would be able to find her in the thickest crowd, he swiveled his head from one side to the other. Her image, deeply imbedded in his mind, led him on a torturous path through the mass of people. He found his way at last to the sales room. The doors were locked; no one was visible through the sidelights.

His shoulders slumped and he leaned his forehead against the glass panel. Did he misread the interest in her beautiful eyes throughout the day? "Okay, Jaye," he told himself softly, "chasing after a violet eyed woman who obviously doesn't want to be chased is not your style. Buck up, man." But Allyn's image, her shoulder length ponytail of golden red hair and wide violet eyes, continued to haunt his thoughts.

He laughed, but the humor sounded false in his own ears. Shrugging, he started toward the main lobby. Perhaps he would go out for pasta tonight.

Jaye leaned over the sink in the small hotel bathroom and stared into the mirror. A disgusted glance fell to the watch lying on the counter. Two in the morning. Once again sleep escaped him. Passing a comb through his disheveled hair moved the waves into some semblance of order. He yanked on the closest pair of slacks, grabbed his key card, left the room, and hoped he could wander the hotel again until he was tired enough to fall asleep.

His lonely supper was spent daydreaming about Celtic knots surrounding Allyn and pulling her to him. Many of the restaurant's female patrons tried to capture his attention, but none of them had violet eyes. Jaye punched the elevator's lobby button fiercely. She just disappeared. A young man sat at her booth when he'd checked the sales area after his meal, but Jaye refused to ask after her. Damn his pride sometimes.

Jaye leaned against the doors with both hands as the elevator sank to a stop and waited for them to open. Thick carpeting cushioned his bare feet when he stepped into the lobby. Across the open expanse of space, Allyn sat in a deep chair, watching the elevators. Jaye thought--hoped-- she was waiting for him.

The first impulse was to rush across the lobby like a love-struck teenager and fall at her feet. He stopped in his tracks. Love-struck? Jaye Zeroun? Nah. Debating his feelings while he crossed the lobby, he came to no answer before he sank into the chair next to Allyn.

Her soft voice filled him with surprising contentment. "Can't sleep?"

Almost afraid to speak, afraid of what he might say, Jaye shook his head and took a deep breath anyway. "You?" Was that a slight crack in his voice?

Allyn lay her hand on his. "I'm a night person, especially these nights when the moon is dark."

"Oh, a vampire." Jaye cringed. _Smooth conversation. She's gonna think I'm a total nutcase_.

Allyn laughed. "Not even close. I simply enjoy the quiet and solitude of the night. Sometimes large groups of people, like at these Cons, are distressing to me. And, I get some of my best ideas at night."

Jaye willed his voice to stay in one register and took another deep breath. The touch of her hand was playing havoc with his raw nerves; his skin tingled and burned with the contact. "I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Ever since I got the tattoo, I just can't seem to get any rest. It's not that it hurts and the itching is almost gone. In fact I really don't think my not sleeping has anything to do with the tattoo. Both just happened around the same time. I, well, I just can't even seem to explain it."

"I understand. Have you tried--?"

Jaye interrupted, voice unintentionally sharp. "I've tried everything anyone has suggested." He glanced sideways at Allyn. "Sorry, I'm a little touchy about it, too. I refuse to resort to sleeping pills. I've tried relaxation techniques and visualizing times when I haven't had any problems with sleep. Until it's nearly dawn, but I just can't stay asleep."

Allyn clicked her tongue against her teeth. "Well, when you remembered good sleep in the past, what stands out most? Maybe you should try that."

With his long legs stretched out in front of him, Jaye shrugged and leaned back in the chair. He slipped his hands into his pockets and felt a crumpled piece of paper. A mischievous grin spread across his face when he pulled it out and smoothed the pale yellow scrap on the arm of the chair.

"I remember one of my foster moms reading bedtime stories. Allyn, do you ever use coupons?

"Coupons? What do they have to do with...?"

Jaye leaned forward eagerly. "Do you ever use coupons?"

"Well, sometimes." She giggled. "When I remember I have them."

"Okay. Now, if you were a store," Jaye lifted a hand to stop the comments obviously hovering on Allyn's lips. "Just play along with me here. If you were a store, would you accept coupons?"

Allyn shrugged. "Oh. I suppose so."

"Good." Jaye picked up the scrap of paper and held it in both hands. "Here is a coupon. I would like to redeem it."

Allyn looked at him, rolled her eyes and tentatively reached out her hand. Taking the slightly crumpled coupon, she pursed her lips and blew out a long, slow breath. Jaye shivered.

Cautious, Allyn looked down at the paper in her hand. Once again her tinkling laughter flowed through the large lobby, knotting and twining itself around Jaye's heart. "A bedtime story?"

Before he could answer, Jaye had to pause and catch his breath. His hand trembled slightly and he fought to control the tremor. Allyn lay the coupon on her knee and smoothed the wrinkled paper.

"One of my foster moms used to read or tell me stories to help me go to sleep. Just imagining it didn't work. Maybe a real story will. I'll bet you know lots of stories."

"Where did you get this?"

"I found it last night."

"Yeah. Right." She leaned forward to hand the coupon back to him.

"Really. Please, won't you accept my coupon? Help me out."

Allyn looked deeply into Jaye's eyes and he wondered if she was searching for his soul. Something inside opened to her willingly. Surprise touched her eyes before she blinked and sat back. Glancing again at the coupon, she took a few moments to fold it carefully and put it into her skirt pocket. "This isn't a very good place for a bedtime story."

"You'll do it?" Jaye jumped to his feet.

"Yes. To help out a friend." Allyn smiled up at him, took the hand he offered and let him pull her out of the chair. "You need to be in a familiar space. I suppose your room would be the best."

Jaye eagerly pulled her toward the elevator. Abruptly, he stopped, turned to her and rested his hands on her shoulders. It was difficult to resist the urge to knead them gently. "I have no ulterior motives, Allyn. I really just need some sleep."

Reaching up, she patted one of his hands. "I wouldn't agree if I thought otherwise."

## Two

Once in his room, Jaye stepped into the bathroom to 'slip into something more comfortable'. Allyn pulled a chair closer to the bed rearranging the room. His silly grin greeted him from the mirror when he heard her fluff the pillows.

When he padded into the room, Allyn was fiddling with the tangled drapery cords. She spoke without turning. "If I can get these opened just a bit, the courtyard lights will shine in. Then we can turn the room lights off so it will be more conducive for sleep. There." Flinging the cord away, she pushed at the partially opened drapes before turning to face Jaye. "Oh."

Jaye shifted uncomfortably and shrugged. "This is what I sleep in." He looked down at the baggy, cut-off sweatpants and ragged tee shirt. "Not very glamorous, huh?"

"Well, it looks...comfortable. Now, crawl into bed."

"Wait. I want to show you my tattoo. Your drawing is on the dresser so we can compare." Jaye stepped into the light from the table lamp and reached down to pull one leg of the cutoffs up to his hip.

A large Celtic cross covered the outside of his thigh, nearly to his knee. Subtle gray shadings accented knot- work flowing through and around the cross. Allyn knelt, held her drawing beside the tattoo and leaned closer to Jaye's leg. "Amazing! It's unbelievable. The designs are exactly the same."

Jaye felt Allyn's breath softly moving the fine hairs on his leg. The warmth stirred more than his leg hairs. He pulled his lower lip in between his teeth and bit hard, hoping to redirect his thoughts. A shudder trembled in his belly making him clench his eyes tightly. Taking a deep breath, he let go of the pant leg. A disappointed sigh made him look down.

Allyn shook her head as the material covered most of the tattoo. A deep, rosy flush crept up her neck and over her face as her gaze traveled up his body. Without rising, she looked up into Jaye's face.

Burning with the heat of her gaze, he cleared his throat, stepped back and stumbled into the dresser. "See, the designs are the same." His voice cracked.

The liquid softness of her eyes returned to the drawing in her hand. Leaning heavily on the end of the bed, she stood. While replacing the drawing on the dresser, she kept her face averted. "Maybe we can sort it out later. Now, I have a job to do." She squared her shoulders, turned back, pointed a finger at Jaye and jabbed the finger toward the bed. "You. There."

Jaye waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Oops, sorry. I'm going." He sat on the edge of the bed and looked around. Allyn still stood far across the small room, her eyes wide and luminous. Unable to withhold the unusual emotions, Jaye sighed. Allyn jerked slightly and shook her head. Her lashes lowered and she turned away.

She switched off the table lamp and the bathroom lights before moving toward the bed. Soft light shone through the partially opened drapes and bathed the room with a cool glow. Allyn settled into the chair. "The coupon gives you a choice. But, I must warn you. I do the traditional style story best. I don't know if I could tell a different type."

Jaye lay back and pulled the sheet up to his waist. "Mom's stories were traditional, too. That'd be best."

"I suppose I should start with once upon a time."

"You really don't have to." Jaye punched the pillow and propped it behind his head. "Start however you want."

Eyes twinkling merrily, Allyn folded her hands in her lap. "In a time long before this one..."

"That's nice." His eyes closed and the lilt of her voice washed over him. It wasn't possible, but he would forever swear his muscles relaxed at the mere sound of her voice. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Whatever relaxed him, it didn't matter.

"Hush. In that time long before this one..." She shook her finger at Jaye's one open eye and glared at him menacingly until it closed. A playful smile pulled the corners of his lips.

"Third time's a charm."

"In a time long before this one there lived a large, black dog. His young master had given him a strange name--even in this day people would wonder at it. He was called Noid.

"Noid followed the boy everywhere he went. They took great joy in just being together. However, the times Noid liked best were the quiet evenings when the boy would sit at his Grandmother's fire. Noid would lay his head on the boy's leg and listen to the old woman's wavering voice spin tales of Faerie. Noid's tail would wag slowly, his dark eyes gleaming as if he could see the fey folk.

"Best of all, Noid loved the tales of the Great Hunt. His muscles would tense, preparing to bound after the Faerie hounds. He would pant in excitement, his tongue hanging from one side of his mouth. The Hunt invaded his dreams. The boy would giggle when Noid whined softly while his feet ran along the paths of dreams.

"Noid was an intelligent animal. He remembered the tales, especially the signs foretelling the time of the Great Hunt. At night he would stand in the yard and wait for the moon to appear. Noid watched the moon so often he began to feel the waxing and waning in the flow of his blood. Even with a cloud-filled sky, he knew when the moon was full. With each full moon that passed, he knew the changing of the seasons. The dog knew, deep in his heart, deep within the very sinew of his body, which precise night was the night of the Hunt.

"Noid had listened well to the Grandmother's tales. In order to join the Hunt, he had to find a place where his world and the world of the fey met. As the moon of the Hunt grew rounder, he found what he was looking for in a forest glade near the homestead. A ring of mushrooms sprouted there. Many of the small fungi were hidden within the deep grasses but his sensitive nose scouted them out. Just this day he had found the last mushroom.needed to complete the circle. Tonight the moon would be full. Tonight, Noid, a simple farm dog, would join the Faerie Hunt.

"The sun moved slowly overhead. Noid was impatient, pacing in front of the small shed. Even playing with the boy held no interest for him. He ate well when the boy brought him scraps from the table, and rolled over after he licked the trencher clean so the boy could rub his belly. Finally, the boy and his family entered the small house. When he heard the latch being drawn inside, Noid rushed from the farmyard into the nearby forest. He slid to a stop at the edge of the glade, nose quivering in anticipation.

"Noid moved to the center of the ring and sat, ears pricked forward. There was a ritual the old woman said was necessary to open the doorway between worlds. The canine mind did not understand 'ritual', so instead he wished with all his might, wishing to join the Hunt, wishing to run with the Faerie hounds, baying with them at the full moon. Noid stared into the sky as the moon rose over the trees and wished for the Hunt.

"Slowly, the air around him changed. His fur felt like it did when the boy rubbed him and sparks flew in the dry air. The ridge of hair along his back fluffed out to stand on end. Soon strange smells floated past his muzzle and he breathed them in greedily. Looking around, his dark eyes glinted in the moonlight. The soft baying of hounds came from far away, along with the tinkling jingle of tiny bells and the muffled thud of horses' hooves. Gay laughter floated on the fragrant breeze.

"The air around Noid began to shimmer. His tense muscles twitched but he did not move. The sounds grew louder, the air fresher, the light brighter. And he knew. He knew he was in the Otherworld, the world of the Hunt.

"Noid stood ready, watching the glimmering spot where he knew the Hunt would appear. The shimmer parted and the hounds leapt through. Sleek, long legged, the colors of their coats ranging from the palest white to the deepest black, the hounds rushed into the glade. Noid jumped with joy and whirled to follow the lead dog, his thick legs pumping furiously to keep up.

"Panting with the pace set by the ethereal hounds, Noid's heart flew. He was part of the Hunt. The Faerie hounds let him join the Hunt. His deep voice lifted in a joyous howl, mingling an earthly voice with the sounds of the Otherworld.

"Noid ran until he knew his heart would burst. Then still he ran, the exhilaration of the Hunt filling him. When the hounds slowed, he raced forward, turning his head to urge the others on. The hounds did not respond so Noid returned to the pack, panting happily. Together they milled about until the riders neared.

"Each hound greeted a rider as they leapt from their lathered steeds. Noid watched in envy. Although he knew he could never give up his boy, he only wished for a pat, a word of praise from the soft-voiced Faerie.

"A richly dressed Faerie woman looked his way. 'And who is this fine animal to have joined my Hunt?' she asked in a soft, musical voice. 'Come, my friend. If you have found your way to the Faerie Hunt, you are welcome.'

"Noid watched the beautiful woman draw closer. He blinked in surprise. If this were her Hunt, then she was the. Faerie Queen. Noid bowed his head as she moved gracefully across the clearing. He did not raise his eyes until he felt her light touch smoothing the windblown fur between his ears. Golden-green eyes locked with his for a long moment as she cupped his muzzle in her slender hand.

"'It has been many human years since one of your race felt the call of the Faerie Hunt. Yet, I see you do not wish to remain in my realm. There is a boy? A human boy you wish to return to?' She turned to her companions and called out. 'He would rather return to a human boy than stay within the Otherworld.'

"Noid hung his head; he did not wish to displease the Queen. He could stay, but visions of the boy filled his mind. 'No, my friend. Do not be ashamed of your earthly desires. It is as it should be.' The Queen smiled sadly. 'It is the fate for us both.'

"Then she shivered elegantly and turned back to the waiting Faerie with a wide smile. 'This one shall join in the feast, for his tracking of game has earned him a place of honor among the hounds. With the dawn, he shall return to the earthly life he longs for, without passage of time. I would not have him grieve for a boy grown old.' She leaned over and placed a kiss on the top of Noid's head. 'With this I grant you the Hunt. You will pass between our worlds with only one night gone from the life of your boy.'

"With her hand gentle on his head, the Faerie Queen led Noid to a feast where a choice portion of meat was offered him. He took the offering but did not eat, for despite the Queen's words, he remembered the old woman's warning. Should one eat within the Faerie Realm, that one would be lost in Faerie time. The fey did not seem to notice, so Noid happily watched the feasting and dancing until dawn's light began to filter through the heavy forest canopy. Noid's dark eyes grew heavy. He shook his head and struggled to watch the retreating Faerie, until at last his muzzle lowered to his paws and he slept.

"The sound of the boy calling him woke Noid. He stood and stretched, glancing at the glade around him. There was no evidence of a feast, no remnants of the Hunt. But he knew. He knew the touch of the Faerie Queen, the joy of her blessing. Noid rushed to the boy's side and with unusual joy and energy began their daily chores."

The words faded into the dimly lit room and Allyn watched Jaye. His breathing was slow and even. But when she moved to leave, he mumbled sleepily. "That was a good story. Is there more? I'm not quite asleep yet. What about the boy?"

Grinning, she shook her head and reached to touch Jaye's hand lightly. The tips of her fingers lingered, barely brushing against the back of his hand. "There is more. Do you want to hear it now?"

"Yes. Tell me about the boy."

Allyn took a deep breath and let her hand cover Jaye's, her fingers curved around his. "The boy grew into a young man. Noid remained his constant companion, except for nights of the Hunt. Everyone marveled at Noid for he still behaved like a young dog and no white hairs showed on his muzzle. In fact, others of his litter had long ago died including a brother who had survived twelve years. But still, Noid romped in the fields and guarded the homestead with the vigor of a young dog.

"The man often wondered about this. He knew Noid disappeared during certain full moons, always to be found sleeping soundly in the forest the next morning. Resolved to follow Noid, the young man began to watch the moon himself, standing in the farmyard staring into each night sky. Long nose pointed skyward, Noid sat beside him. But when the moon was full and the night of the Hunt came, the man slept and did not wake when Noid left for the forest glade.

"The man would try to stay awake, practicing many nights. Even though he could stay awake those nights, the nights of the Hunt found him fast asleep. Finally, one night he managed to stay awake, listening to Noid rustle about the room. When it was full dark, the dog stood silently by his bed and breathed softly into the man's face. Noid backed away as the man's eyes slid shut and his breathing fell into the sleep rhythm the dog knew so well. Noid was soon gone to the forest and the Hunt.

"One night the man held his breath when Noid came to breathe into his face. Once the warmth of the dog's breath cooled, the man took a deep breath ending in a sigh, pretending sleep. Noid turned back once to peer through the darkness at him, but he held himself still, remembering to keep his breathing even.

"Noid ran from the homestead and into the forest. The man slipped from his bed, pulled on his shoes, and raced after the dog. Without the light of the full moon, the young man would not have been able to follow the black dog through the forest shadows. Noid reached the glade and, with ears lifted in alert watchfulness, took his accustomed place near the center of the Faerie ring.

"At the edge of the glen, the man paused, waiting in the shadows of the trees, watching in amazement as the air about Noid began to shimmer and the dog's form wavered. The man thought he could hear the baying of hounds and the shouts of clear voices. Then Noid stood and turned to follow the distant baying.

"The man leapt after the dog and closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. He reached out and was able to grab the hair at the very end of Noid's long tail, just as the shimmer closed around the dog.

"There was a difference in the air. The man heard the distant thunder of galloping hooves and the baying of coursing hounds. Noid stood beside his man, quivering in anticipation and fear. He didn't know how the beautiful people of the Hunt would feel about the man.

"The Faerie troop surrounded them, holding their horses and hounds at bay. The Queen dismounted and stood before Noid, small hands planted against her slender hips. 'You have brought a Human to the Hunt?'

"Noid hung his head. The Queen knelt before him and with her hand under his muzzle, lifted his eyes to hers.

'No, my dark-furred friend, do not worry. It is not unheard of for a Human to join the Hunt. There is great pleasure for us when an Outworlder joins us.' She stood and turned to the man. 'And how are you called? We can not call you Human.'

"The young man swallowed and licked his dry lips. 'I am Stephen, Lady.'

"Her laugher was a golden, tinkling sound. 'Well met, Stephen. Come, ride with us.' The Queen motioned to a nearby rider who pulled Stephen up onto a moonlight- colored horse. Noid jumped and danced at Stephen's side and then rushed to join the hounds.

"Stephen threw his arms about his fellow rider when the horse leapt after the hounds. He closed his eyes against the wind and held tightly to the rider. The only other time he had been on horseback was on a slow-gaited beast of burden. The Faerie rider laughed and shouted into the wind. 'Open your eyes, man. Enjoy the beauty of the Hunt.'

"Stephen did open his eyes and felt them grow wide as the wonders of the Faerie land flew by. The gait of the steed was smooth and Stephen relaxed and loosened his hold. All too soon the Hunt ended and he was lifted down from the horse.

"Then he discovered the wonders of the Faerie feast. Long tables bent under the weight of platters of savory meats and delicate pastries. The rich smells assaulted Stephen's nose and his mouth watered in response. He turned one way and yet another, trying with all his might to see everything at once, for even at his laird's manor, he had never seen such extravagance.

"His riding companion led him to a bower. From there he could watch the dancing and entertainments and see the Queen's table. He marveled at the fuss she made over Noid. The faerie at his side removed a small cap and shook out a thick curtain of dark hair that fell rippling to her waist.

"Stephen gaped at her. He could not believe he had not.known he had ridden behind a woman. She laughed at him and pushed him onto a pile of thick cushions, offering him tidbits of breads, fruits and roasted meats. Like Noid, he remembered his Gran's tales and did not eat or drink.

"He soon forgot the dancers, the feast, and the Hunt. The beautiful Faerie who tempted him held his full attention. When she could not persuade him to eat, they talked instead. She told him about her land and he spoke of his.

"They found themselves in each other's arms, sharing the soft whispers of lovers. A cold nose pushed its way under Stephen's arm and into his face. Hot canine breath flowed over him. The Faerie pulled away from him, jeweled tears glistening in her eyes. 'The night of the Hunt is over. You must return.'

"Stephen pushed Noid away and reached for her once more. 'I cannot,' he said, 'for I love you, Kelene.' But even as he spoke, a shimmering surrounded him. Noid huddled close and with his low whine the Faerie world disappeared.

"Stephen woke in the forest glade, Noid's nose in his face. The large, dark tongue left a slobbery trail across his cheek. Stephen ruffled the fur on Noid's head, stood and looked around. He sighed one word before he turned away from the glen. 'Kelene.'

"Time passed slowly for Stephen. Nearby villagers murmured among themselves about his distraction. The matrons thought he was ill. He completed his work, but without his usual cheer. Often he would be found staring toward the forest, Noid at his side. Every night he whispered to the black dog, 'Return me to the Faerie land.'

"One day he was called to his Grandmother's side. The woman was old, very old, and could no longer leave her bed. But her mind was clear and she saw much that others could not.

"Stephen sat at her side and held her frail, dry hand. Softly, he traced the blue veins beneath the thin skin.

'Gran, tell me again the tale of the Faerie's Hunt.'

"'Tis a tale for children, Stephen, not for a man grown.' She peered at him, recognizing his determined, earnest expression. 'But I will tell the tale, if I remember it.'

"'Remember it Gran, please,' Stephen begged. His Gran nodded and began the tale. Stephen listened intently, Noid's head resting on his leg. The old woman watched Stephen with sharp beady eyes while she told the tale.

"When she finished, Stephen stood, absently kissed her cheek and left her small alcove. A tear slipped from her eye and was caught for a moment on her wrinkled cheek.

'Faerie glamour 'tis what it is, Faerie glamour. Fare you well, my Stephen.'

"Stephen and Noid watched the sky's swirling patterns of stars and waited for the full moon of the Hunt. Finally the night came. Noid pulled on Stephen's sleeve as the time to leave grew near. Stephen turned a slow circle in the middle of the yard, saying silent good-byes. He thought he saw his Gran's face at her small window, so he blew her a kiss.

"Together Stephen and Noid entered the glen and sat, each calling upon the Faerie world in his own way. The air shimmered about them and the Hunt appeared. Once again the Queen welcomed them. Noid ran with the hounds and Stephen rode behind Kelene.

"But this night Noid accepted a haunch from the kill and gnawed happily at the meat and bone. When the first platter was offered to Stephen, he took a large portion. Looking into Kelene's eyes, he took a bite. Then another, and still another, until he had cleared the platter.

"He took Kelene in his arms and they began their lives together in the land of the Faerie."

Allyn paused. A slight smile lingered on Jaye's lips and his breathing was calm and even. She pulled a blanket over him and then stood. Gently, barely touching him, she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

Turning away and concentrating, Allyn's eyebrows drew together as she closed her eyes and held her hands toward the wall. A faint glimmer appeared and a long fingered hand reached from the center of the glow, palm up, waiting. Allyn opened her eyes and touched her fingers to the hand. When she turned back toward the bed, her gaze was full of questions.

The hand grasped hers lightly, pulling steadily until she disappeared into the glow.

## Three

Jaye woke late the next morning, rested and bursting with energy. He yawned, stretched and wiggled his toes from under the covers. Looking around the room, he did not expect to see Allyn, but hoped she might be there anyway. Feeling strangely disappointed when he realized she really was gone, he sprang from the bed and in a matter of moments was in and out of the shower. Humming, he slathered lotion on his tattoo and dressed. With a wide, jaunty grin at his reflection, he patted his pockets to confirm he had the essentials, and left the room.

The bounce in his step caused more than one hotel patron to smile after him and shake their heads. Jaye bounded off the elevator and headed toward the sales room. The room was crowded and conference goers continually stepped into his path. Anxious as he was to see Allyn, Jaye waited patiently for crowds to thin and pathways to open.

When he was almost to the far corner of the room, he began leaning to one side trying to see around people, and then to the other, hoping for a glimpse of Allyn. He pushed through the crowd--to an empty booth. No Allyn, no Celtic art, no sign anyone had ever occupied the space. Jaye froze while people surged around him, staring in disbelief at the deserted booth before turning abruptly to the neighboring table.

Jaye caught the eye of a young man selling fantasy art posters. "Where is the artist who was in the booth next to you yesterday?"

A shrug answered him. "Don't know. Wasn't here this morning. Too bad, too. She brought lots of business to this corner." The kid smiled. "You could check with the organizers." He turned back to a customer, explaining limited editions and low run numbers.

Jaye spun on his heel and headed to the information table near the entrance. This time when he crossed the room, the crowds parted before him and he arrived at the entrance in record time.

The young couple Jaye had helped set up the room were seated cozily at the table. The young woman's bright smile turning to concern, she looked up at him. "Hey, Jaye. What's wrong?"

"The Celtic artist in the far corner, Allyn Keely, where is she?" Hands planted firmly on the cracked, laminate top, Jaye leaned over the table.

"Umm. Oh, yeah." The young woman smiled again. "She could only be here for the one day. Her work is always such a draw, we were so lucky to have her even for a short time."

Barely controlling his frustration, Jaye spoke slowly. "How can I find her?"

"We can't give out addresses, even if we had one." The young man reached into a bag and pulled out a folder. He shuffled through the messy papers and pulled out a pale blue business card. "Ms. Keely is a very private person. She won't even give her address to conference organizers. If she wasn't so good, no one would invite her. Not with all her eccentricities."

Jaye scowled and leaned further over the table. The young man held out the card. "This is all I have, Jaye. Take it, and good luck." Jaye snatched the card, shoved the rectangle into his shirt pocket without looking at it and stalked away. "You're welcome." The young man called after him before turning to his companion. "Man, is he a case."

As soon as he left the sales room, Jaye's shoulders slumped. He leaned against the wall, conventioneers milling obliviously around him. She disappeared again. No word, no goodbye, no nothing. Jaye thought they might have become friends, especially after her kindness last night. But no, like everyone else, she was gone. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Enough of that. That's what you get for chasing after...after someone wonderful.

Jaye returned to his room, pulled his bag from the shelf and started throwing his clothes into it. Allyn's drawing was propped on the dresser. He picked it up and ran his fingers lightly over the surface. Upending his bag on the bed, Jaye carefully lay the drawing flat on the bottom. After repacking neatly, he picked up the bag, and left.

Three days later Jaye sat in his office, hunched over a keyboard, mouse moving restlessly under his hand. He.gazed at the monitor, not seeing the screen, but rather the blue business card he had taped to the housing. Allyn Keely, the card read. Keltic Art Originals. No address, no phone, just an e-mail address.

Throughout the morning Jaye had tried every search engine he could think of, every person locator on the web, to find Allyn. _It's as if she doesn't exist_. He tapped the mouse in frustration. Of course, wanting to find out something, anything, about her first, he hadn't tried just e- mailing her. Maybe he could figure out why she kept disappearing on him. And why he even cared.

Not that he was concerned, or interested, he told himself. Leaning back in his chair, he stretched cramped muscles, lifted his arms toward the ceiling and rotated his wrists. With a sigh he hunched back over the keyboard.

Hours later, Tommy stepped into the office and stopped short at the sight of Jaye, arms crossed over his chest, leaning back, glaring at the computer.

"Uh, hi?"

Jaye didn't move a muscle or turn from the screen. "You have two weeks off. What are you doing here?" His voice was harsh and emotionless.

Tommy crossed cautiously to Jaye's desk. "I just came in to get my tux. I hope that's okay?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Well, I'm gonna wear it for something other than work."

"So?"

"Jaye, what's up?" Tommy perched on the corner of the desk. Under his assistant's watchful eye, Jaye attempted to force the hard line of his mouth to relax.

"I stayed at the hotel after the reception. I went to a Science Fiction and Fantasy convention."

"Cool."

"I suppose." Jaye shrugged. "Well, it was interesting. There was an artist there, a Celtic artist."

Tommy focused on the drawing Jaye placed against the far wall and pointed. "Is that where you got that?" He jumped from the desk and crossed the spacious office. Turning back to Jaye, he asked, "May I?"

At Jaye's gesture, he picked up the drawing and peered closely at it. "Hey, this looks like your tattoo."

"Exactly like it." Jaye's monotone drew Tommy's attention from the drawing.

"So, what's the problem? Two artists often have similar ideas. Especially when dealing with such a common and ancient art form." Tommy carefully returned the drawing to its place.

"The two are not similar, Tommy, they are exact. But, that's not all. I can find no record of the artist anywhere. No address, no phone, nothing. Just her damned e-mail address." He flicked the business card with his finger.

"Her? Woohoo, finally fell, huh?"

"Fell?"

"You met a woman and now you're obsessed with her. But you can't find her. It's driving you crazy, isn't it?"

"I am not obsessed." Jaye shoved the keyboard to one side. "I just need to talk with her about that design."

Tommy grinned wickedly and shook his finger at Jaye. "Oh, but you are. I know all the signs."

Piercing the air with his stiffly held hand to accentuate each word, Jaye angled toward Tommy. "I am not..." He sat back and finally smiled at Tommy. "Besides, what would you know about being obsessed with a woman?"

Tommy's grin turned sheepish. "Well, maybe not a woman. But I do understand how it feels to desperately want someone you can't have, wanting to the point of distraction." Tommy's eyes unfocused and he gazed past Jaye's shoulder to a blank space on the wall. He closed his eyes briefly before he looked into Jaye's face. "But believe me, friend, things can work out. You just have to keep faith." He spoke earnestly and finished under his breath, "And maybe be a little sneaky."

"What?"

"Nothing, boss." Tommy glanced at the desk clock. "Oops, I gotta get going. Derrik has tickets to the Out and About Ball. And," Tommy shivered delicately, "he's wearing his uniform." The grin returned. "You know how I love a man in uniform, trite though it may be."

Jaye's grin widened to a full smile. "Get going then. Wouldn't want to keep your dream man waiting."

"Do you have a better perspective now, boss? Are you going to use that e-mail address?"

Jaye reached for the mouse and moved it to click on his mail program icon. "The mail is practically sent. And Tommy? Thanks."

The young man gave a jaunty wave and crossed to the closet. When he pulled his suit bag from the hook and flipped it over his shoulder with a wide flourish, a stack of files fell from the desk to the floor. Immediately contrite, he tossed the garment bag onto a chair and knelt to gather the scattered pages.

Jaye cleared his throat. Tommy hunched his shoulders and lifted the now messy files toward Jaye, his eyes puppy wide, tears forming in the corners. Jaye kicked the pile of papers with the toe of his shoe, scattering them about the room. Lifting a hand, he pointed to the door. "Get out of my sight. Now. Leave, you shameless hussy." Deep laughter exploded, followed by Tommy's clear chuckle.

"Okay, Jaye. But seriously, remember what I said."

"I will. I'm doing the 'you've got mail' thing now. Have fun tonight."

Tommy waggled his eyebrows. "You bet I will. See you later."

Jaye stared at the blank e-mail form for a few minutes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He entered the address from Allyn's card one letter at a time, with a long pause after each letter. A silent wish he didn't even want to consider filled each pause with wild anticipation.

The smoky haze of deep woods incense lingered over a small pottery bowl. The power of the essence filled the crowded room. Allyn sat quietly on the floor. Breathing deeply, she centered her thoughts, gathering them as they flowed inward. Her mind's ear caught the sound of distant rhythmic drumming and her pulse slowed to match the pervasive beat. Leaning forward slightly, her head dropped towards her chest.

The woodland scents grew stronger, filling each slow breath with springtime promise. The drumming grew louder, increasing in tempo until a lively dance rhythm pounded in Allyn's ears. Soon, she heard the sound of a flute whistling above the drumbeat. Below it rumbled the deep whine of a lone bagpipe.

Allyn smiled, lifted her head and opened her eyes. Bright light filtered through the high branches of the trees surrounding her. Rough bark poked into her back through her light, gauzy shirt. After struggling for so many years, trying to return to the Otherworld, she never ceased to be amazed at how smooth the transfer through the portal was now. Only after she accepted assistance from the Alastriona was she able to visit anytime she desired.

She waited patiently for the first of the Faerie host to step into the small clearing. Bowing her head to their regal beauty, she kept it lowered until the dancing troop passed through the glen. A hand appeared in her lowered gaze, cupping her chin to lift her face. Recognition brightened her confused, scattered emotions. "Stephen."

The young man let go of her chin and shook his finger at her. "You have been told not to bow to the Faerie. Only to the Queen, and she is not with them this day."

"I know, Stephen." Allyn glanced around the silent glade. "Sometimes, I'm humbled in the aura of all this beauty. However did you get used to it all?"

"All Faerie glamour pales when next to my Kelene. I can see nothing else, not even the Faerie Queen."

Allyn chuckled. "Ever the romantic mortal. Where is Kelene and that big black goof of a dog?"

She took his offered hand and let herself be pulled to her feet. She took a step forward and stopped with a lurch, a flash of pain crossing her features.

"Your knee?"

After a nod, she straightened her shoulders and let out a quick breath. "It always stiffens when I sit on the floor. Sometimes it's very difficult to get to my feet without assistance."

Stephen steadied her until she was ready to walk again. "The Faerie healers could..."

Allyn lifted her hand to Stephen's lips. "...fix me. I know. But, it grounds me to my mortality. The years you have been with the Faerie don't show. You haven't suffered the mortal agonies of aging."

"Aging, Allyn? You are not old enough to be concerned about aging." Stephen smiled, grabbed her hand once again and placed it in the crook of his elbow. "You are young as springtime itself."

Allyn gave her opinion of Stephen's statement with an unladylike snort. Then she grew sad. "If that were only true. I am older than I've been told I appear and definitely older than I act. But I am also old enough to know better than to act, or feel, the way I do now."

"And how do you feel?"

"Like a teenager. Discombobulated."

Stephen stopped short. "Discom...?

"Dis-com-bob-ulated. Confused. Pulled in different and conflicting directions. Not knowing where my life is going anymore."

"And this is now how a teenager feels? Interesting." They walked for a short while in silence before he glanced sideways at her. "Why do you feel this way?"

A deep breath was necessary before she answered. "I don't know."

Stephen turned to face her, one hand lifted to her shoulder. "You do not tell the truth to me, or to yourself, my friend."

Closing her eyes, Allyn tried to brace herself for questions she was not ready to answer. There was a subtle, welcome change in the air and she opened her eyes. The sudden appearance of Stephen's mate at his side effectively stopped his probing questions.

"Kelene."

"Welcome, Allyn." Kelene's soft musical voice calmed Allyn's raw nerves and her shoulders drooped as if she suddenly realized how tense she'd been. She gave the Faerie a pleasant smile.

"It's so good to see you. It's been far too long." Allyn's gaze drifted to the large bulge in Kelene's slender form. "Hmmm, and I can guess why."

Kelene clasped Stephen's hand between both of hers and lifted it to her heart. "No guessing and no riddles. We are soon to have another child. I am hoping for a daughter."

Drawing them both into a fierce hug, Allyn felt a powerful wave of happiness wash over her. "That is so wonderful. I know how long you've wanted another child. May I?" Allyn held her hand toward the faerie's rounded belly. At Kelene's nod, she softly rested her palm against the firm distension, closed her eyes and searched. Happy tears stung the back of her eyes. "A daughter? I think perhaps two. And very soon."

Whooping loudly, Stephen twirled Kelene around until she laughed and slapped him repeatedly on the shoulder to force him to stop. Breathless, she turned to Allyn. "Truly?"

Stephen took Allyn's hand, but looked into Kelene's bright eyes. "If she says it is true, then it is." He turned to face to Allyn. "My wife would not go to the Faerie seer. She would wait only for your touch, your seeing."

Allyn bowed her head humbly. "I am honored, Kelene, Stephen. I only hope my feeling is correct."

"It has not failed yet, Allyn."

"At least not for others." Allyn spoke softly and stared past Kelene's shoulder.

Stephen shook her slightly to focus her attention. "I have been with the Faerie a long time, but I still recognize true human emotions. But even if I were blind and without your hints, I would know something is wrong." Panic crossed his face, haunting his dark eyes. "Naught is wrong with the search?"

"Oh no." Allyn tried to ease his sudden concern. "As far as I can tell everything continues as expected. My problem is more with me than with anything, or anyone else."

Kelene cocked her head and peered at Allyn through squinted eyes. Slowly, she smiled and waited for Allyn to continue.

"The problem is with me, and my feelings. After all this time being alone, self-sufficient, and I thought happy, I find myself attracted to someone totally inappropriate."

Kelene's smile flashed, lighting her fair features. Then she schooled her expression to a mask of concern, but the twinkling in her eyes gave her continued joy away. "And why is this person...inappropriate?"

Arms akimbo, Allyn spun in a slow circle. Finally, she slapped her hands on her thighs and turned to face Kelene. But she could not look her Faerie friend in the eye. The words came in a rush. "Oh. He just is. He is successful and very talented. He's an artist, too. He's very handsome with dark wavy hair and the darkest brown eyes. When he's happy his eyes shine with a twinkle I just can't resist." Allyn paused and looked down, watching her toe make patterns in the dirt. "I think he might be interested in me too."

Confusion darkened Stephen's expression. "Then, what is the problem?"

Allyn stomped her foot and winced at the injudicious movement. "Well, for one thing, he's younger, by quite a few years."

Stephen was not convinced. "I still do not see a problem."

Blinking furiously to draw back the tears welling in her eyes, Allyn tried to explain. "In the mortal world it's acceptable for an older man to be with a woman much younger than himself. In fact, the man is looked upon with envy. But an older woman with a younger man? Well, society has a few choice words for that arrangement." Allyn paced back and forth, slapping one palm with the back of her other hand to make her points.

Halting the restless movements by stepping in front of her, Kelene placed her hands on Allyn's shoulders. She glanced at Stephen's confusion and smiled softly. "Allyn. Allyn, look at me."

She did, and Kelene stared deeply into her eyes. "This man, it is Jayezer, is it not?"

Allyn slumped with an explosion of held breath. She closed her eyes again against the tears and the look of joy filling Kelene's face. "I...I don't know."

Tommy curled at Derrik's side, one hand playing with the brass buttons of Derrik's open uniform jacket, and sighed happily. "Such a nice uniform." He patted the smooth, bare expanse of Derrik's chest. "Nice person in the uniform, too."

Derrik chuckled and rested his hand over Tommy's. "Ye dinna enjoy the party much."

Pulling away to sit up and stare into the fireplace, Tommy glanced sideways at Derrik. "No, the party was great. The company was even better. Why can't you tell me what organization has a uniform like that?"

Derrik looked down his long length. "'Tis so unusual?"

"Yeah. It's a real strange combination of modern and oh, I'd say ancient Irish. Or something like that. It's like your accent. Sometimes you sound like a Scotsman, other times Irish, and then you say something with an accent I've never heard before."

A shrug lifted Derrik's wide shoulders and his voice slurred into the full force of his exotic accent. "Ye know I canna say. Just enjoy the uniform. But, dinna ye like the way I speak?" He pointed a square-tipped finger at Tommy. "An' stop tryin' to change the subject."

"Change the subject?" Tommy's eyes went wide and innocent.

"I asked why ye dinna enjoy the party."

Tommy rested his head on the high back of the couch. "No, you didn't. You just made a statement about me not enjoying it."

Derrik laughed and shook his head. The strip of leather holding his hair back came loose and long golden waves fell forward. Tommy's breath caught, his body responding heavily to the overt sexuality of the man next to him. Derrik brushed his hair back before placing a hand on Tommy's arm. "I am askin' ye now why ye dinna enjoy the party."

"I suppose it's not much of a reason." Tommy closed his eyes against the inviting sight of his lover. "Jaye was at the office when I went to get the tux. He met some woman."

"So? Is that somethin' to worry about? Just last week ye were worried because he hadna met someone."

"I know, but this is kinda strange. You know he had a tattoo done a couple of weeks ago."

"The cross on his thigh?"

"That's the one. Anyway, he was at this Sci-Fi convention..."Derrik chuckled softly, but Tommy continued as if he hadn't been interrupted. "There was an artist there who had drawn a Celtic cross exactly like the one Jaye created for the tattoo."

Derrik stretched and snuggled deeper into the soft couch cushions. "Celtic things often look alike."

"That's what I thought too. But when I looked more closely, the two were exact. Now, Jaye can't find this woman. I guess there's no information he can access about her anywhere. All he has is an e-mail address."

Derrik had closed his eyes, but now he slowly opened one. "Do ye remember her name?"

Tommy shook his head. "All I remember from the brief glimpse I saw of the business card was thinking it was weird she spelled Celtic with a 'K'."

Derrik's other eye opened and he angled his head toward Tommy. "'K'? 'Tis Allyn."

"Maybe. The name sounds familiar."

Derrik sat forward, pressed his hand to Tommy's shoulder and rubbed with a gentle pressure. "Jaye is an adult. He doesna need ye nursemaidin' him."

"But he does need taking care of sometimes. As successful as he is, there are times he's like a little boy lost in a strange world."

Derrik's thick brows drew together. He muttered a few soft words and Tommy fell into sleep. Derrik stood, arranged Tommy comfortably on the couch, covered him with a crocheted afghan, pressed firm lips to his forehead and whispered. "Sorry, my Tommy. I have work to do. If she has found the child, the Nechtan-Cattee will soon be makin' their appearance. Sleep well."

Stripping off the uniform, he pulled on a worn pair of jeans and a polo shirt. He tugged his hair back and controlled it with a small square of silver attached to a piece of leather. The knot design on the silver bauble glinted in the firelight. At another whispered word, the fire banked itself. Satisfied with the safety of his home, he gestured at the wall. A faint glow outlined a long, thin passageway. His eyes softened when he glanced at Tommy, but hardened with resolve as he stepped into the passage.

## Four

A single candle glowed on a small table. Its flickering light reflected in the shallow bowl of water placed before it. A sudden bright spot appeared on the other side of the room when a computer screen came to life. Allyn sat before the screen, leaning on one hand, waiting for the machine to complete its start-up procedures.

She moved her thumb over the track ball and double- clicked on the Internet icon and then tapped her fingers on the desk and waited for the modem to connect _. I really should invest in a new modem. This one is much too slow._

Allyn closed her eyes wearily. Sparkling brown eyes filled her darkened vision. Her heart fluttered and she pressed a hand to its quickened beat. Jaye's eyes haunted her when she opened her eyes and looked around the room. Chewing on her lower lip, she knew somehow, she had to exorcise her feelings for the young man before he took up permanent residence in her heart. The affected organ fluttered again and she suspected it was already too late.

A chittering noise from the computer signaled the successful connection. Allyn took a deep breath and stared at the list of new mail. The list had grown longer since the last time she had checked; he had sent more e-mail. Lifting her finger toward the monitor, she traced Jaye's address without touching the screen.

Trying to clear her thoughts, she shook her head, closed the screen and clicked on her bookmarks. A soft whoosh like silk against silk whispered behind her, a hand clasped her shoulder and a deep voice spoke her name. She screamed.

Shaking off the hand, she whirled the chair to the side and jumped to her feet, her body curved in a defensive posture. Her hands flashed up only to be stopped by large palms. Fingers closed gently around hers.

"Allyn, stop."

"Derrik?" Allyn took a deep breath and relaxed. Derrik opened his fingers to free her hands and Allyn slapped him hard on the shoulder. "Damn it, man! You scared ten years of life out of me." _And I can't afford to lose a single day_.

Immediately contrite, Derrik stepped back, hands spread, a tentative smile twitched his lips. "But the lessons I have given ye have been useful. Ye canna deny it."

Allyn slumped back into her chair. "No denying. I just wish the portal had a doorbell, or an early warning system. Anything that would save my poor heart."

The rich sound of Derrik's laughter filled the room. Unable to resist the infectious sound, Allyn smiled back at him. Derrik raised one eyebrow and a serious expression settled over his chiseled features.

"Ye have found the child?"

Allyn snorted. "The child? Yes, I believe so. But child? He is no child."

"A man grown, I ken. We forget the passage of time is different here. It is mere habit to still call him child."

"If he is the one, he is a man well grown, successful, perhaps happy. As to that, I don't know." Allyn paused. "His parents will be very proud of him."

"Is he ready to return to the Otherworld?" Derrik sank onto a large floor cushion near the desk. Candlelight cast the angles of his face into flickering shadows.

"He doesn't remember."

"Then how..."

"As far as I can tell, he has been interested in Celtic art and history for a long time. He even had a cross of Celtic design tattooed on his leg. Although it's exactly like one of my designs, he says he drew the design himself."

Allyn paused and took a deep breath trying to keep her voice cool and businesslike when she continued. "After he had the tattoo done, dreams began disrupting his sleep. He didn't say what the dreams were about but they must be significant since they started after he got the tattoo."

Placing his hands on his knees, Derrik leaned forward and grinned.

Allyn stared at him. "What?"

"Dinna ye find it ironic the thing that begins his journey back to us is the symbol of people an' faith that forced Faerie completely to the Otherworld so long ago?"

"You have survived well in the Otherworld."

"Aye. But many miss the joys an' trials of watchin' yer young race grow an' develop."

Her eyebrows scrunched together as she glared at Derrik. He shrugged at the look and grinned. Looking away, she toyed with the hem of her blouse. "I wonder why his dreams started then?"

"Perhaps it is the child's blood."

"Jaye."

"What?"

"His name is Jaye."

"Oh, aye. A habit, one I will try to break. If it means much to ye." Derrik looked up at Allyn from under his pale lashes.

"It does. But what do you mean about his blood?"

Silent, Derrik paused for a few moments. "Perhaps it is the combination of races within him. Perhaps another combination, that of the old faith an' man's new faith, was necessary to create the magic needed to dissolve the Queen's spell of forgetfulness."

"But, he hasn't remembered."

"He must be beginnin' the process. We need to gently prod him. If we wait, the Nechtan-Cattee will discover him."

"But..."

"They know of his existence. An' they will soon know ye have found him." Derrik lifted his hand to stop the questions forming on Allyn's lips. "How they know is nae important. What we must do is jog the, uh, Jaye's memory. It would do no good to return him to the Otherworld if he doesna fully remember."

"I agree. Also, we must determine if Jaye really is the one you have been searching for." Allyn was torn. For the sake of Faerie she wanted Jaye to be the one. But, for her, she wanted him to be a mere mortal like herself.

"Aye. He is the one."

"Can you be so sure?"

Feigned disbelief made Derrik shake his head. "Yer askin' how I sense things? Sense the truth of things? I dinna know ye had such a sense of humor." Derrik grinned and Allyn felt her arguments slip away.

"Okay, then." She exhaled slowly. "What do we do now?"

"We must stimulate his memory. Gently, of course," Derrik added when Allyn leaned forward, mouth open to argue. "There might be a way."

Derrik unfolded and rose gracefully to his feet. Allyn winced before sighing, wishing it would be half so easy for her to get up from the floor. He spun her chair around to face the computer screen, leaned over her shoulder and began making light, quick keystrokes.

Allyn relaxed back against his chest and inhaled deeply, breathing in his strong, fresh Otherworld scent. Her eyes closed and another face filled her thoughts. A faint, vaguely familiar scent pushed at her memory. The tense muscles along her jaw and neck softened as she let herself sink into the memory of Jaye's essence.

Derrik made a soft grunt of satisfaction. Twisting her head around, she looked straight into his firm jawline. "You're pretty good at this--for an Otherworlder."

"Aye. This magical technology is such a wondrous thing." He smiled and pointed to the screen, drawing her attention to the words beneath the tip of his finger. "There. This will be an excellent place to start."

"A renaissance faire? At a winery?"

"Oh, aye. Ye know yerself there will be a plethora of the Celtic an' fantasy there."

"Plethora?"

"A good word, is it nae?" Derrik moved the trackball, clicked, and Allyn's e-mail returned to the screen. "Ah. The chi...he has been tryin' to contact ye."

Allyn glanced at the screen. She knew how long the list of e-mails was, having stared at them many times over the past few days. But, she could not bring herself to read any of them.

Truly puzzled, Derrik stared at her. "Why have ye nae answered him?"

"I...I don't know." Allyn collapsed in on herself. Derrik stepped back and merry speculation whirled in his eyes as he peered at her. He lifted one eyebrow before brushing a strand of hair back behind her ear.

"Meet me at his office early tomorrow. I think Tommy will help us."

"Who's Tommy?"

Derrik's voice softened when he answered. "A mortal friend who wishes to go to the fair. Aye." He nodded. "This will work well."

When Derrik looked toward the wall and made a small gesture a shimmering portal appeared. He took two long strides toward it and then stopped, turning back to Allyn. "Tomorrow. First thing."

She nodded reluctantly.

"Allyn, this is verra important. Proddin' Jaye's memory before the Nechtan-Cattee find him is of greater import than how any of us may feel."

Allyn's voice was small and soft, her eyes lowered. She twisted her fingers together tightly. "I know. I'll be there."

Derrik nodded sharply, turned on his heels and passed through the portal. The shimmer faded to nothing before Allyn turned back to the computer. After a deep, cleansing breath, she shut the down computer without closing the e- mail program.

Tension filled the air surrounding the Alastriona counsel table. Members of the Alastriona, the Defenders of Mankind, studied sheets of parchment before scattering them negligently across the tabletop. Discussions erupted here and there around the table, pages rustled, points were emphasized and argued over.

Watching and listening, Derrik stood just inside the wide stone entrance, legs planted firmly, arms crossed over his chest. The Defenders adhered to the ancient geas of friendship with mankind, by gladly welcoming and encouraging the rare interactions between the races. The underlying separatist attitude of the Nechtan-Cattee had grown with Feidhlim's rise to power. The Alastriona found it increasingly more difficult and dangerous to protect the portals and keep them open. The rise of violence against mortals and Faerie who had contact with them colored every discussion around the wide table.

A young woman with a heavy, wooden tray balanced easily on one shoulder entered the room. She sat the tray on a side table and began distributing mugs to the seated Alastriona. Derrik's bright blue eyes followed her movements. The tension in his posture intensified when she leaned over the table and sat the mugs well away from the parchments. With her gaze lingering on the pages, she paid too much attention to the conversations surrounding her.

A restless twitch jerked Derrik's arm, catching the woman's attention. She glanced at him, but the look skittered away from his narrowed eyes. He cocked his head. After a moment's pause she turned away, quickly finished her duties and scurried from the room. Derrik's slitted gaze returned to the conference table and he relaxed his shoulders.

When he could take the squabbling of the Alastriona no longer, he cleared his throat and stepped forward. Conversations faded away and all eyes turned toward him.

"The child has been found."

The stunned silence stretched into long moments. Derrik stood motionless, his eyes flickering as he scanned the assembled Alastriona. A deep voice from the far end of the table asked, "Do the Nechtan-Cattee know?"

"They will know."

The rise of voices exploded into the silence as each member of the Alastriona strove to make his point heard. Derrik let them argue for a few moments before lifting his hand. There was instant, expectant silence.

Derrik took a breath to speak, but caught movement from the corner of his eye. The serving girl, hovering just outside the doorway, jerked back out of sight. One light eyebrow lifted before he spoke to the Alastriona.

"Allyn, the human, has found one who may be the child. Her art called him to her."

The deep voice called out again, sarcasm dripped from his words. "A human? A human found the child we have searched for? A child the Alastriona could not discover?"

Noting the Faerie's attitude, Derrik promised himself to consider it later. "Human though she may be, Allyn has special, shall we say, talents, that benefit Faerie." He stared pointedly toward the end of the table. "An' the Alastriona." Murmurs of agreement and nodding heads answered him.

"If the child has been found," another Faerie asked, "what is our course of action? Surely the Nechtan-Cattee will increase their efforts to remove the supposed taint of humanity from the Clan. And from the whole of the Tuatha De Dannan as well."

"Aye, they will. We must continue watchin' those mortals with an affinity to our world. The Nechtan-Cattee have already persuaded many friends of Faerie to disbelieve. Now they feel only an emptiness deep within they canna name."

A mournful silence filled the large room. Derrik looked at each Defender. Bright, determined Faerie eyes met his easily and committed themselves fully to the cause.

Only one pair of eyes skittered from Derrik's questioning gaze. The Defender rose and faced him. "I must return then, to my duties."

Derrik nodded sharply. "Aye, as must we all." His eyes narrowed as he watched the dark Faerie stride from the room.

Feidhlim, leader of the Nechtan-Cattee, had achieved what few others had throughout the history of Faerie. A soft roundness protruded where a supple firm abdomen would be. Once full, lush hair lay lank against his skull. Fleshy jowls wobbled as he lifted a finely crafted wooden stein to his lips. Tilting his head far back, he drained the last of the liquid into his open, waiting mouth.

With a heavy sigh, he peered into the stein and shook it to test the emptiness. Holding it in front of his squinting, puffy eyes, he spoke a single harsh word. A light foam appeared at the top of the mug and slowly slid down one side. Feidhlim stuck out a fleshy tongue and scooped up the errant foam. He followed the foam's trail, lapping at the last drops of trailing moisture.

When he reached the top of the stein he inhaled deeply, chuckling with pleasure when the foam tickled his nostrils. After taking a small sip, he leaned back on his lounging platform. A sound of profound pleasure rumbled deep in his chest. With one long swallow he drained the large mug. A wavering smile pulled at his lips and he patted his rounded stomach.

After taking a deep breath to speak the word, a belch rang out, echoing through his rooms. Feidhlim laughed, fully amused by the sound he created.

Then, he grew serious and lifted the stein. This time a sharp rap on his door interrupted the speaking of the word. "Enter." The command started harshly but ended with a squeak.

A young Faerie woman peered around the edge of the open door. Gauging Feidhlim's mood, she stepped cautiously into the room.

"Ah, Searlait, come in. Come in, my dear. Have you news from the Alastriona? Come, come. Don't stand in the doorway. It's..." A hiccup interrupted Feidhlim. "Rude. Come sit here and tell me the news." Feidhlim patted the silk upholstered lounger next to him, scooting his bulk to one side.

Searlait smoothed her skirt and perched at the very end of the lounger. "Derrik has returned, my lord. I could not find an excuse to remain in the council chamber, but from the reactions of the Alastriona, I assume the child has been found."

Feidhlim straightened. "Good. If Derrik has found him, we will not be far behind. Our plan..."

"But, Derrik has not found the child. I believe a human found him. The woman, Allyn."

"The witch? Ach, she is nothing but a mortal pretending to the powers of Faerie. She is why anything human must be purged from Faerie. Our race must remain pure. If other Faerie clans wish contact with such inferior beings, so be it. But this Clan must become, and then remain, pure."

"How can we do that, my lord?" Searlait tried to slide further from Feidhlim's suddenly clear speech and the wild glint in his eyes.

"Ah, my pet, that is easy. When that half-breed child is found, he will be persuaded to forget his Faerie heritage. He will renounce Faerie and live fully mortal." Feidhlim paused. "Or die."

Searlait shuddered, hoping it went unnoticed while Feidhlim studied the inside of his mug. He finally set the mug to one side and continued, wicked glee lighting his sordid features. "Then, the man Stephen will look for the child. Once he has gone beyond the boundaries of the Clan, he will be unable to return. Perhaps that human- loving mate of his will go as well. Our borders will be closed."

Searlait ventured a question. "But what of Allyn and the Alastriona champions? They pass freely between worlds."

"But only with the Queen's blessings." Feidhlim lifted a finger and studied the manicured nail. "However, the Queen grows too much a human lover. She does not understand the need to separate from the inferior. We must be rid of the scum that plagues our very existence."

Looking at Searlait from under his lashes, Feidhlim finished slyly. "Perhaps the time of the Queen has ended. Perhaps it is time for a Faerie King. One who understands the needs of the Clan, the need to be pure."

"My lord."

"It has a pleasing sound, does it not, Searlait?" Feidhlim reached out a pudgy hand and wrapped his fingers around her arm to roughly draw her closer.

Searlait let herself be drawn into his embrace, hiding her revulsion. When his slobbering lips neared her, she closed her eyes, held her breath and focused on any pleasant thought to prevent gagging at the foul taste of his kisses.

Feidhlim lifted his lips from hers, his fetid breath trailing across her flushed cheek. "And every King needs a consort." The words were hot in her ear.

Searlait lowered her head and slipped from his arms to kneel on the floor before him. He cupped her chin and lifted her eyes to his. Unable to restrain her reaction to his touch, she shuddered.

"Ah, my pet. You are quivering with excitement." Feidhlim's eyes drifted closed and his words slurred softly. "Perhaps we should not wait. Perhaps I should truly become your Lord this day." Unfocused, his eyes closed, his fingers slipped from Searlait's face and he drifted easily into unconsciousness.

Waiting long, endless moments, Searlait sat silently, assuring his slumber. Rising quickly, she left the room. After pulling a cloth from her sash, she rubbed fiercely at her lips and face trying to scrub away Feidhlim's touch. She traced her faintly swollen lips with her finger. Bruises were forming on her fair skin from Feidhlim's rough touch. Only a lengthy soak in the bathing pool would purge his stench from her skin. Loud snoring reverberated from behind the closed door. Turning to glare angrily at the thick wood, she flung the rag against it. With a rueful laugh, Searlait turned on her heels and headed for her bath. Derrik was going to pay for this.

Jaye shifted uneasily, his chair squeaking softly in protest. "I don't want to go to any faire."

Weight balanced on his arms, Tommy leaned over the desk. "You need to go."

"Why?" Jaye was curious. Why would Tommy take a sudden interest in getting him to a renaissance faire?

"Because," Tommy drawled slowly, "you need to get out, there should be lots of Celtic stuff there. Maybe she might even be there." He finished in a rush of breath.

"And why should I care?" Jaye pointed to the computer and let bitterness fill his voice. "She doesn't even have the decency to answer my e-mails. Not one. Not even to tell me to get lost."

"How many e-mails did you send her?" Tommy lowered his head, but was unable to hide a smile.

"I sent, well, I really don't know." Jaye chuckled softly and shook his head. "More than I should have, I suppose."

The slap of his hand against the chair made Tommy jump. "You're right. I've wasted almost half the time I gave everyone off. I should get out of the office. Hmm, maybe I could check out the wines. It might be a good business..."

Tommy grabbed the notepad from Jaye's fingers before he could start making another of his infamous lists. "No business. This is a vacation, remember?"

Jaye reached for the pad and then dropped his hand to the desk. "Understood. But this should be a day for you and your friend to enjoy. You know, 'three's a crowd'."

A light pink moved up Tommy's neck and into his hairline. "It was his idea."

"I think the faire is a fine idea." Both men jumped at the gentle voice from the doorway. As one they turned to the doorway. There were two sharp intakes of breath and two mouths dropped open. In unison, two men found their voices.

"Allyn?"

"Derrik?"

The doorway framed Allyn. A tall, blonde man filled the space behind her. One of his large hands rested lightly on her shoulder. Allyn shuffled her feet, raised her head and grinned up at him. He smiled down and winked.

Jaye's hands and teeth clenched tightly. The hair on the back of his neck bristled. His eyes narrowed and he barely controlled the urge to jump from his chair and wrest Allyn from the usurper's arms. Gripping the armrests, he fought to relax his jaw.

"How did you get in here?"

Allyn pointed down the short hall. "The door was unlocked."

Behind him, Tommy took another sharp breath and Jaye looked back over his shoulder. "Oops, sorry, Jaye." Tommy turned away and sighed deeply.

Allyn took a step into the office and stopped. Jaye held himself still, fighting the sudden need to cross the room and kiss away the doubt filling her violet eyes. He tried a smile of welcome and received a tentative smile in return. Allyn started to step forward, but the man's hand held her back.

The tall man leaned to speak softly in her ear. Jaye's smile froze and his eyes narrowed. _This is Tommy's Derrik? Not what I expected._

A brief, almost imperceptible nod of Allyn's head brushed a few loose strands of her hair across Derrik's lips. He stood back and glanced across the room to Tommy. The merry glint in Derrik's eyes faded. The swipe of the back of his hand across his lips dislodged a single long hair that floated back to Allyn's shoulder.

Jaye flinched, closed his eyes and imagined the softness of Allyn's hair against his own lips. A rueful grin relaxed his tight, false smile as he realized where his thoughts were headed. When he looked into the man's golden face, the bright blue eyes were looking past him.

Jaye rose from his seat and took a short step toward Allyn. He stopped and glared at her, letting hurt and accusations fill his features. "You never answered my e- mails."

Sadness lingered in her eyes despite her smile. "I didn't read them."

"Why not?" Jaye took another jerking step forward.

"I have no reason I can tell you." She looked into his eyes. His breath caught at the myriad of emotions he thought he saw in the velvety depths.

One hand slammed against his thigh. "No reason?" Taking the final step forward, he stopped an arm's length from Allyn. Slowly, Derrik moved away, crossing the room to Tommy's side.

"No reason?" Jaye repeated the words in a whisper, testing the meaning of each syllable. He shook his head and glowered at Allyn. "Then why are you here?"

"To take you to the faire."

"Oh come on, Allyn. What's the truth behind your reasons? Or lack thereof?"

Allyn took a deep breath and looked away. Jaye followed the direction of her gaze to her Celtic drawing. "There should be a, umm, plethora of Celtic art at the faire."

Derrik lifted his head and smiled briefly at her choice of words before turning his attention back to Tommy. Hesitant, he reached out and touched Tommy on the arm. Tommy jerked away, eyes flashing as he looked toward Allyn.

Allyn smiled at Tommy before turning her smile on Jaye. "What harm can there be in a day of fun? We thought you might enjoy it."

"We?" Jaye stiffened. "Who is this guy?" Stomach clenching, he berated himself. What business is it of mine who she knows? Why should I care? But he had to admit it. He did care.

He waited for Allyn's answer, focused on her mouth as she smiled fondly at Derrik. The movements of her lips fascinated him when she spoke. "I have known Derrik since I was a child. He's like my big brother."

Unaware of how intensely he had waited for her answer, Jaye relaxed and nodded. "Big brother?"

Derrik came up behind Jaye, towing Tommy by one hand. "Sure'n she's a fine little sister. We are ready to go. Have ye convinced him yet, Allyn?"

Allyn's eyebrows lifted to Jaye. Glancing at the three others, he shrugged. "Okay, I'll go. What the heck? My new adventures lately have been rather interesting." He gestured to the door and followed them out, but stopped with the key midway to the lock.

"Allyn? You're not going to disappear again after this, are you?"

## Five

Feidhlim's heavily lidded gaze touched each of the Faerie sitting cross-legged on the floor before him. Muffled thumping, like the sound of distant drums, sounded when he patted his rounded belly and smiled indulgently at the gathering. Glorying in the adoration of the eyes following his every move, he paced to one side of the room. He puffed out his chest before returning to the center of the room.

"My friends, the cursed Alastriona have found the child." Feidhlim paused, breathing in the amazement and disbelief rising from his followers. He cleared his throat. "Yes, he has been found. Soon he will be returned from the mortal world. Upon this return, he will be ours. He will renounce Faerie to become fully mortal. Or he will face the destruction of the unpure."

Heads nodded and righteous fire lit the eyes of the seated faerie. Feidhlim lowered his head and smiled. Schooling his expression to solemnity, he lifted the gaze to his supporters. "And then, my dear Nechtan-Cattee, the Defenders of Mankind will be banished from the Clan. The Alastriona will be brought down. Those who would continue the evil congress with mortal filth will be destroyed. Even unto the highest in the Court. Even unto..." Feidhlim paused, making eye contact with each of his followers, waiting until the anticipation lifted the hairs on his arms. "...the Queen herself."

Feidhlim nodded in satisfaction as the gasps of surprise turned quickly to murmurs of agreement. He lifted a hand for silence.

A young Faerie entered from a side door. The gathering gasped as one when they recognized the markings on the silver broach at his shoulder. Searlait jumped to her feet. "Alastriona," she hissed in accusation.

A dark look and a sharp slice of Feidhlim's hand motioned her to silence. "Searlait, true believers are everywhere. Each serves as they may. You yourself bring me news of the Defenders. Think you to be my only source of this information?" Feidhlim smiled benignly until she lowered herself gracefully to the floor. She dropped her eyes, watching the Alastriona draw Feidhlim to one side of the room, speaking urgently. Feidhlim clasped him on the shoulder before dismissing him with the wave of a hand.

Feidhlim turned to a low couch and sighed happily as he lowered his bulk to the plush cushions. A tall Faerie, eager to fill the mug setting on a small table, leapt to his feet. Giving the gathering a salute, Feidhlim lifted the mug, drained it in one long swallow and smacked his fleshy lips. "'Tis dry business, this." He looked out over the waiting Faerie.

"Go now, my friends. Go--complete your assignments. Listen--learn what you are able. Make note of those who would continue to contaminate the Clan. Bring the human-lovers to me." He appraised each of his followers as they filed from the room and smiled at the excitement bubbling from their conversations. Searlait was the last to rise, the last to step toward the door.

He called out to her, making her stop with one hand resting on the doorframe. "Searlait. Come sit by me. I have a special task for you."

Searlait took a deep breath, closed her eyes, but turned toward Feidhlim with a smile. "Yes, my lord?"

Thick eyebrows rose suggestively. Cocking his head to peer at her, Feidhlim's eyelids drooped heavily. He patted the couch. "Sit, my dear."

Searlait sat and folded her hands in her lap. Feidhlim angled toward her and grasped her chin with thick fingers. "You are one of my most trusted. To you I give this assignment. It will be difficult. You must travel the paths of the defiled. You must go into the mortal world."

Searlait gasped, using the motion to pull away from Feidhlim's caressing fingers and lift her hands to cover her mouth.

"I know, I know, my dear. It is not a pleasant assignment. You will go today, now in fact. Torquil will open a portal for you. He has learned the child will be at some sort of faire. As if man could understand the meaning and celebration of a faire." Lifting the mug, he took a long drink, speculation filling the eyes that peered at Searlait over the mug's thick rim.

Searlait clasped her hands tightly, the knuckles aching and turning white under the pressure. Wild thoughts sped through her mind as she considered the many implications of Feidhlim's plan and her place within those plans.

The serious timbre of his voice intruded on her thoughts. "Confirm this mortal is the child, but do not attempt to take him at this time. We must know the extent of his sympathizers, and our own, before we strike. Return to me with your evaluation. Remember, I trust your judgment. Go now to the hall behind the Chamber of the Court. Meet Torquil there. He knows what to do. Do not fail me."

A strange, assessing glint filled his eyes before he dismissed her with a limp wave of his hand and turned to the contemplation of his empty mug. Searlait rose swiftly and bowed to him. Turning, she passed quickly through the heavy door and closed it firmly behind her before taking a few steps down the stone passageway and clapping her hands in glee. Light steps carried her toward the Chamber of the Court.

Behind her, a shadow pulled away from the darkness. Torchlight glinted off silver. Soundlessly, the shadow matched her strides, step for step.

Laughing at their serious misgivings, Allyn persuaded Jaye and Tommy to climb into her rusty old conversion van. A tolerant smile remained on her lips when they settled into the comfortable seats and looked around. "I know this isn't the classiest vehicle, but it gets me where I need to go. And it's large enough to carry any of my work or a small drawing table."

"And the fish?" Jaye asked sardonically.

"Well, the van has a lot of rust spots."

"Yeah?"

"And I don't think it's worth the money to have them fixed and the van repainted. So, I covered the spots with bathtub, no-slip fish. Now I call her the Fishmobile."

Allyn deftly pulled the large vehicle into traffic. Despite the van's appearance it was a smooth ride to the small winery. The makeshift parking area was full, so she parked the van along the side of the road. They tumbled out of the van and stared at the wide, open area surrounded by flags and banners.

Jaye turned back to smile at the rubber fish swimming along the side of the faded blue vehicle. Then he shrugged, grabbed Allyn's hand and took off at a brisk pace. "Let's get going." Tommy and Derrik glanced at each other and broke into laughter as they followed.

Crossing the parking lot barrier transported them to a different world. Jaye and Tommy stopped short, their heads swiveling from side to side, trying to take in every sight and sound at once. Jaye dropped Allyn's hand and took a few steps forward. Colorful banners flapped loosely in the slight breeze while below, earthy peasants and brightly dressed royalty ambled from one small canvas pavilion to the next.

Allyn chuckled softly and leaned toward Derrik. "This reminds me of the first time you took me through a portal during one of the Queen's feasts." Derrik smiled but shook his head, nodding in Jaye's direction when Allyn prepared to say more.

A slight frown marred Jaye's features while he wandered away. Allyn touched Derrik lightly on the arm and moved to Jaye's side. Twining her fingers through his, she pulled him into the throng of guests, actors and serious re-enactors.

Jaye's fingers tingled with Allyn's gentle touch but he dismissed the sensation when she led him further into a wonderfully new experience. But, it was not so new. Something familiar edged through his memories, weaving tantalizing patterns he knew he should be able to recognize.

A young man somersaulted to Allyn's feet. He paused in a crouch and then tumbled backwards to land in a green and red flash of flowing rags. The multi-pointed cap bounced merrily with the flourish of his bow, tiny bells tinkling in the clear air. Jaye's grin grew when Allyn nodded at the jester and he fell at her feet, fawning over her until she laughed and patted his head. The jester bent low over her hand, placed a kiss on the back and rolled away.

Taking the hand in his, Jaye rubbed his thumb over the spot the jester kissed. "A courtly young man."

"But one can never be sure of the motives of a fool." The intensity in Allyn's gaze made him glance away.

Realizing she was teasing him, a wide grin split his face and he laughed. With their joined hands, he pointed at a man dressed in a green and brown tunic. The man wandered across an open area towing three wooden sheep on a colorful rope behind him. Jaye stepped in line behind the sheep and they wandered deeper into the fair.

While Tommy and Derrik turned one direction, Jaye wanted to explore in another. So they arranged to meet for lunch and went their separate ways. Following the sound of metal against metal and cheers of triumph to a sunlit area roped off for contests of strength and fighting skills, Jaye jostled through the crowd and pulled Allyn in front of him at the rope barrier. They stood together, Jaye's hand resting comfortably at her waist.

Knights faced each other, weapons clanging in rhythmic battle. Soon Jaye was involved in the battle and cheered when one combatant was beaten down and vanquished. The crowd cheered again when the victor held out his hand to assist his creaking opponent to his feet. Both bowed to the King and Queen who awarded each a garland of flowers and a mug of wine.

Allyn turned to Jaye and, shoved by the hustle of the people leaving the area, stumbled into his arms. His arms closed around her and tightened to protect her from the surge of careless bodies. Wrapping her arms around Jaye's waist, she lay her head against his chest. Could she hear the rapid beating of his heart?

A fresh floral scent filled Jaye's senses. Heat rose through him and his body responded to the woman in his arms.

Violet eyes lifted to his. Allyn's face was flushed, her lips moist and slightly parted. Sparkling eyes spoke an invitation. All Jaye had to do was lower his head and accept. All he had to do...

High screams and children's laughter surrounded them and drew his gaze from Allyn. Small arms wrapped around his leg.

"Oops, sorry mister." A tiny voice giggled. Then the girl pushed away and was off with the other children, chasing the bubbles blowing across the empty field.

Allyn stepped back and reached for a bubble floating by her nose. It popped, sprinkling her cheeks with tiny spots of wetness. Jaye dried the sparkle from one cheek with his thumb. He looked again for her invitation. It lingered in the depths of her eyes only until she blinked it away.

Her voice was airy and breathless. "There's much more to see."

"Yes."

"We should go?"

"Yes."

Touching her cheek softly with the tip of a finger, Jaye smiled and leaned toward her. He brushed his lips over hers and stood back, drawing the ridges of his knuckles lightly along her jaw. "Where to next?"

Confusion lingered on Allyn's face and she blinked again. "Shall we see what the merchants have for sale?"

Jaye nodded and took her hand. They left the quiet of the empty jousting arena and stepped into the noisy press of bodies. Wandering slowly from vendor to vendor, they listened to Shakespearean sales pitches and ardent bargaining.

Young women dressed in low cut blouses and tight corsets carried pitchers through the crowd. Paper cups printed with the winery's logo were filled with samples of the fruit of the vine. Whenever their cups were empty, a cool pitcher was tipped for a refill. Jaye tasted each offering carefully, asking the name and vintage. Allyn watched his face and knew he committed the finest wines to memory.

But, the many flavors soon confused Allyn and by the time they stopped at the puppet show, she was feeling decidedly light headed and giddy. Unsure if it was because of the wine or the nearness of such a vital man, she decided she really didn't care. Brushing her fingers across her lips, she wondered why they still tingled from Jaye's brief kiss. She hiccupped, intercepted Jaye's knowing smile and blushed.

Shading his eyes with his long hand, Jaye looked up at the sun. "It should be about time to meet Tommy and Derrik." His hand dropped to press against his stomach and he sniffed appreciatively. "I don't know about you, but the smell of those turkey legs is really making me hungry."

With his arm wrapped around Allyn's shoulders, Jaye led her toward the large pavilion filled with picnic tables. Waiting for them, Tommy and Derrik lounged against a tree. Jaye ushered the group to an empty table and waved them to their seats with a courtly bow. He thumped Tommy on the shoulder. "Let's find food."

Derrik lifted his legs over the narrow bench and across from Allyn while Tommy and Jaye went in search of smoked turkey legs. Allyn fanned herself with a flyer an actor thrust into her hand, glanced around and sighed. A wandering minstrel strumming softly on a wide-bodied stringed instrument passed the table.

"So, was this a good idea?" Derrik intruded on her thoughts.

Allyn smiled and mimicked Derrik's strange accent. "Aye, verra good."

"Has it had the desired effect?"

"I don't know. He seems puzzled at times and near to remembering something. There are some Celtic artists here but he has only given them a cursory glance. But, he returned to the weaver's stall many times."

The Defender thought a moment and leaned over the table. "Perhaps if he were to purchase a plaid?" he asked in a low voice.

"What would that do?"

"When he created the drawin' of the cross an' had the tattoo done, his dreams began. He has returned to the weaver more than once. Perhaps his subconscious remembers his father's plaid, being wrapped in it often as a child."

"Ahh, I see. True, Stephen still wears the MacDhuibh tartan, honoring the laird of his farmstead. Do you really think...?"

"Hush. They return."

Breath caught in her throat from the sheer force of Jaye's presence, silhouetted by the bright sun. He slid beside her and set a collapsing paper plate on the wooden surface. A dribble of coleslaw fell to the table. His grin was sheepish. "Oops."

Allyn laughed as Tommy set two plates down with a practiced air. With a disapproving glare, Tommy shook his head at the mess on the table and gallantly produced a wad of napkins from a pocket. He stepped over the bench to sit next to Derrik. "See," he began as he settled in, "that's why Jaye is the boss and not one of the grunts."

"Grunts?" Jaye lifted a hand to his heart. "When have I ever treated you like a grunt?"

Tommy grinned, studied his turkey leg and took a large bite. He chewed slowly and swallowed before he answered. "Never. But you really are a terror when you have to serve."

Grabbing his plastic fork, Jaye waved it around and poked it into the air for emphasis. "Someone has to do the hard work and direct the rest of you. Or nothing, do you hear me, nothing would get done."

Tommy took a breath to respond but Derrik laid a hand on his arm. "Enough. Allyn and I prefer a peaceful repast."

"Speak for yourself, Derrik." Allyn grabbed at the napkins dancing down the table in the light breeze. "I'm enjoying this."

The picture of innocence, Jaye looked around, but could not maintain the illusion long. Mischief sparkled in his eyes. Further banter was curtailed as the four bent to their lunches. Finely dressed women appeared with wooden mugs of the dark ale also bottled at the winery. The smooth ale complimented the grilled turkey legs and soothed their dry throats.

Allyn was definitely wobbly when they rose to leave and Jaye had to grab her arm to steady her when she tilted to one side. Biting her lip to hold back a giggle, she slipped her arm through his. "We should leave soon?" She thought she was making a statement, but it came out as a question.

Allyn stopped suddenly and lifted her finger to jab Jaye's chest. "You have not gotten anything to remember the faire." She poked him repeatedly until he grabbed her finger and brought it to his lips for a tiny kiss. Warm breath caressed her skin. Sinking into the trap of his dark gaze, Allyn saw danger sparking within the depths of his brown eyes.

With a blink the look was gone. He bowed over her hand. "Your wish, my lady? I am yours to command."

Startled by the intensity of his gaze and the fluttering in her chest, Allyn stumbled over her words. "I... uh... but..."

Derrik came to her rescue. "Dinna ye say ye wished to look at the weaver's stall again? Perhaps Jaye would be interested in purchasin' a length of plaid."

"What would I do with a length of plaid?"

"That, of course, would be up to yerself." Derrik began reasonably. "But, if 'twere me, I would wear the tartan." Derrik nodded thoughtfully as he leaned his head to one side and looked at Jaye. "Aye. The kilt would be the thing. Come, buy a plaid an' I will show ye how to wear it."

Jaye lifted one eyebrow and looked at Tommy. "Handy to have around, isn't he?"

Tommy's shoulders lifted with a shrug and one corner of his lips turned up. "When Derrik gets an idea in his head, it's better just to go along with it," he said solemnly. The grin spread across his face. "His ideas are usually pretty good though."

Derrik turned to Tommy and inclined his head in thanks before he looked toward the merchants' tents. "Well?"

"Well?" Allyn echoed and swallowed a hiccup.

"Three against one. On to the weaver then." Taking Allyn's arm, Jaye wandered aimlessly until Derrik stepped into the lead.

_Damn him_ , Allyn thought, glancing at Derrik. How can he be so levelheaded after so much to drink? Trying to clear her head made her even dizzier. _At least I think it was a lot._ She giggled to herself _. I'm not sure anything's level_.

Derrik turned to look back at her and winked as though he knew her thoughts.

The weaver's stall was near the faire entrance. Jaye stepped to the low table and let his gaze touch each length of plaid material displayed there. When he reached out to feel the cloth and run his fingertips lightly over the soft surfaces, Allyn shivered. Her mind filled with the image of those same fingertips lightly tracing patterns on her skin. The fire in Jaye's gaze touched her before he turned back to the lengths of woolen material.

Under Jaye's intense scrutiny, the plaids blurred. Overlaying the varied patterns came the image of a young man, dressed in a kilt and tunic, a length of plaid material fastened with a large broach and thrown back over one shoulder. A dark haired child toddled to the man to be lifted and tossed high in the air. Jaye's vision cleared and he looked down to where he stroked circles on a muted plaid. Thick bars of dark green alternated with narrow green stripes over a purple background. A thin strip of pure white, flowing in both directions, accented the wide crossbars of the pattern. Surprise made Jaye look again. The man in his vision had worn the same pattern.

The soft length of wool called to him so he picked up an end and held it to his face. There was still lanolin deep within the fibers of the weave and the essence of the wild, flower-covered hills where the sheep had grazed lingered in the wool. He rubbed the material softly against Allyn's cheek. As she leaned into his hand, she smiled and her eyes closed.

Jaye held his breath, longing filling him. If he could, he would wrap Allyn in the plaid and take her to a magical place created for just the two of them. He ached to replace the material with his own hand, to feel the smooth softness of her skin against his fingers, against his whole body. Allyn opened her eyes; his feelings were reflected in the violet depths.

"This one?"

"Oh, yes." Her breathless whisper flowed over his hand. Allyn's eyes sparkled as longing turned to desire. Suddenly she blinked and the spark was gone, replaced by a matter of fact expression that extended to her voice. "This one is perfect. I think you should buy it."

Jaye turned to the woman behind the counter and began the expected bargaining. He winked at Allyn before she turned away and the good-natured bargaining began in earnest.

Derrik watched Allyn move away to sit on a tree stump marking the edge of the parking area and fan herself with the crumpled flyer. Tommy wandered off to find his own souvenir. Derrik scanned the area carefully. The Alastriona had assumed the Nechtan-Cattee would be at the faire, trying to determine if the child truly had been discovered. But there had been no furtive figures following them, no Faerie faces peering from the shadows between worlds. He wondered over their apparent lack of interest and was about to dismiss his concerns when a slight movement across the clearing caught his attention.

Turning his head slightly, he looked past the faintly waving, tall grasses and listened intently. There was another flash of movement, too quick for the mortal eye. One of his eyebrows lifted in surprise.

Searlait motioned toward Jaye with a minute flick of her finger. Derrik gave a barely perceptible nod. The nod was returned and Searlait sank back into the shadows. A dark shape slipping after Searlait caught his eye before Derrik turned away; a brief metallic glint flashed as the shadow disappeared.

Intent on the shadows, Derrik started across the clearing but Tommy rushed up, eager to show off the finely worked silver ring he bought. While Derrik admired the ring's intricate knot work, Jaye and Allyn joined them. Jaye pulled back a corner of the brown paper wrapping to reveal his new tartan.

By mutual decision, they turned toward the road and Allyn's van. Derrik followed his three companions slowly, senses focused on the shadowed area between worlds.

## Six

Derrik unlocked his apartment door and gestured for Allyn to enter. She sank onto the overstuffed couch, kicked off her shoes, closed her eyes and leaned back. "Thanks for driving, Derrik. I had way too much to drink. I usually don't drink that much."

Tommy stumbled across the room and perched on the couch's arm. "I'm beat. I had no idea spending a day like that could be so exhausting."

Jaye knelt behind Allyn, placed his hands lightly on her shoulders and kneaded her tired muscles. Sighing, she leaned forward slightly.

Derrik crossed the room and stood in front of the wide fireplace. He looked at the tired bodies sprawled before him. "Aye, ye look like death warmed over. Too much fun an' too much wine. 'Tis settled then. Ye will be spendin' the night here."

Three voices lifted in feeble protest, which Derrik waved easily away. "Allyn, ye will take the master bedroom. Jaye, the guest room. Or," he paused and cocked his head at them, "would ye prefer other arrangements?"

Jaye's caressing hands stilled on Allyn's shoulders when she caught her breath and tensed. Jaye glanced at the merry twinkle in Derrik's eyes and spoke quickly. "The guest room will be fine for me. And thanks, I don't know if I could get myself home anyway." Allyn's shoulders slumped under his fingers.

"Allyn, there'd be a tee shirt in one of the top drawers for ye to sleep in." Derrik smiled broadly. "Unless ye still sleep au nat..."

"A tee will be fine, Derrik." Allyn blushed fiercely and stood with a jerk. "I know my way. Good night." Three pairs of eyes followed her down the hall, one laughing, one puzzled, one wistful.

Jaye stretched and yawned before he stood. "I'm asleep on my feet. But what about you two?"

"We will sleep in front of the fireplace." He glanced at Tommy who had slid into the spot Allyn vacated and rested with his eyes closed. "We have done it before."

A red flush crept up Tommy's neck and his eyes popped open. "Derrik."

Derrik shrugged and turned his mischievous gaze back to Jaye. "Everythin' ye need should be in the room. There is a connectin' bath. If there is anythin' else?"

"I'll be fine, thanks." Jaye stood and retrieved his plaid from the floor before he made his way down the hall. There were soft sounds from the far bedroom as Allyn moved around the room. Clenching his hands around the package, he stepped into the guestroom and shut the door carefully behind him. The intensity of the belated wish for those other arrangements leaned him back against the door. But Allyn had tensed when Derrik offered a shared room and then collapsed in obvious relief when he accepted the guestroom. She didn't care as much as he did.

He unwrapped the plaid and spread it across the foot of the double bed. As he caressed the soft fabric and admired the fine weave and intricate pattern, he couldn't imagine how the length was worn. He'd get Derrik to show him in the morning. Kicking his shoes under the bed, he pulled off his jeans and tossed them onto a chair. His shirt flew to the chair and he crawled onto the bed. Pulling the plaid up to his chest he fell quickly into a restless sleep.

Awake in Derrik's wide bed, Allyn faced a large window and watched the stars travel their nightly path. The distant sounds as the others settled into the quiet of the night filtered through the apartment. She hugged her own dreams tightly within her and wished the night had been different. But Jaye had jumped at the chance for his own room. Perhaps she misread his interest. Maybe he realized the difference in their ages.

She flopped over to face the wall separating her room and Jaye's. _Why was I born too soon? Why did my soul recognize yours in this time...when you were born too late?_ One palm rested against the wall until she pulled the hand back to wipe the wetness from her cheeks. The tears continued to fall. Brokenhearted, she huddled into a ball and muffled her sobs into a soft pillow.

Derrik started a fire and peered into the flames. Tommy snuggled against his side while he stroked Tommy's back and replayed the day. The child, no, Jaye, was close to remembering. There were times when Jaye's eyes lost their focus. Derrik assumed his memories were trying to surface.

The appearance of Searlait and her Faerie shadow concerned him. The Alastriona thought the plans of the Nechtan-Cattee were obvious, but now he was not confident of their assessment. Different scenarios played over and over in his mind as he tried to make sense of the day.

"Derrik?" Tommy's sleepy voice stirred the hair near his ear. "Go to sleep, you're thinking too loud." With a chuckle, Derrik took Tommy's hand and pulled it across his chest. He touched his lips to the top of Tommy's head, closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. Sleep came easily as the fire burned itself into glowing embers.

A woman crossed the wide, empty stage. Dressed in a flowing gown of deepest green, the long train flowed behind her. Her hair cascaded to the middle of her shoulders, shining red-gold in the soft glow of a muted spotlight. She reached the far edge of the stage and stopped, turning to face a small auditorium. Jaye sat front row center smiling; the woman was Allyn.

From a dais set far back on the stage came an insistent tapping. Allyn turned toward the sound. A large man danced on the dais, the roundness of his belly jiggling with his complex steps. His face was a mask of blue paint trailing down his neck to his chest.

Unreasonable fear for Allyn grew in Jaye's chest. He scrambled toward the stage, but could not reach Allyn. An invisible barrier, solid as a brick wall, stood between them. When he called out to her she did not hear and focused only on the blue-faced man.

The stage filled with dancers daubed with blue. Their steps matched those of the one on the dais, increasing in tempo until their frenzy beat upon Jaye's brain, ordering his submission.

The dancers surrounded Allyn. The leader shouted, laughing and directing his followers to shove Allyn from one captor to another. She ran, but could not escape. An ever-tightening circle of outstretched arms and dancing feet held her.

The pervasive beat, a deep drumming underscoring a low chant, thrummed in Jaye's chest, a deep drumming underscoring a low chant.

The circle tightened and, crying out, Allyn fell. She searched through the circling bodies and called his name.

Flashes of light surrounded the director of Allyn's pain. The man's power sparked the air with a bright orange static charge. He had to fight this one, defeat him in order to save Allyn. A strange responding intensity grew in his chest, building layer upon layer of increasing power. But, the source remained hidden and he could not reach it.

Jaye shouted, reaching toward Allyn. Circles under her eyes echoed their violet color, and tears ran down her cheeks. Pain etched deep lines in her face. The green dress was torn and mutilated, showing deep mottled bruises on her pale skin. Jaye cried out a denial, beating against the unseen barrier with his fists until they grew bloodied.

The frantic dancing continued, the beat pounding, stealing the breath from his lungs. The rhythm forced its way into his heart until it matched beat for frenzied beat.

Panting, trying desperately to draw breath, Jaye twisted and fought against the plaid material covering him. His hand flew out and thumped heavily against the wall. Mouth moving in silent shouts, he could not break free of the dream.

Allyn jerked awake, stared around wildly, and then relaxed into her pillow when she recognized where she was. As she slipped back toward her dreams, wondering vaguely what had caused her to wake, a loud, wordless shout echoed from the next room. She tossed the light covers to one side, scrambled from the bed and tugged on the hem of the tee shirt to pull it over her hips. A low moan reverberated through the wall. A slam shook the books on a shelf above the bed. Yanking the sheet from the bed, she wrapped it around herself and rushed from the room.

Right into the wall of Derrik's chest. At the door to the guestroom, both reached for the knob when another shout rang from the room. Derrik backed off half a step to let Allyn push her way through the door. He reached around the doorframe to turn on the light before following closely on her heels.

Jaye cringed against the wall, knees drawn to his chest. Eyes wide, panic and anger fought for control of his expression. His head twisted from side to side and snapped back, hitting the wall. Muscles corded in his neck and shoulders as he bunched the plaid material between his fists.

"Jaye?" Allyn tried to breech the distance between them with a calm voice. His head turned toward her, but the depths of his dark eyes did not see. She turned to Derrik in despair and he motioned her forward.

Ignoring the trailing end of the sheet, she stepped closer to the bed and stretched out her hand. "Jaye. It's a dream. Wake up, Jaye. It's time to wake up."

His empty eyes followed her voice and his clawed fingers relaxed enough to let the crumpled tartan fell to his lap. Allyn stepped to the edge of the bed and reached to touch his shoulder. With a fierce shriek he twisted away and cowered into the corner. Allyn covered her mouth with her hands and turned wide, fear filled eyes to Derrik. Her lips moved, but no sound escaped from them. _Help him_.

Derrik nodded sharply and motioned for her to leave. But when she did not move and her eyes remained fastened on Jaye's face, Derrik gestured toward the door. Tommy stepped into the room, took Allyn's hand and guided her unresisting to the hallway. Derrik's quiet voice followed them. "Close the door."

After leading Allyn to the kitchen, Tommy pushed on her shoulders to get her to sit on a hard chair. She lay her cheek on her crossed arms. The tabletop was cool against her skin. Tommy hesitated, patted her shoulder, pulled a chair close and sat, taking her hands in his. "He'll be okay."

Allyn nodded, turning her gaze toward the hallway. "I know. I wonder what he was seeing. Why wouldn't he wake up? He told me he was troubled by dreams and couldn't sleep. So he should have woken easily. Why wouldn't he wake up?"

The struggle for Tommy to put assurance into his reply was palpable and endeared him to Allyn. "I don't know. I do know Derrik will help." His wistful gaze turned toward the hall.

"He has to."

Tommy cleared his throat nervously. "This is so unlike Jaye." His gaze met, and held Allyn's. "He's always in control, always so sure of himself and everyone around him. It's hard. I don't like seeing him like this."

Allyn squeezed Tommy's hands. "You admire him a great deal, don't you?"

"Admire? Of course I do. When he opened a small catering business right out of college he had to scrimp and fight to keep it going, literally knocking on doors to drum up business. Now, well, his list of clients is full of actors, politicians, and important people. We have to turn away business." Tommy sighed. "But that really isn't the main reason."

He obviously talked quickly to cover his worry. "He hired me as his first employee. Now, he has a huge staff." Tommy looked down at their joined hands. "And you know, he doesn't treat anyone any differently than he did when he first started out. Of course, most of the staff is in awe of him. But not me...usually."

Her soft smile bloomed at Tommy's admission. His eyes were glowing. Allyn had a sudden realization and acted on it before thinking. "Are you in love with him?"

Tommy stopped short and stared. "In love? Of course not." A tiny grin crossed his lips. "Not now anyway."

A questioning look opened another floodgate of rapid speech from the slender man. "I suppose I was--once. What's not to love about the man? He was the first to ever see any worth in me, in what I could do. He cultivated that worth and helped me to recognize it. I loved him because I thought I should, even though I'm not his type." Tommy paused and gave a rueful toss of his head. "Gawd, I hate clichés."

Allyn gave his fingers a squeeze. "I know what you mean."

"No. I don't think you do."

Uncomfortable, but unable to turn away, Allyn endured his look of frank speculation.

He gave her a tiny grin. "Maybe you do."

When he heard the door latch behind him, Derrik pressed his hands together before his face. Feeling power swell between them, he slowly pulled his hands apart. His gaze was intent on the space encompassed by his palms. A glow blossomed and intensified until it lit the room with pale, green brightness. Derrik blew softly into the glow forcing it to separate from his fingers and move toward Jaye.

Covering his head with the plaid, Jaye cringed away from the light. Absently, Derrik noted and approved the artistry of the tattoo on Jaye's exposed thigh. The glow expanded, flickered brightly and wrapped around Jaye until he jerked. As he stiffened, his head flopped back to thump against the wall.

Derrik pressed his hands together, resistance shaking his arms. His breath came in gasps as he struggled to hold the glow in place and intact. Pinpoints of darkness appeared throughout the glow, only to be shoved away by the movement of Derrik's strong fingers.

When a thin slice of air separated his hands, Derrik blew through them once again. Then he whispered, "Awaken." The plaid slipped from Jaye's head to expose a grimace of pain as the whispered word reached him. The struggle against the dream increased, tight, knotted muscles standing out on his neck and arms. His lips pulled back into a feral snarl.

The force of the dream pushed back and Derrik recognized the magical signature of an Alastriona. There were dissenters within the Defenders who shared the opinion mankind should be left to themselves. Some had even defected to the Nechtan-Cattee. Derrik didn't recognize the magic; the wielder was able to disguise the personal signature. The force of the returning onslaught when he pushed at the magic slammed into Derrik and sent him stumbling to his knees.

Sweat covered Derrik's high forehead as he held tentative control over the glow encasing Jaye. A new force grew, a new power joined and took control of the dream. The Nechtan-Cattee had found Jaye.

As if balancing a great rock upon his back, Derrik struggled to his feet. He took a shuffling step forward, and another, until his shins pressed against the edge of the bed. Drawing a deep breath, he focused on the faint glow between his hands, and spoke a single word. "Now."

Jaye slumped to the bed and collapsed like a marionette with strings suddenly cut. Eyelids closing slowly, his face relaxed and his breathing calmed. Drained, Derrik spread his hands and the glow dissipated into a shower of sparkling green particles falling heavily to the floor. After a quick sign of warding, he took a deep breath and backed from the room.

Derrik stood in the hall a few moments listening to Tommy and Allyn before stepping into the kitchen. "Allyn, he will truly wake soon. Ye should be there." A tremor coursed through his body as he leaned against the doorframe. Tommy rushed to his weakened friend, took his hand and eased him gently into the kitchen. Allyn touched his other hand as he sat. "Go, woman. I have done what I can. Ye must be doin' the rest."

Allyn lifted her hand and rested it against the side of Derrik's face. One eyebrow lifted and he jerked his head away. "None o' that, Allyn. 'Tis needed elsewhere." Turning to where Tommy hovered beside him, he asked, "Would ye make coffee?" Derrik's tired smile did not quite reach his blue eyes.

## Seven

Someone paused outside the door. Jaye slipped quickly back into bed and pulled the plaid over his shoulders. Facing the door, he lay on his side and smiled before composing his face, calming his breathing and relaxing. When the door opened slowly, he let his eyes drift closed.

Allyn stepped cautiously into the room and shut the door behind her. Jaye listened to her tiptoe to the side of the bed. One of his eyes popped open and he sat up, fully dressed. Casually, he shrugged a shoulder at her attire. "Toga party?"

Allyn stumbled back onto a trailing end of her sheet. It started to slip, so she grabbed it with both hands. Frustration curved her mouth down and she let the material fall to her waist, tying the ends together. Wadding the excess material between her hands she tossed it over her shoulder. "Improvised bath robe."

Three sharp syllables of laughter escaped Jaye's lips. Then he lowered his head and looked sideways at her. "I'm sorry I woke you. I haven't had a nightmare like that since I was a kid. I fought to wake up but I couldn't. I don't know how it happened, but suddenly the dream was gone and I woke up."

The edge of the bed dipped slightly, angling him closer when Allyn sat, took one of his hands, and traced the tendons with her fingers. Her hair fell forward so Jaye couldn't see her face. "I was here earlier, when you were in the dream. I tried to wake you, but you pulled away from me. In terror."

"I would never be terrified of you." Jaye's eyebrows drew together as elusive memories of the dream began to toy with his conscious mind. "No, if anything, I was afraid for you."

"But, I'm nothing in all this. My part is done, I only found you."

"Found me? Then you disappeared." Jaye cupped her chin to raise her head and turn her face toward him. "What do you mean, you found me?"

"It's a long story."

"I like your stories. But, I don't think I'm ready to go to sleep this time."

"No. I don't know if I should tell this story. Derrik should be the teller of this tale."

"Derrik?" Invisible hackles rose on the back of his neck leaving him feeling bristly and possessive. Allyn took his hand again, absently playing with his fingers. His voice was flat and emotionless when he continued. "What does Derrik have to do with me, or my dreams?"

"He was the only one who could wake you."

"Nonsense. The dream ended and I woke up a few moments later. I got up, got dressed, and then heard you coming. So, I went back to bed to surprise you. What time is it anyway?"

"Early, maybe five or six. Tell me about your dream."

Jaye was silent for a few moments turning the dream over in his mind, trying to decide which parts to tell. Finally, he shrugged. "It was a nightmare. It doesn't seem so bad now that I'm awake."

Allyn looked at Jaye, arms folded under her breasts, eyebrows raised in question. "Not so bad?"

"Not really. It was a typical nightmare. Something was after me, I fought it, I woke up." Jaye stood and crossed to the window. He stared out into the gray, predawn sky and stuffed his hands into his back pockets. "Nothing for you to worry about." _. How can I tell her about the pain? The torture? How I couldn't save her from it. I couldn't do anything._

Allyn's sigh was loud in the quiet room "You're not telling me everything, Jaye. What are you leaving out?" Her words, though softly spoken, burned though him in accusation. He turned back to Allyn and smiled. She looked like she was going to start tapping her foot at any moment.

No. he couldn't tell her. "The dream started like many I've had lately." _Since I met you_. He took one step toward the bed and reached out a hand. "Let me show you how my dreams usually start."

Doubt and questions crossed Allyn's features before she uncrossed her arms and tentatively held out her hand. Jaye grabbed it before she had a chance to change her mind and jerked her into his arms. Surprise widened her eyes. The tip of her tongue wet her bottom lip before she caught her lip between her teeth and looked down.

"In my dreams, you look at me." Jaye leaned close to her ear and felt her tremble when his breath caressed the side of her neck. Willing her to lift her eyes, he smiled in relief when she did.

"I dream every night of holding you." Molding her closer, his eyes dropped to her mouth to watch her worry at the fullness of her lower lip. His breath caught when she drew air in past her rosy lips. _I'm lost. I might as well admit it._

Like a magnet, Jaye was drawn inexorably toward those lips. Allyn's shallow breaths burst across his cheek. The roughness of his voice grated in his ears. "Every night I have kissed you. I must know the truth." He angled his head closer, noting with brief satisfaction how her eyelids fluttered to her cheeks and her lips parted slightly.

His lips brushed hers softly and burned with the briefness of the caress. Allyn leaned toward him and lifted her hands to his shoulders. Pressing his lips to hers again, he let his hand slip down, caressing her back. Her urgent fingers slipped into his hair and her lips opened to him. With a low groan he deepened the kiss and pulled her tighter against him. Soft and pliant, her lips invited his tongue to slip into the sweet warmth of her mouth.

A breathtaking jolt surged through him when her tongue danced with his. Electric energy sparked around them with each silken stroke. The hairs on his arms rose and he pulled back, afraid he would disappear into the intense feeling.

With a soft sound of disappointment, Allyn clung to his shoulders for a brief moment. "Jaye?"

"Dreams were never so..." He could not continue. Instead, he lifted his hand to Allyn's cheek. Faint blue sparks arced the distance between them. When Allyn leaned into his hand the color grew deeper, the arcing frantic.

Jaye stared in wonder. "Am I dreaming?"

Allyn opened her eyes, her smile slow and sensuous. "No, unless I am too."

"Then, what is this?" Jaye stepped back and took one of her hands and held their joined hands at her eye level. Sparks flew and sputtered around the entwined fingers.

"Oh, no." Allyn twisted her hand from his and used it to cover her open mouth. The haze of desire disappeared from her eyes and tears formed in the violet depths. "No," she cried and whirled away from Jaye. Tripping over the end of the sheet, she stumbled to the door.

Yanking it open, she rushed through, crashed into Tommy and spilled the mugs of coffee he carried. Wild- eyed, she tried to steady the mugs. She patted Tommy on the chest and with a frantic, "No," rushed to her room.

Tommy looked at the mess on the polished wood floor and turned toward the guestroom. Jaye slammed into him, spilling the dregs of the coffee. "Sorry," he mumbled as he strode past.

Jaye knocked softly on Allyn's door and tried the knob. The door was locked. "Allyn, what's wrong? What did I do? Allyn?" Silence answered him. He banged on the door with his fist. Then, he leaned his forehead against the door and placed his palms flat against the wood. "Allyn."

Straightening, Jaye rolled his shoulders and glared at the door. Frustrated, he hit the pale, golden wood one more time before turning back to Tommy, who still stood in the center of the hall. The last drops of coffee fell from a tipped cup. Tommy's mouth snapped shut when Jaye stepped toward him. Anger flashed through Jaye and he fought to control the urge to shout at his confused friend. "Where's Derrik?"

Tommy pointed with a mug and disappeared in that direction. Jaye stomped into the kitchen on Tommy's heels and glared at the table where Derrik sat, apparently waiting for him. Tommy shot Derrik a look of profound sympathy, slipped behind Jaye with a towel and headed back to the hall.

Jaye slammed his hands on the table and leaned over Derrik. "You have some explaining to do."

Allyn leaned against the door. Knowing Jaye would come after her, she locked herself in. She felt when Jaye paused on the other side of the wooden barrier and shook along with the wood when he pounded on the door.

When Jaye finally turned away, she sank to her knees with her face in her hands. How could it be? Examining her hand, she turned it first one-way and then another. _It can't be the soul fire. I'm not Faerie_. "I am not Faerie," she whispered, rubbing her hands together.

Too distraught to notice the protest in her knees, she stood slowly. The sheet remained puddled on the floor and she stumbled toward the bathroom. After adjusting the shower, she stripped off the tee shirt and stepped under the hot spray. The pounding water should wash away...something. She wasn't even sure what.

Derrik looked up from his coffee. Dark smudges appeared under his eyes, making his fair skin appear bruised. He pointed to the carafe in the center of the table and pushed a mug toward Jaye. "'Tis a lengthy tale. Sit. I will tell ye."

Jaye plopped into a chair, filled a mug and waited. Squinting in concentration, he studied Derrik's face. Tommy's friend looked like death warmed over, waiting patiently with his eyes calm and focused in the distance. Tommy stepped into the kitchen, holding a soggy, coffee- stained towel. Derrik nodded and turned his head toward Tommy.

"Leave it be. Ye'll be wantin' to hear this. Yer involved now, too." Tommy dumped the towel into the sink, rinsed his hands and after drying them with a paper towel, joined the others at the table. Derrik stretched his legs out to one side, which enabled him to face Jaye, took a long sip of coffee, closed his eyes and began.

"This will not be easy for ye. We had hoped..."

"We?"

"Aye, we. The tellin' will be longer if ye interrupt." Jaye rolled his eyes but remained silent.

"Do ye remember the tale Allyn told of the black dog?"

Jaye nodded.

"That tale is true. Stephen an' Kelene had a child. Because the child is half human, a new danger surrounded him. His parents feared for his life. An' because of his heritage they thought it best that the child have the chance to know both this world an' the Otherworld of Faerie. When the child was but a wee bairn, he was set in the mortal world. All memory of Faerie was hidden deep within his mind at the mandate of our Queen. When the child reached the same age his father was when he made the choice of Faerie, the child would remember the Otherworld.

"An' when he remembered, we of the Alastriona would take him home."

Disbelief colored Jaye's features, but his eyes held steady on Derrik's face.

"The Alastriona, the Defenders of Mankind, have long had the honor to protect the passages between this world an' the Otherworld. We guard these portals both from the greed of mortals an' from those within Faerie who would destroy them.

"These, the Nechtan-Cattee, desire to cleanse the Clan of mortal contact. According to their leader, the Clan would remain pure." Derrik made a grimace. "They advocate absolutely no contact between Faerie an' the human world. The half human child was an abomination to them an' so had to be hidden within the mortal world until he remembered."

Derrik looked calmly at Jaye and lifted an eyebrow. "Although the child has not remembered Faerie, he has been found. Jaye, ye are the child."

Jaye sprang to his feet and paced around the table. He stopped when he reached his chair and dropped wearily back to the seat. Laughter shook his shoulders. "I must still be dreaming. You expect me to believe I'm not human? Tommy, where did you find this guy?"

Staring from Jaye to Derrik, Tommy's mouth opened and closed soundlessly.

Derrik scrubbed one hand over his face. The circles beneath his eyes darkened, shadowing his normally clear eyes with pain. "Tommy, will ye bring my hair clasp?"

Derrik smiled gently at Tommy's nod and watched him leave the kitchen. Lowering his eyes, he let his head drop forward and pushed his cold coffee away.

A moment later Tommy returned with a small piece of silver in his hand. He tossed it on the table where it landed with a soft thud on a quilted placemat.

Derrik picked it up, turning it between his fingers like a magician's coin. Laying it face up on the table in front of Jaye, he pointed to the simple design etched deeply in the silver. "This is a symbol of the Alastriona, a symbol of our Clan. Ye may recognize the design, for it appears within the cross ye have on yer leg."

Jaye studied the glinting square of silver metal without touching it.

Allyn stood under the hot, pulsing spray for a long time, letting the water slide over her, trying to wash away the touch of Jaye's hands and the feel of his lips. But, the memory of flashing blue sparks refused to swirl down the drain. Disgusted, she finally stepped from the shower and wrapped her hair in a fluffy towel.

The face in the small wet circle she rubbed in the steam-covered mirror looked the same, except for the sadness tinting her eyes a deeper violet _. I imagined the sparks. There is no such thing as a soul fire. Especially for a mortal like me. It was only wishful thinking._

Her hands were rough when they pulled her towel- dried hair back into a ponytail. She would ignore what happened. Resolution faded and her shoulders slumped. But she didn't know if she could.

Using the time to calm her ragged emotions, she dressed carefully. When she could no longer hide in the room, she caressed the back of the door. She had to face him eventually.

The door opened soundlessly and she tiptoed into the hall. There was a low rumble of voices from the kitchen. This is it.

Another deep breath did little to steady her jumpy nerves. Cautiously stepping into the kitchen, she sidestepped along the counter. Derrik gave his head a brief shake and continued speaking in soft tones. Gesturing smoothly as he spoke, his long hands wove graceful patterns.

Jaye's back was to her. She watched for his responses, as his voice was pitched too low for her to hear. He punctuated his words with sharp, staccato gestures and leaned toward Derrik. Tension strained his neck and shoulders. Lifting her hands toward him, she ached to massage the tight, corded muscles. Beyond Jaye, Tommy lifted his hand slightly in a 'don't' motion and shook his head. His eyebrows lifted as he canted his head toward Jaye. When he shook his head once again, his sleep- tousled hair bristled wildly with the movement.

"I know she's back there." The flat, expressionless statement crushed the tiny hope Allyn had nurtured. He didn't even care enough to be angry with her. Crumpling against the counter, her hand landed in the soggy, coffee- stained rag tossed in the sink.

Instantly, Tommy was on his feet and at her side. She looked blankly at her damp hand while Tommy took her fingers gently and rinsed them. He handed her a clean towel and leaned close to whisper in her ear.

"Tommy."

He stiffened. "Sir?" Glancing apologetically at Allyn, he moved back to stand beside Derrik. "Jaye?"

"I've had enough of this." Jaye's voice remained tight and expressionless, the words ground out between clenched teeth. "Would you please drive me back to the office?"

Tommy shuffled his bare feet, his glance swinging from Jaye to Allyn. "I, uh, can't. My car is there, too."

Exasperation was evident in Jaye's heavy sigh. He slapped his palms on the tabletop. "Derrik?"

A serene smile lit Derrik's face. When Tommy nudged his shoulder he turned his head to Allyn, mischief glinting in his eyes. Then he yawned. "I canna. I have never seen the need to own a vehicle in this world. When I must travel as a human, I find my way, usually wi' the help of a friend." Looking pointedly at Jaye, he swung his gaze to Allyn. "Aye, wi' the help of a friend."

Jaye ignored him and ran his fingers through his hair. Smoothing the disheveled dark mass, he leaned back in the chair. "Is there a bus that comes out this way?"

Tommy drew breath to answer, but Derrik forestalled him with his lifted finger. He pointed that long finger at Jaye's chest. "Ye, sir, are a fool."

Derrik cocked the finger at Allyn and gestured for her to come near. She didn't move so he turned in the chair to face her. His finger waggled slowly in front of his face. There was a tug in the center of her chest and she resisted for only a moment before giving in with a sigh, remembering Derrik's earlier weakness.

"Thank ye for yer concern, m'dear." Derrik smiled and took her hand. Then, he reached back over his shoulder. Tommy lay his palm against Derrik's. "Now, Allyn, willna ye take Tommy back to the office so he can get his car?"

Allyn gave a sharp snort, but smiled at Tommy. "Of course. It will be my pleasure."

Derrik hung his head slightly and looked up at her from under his fair lashes. "An' if," he looked pointedly at Jaye, "his boss wants a ride back too, to avoid the terrors of public transportation?"

Despite the tension in the room, Allyn couldn't help herself. She giggled and pulled her hand from his to slap playfully at his shoulder. "You are a wicked Faerie, Derrik. Yes, of course he is welcome, too. Is there anywhere you need to go while I am at it?"

"I have no need of human transportation at this time." He jerked his head at Jaye. "I dinna think he is ready for my style of transport yet."

"I wasn't ready for the tale you told me either. And do not talk about me like I'm not here." Jaye shoved his chair back and stood. "Now, I have a business to run." He turned formally to Allyn. "Will you be so kind as to return me to my office?" Before she could respond he turned away and left the room.

Tommy stepped away from Derrik. "I haven't seen him like this since his foster parents moved to Arizona without telling him. I gotta get going." He lifted his hand curled in a fist in front of his mouth and Allyn received an appraising glance from over his shoulder. One side of his mouth jerked into a rueful grin. "Stick with him, Allyn. These moods don't usually last long. You're the best thing in his life right now." After a quick, wistful glance at Derrik, he escaped the kitchen.

Derrik's low voice was more soothing to Allyn's raw nerves than her shower had been. "Tommy is verra sure of that, Allyn. He doesna say such things without a great deal of thought."

"You have known him a long time?"

"No, nae so long. Now you must go. Do as Tommy says. Stay close. Jaye may nae yet believe, but his anger is nae really at ye. He is angry because he does nae understand."

"Derrik, there is more to it than that. There was...I never believed..."

"Hush. There is no time. Ye must be ready to leave soon. An' I... I must see the Queen."

"I know. But Derrik, there was..."

Derrik touched her lips with a finger. "Later." Taking her hand, he stood, a weary grimace passing over his features. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. "There is much to be done." he whispered in her ear.

Allyn let her forehead rest against his shoulder. "I know."

A sharp intake of breath jerked their attention to the doorway. Tommy did a sudden about face and rushed down the hall. Jaye moved to the center of the doorway, his plaid wadded between his crossed arms. Sarcasm dripped from his words. "We're finished and ready to go. Are you?"

Derrik gave Allyn a little push. She edged past Jaye in the wide doorway, trying to avoid the heat emanating from him. Giving Jaye a jaunty salute, Derrik turned his back. And held himself rigid until Jaye backed out of the doorway and moved toward the front door. There was the jingle of Allyn's keys, and the door slammed. Only then did he let his shoulders slump in exhaustion. He crossed to the French doors and stepped onto his balcony. Leaning against the railing, he watched the van pull away. His hand lifted in a hesitant wave before falling heavily back to his side.

The van turned a corner and roared out of sight. Derrik squared his shoulders and stepped back into the apartment. He snatched the Alastriona insignia from the table and pulled his hair back and fastened it. The back of Tommy's chair received a brief caress before he stepped toward the wall. Derrik wondered briefly if he was handling this situation correctly. He sketched the sign for a portal and waited impatiently for it to form. Musing over ways to ease the tension, he entered the Otherworld.

Derrik found Stephen waiting at their usual meeting place and looked at his friend's face carefully. Yes, the eyes. They were the same. Allyn's Jaye was truly the child. He clasped Stephen on the shoulder.

Stephen returned the gesture. "You look terrible."

"It was a long night." Derrik shrugged. "Allyn has found Jayezer. I am convinced." The lines of worry eased from his face when he laughed. "However, he is nae so convinced."

"He has not regained his memories of Faerie?"

"No, an' we canna wait for the memories to return naturally. The Nechtan-Cattee have also found him. Feidhlim's power is greater than I anticipated." Derrik sat. "What I must ask ye will be difficult. An' 'twould be best for Kelene to remain innocent of the plans."

Stephen's chuckle was low and rueful. "As she nears the time of her confinement, it is best she knows nothing. About anything. Best for her. And for me."

Derrik joined him in a reminiscent chuckle. Stephen's sweet tempered wife became increasingly waspish as the time of birthing drew near. No one remained safe from her sharp tongue.

"I have a confederate within the Nechtan-Cattee. I will not divulge who, but rest assured that this one's goals are the same as mine. An' yers, m' friend. Should anythin' happen to ye or yers, this one will do all to assist ye."

"I am not concerned for myself. The Nechtan-Cattee can try what they will." Stephen's bravado failed and he sank into himself. "But I have great fear for Kelene, for our unborn children. And for Jayezer."

"I understand. The Alastriona..."

"Bah. Defenders? All they do is fight among themselves. You need to return to the Clan and lead the Defenders once more."

"Aye. But not until the child remembers his heritage an' makes the choice."

"Is there a choice? He must return to the Clan."

"Aye. However, he has strong ties to the mortal world. I dinna know if he will be willin' to sever them.

"I don't believe that is an option the Queen will consider."

"Och, the Queen. The heir is of verra strong will. The Queen may be forced to feel differently." Derrik chuckled again. "Now, I must appear before the Queen an' make my report." He rolled his eyes. "This could be, umm, interesting. Perhaps...perhaps I shall wait until the next time I return."

False dismay made Stephen shake his head. "Derrik, leader of the fearless Defenders of Mankind, cowed by our little bit o' Queen?"

Derrik hung his head. "Aye." Then he looked up into Stephen's twinkling eyes. "But more than that, I feel the call to return to the human world. It would be beneficial if I could tell the Queen that Jayezer's memories have returned an' he is ready to make his decision."

Stephen smiled at Derrik's procrastination. "Is there anything Kelene or I can do?"

"I have been thinkin' on that. Was there anythin' Jaye treasured as a child?

"Jaye?"

"Aye. Jaye Zeroun. Stephen, think on this. Such a thing may prompt his memory."

The men sat in silence for a few moments, staring at the distant hills. "He always had a piece of my plaid for a blanket. As he learned to crawl, he would drag it behind him. Kelene was distressed at the dirt and who knows what he pulled along with it. When it became too dirty Kelene would weave a new one for him."

"He recently purchased a tartan, remarkably similar to yers. The night of the purchase, he was trapped within a dream by the Nechtan-Cattee. I was hard pressed to wake him from the dream. The magic of the Nechtan-Cattee is strong an' growin'. We must defeat them soon, or we may lose all hope of savin' the friends of Faerie."

"'Tis as serious as that?"

"Aye. The immediate return of Jaye to his destiny is of the greatest importance. I sense he has strong magic of his own, but first, he must believe in what he already knows." Suddenly, a huge black bundle of fur leapt on Derrik's lap and his face was covered with warm, wet slurps. Stephen laughed, holding his ribs until he fell sideways. Derrik was unsuccessful in removing the large dog from his lap until Stephen regained his breath.

"Noid! Down, ye beastie." The dog sat obediently, but the large head remained only a few inches from Derrik's nose. Stephen's eyes lit with inspiration. "Noid! Derrik, Noid is the answer. When Jayezer was a wee bairn, Noid was his guardian and constant companion. Och, the beast grieved fiercely when Jayezer was taken to the human world."

"But, I canna return Noid to the human world. Once he crosses the portal he must remain. The Queen would not grant him free passage again. You know how she dotes on the beast."

Noid looked at Derrik, tongue lolling from one side of his grinning dog mouth. Then, he looked at Stephen and gave a small series of conversational woofs and growls.

"Aye, my loyal friend. I know you would do anything to help return my son to me. But your sacrifice is not an option." When Noid flopped to the ground at Stephen's feet and sighed, a puff of dirt rose into the slight breeze.

Derrik looked from the man to the dog and back again. "Perhaps we can create the memory of Noid in some other way. Allyn will be of help."

"Allyn. She is one of the ties to the human world, is she not?"

"Aye."

"The Queen has offered her an honored place within the Clan many times."

"Allyn always felt her destiny lay in the human world. Perhaps it did, for she found the child. Mayhap she will feel her fate lies in a different direction now."

Silent, Stephen tossed a small stone into the clear stream before them. He turned an earnest gaze to Derrik. "I would choose her for my son, if I had that choice."

Derrik looked down at his hands, unclasping them to rest his palms over his knees. "I believe he would also make that choice." A grin filled his face when he looked up. "He just doesna know it yet."

The men's laughter faded into the distance and they sat in silence for a few moments longer. Suddenly, Derrik stood with a fluid motion. "I must return. The Nechtan- Cattee know where the child can be found, so I must remain nearby as well." Ruffling the fur on Noid's head, he spoke to the large dog. "Jayezer will return soon, my friend." His clear blue eyes locked onto Stephen's. "I swear it."

## Eight

The ride to the Zeroun's offices was deathly silent. Tommy turned to the window as soon as Allyn pulled from the parking area outside Derrik's apartment. Derrik was on the balcony, one hand raised. _A farewell to Allyn_ , Tommy thought bitterly. Closing his eyes, he slumped deeper into the seat _. I should know better by now. True love is a blatant lie supported by romance novels and movies_. His forehead rubbed against the cool window. _There are some of us meant only to be stepping-stones for others. At least this happened before I got too attached to Derrik. At least..._ With a determined straightening of his shoulders, he stared stoically out the side window.

Jaye leaned forward slightly to peer out the front window of the van. From the corner of his eye he could see Allyn's profile. The bright sunlight irritated his dry, scratchy eyes. _I can't believe I acted that way. Like it's her fault I came on too strong, too fast. It's not her fault her friend makes up stories and expects me to believe them_.

He glanced at Allyn. Her head was turned away from him as she watched the oncoming traffic before making a turn. He wanted this woman. Tommy was right, he did want her. Now, how to make it right with her? Relaxing slightly, he sank into the seat and turned his face from Allyn to stare unseeing out the side window.

_Oh, this is fun_ , Allyn thought. In the rearview mirror, she saw how Tommy stared out one window. To her right, Jaye stared out another. Far be it from her...to what? Still, she cherished every quick glance she had of Jaye while she navigated the van through traffic. But deep inside, she wished she could just sit, stare out a window letting the world go by.

Uncomfortable flip-flops twisted around her heart when she remembered the spark in Jaye's eyes as he had looked down at her just a short hour ago. Yes, she admitted to herself, she wanted this man. This totally inappropriate, much younger man.

When the van stopped in the Zeroun's parking lot, Tommy slid to the end of the seat and shoved the door open. Jaye was standing at the side of the van nearly as quick. Allyn followed more slowly, reluctant to subject herself to further stony silence. Tommy waited at the building's outer door while Jaye unlocked it and entered the building. The feel of Tommy's gaze on her brought a strange tingle of curiosity as Allyn came around the van.

His hands were planted firmly on his hips. "I need to ask you what your intentions are."

Allyn couldn't help but smile, he sounded like the father in an old 'B' movie. She resisted the urge to salute. "Totally honorable, sir."

"I'm serious. No matter how I might feel about it, I will not have you playing Jaye and Derrik against each other."

"Against each other?" Allyn was confused and looked around the well-landscaped building entrance for answers. There were none in the trimmed bushes or mortared bricks. Suddenly, she understood and held one hand out to Tommy.

"Derrik and I have been friends since I was five years old. But Tommy, that's all we are." Her hand rested lightly on his arm. "Friends. I'm not interested in more. And, neither is Derrik." She paused and peered through the glass door to the darkened reception area. "Derrik cares a great deal for you, Tommy." Her gaze returned to the young man. "Really he does."

Tommy's mouth formed a soft, 'Oh.' His hazel eyes lit with happiness. "Oh." Then, they filled with consternation. "Oh."

Emotions flashed across Tommy's expressive face. Allyn giggled and waggled an eyebrow at him. "Now that you mention it, I'm not sure my intentions really are all that honorable."

Tommy grinned back at her. "Good." A forward sweeping of his arm ushered her through the open door. "I hated feeling so confused about all this. I like you, Allyn. And I think you complement Jaye."

"Now, we have to convince all the players of that fact."

"What?"

"Oh, nothing important. How can I talk to Jaye now?"

"He should be fine soon. Whenever he has a problem he needs to work out, he pulls the old macho guy routine. You know, anger and silent withdrawal."

"Were you a psychology major by any chance?"

"Nope." Tommy's grin turned to a serious, thin line. "But I've been with Jaye a long time. I guess I probably know him better than just about anybody. You have to admit, you and Derrik laid a lot on him today. Hmm, on me too, I guess."

They paused again before Jaye's office door. "Try not to let him get to you when he acts this way. It's just how he's learned to deal with uncomfortable situations."

Tommy was reaching for the knob when the door flew open. Jaye filled the doorway. He smiled broadly and gestured Tommy into the room. When Allyn remained at the threshold, he backed up, took her hand and pulled her into the room. Tommy flashed an 'I told you so' look and settled into a chair.

After giving Allyn a sheepish grin, Jaye ran his fingers through his hair and gestured to a chair. "Allyn, I really need to talk with you. But it will have to wait just a little bit."

He turned barely contained exuberance on Tommy. "This is it. Zeroun's has made it to the big time. Listen to this." A dramatic flourish accented the simple punch of the message button on his answering machine.

A sultry voice Allyn found vaguely familiar filled the office. "Jaye, dahling. You must call me. Immediately." Her hands clenched into tight fists as she imagined the owner of that voice caressing Jaye. The voice turned businesslike.

"This is Mina, dahling, and you just have to help me out." Jaye mouthed 'Mina' toward Tommy, who mouthed back, 'You're kidding.'

The disembodied voice continued. "I have this gathering, just a small one. Oh, not more than a hundred or so. And my caterer left town on me--deserted me. Me. I'm left high and dry with no goodies. I have music. I have a bar. But no delicious munchies to impress my guests. Dahling, you must help me out. You know you were always my first choice here in town. Call me and say you will. Soon, please, dahling. The party is this Friday and I have people coming from both coasts. You have my number."

Jaye bounced around the room. Allyn glanced at Tommy, who looked ready to spring to his feet to join his boss's happy dance. Jaye must have noticed her confusion, because he stopped in front of her chair and leaned on the arms to bend over her. The excitement radiating from him created a call to something primal within her.

And created the need for her to lean toward him infinitesimally. Jaye drew a shaky breath and closed the final distance to kiss her softly. Before she could respond, he pulled away, straightened, and leaned back to sit on the edge of his desk. She felt the deep loss of his radiating heat. Wanting to lift her fingers to her lips in wonder, she lowered her eyes from his and clenched the chair arms tightly.

Jaye took another shaky breath and let it out slowly through pursed lips. Unable to contain his excitement any longer, he let the words burst from his mouth.

"That was Mina. Mina."

"Okay? And..."Allyn knew she was being stupid. Tommy's formidable energy flowed into the room. He jumped to his feet and paced between Allyn and Jaye. "You know. Mina. Star of screen, both large and small."

He shook his head at Allyn's confusion and tried again. "She's the star who eschewed the Hollywood life style in Hollywood, but brought it here to the Midwest." He plopped back into his chair, leaning forward eagerly with his elbows on his knees.

Allyn's eyes grew wide. "Oh."

The air of excitement was nearly visible as Jaye continued. "I've wanted her as a client since she moved here, however she brought her own people from the coast. Now is my chance. This could be the start of even greater growth for Zeroun's." He pointed at Allyn. "You've brought me luck."

"Not me." Allyn shook her head. "I've not been very lucky in the past."

Tommy yawned and stretched. "Maybe it was that plaid you bought at the fair." He twisted the silver ring he wore on a middle finger.

"Maybe. Hey, where is it? I must have left it in the van. We've got to get planning. Tommy, you..."

Laughing, Allyn interrupted Jaye before he got started. "You may want to call Mina back, and see what she wants."

Jaye froze, a notepad lifted in one hand. "Looks like we need a little common sense around here, Tommy." The pad flopped to the desk as he reached for the card file on his desk with one hand, the phone with the other.

Although her knees were still weak from Jaye's unexpected kiss, Allyn stood. "I'll check the van for the plaid while you call." How did her voice sound so calm and normal?

Triumphantly pulling a card from the file, Jaye waved the handset at her. When she turned back toward the desk, Jaye was punching in the number while Tommy stood to one side, fingers crossed and lifted shoulder high. Allyn ducked her head in amusement.

When she passed through the dark outer office, she noticed decorating touches she could attribute to either Jaye or Tommy. It was a successful merging of styles, just like their working relationship. She used a large rock found just outside the door to prop the door so it wouldn't lock behind her. Absorbed in their plans, she doubted either man would hear her knocking. She used the time crossing the parking lot to try and gather her thoughts.

Tossed on the van's seat and visible through the side window, was Jaye's tartan. After unlocking the door, she pulled a corner of the material to her face and held it against her cheek. It was as soft and delicate as his kiss had been. Feeling like a fool, she pressed her lips into the softness. She inhaled deeply and sighed. It already carried his scent. With closed eyes, another deep intake of breath reinforced her memories of Jaye's enticing, spicy maleness.

Woven around Jaye's scent was the indefinable scent of the Otherworld. Her eyes shot open; she should have realized the material was of Faerie weave. As she dropped the end of material back into the pile, she remembered her senses had been on overload from Jaye's presence and all the wine she drank at the faire.

With slow, precise movements, she smoothed and folded the plaid into some semblance of order. While her actions were automatic, her mind remained on the man in the office behind her.

She smiled, remembering the excitement over the growth of his already successful business, and unselfishly he shared that excitement with those around him. The corners of her smile turned down. He wouldn't want to leave this. It was no wonder he fought his heritage. It is an unbelievable story. She wasn't sure she would even believe it. The Otherworld had been a part of her life for so long, she tended to forget most of the world didn't believe in it.

Where did this leave her? If he choose to return to the Clan, there would be no place in his life for her. If he choose the human world, eventually he'd find out how old she was. Then what? He'd either feel sorry for her, or just up and leave. In any case, she'd end up alone.

Allyn sighed, picked up the folded tartan and slammed the van door shut with her hip. Before she reentered the building, she held the plaid to her face once more, inhaling deeply. After jerking the door open, she sent the rock rolling away with a swift kick. Filled with a new determination, Allyn entered the offices. Alone maybe, but for now, she'd enjoy the time she had.

The two men stood shoulder to shoulder at the desk. When Jaye pointed to items on his yellow pad, Tommy would nod and make a note on a second pad. Allyn grinned at the sight and slipped quietly into the room. She returned to her chair, sat with the folded plaid lying across her lap and stroked the fabric absently as she listened to the expert event planners.

"Okay," Jaye said, "Mina already has the entertainment and the bar staff set up. We need to provide decor, food and servers."

"Entertainment? I suppose she got some Mariachi band." Tommy winced. "I hope she didn't hire one of the local groups."

"You'll never forgive me for that, will you?" Jaye cocked his head to one side, folded his arms across his chest and faced Tommy.

"It was hideous. And no, I never will."

"Can't say I didn't try. Now, we'll need at least three servers." Panic flashed across Jaye's face. He slapped his forehead and stared at Tommy. "The staff is on vacation. I can't call them back early. What will we do?"

Tommy propped his hip against the edge of the desk and crossed one leg over the other and inspected a fingernail. "Call Ted down at the college. He always knows of students who want extra cash." The calm voice seemed to ease Jaye's panic. "We've used them as temps before."

Jaye muttered to himself and bent over his notepad. "Call Ted. You're right. That should solve the problem. But what about the food?"

"Get a grip, man. It's not like you haven't thrown an event together on short notice before. We'll get it covered. Now, did Mina have a menu in mind?"

"Just what she calls 'carry around food'. With a Mexican flair of course."

"What is she calling this party?"

"Moon over Cancun."

"Yuck." Tommy shuddered.

Jaye shook a finger in his assistant's face. "Toe-maas. How unprofessional."

Tommy merely grinned. "The food should be no pro-blay-mo."

While enjoying the bantering exchange, Allyn surprised herself by raising a hand. "I've been told I'm a pretty creative cook."

Startled, both men turned toward her and stared as if she had appeared from thin air. A hot flush crept across her cheeks and she lowered her hand slowly.

Jaye's eyebrows drew together. How did he get so wrapped up in this new account and forget about her? She looked so forlorn with that cute blush covering her cheeks.

He turned to Tommy. "What do you think? As an artist she would have excellent manual dexterity. I'm sure she can read a recipe." He gazed at Allyn as if appraising her talents and abilities. "Well?"

A chuckle rumbled from Tommy and he stood, waving one hand toward her. "She'll do, she'll do. We need all the help we can get." A hopeful note crept into his voice and he stared out the office window. "Maybe I should see if Derrik is willing to help, too."

"Good." Jaye put on his most professional expression. "Allyn, would you help us prepare for this debacle? If nothing else, you'd get a chance to see how the Hollywood set lives."

Her eyes grew wide, the violet depths drawing him in. "I could go? To the party?"

The unabashed enthusiasm was just like a little girl going to her first dress-up party. Jaye wanted to take her in his arms and carry her away to many, many parties. If only to experience that look in her eyes.

Turning from the window, Tommy grinned. "This means you'll help?"

Returning the smile, Allyn nodded. The shallow depths of her dimples suddenly intrigued Jaye and the way the sun coming in the window shot bright strands of red-gold through her hair.

Until Tommy leaned deliberately in front of him and blocked his view. "So what's next, boss?"

"Planning the menu and decor. Oh, and one little chore Mina wanted us to do for her."

"I think I better sit down for this." Tommy moved to an empty chair.

Jaye waited until Tommy was settled before he supplied the final responsibility. "She wants us to create invitations to be delivered to her by tomorrow morning."

Tommy slumped deeper into the overstuffed chair. "That could be tricky." Then, he straightened with a happy realization. "Hey, we have an artist who already said she'd help. Maybe, she'd help with the invitations, too." Arms outstretched and with hands clasped tightly, he leaned toward Allyn. "Puh-leeese?"

Startled, Allyn looked from Tommy to Jaye and back again. Hazel eyes whirling with hope and mischief, Tommy wrung his hands dramatically. After pausing a few moments for effect, she nodded. "Sure, why not? Do you have some paper I could use to get started?"

Jaye stretched to reach the bottom desk drawer and pulled out a spiral-bound sketchpad and a small plastic case filled with various pencils and charcoal sticks. When Allyn flashed him a questioning look he mumbled, "I like to doodle."

"Like intricate designs looking exactly like mine?"

Jaye stiffened slightly and answered automatically. "Not looks like, is like."

"Touchy, isn't he?" Allyn asked.

Tommy bit his lower lip to keep from laughing.

After selecting a pencil from the case, Allyn waved absently at the two men. "You go ahead with what you need to do."

"That's what we need here," Tommy stated in a stage whisper, "a take charge attitude."

Allyn ignored him and turned to the back of the sketchpad. Although curiosity over Jaye's doodles tempted her to peek through the first pages, she would not without his permission. And, as involved as he was, she'd never get an answer from him. She stared at a blank page and thought a few moments, idly drawing a knot design on one corner of the page.

The men bent over the desk, occupied with an animated discussion of the party plans. Their voices were low, so she heard little except an occasional exclamation or agreement. Allyn watched them from under lowered lashes. It was hard to concentrate on her task when Jaye was so near. And she knew, without a doubt, how often his heated gaze rested on her.

She realized she was chewing on her thumbnail, a nervous habit she thought she had broken. Jerking the nail away from her teeth, the fleshy part of her thumb grazed her lower lip, pulling it into a pout. Then the thumb poised at the bottom edge of her lip.

Jaye's eyes were fastened on her mouth when she looked up. The tip of her tongue peeked out to wet her suddenly dry lips. Jaye closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. When his eyes opened to hers, a fiery blue glinted in the brown depths.

Afraid to analyze the look or her reaction to it, Allyn bent with renewed determination over the pad in her lap. Jaye took another deep breath and made a soft comment to Tommy's question. The three of them worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes until Tommy leaned back and stretched.

"The food's no problem, as long as we have the extra hands for the serving. But, I really don't think we want to fall into the crepe paper piñata trap, no matter what Mina suggested."

Agreement tilted Jaye's head. "Although, if we could create a couple of piñatas with a beach concept, like shells or tropical flowers, it might pull the theme together. And satisfy the hostess." After making a note, Jaye continued. "I just can't come up with something special, something unique for the flower arrangements." A sigh filled his chest. "I must be trying too hard."

Allyn stood, held the sketchpad against her stomach and stepped to the desk. "How about a profusion of bright colors to represent Cancun. Surround the arrangements with bits of blue glass or aquarium marbles. That would be for the sea. Then use a single, large white bloom set high in the arrangement to symbolize the moon." Silently, she watched the two men, anxiously waiting for a reaction, any reaction. Time stood still.

Somehow, she had to retract her idea. Jaye and Tommy looked at each other. Tommy's eyebrows lifted and a slow smile spread across Jaye's face. Both nodded with satisfaction.

Not realizing she had been holding her breath, Allyn began to breathe again. She laid the open sketchpad on the desk. "Moon over Cancun. So," she pointed at her sketch, "the moon will be full, or close to it that night. In fact, I have access to a program that will show the exact phase of the moon on any date. Then, a section with waves and a palm tree folds over the edge of the moon."

Jaye picked up the sketch and peered closely at it. "Ambitious."

"I could easily have the original done by the end of the day. Do you know a printer who could reproduce and trim it quickly?"

"It's perfect, Jaye." Tommy snatched the pad from Jaye for a better look. "I'm sure Mina will love it."

Allyn smiled her thanks at Tommy. "I have everything I need at home. As soon as I get there, I can get to work."

Reaching across the desk, Tommy slid Jaye's list from under his fingers. Looking from Jaye to Allyn, he shook the notes. "I can handle all of this. You two go take care of the invitations." Barely concealing a smile, he looked up from under his lashes.

"But I..."

"Jaye, you need to oversee completion of the invitation and make sure all the information is correct. That's the first thing that needs to get done." Tommy jabbed a pencil at him. "Go, and let me do my job."

"You're on vacation."

Tapping his forehead, Tommy grinned. "If I remember right, so are you. Besides, I've got to keep busy." Tommy slid into the desk chair and rearranged the desktop to his satisfaction. When he reached for the phone, he turned his head to Jaye. "Go."

With his legs spread wide, Jaye planted his hands on his hips. "Who's the boss around here?"

Allyn lay her hand on Jaye's arm. "I don't think you're going to win this one. The sooner I get started, the more time there will be for fine-tuning. And, I do need your help with the particulars."

Jaye threw his hands into the air. "Once again, I can't fight both of you." Grabbing the sketchpad from Tommy, he turned toward the door. "Let's get going."

## Nine

Allyn parked the Fishmobile on the street in front of her small house and Jaye pulled his silver sedan behind the van. After unfolding from the small car, he rushed to the driver's side of the van, opened the door and reached in to take Allyn's hand. She felt like a cherished princess when he helped her step onto the street and kept her hand as he led her to the curb.

"You live here?"

Allyn looked at her tiny Victorian and nodded. She was proud of how the once dilapidated house looked; a gingerbread creation painted in five complementing colors. "She's my small painted lady. I bought her with the inheritance I got from my grandmother. I've scraped and repainted every inch, every curve and doodad, both inside and out."

Leaving Allyn's side, Jaye walked from one side of the narrow lot to the other. A low whistle showed his appreciation. "Impressive."

Allyn mounted the two short steps to the covered porch and nervously fumbled with her keys, until she finally got the door unlocked and opened. Jaye still stood on the sidewalk, staring. "Coming?"

"Just a sec." He moved back to his car and reached in for a stack of papers. Then he trotted to the porch and through the door Allyn held open. Allyn shoved a pocket door aside and stepped from the dim entryway into a sunlit parlor. Breath caught in his chest. The room was magnificent, but not as lovely as the woman who preceded him. Tiny dust motes danced around her in a bright shaft of light. The length of her hair swirled around her shoulders when she faced him and pointed through an archway.

"There's a kitchen and my workroom on this floor. Three small bedrooms upstairs. Not much, but it suits me."

Jaye followed her path through the orderly, polished, antique furniture and into the workroom.

Allyn tossed her keys and purse onto a low table and immediately slipped out of her shoes and wiggled her toes. Crossing to a small desk, she punched a button on the computer tower. "I'll get the computer started. It will take awhile to download the moon. I have a really ancient, slow modem. Can I get you anything?"

Jaye shook his head and looked around the room. Her workspace was completely different from the neat Victorian parlor. A large monitor occupied most of the space on the desk. The rest of the light wood was covered with scraps of paper and notes stuck to the side of the computer with tape. Small drawings were littered here and there, spilling casually to the floor.

Standing just inside the doorway, Jaye followed Allyn with his eyes while she logged onto an Internet server before she left the room, muttering something about water. Intrigued, he stepped further into the room. A huge, multi-paneled bay window dominated the outside wall. A tilted drawing table waited in front of the window. Drawings and paint-spattered papers sprawled across the surface.

By turning in a slow circle he saw the rest of the room. A low couch angled across one corner, surrounded by a mass of pillows in every conceivable shape and size. A small table filled the fourth corner. Unlike the rest of the room, the top was ordered and neat. Candles were massed to one side and a shallow bowl filled with water sat in front of them. Small stones, sparkling crystals, and a bird feather were clustered around the bowl. Jaye stepped closer and reached to touch the feather.

His hand dropped quickly to his side when Allyn entered the room, two bottles of water in one hand. "Not very elegant, I know, but I can't tolerate the city water. I, uh, could get you a glass..."

Jaye chuckled. "This is fine. Now, what do you want me to do?"

"Well," Allyn turned toward the computer. "We're online. That was fast. I'll show you how the moon will look that night. If you approve I'll download it and start the invitation. Do you have the what, when and where information?"

Jaye dumped his files onto the couch and shuffled through them. "You would think that information would be right on top. But no, it has migrated deep into the pile. Ah, here." He held out the yellow sheet with a flourish.

Allyn's eyes crinkled in amusement. A blue glow hovered within the violet depths and filled her eyes until they sparkled with more than humor. She caught her bottom lip with her teeth and her eyes widened. Then her lashes lowered, soft crescents falling to her cheeks. Jaye took a step forward. The computer beeped.

Both heads turned toward the machine. When her eyes returned to meet Jaye's, the blue fire was gone, replaced by a tentative wariness. Her deep breath was matched by one of his own.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'm not sure how long this will take." When Allyn took the paper from his shaking fingers, Jaye noticed the struggle to keep her hands from shaking as well.

"Mind if I look around?"

Already concentrating on the computer, Allyn shook her head. Soaking in the aura of Allyn, Jaye wandered around the room. Returning to the corner table, he picked up the feather, smoothing it with his fingers. He touched one of the small rocks, feeling the rough imperfections littering its surface. These things were just like Allyn. She was as calm as the still water in the bowl. Soft as the feather, but hard as stone when she needed to be. And a light. A needed light in his life.

Jaye dropped the feather and took a quick step back. Shaking inside and weak kneed, he was definitely not used to such imaginative thoughts. Backing further from the corner, he turned toward the drawing table. The partial drawings and half-realized knot designs scattered there were much safer.

Acutely aware of Jaye while she waited for the moon website to load, Allyn refused to turn so she could watch him. Thrills ran down her spine when she imagined him caressing the treasures on the corner table. There was a disturbing emptiness when he backed away from her table. The muscles in her neck and shoulder tightened into knots as difficult to decipher as one of her designs. Fighting herself, she restrained the urge to turn to him and open her arms. What was she doing? She had no right to him. She'd only imagined the soul fire. She'd help him regain his memories and return to his rightful place in the Otherworld. And that would be that. But though she told herself these things over and over, she couldn't make herself believe them.

The program finished loading and a bright moon blazed from the screen in full glory. She must have made some sound of appreciation for Jaye was immediately behind her. Welcomed heat radiated from him and she longed to lean back into the comfort of his firm body. Instead, she gripped the edge of the desk and inched herself forward.

His voice rumbled behind her, fluttering her frazzled nerves. "That's how the moon will look for Mina's party? I wonder if she had any idea. It's perfect."

"I'll download." Allyn nodded tensely. "When that's done, it shouldn't take me long to complete the invitation."

One of his hands rested on her shoulder and his fingers exerted a tender pressure. "I'll let you get to work then. Just forget I'm here."

As if she could. His handprint burned into her shoulder. With a deep breath, she turned her attention to her assignment.

Jaye lingered behind her for a moment, and then turned away. He sat on the couch, crossed one long leg over his knee and rustled through the pile of papers. Determined to work as well, he unclipped a pen from a folder.

But, his eyes lifted of their own accord to gaze at her back and he watched her swift movements as she manipulated the moon and added water and palm trees to the large screen. The play of muscles under her light blouse brought images of the bare skin of her shoulders under his hands. A corner of the page in his hands curled tightly between his fingers. The sunlight danced in her hair, and he imagined the silkiness falling through his fingers. From time to time she turned her head and he could see her profile, the sweep of her lashes against the light blush of her cheek, her lip caught between her teeth while she worked.

Jaye clenched the pen and closed his eyes. His body responded to each thought of Allyn, grew tighter with each glance in her direction, more sensitive with each passing moment.

Standing abruptly, he startled Allyn. She turned to him, eyes filled with questions. "I need fresh air. I'll be back."

Did she nod gratefully before turning back to her computer? Dropping his papers on the couch, he silently left the room, found the small kitchen and the back door.

A small backyard overflowed with flowers. Tiny plots were interspersed with prolific vegetables. Some he knew, but there were many plants he didn't recognize; yet they seemed familiar. The scents of blossoms and herbs surrounded him. He felt at home. Almost home, he admitted to himself. Almost, but not quite.

Wandering a few minutes, he studied the flowers, but soon realized every bloom, every scent reminded him of Allyn. His taut muscles refused to relax and give him relief so he returned to the kitchen door. A small clock was visible through the screen. It was late afternoon. His stomach grumbled, adding to his discomfort. Thinking back, he realized he hadn't eaten since lunch the day before, so he stepped into the kitchen and quietly opened the refrigerator. Then he searched through the cupboards, pulling out cans and packages and setting them on the counter.

With Allyn doing so much to help him with Mina's party, the least he could do was fix her a meal--with her ingredients, of course. Soon, he had a small pot of sauce simmering while a larger pot filled with water sat on a burner waiting for heat and pasta. A return trip to the garden filled a bowl with an interesting selection of lettuces and other greens to be tossed together for a salad. He set the small table and took a deep breath before turning toward the workroom.

Allyn was still bent over the keyboard, so he paused to glance at the framed photographs on one wall. Family pictures showed many generations. A stab of jealousy-- and pain--shot through him. She was lucky to know so much of her family, while he knew nothing. Derrik's tale came to his mind, but he forced it away. He was too old to believe in fantasies and fairy tales, too realistic to believe his parents cared for him even though they abandoned him when he was only a tiny child. What parent could do such a thing to a child they professed to love?

Jaye tore his thoughts away from the image and focused his attention on a grouping of framed certificates. There were various awards for Allyn's art. One certificate stood out, double matted and centered amidst the other awards. Jaye recognized the name of a prestigious art fellowship at the local university. The swirling calligraphy of Allyn's name increased and enhanced the importance of the award.

He read through the certificate and jerked his head back in disbelief at the date. It was twenty years old. A question slipped from his lips. "This fellowship from the university? How old were you when you received it? Twelve?"

Allyn answered automatically. "No. I had just turned twenty-two."

She stopped short, breath held in panic. Now he'd be able to figure out her age. Now, there was no hope. Slowly turning her head to watch him, she wanted to crawl inside herself for protection against his new knowledge. Her forehead wrinkled and she waited for the blow to fall.

Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, Jaye cocked his head from side to side as he continued to examine the certificate. Finally, when her nerves were near the breaking point, he spoke. "Hmmm. That makes you thirteen years older than me. I never would have guessed it."

A pleasant smile lit his face as he turned to her. "Is that invitation about done?"

Lowering her eyes, Allyn tried desperately to keep the shaking in her voice from matching the quivering in her belly. "Yes. If you want to check the inside information, I can print it out."

He waved his hand at her. "I trust you. As long as Mina gave me the right stuff." Tiny crinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes when he smiled. "Now, do you realize, we have not eaten all day? I, for one, am starving. So I took the liberty of raiding your kitchen and garden. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes."

"I'll be ready." Her slight hesitation seemed to last for hours. "I'll get the printer set up and join you in the kitchen."

"Good." Jaye winked, turned, and left the room.

Her eyes tightly closed against the sting of unshed tears, Allyn sank back into her chair. How long would it be before those thirteen years sunk in and he left? She knew he'd find out. She had just hoped it wouldn't be this soon. Life would be so very empty when he left. With a deep sigh, and a sniff to pull back her tears, she turned to the computer. Her stiff motions and heavy keystrokes sent the invitation to the printer.

Allyn hesitated at the kitchen door feeling every one of her forty-three years. Especially when thoughts of the vital young man waiting for her snuck past her recently constructed defenses. Gripping the doorframe with her hand, she closed her eyes and made a silent plea for him not to leave so very soon. Bravely squaring her shoulders, she stepped into the kitchen.

The sun had fallen low enough to bathe the pleasant room in shadows. The small round table near the back door flickered with the light of a collection of small candles. Mouth open, she stepped closer. A centerpiece, small enough to fit the tiny table, spilled from a clay pot lying on its side. Mismatched plates and tableware suddenly appeared perfect together. Another step closer and she touched the silky scarf used as a table runner.

"Do you like my tablescape?" Startled by Jaye's deep voice, she stepped back onto his foot.

Whirling, she watched Jaye jump back and hop dramatically on one foot. Waving away her apologies, he stopped hopping, leaned over with his hands on his knees and laughed until Allyn's giggle joined him. Still bent over, he looked up at her. "You may have to help me to the table though."

Immediately contrite, she rushed to his side and looped one arm about his trim waist. He wrapped one arm securely around her shoulders. Together they walked the few steps to the table. Allyn pulled back as far as he would allow with his arm tightly around her. "You're not hurt."

"No," he admitted, "but I will be if you don't allow this." Pulling her closer, he nestled her against his chest. The strength of his fingers slid into her hair and pulled at the thick elastic band until it slipped from her ponytail and allowed her hair to fall about her shoulders. The back of his fingers burned over her flushed cheek and across her dry lips.

This was what she wanted, what she had hoped for since they stepped into her house. Allyn trembled, and parting her lips, scraped Jaye's knuckle lightly with her teeth. The sharp intake of his breath and the subtle pressure of his hand in her hair tipped her head back. It was so easy to be captured by the dark chocolate depths of his eyes.

Drawn into the deep, velvety brown, she leaned forward and let her eyelids drift closed. Jaye's breaths were soft against her cheek. After an eternity of waiting, his head lowered and their lips touched. Firm lips moved against hers, gently at first and then with increasing urgency.

A moan vibrated deep in Allyn's throat, escaping when Jaye's tongue slid against hers. He swallowed the sound to mingle it with the short rumble of his own pleasure. Day old stubble prickled her palms when they lifted to his face.

Somehow she managed to pull back slightly and open her eyes. Jaye was watching her, his eyes heavy lidded and lightly glazed. As her fingers stretched into his hair and she tugged to bring his lips back to hers, Jaye's spiky lashes fell to his cheeks. Using the gentlest of pressures he molded their bodies together.

The firm ridge of his desire pressed against her belly. Swaying against him, she was empowered by his throbbing response. Her hands slid down his sides to his waist and with only a twitch of her fingers, brought his hips minutely closer to hers. She sighed into his mouth. Here was the ability to control her destiny for even this short moment. The feeling grew into power-filled tingling, sending electric shocks along her skin. For this night, she would surrender to the power.

A sizzling hiss intruded on Allyn's hazy reality. She leaned back, gazed at Jaye's still closed eyes and parted lips. Confused, she cocked her head to listen. The hissing continued and a cloud of steam rolled from the stove.

Jaye's eyes popped open and his head whipped toward the stove. "My pasta." In his rush to the stove, he left Allyn alone and strangely bereft in the center of the room. Shoving the pot off the burner, he twisted the knob and the partially extinguished gas flames disappeared.

Shaking his head and blowing on his fingers, Jaye faced her. "I never learn. Luckily, the pasta isn't ruined. I just made a big mess...and burned my fingers."

Allyn cried out softly and reached for Jaye's hand. He winced when she took it carefully between her own hands. A blister was puffing on one fingertip, and the others were red and hot. Allyn let his hand lay against her palm and held her other hand hovering over the burned fingers. Her eyelids drifted closed as a gasp passed her lips and pain filled her face.

There was a sudden loss of the burning in his fingers. When Allyn's hand moved from his, he looked down at barely pink skin and no blister. Allyn's eyes opened wide to his searching gaze.

"What did you do, Allyn? Are you a witch?"

"I am no witch." Jerking away, she turned a stiff back to him. "Don't ever use that word to me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Please, don't turn away."

Tears filled her eyes and her shoulders drooped. "Why did you call me a witch?"

Jaye touched her shoulders carefully and when she didn't move away he wrapped her in his embrace. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Why did you call me that?" The catch in Allyn's voice tore vicious shreds in Jaye's heart.

"An old girl friend liked to play at being what she called a pagan. She always had rocks and candles together like you do in the other room. Then, you healed my burned fingers."

"I didn't heal them, I'm not a healer. I've always been empathic, able to absorb minor pains and negative emotions from others." She sniffed. "And I enjoy surrounding myself with rocks and other natural things I pick up on walks."

"Em...empathic." Jaye tried out the word. "I've heard of that, but never really thought much about the possibility of it being real." She stiffened, so he rushed to reassure her. "Now that I've experienced it, I can see the truth of the concept. But why does wi...that word bother you so much?"

Allyn shook her head. "I really don't know. It frightens me, like sometime in the past I had been called..." She gulped. "...witch. It must have hurt me then, for it really hurts now."

"I had no idea. I don't ever want to hurt you, love."

"I know. I'm sorry for reacting so strongly." Although she stepped back, she let Jaye keep his hands at her waist while she gave a shaky laugh. "Is supper ruined?"

Sorrow and reluctance were evident in his eyes and the tight line of his jaw when Jaye let her loose and moved to the stove. Stirring the noodles with a wooden spoon, he spoke over his shoulder. "Sit down, your server will be with you in a moment."

Mutely, Allyn nodded at his back. Crossing the short distance to the table, she sat facing him and fiddled with the silverware. Jaye tested and drained the pasta before sopping up the boil over with half a roll of paper towels. How could he be so unaffected? She could barely breathe.

The tingling returned until her whole body was alive with strange electricity. She knew he wanted...She leaned on the table and put her head in her hands.

Jaye mentally slapped his forehead. Stupid. He should have turned the stove off before...before that happened. He could have made love to her there on the kitchen floor. Not the best impression to make. A tremor traveled up Jaye's arm and along his spine to pool in his groin. It was as if he had touched an exposed electrical wire and he barely controlled the urge to shudder. _Allyn, what you do to me_.

"Well, such as it is, dinner is ready." Jaye scooped the pasta onto two plates and ladled sauce over them. He plastered a determined smile on his face and hoped to cover his uncertainty. He picked up the plates and turned to see Allyn hurriedly lift her head from her hands and clasp her fingers in front of her.

After placing the plates on the table, Jaye paused before sitting down across from her. Her knuckles were white and she wrung her hands before she hid them in her lap. Man, he'd blown this one. Jaye took a deep breath, and let it out slowly while he tried and rejected different ways to handle this uncomfortable situation.

"Allyn. Allyn, look at me." Slowly, she lifted her eyes. Moisture glistened on her heavy lashes. God, he'd made her cry.

He reached out to her, but her hands stayed in her lap. There was a moment of hesitation before she met his gaze again. A flash of blue crossed her eyes but disappeared so quickly Jaye wasn't sure he'd really seen it. Wariness crept into her expression. He pulled his hand back to make the long journey back across the tiny table.

"I apologize if I overstepped any boundary, Allyn. But I will not apologize for how I feel. Or for how you make me feel. I will wait."

Allyn's thoughts tumbled over each other. But how did he feel? Did he feel sorry for the old maid grasping at any chance for happiness? Was he only thankful she was helping his business out of a tough bind? Did he have any idea what he did to her? Did she want him only because he was something she couldn't have?

His hands lying palm down on each side of his plate, Jaye waited patiently. Emotions flicked through his eyes, tumbling over each other like her thoughts. Finally, she gave up trying to make sense of it all and smiled tentatively. Relief glowed in his face when her smile returned.

"Jaye, you crossed no boundary I didn't want crossed."

## Ten

Allyn and Jaye ate in silence with the air charged by unreleased tension. Powerful electricity shocked through Allyn each time their knees touched under the small round table. It was all she could do to keep from jumping up and racing from the room. The meal both flew by and dragged along infinitesimally.

When she lay her fork aside, Jaye rose and silently cleared the table, rinsed the dishes and set them in the sink. He lifted the small jar of instant coffee Allyn kept on hand. "Coffee?"

"I never could tolerate the stuff. The smell of freshly ground beans is wonderful, but the taste..." Allyn shuddered. "Be my guest."

Whistling a Disney tune under his breath, Jaye filled a kettle with water and set it on the burner. The whistling grew louder and more discordant until Allyn made a small sound of dismay. He looked back over his shoulder and grinned when she covered her ears with her hands. Winking, he turned toward her, took a deep breath and started to whistle again. This time the tones were rich and mellow, the melody flowing smoothly from his pursed lips. He leaned against the edge of the counter and lifted his eyebrow.

Allyn rose, shook a finger at him and started across the room. "I'd better make sure the printer did what it was supposed to do. It's about as slow as my modem. Why don't you take your coffee out to the deck and I'll join you in a few minutes."

Just as she entered the workroom, the ancient printer whined and spit out a second copy of the invitation. Already missing the electricity being near Jaye created, she stared blankly at the colorful sheet. How could she miss something that frightened her so much?

Forcing herself to focus on the printer tray, she picked up the top copy and peered closely at it. It looked fine. Placing the second sheet back to back with the first, she lay the invitation on her worktable and used a straight edge to mark a sharp crease to fold the pages. Nodding with satisfaction, she held the completed invitation up to the light. Once trimmed by the professional printer, it should pass inspection.

Allyn took a deep breath. It was time to show the boss. There were no doubts about her work, but doubts flourished and swirled concerning her feelings and her relationship with Jaye. Relationship?

Before she could give herself time to think the implications of the word through, she marched to the kitchen, out the back door and let the screen bang behind her.

Jaye flipped his cell phone closed and slipped it back into his pocket. Perched on the top step of the deck, he leaned back on his elbows and glanced over his shoulder, an easy smile welcoming her.

"Tommy has everything under control, planned down to the last detail. All contingent on Mina's approval, of course."

Allyn held the invitation out to Jaye. "Add this to the for approval list."

The pages fluttered in the light breeze as he swiped at them. The light from the candles he moved from the kitchen and arranged on the deck gave him enough light to examine the invitation thoroughly.

"Very nice. I'm sure Mina will approve. I really appreciate your help. This party could be a huge boost to the business."

"Thank you." Allyn smiled and made a tentative observation. "You seem more relaxed now."

He stretched and stood. Taking a few steps to the back door, he reached inside to lay the invitation on the counter. Gathering Allyn's hand on his return, he led her to the steps and tugged her down to sit next to him. "I am. Tommy does an excellent job. Keeps me and the business in check and under control."

"He admires you a great deal."

"Yes. I know. I don't think I deserve it. I just had the right idea at the right time in the right place. Honestly, I couldn't have made the business work without him. And yes, I've told him so--many times."

Allyn leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her knees. Rolling her shoulders to ease the tension, she looked out over her gardens. It was time to try to prod Jaye's memory.

"Tell me about your family."

"Tommy and the business are my family."

She looked back at him and lifted one eyebrow. Candlelight flickered highlights and shadows on one side of his face. Sadness hovered briefly in his eyes and then they turned cold and emotionless.

"I was abandoned when less than a year old. The authorities never found any clue to who my parents were. For whatever reason, I was never adopted, but I did live with one set of foster parents from age ten on. They were older, more like grandparents than parents. They retired to Arizona and I don't hear from them often."

"I'm..."

The anger flashing across his face stopped her cold. "Do not say you're sorry." His gaze fell to his hands, clasped tightly between his knees. "I've had enough of that my entire life. I can't imagine the kind of people who would leave a child alone in a park. I guess I should consider myself lucky I wasn't tied in a sack and dumped on the side of the road."

Bitterness colored the cool evening. This complicated matters. How was she going to influence memories of parents he obviously hated? She took a slow, shaky breath and cringed before she spoke again.

"Perhaps they had good reasons to leave you."

"What good motive could there be to abandon a baby? They left a child who nobody ever really wanted. A child who could depend on no one but himself. A child too young to understand the cruelties of being alone. What kind of people could do that?"

"Sometimes there are circumstances..."

"There are no circumstances to excuse such an action. But I've proven I can make it on my own, despite my beginnings." Jaye pounded his fist against an open palm. He glanced at Allyn's wide eyes and stopped in the middle of a breath. Lowering his hands, he tried to smile. "Don't get me started. Let's talk about something else. Like your family."

"Mine?" Allyn's voice squeaked.

Jaye nodded but realized she was looking across the yard to a far corner of the garden and not at him. "You have lots of family photographs. Another thing I missed out on."

The soft response was barely audible above the rising calls of the night insects. "I was raised mostly by my grandmother. My parents died when I was five."

"I'm sorry. What happened?"

"They had a cabin in Colorado. We always went there for vacations and holidays. One day the cabin caught fire. My parents thought I was inside and they both rushed in to save me. The roof collapsed." Allyn paused. The usual knot of tears tightened her throat. A breeze blew the flame from one of the candles and the smell of burning wafted across Allyn's memory. Her breath caught and she tried not to sob. After a few deep breaths she was able to continue.

"I had wandered off into the trees and gotten lost. Derrik found me and returned me to the cabin. But by then it was smoldering ruins."

Jaye wrapped his arms around her and softly kissed her hair. She leaned toward him, sinking into the offered comfort. "I still feel it's my fault they died so horribly." A tear traced a damp path down her cheek. "And they didn't even know I was safe."

"Even though your parents might not have known in this life, I am sure their spirits knew. And were glad." He brushed the tear away with a gentle swipe from his fingertip.

Surprised by the tender sentiments, Allyn tried to smile through her welling tears. "Thank you."

But the tears fell anyway and he snuggled her back into an embrace and whispered soft nonsense syllables meant to comfort. When the tears slowed, he captured her chin with his palm, angled her face toward his and touched her lips softly with his own.

Allyn tensed but did not pull away. Jaye continued the sensuous assault until she melted into his kiss. Her hands lifted and her fingers became lost in his thick hair. When her mouth opened beneath his, he broke the kiss and pulled back.

"Oh."

"I don't want to take advantage of your sorrow in that way."

Wonder made her eyes wide. "Oh," she said again as disappointment flooded through her. She unlaced her fingers from his hair and clasped them tightly in her lap.

Jaye took one of her hands and placed a slow, luxurious kiss in her palm. His warm breath made her quiver. After he lowered their joined hands between them, he released a slow breath of his own.

"Derrik found you in the woods? He couldn't have been much older than you."

"Derrik was very much as he is now. His people are much longer lived than we are. Small children are rare to them so I suppose he felt he needed to protect me. He has been there for me for all of my life."

"Not this Faerie nonsense again? How long did it take you and Derrik to come up with this silliness?"

Allyn yanked her hand from his. Sliding away, she turned to face him squarely. "It is not nonsense."

"I suppose you're going to tell me now that you have been to this other place."

"I have."

"Uh-huh." Disbelief clouded Jaye's features. "You don't need to go on with this, Allyn. It was entertaining for a while, but I outgrew fairytales a long time ago. I don't buy that I'm half Faerie, left in the mortal world to find my own way so I could make an informed decision about my future."

He jerked to his feet and paced out into the yard, snapped a bloom from one of the tall plants and shook it at her. "I suppose you're going to tell me that just because I don't recognize this flower, it is a plant from some other dimension."

Allyn hung her head. Jaye stomped back to her. "Am I to assume in all those times you've been to this fairyland, you've met my parents? And they thought their reasons for abandoning me were justified?"

Slowly lifting her head, Allyn couldn't force herself to meet his eyes. She nodded instead, not trusting her voice.

"Come off it, Allyn." Jaye turned away to stand with his legs spread wide, his fists on his hips.

Sudden, intense irritation with Jaye's attitude flooded through Allyn. Wincing at the stiffness in her knee, she struggled to her feet. "I'm not going to sit out here and fight with you about it. I know my truths. I think deep inside, you know them too." Her voice was pitched low, forced through stiff lips. She left the deck and gave the screen door a jerk so it slammed satisfyingly behind her.

And seethed until she reached the workroom. It would be gratifying to break something so she reached for a pottery candleholder. A rueful laugh passed her lips and she drew her hand back leaving the pottery in one piece. He would believe--or he would not believe. In any case, it didn't matter to her. Not one bit.

Jaye stood in the middle of the yard, the large blossom hanging limply from his fingers. The screen shuddered from the force of Allyn's passage. His mouth popped open and he shrugged at the door as if to say, 'What?'

Disgusted, he tossed the flower to the ground and wiped his fingers on his pant leg. He certainly had not expected to be standing outside, alone, after a fight. Questioning Derrik's story had overstepped another shadowy boundary. Evidently, Allyn believed the tale. Shaking his head, he sighed. He couldn't seem to stop saying or doing the wrong thing whenever Allyn was around. Another example of how real life certainly wasn't like his dreams.

He took a few steps and then paused, wondering if he should give her a little time to cool down. So he sat on the step and braced his elbows on his knees. Bending forward, he massaged the back of his neck and rubbed his hands through his hair. The ends, lifted from his head, moved in the soft breeze.

He counted slowly to fifty. Then counted again. A short huff of breath was expelled when he stood. He pinched out the candle flames one by one and entered the house sucking on his re-burned finger. A colorful sheet of paper fluttered to the floor. Bending to retrieve the invitation, he laid it back on the counter, but paused with his hand on the page. Maybe this would help break the ice. No, he needed to do this by himself, without props.

Knowing Allyn would have retreated to the safety of her workspace, he stopped in the doorway and let an elusive fragrance fill his nostrils. Caressing the air around him, a thin stream of smoke rose from a tiny bowl. Allyn stood with her back to the door, looking out the large windows at the rising moon. Stiff backed, her arms were wrapped tightly about herself. Jaye took the final step into the room.

"I shouldn't have acted that way. I meant for this to be a pleasant evening."

Allyn's arms slipped to her sides when her shoulders lifted in a small shrug. "I know. It's a tale few would believe. I shouldn't have expected you to understand so quickly."

"I've always tried to keep my feet planted firmly in reality. As a child I had too many dreams of what my life could have been like. It's too late now to start believing any of them."

Allyn continued to stare out the window and Jaye wished he could see her face, even if only as a reflection in the clear glass. "I understand. So much of my life has been spent in what others consider fantasy, it is difficult for me to remember not everyone believes as easily as I do."

Jaye took a step forward, his hands lifting even with his waist. His words were whispered. "I wish I could believe."

"You do. Within your heart is your belief."

Silver chains of dreams and unfulfilled hopes pulled him into her fantasy world. His feet dragged on the braided rug as he took another step toward her. Reaching, begging, his hands lifted higher. Words were the merest brush of air past his lips. "Help me, Allyn. Help me believe."

The reply was soft as a sigh. "Yes. I will."

She turned around, lifting her eyes to his. There was a moment of strained silence between them before she covered her mouth with her hand, squinted at him and giggled.

Jaye took a swift step back, his arms dropping to his sides with a soft slap. Consternation drew his brows together. "Look, Allyn. I meant what I said. I don't think this is a laughing matter. I..."

Apology swept before her as Allyn closed the distance between them. "Your hair is sticking out all over your head. What have you been doing?" She giggled again and the sound filled a place within Jaye he didn't realize was empty, didn't even know was there. She smoothed the hair on the top of his head and let her hand slide softly down behind his ear and onto his shoulder.

Jaye couldn't resist the invitation lurking in the depths of her eyes any more than he could deny the desire rising below his waist. "My hair is not important," he growled and pulled her against him. Her startled gasp was a feather light touch against his cheek. Her fingers traced their way back through his hair to disturb the waves she had just smoothed.

His hand at her waist drew her closer. The other cradled the back of her head, where Jaye curled his fingers into the silk of her hair. He tilted her head back gently to look again into her remarkable eyes. The invitations within their violet depths become the willing acceptance of her desire, and her eyes burned with blue flame.

After Jaye lowered his eyes to her slightly parted lips, his mouth was drawn to hers for the softest of touches. She quivered beneath the caress.

A crescent of lashes lay against the soft curves of her cheeks and her lips parted to whisper his name. He had been wrong. The chains binding him were not silver. Instead they were forged of sparkling blue flame.

Savoring the feel of her in his arms, Jaye teased her lips with his tongue and nipped at the fullness with gentle teeth. He groaned when her small hand trailed heat to the side of his face. He sought to slow the desire, but when the heated silk of her tongue met his, uncontrollable wildfires raged though him. Like an arsonist, he craved fire and stoked the flames with the deft dance of his tongue, until the heat was too much and he tore himself away, gasping for breath.

Allyn's eyes popped open. Her fingers flexed, trying to ease Jaye's mouth back to hers. Their ragged breathing was harsh in the quiet room and his chest rose and fell against her sensitive nipples. When she leaned into his arms, he eased away.

Startled, she took a shaky step back. Jaye's eyes were closed, his face tight as he fought for control. But control was the last thing Allyn wanted. "Jaye?"

He rocked back on his heels and took her hands in his when they slid from his shoulders to his chest. Holding her fingers over his heart, he kept his eyes tightly closed. Allyn tipped her head to one side and looked past him to the wall where her awards hung. Glaring in the spotlight of her fear was the certificate he had asked about earlier. The reason he knew how much older she was. Panicked, she struggled to move away.

"Don't." Allyn froze at the soft word. Jaye's hands gripped hers more tightly. Easing closer, she tried to read the emotions behind his closed eyelids. It was minutes, hours, or heartbeats later when Jaye opened his eyes and smiled tentatively, looking so like a hopeful little boy she couldn't restrain a smile in return.

The moon's reflection glistened in his eyes when Jaye turned his face to the window. She knew the decision had been made.

Expecting nothing more than good-bye, she held her breath. She was prepared. Although she tried again to slip her hands from his, he held them firmly for a moment before he let them go. Her palms flattened against his chest just over his racing heart and tried to imprint the feel of him into her memory, storing it away before he left her.

His voice remained rough and husky even after Jaye cleared his throat. "If we were in a movie this would be where I carry you off to the bedroom."

Allyn didn't understand; she couldn't have heard him correctly. She must have given him a strange look for he stepped back, disappointment filling his face and dulling his eyes. Allyn took a deep breath and an even bigger chance. "That would be foolish."

Despondent, the faint hope still lighting his face faded and his shoulders slumped. Allyn thought her heart would break. Stepping close to lay one hand on his shoulder, she leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his arm. The soft stubble on his cheek tickled her lips as she brought them close to his ear. "I can walk."

Allyn took Jaye's hand and led him from her workroom. Changing expressions flew across his face while she directed him through the front parlor.

First, he was bewildered, as if having difficulty putting the meaning to her whispered words. Then, astonishment dawned in his eyes, pulling his somber lips into a grin. By the time they reached the top of her narrow staircase, desire had once again darkened his eyes to midnight black.

Allyn led him to her bedroom door and paused. Was this really what he wanted or was she reading her own desires into his actions? How could she consider this? How much pain was she setting herself up for?

Placing his hands on her shoulders, Jaye moved her gently, bringing her back into his embrace. By smoothing his hands up and down her arms, he created tremors that threatened to fully collapse her already watery knees. Kisses were pressed into her hair. She felt him inhale deeply then exhale with a sigh, his breath stirring her hair softly.

"Your hair smells like..." Jaye nuzzled her hair. "It's indescribable, like nothing I've smelled before, yet so very familiar."

Allyn canted her head to one side. Jaye's lips traveled from her hair to her neck. She could barely speak. "It's a rinse made from flowers and herbs. Your mo...a friend blends it just for me."

The reply was muffled against her neck. "It's perfect." His hands slid to her waist and eased their way slowly to her ribcage. She couldn't catch her breath, every muscle tensed, waiting. Jaye's fingers traced the underside of her breasts and tickled their way to the sensitive tips. Arching her back pushed her pebbled nipples into his palms. Her head fell back against his shoulder; her eyes closed.

Jaye kissed the corner of her mouth. His lips rested against her cheek while his palms drew tiny circles of fire from her nipples. She felt him smile.

Mischief warred with desire in eyes dark as a stormy night sky when he turned her to face him. The smile grew sultry and he waggled his eyebrows. "Is this where I sweep you off your feet?"

Allyn slapped his shoulder lightly. With an exaggerated stage wink, he clicked his tongue twice against his teeth. When he looked ready to growl suggestively at her, Allyn shook her head and turned away, only to look back over her shoulder and mimic his wink.

After flipping on the light, Allyn turned to him and folded her arms over her chest to watch his reactions as he entered her room. She'd spent a long time planning this room, and it had taken even longer to realize that vision.

She'd painted the walls a medium lavender and sponge painted a lighter shade over the base paint. But the crowning glory--and her personal pride and joy--was the Celtic knot border she had designed and painted around the top of the walls. She smiled when Jaye took a step and reached out to touch the wall. And, when his fingers traced up the wall, she shivered.

"This is amazing."

"Thank you." She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled a fluffy pillow across her lap. Allyn fell into a lecture mode to cover the nervous weakness of her voice. "I love the colors. Knot designs were originally created to represent continuity, longevity. The seamless circle is for eternity."

His arm still extended up the wall, Jaye turned his head toward her. "I know. I attended both of your seminars, remember?"

Heat bloomed across her cheeks. "Sorry. I've had to defend my artistic choices many times. Now, I can't imagine this room any other way."

Jaye pointed to his thigh and grinned. "Defend artistic choices? I wouldn't know anything about that." He moved to the dresser and lit the candles grouped there. Returning across the small room, he shut the door gently, but paused before turning out the light.

The bed dipped in a strangely satisfactory manner when he sat next to her, kicked off his shoes and touched her hand. "No boundaries?"

Allyn trembled and shook her head. The candlelight reflecting in the mirror cast a warm glow about the room. Jaye's hair still stuck out in places; she lifted her hand to smooth the tousled waves. He pressed his head into her palm and closed his eyes, so she traced the curve of his ear with her finger.

Tremors ran through her, carrying desire to every fiber of her being. She shifted on the bed, curled her legs up and pushed Jaye to his back. Tracing the planes and angles of his face and brushing her fingers lightly over his lowered lashes filled her with longing. His eyes slid open and a sultry smile sent waves of heat raging through her.

Jaye pulled her down by his side to mirror her caresses. Soon the touch of hands was not enough and he added his lips to his explorations. Kisses trailed along the smooth shell of her ear and onto her neck, and then moved gently to her closed eyelids and the tip of her nose.

Allyn slid her hands across his back and tugged frantically at his shirt until she could slip her hands beneath it. The friction of skin against skin fired the heat that swirled up her arms and wound its way though her body until she burned with need. She had to feel all of Jaye's skin against hers.

He slid his lips from hers and she moaned softly in denial. The air separating their bodies was too cool and she reached to pull him back. Stopping her hands with his, he branded each palm with a kiss. Her heavy eyelids lifted when Jaye crawled from the bed. She watched him rip at his clothes and sighed happily when the mattress once again dipped with his weight.

When she reached for the buttons on her blouse, Jaye pushed her hands away, shook his head and lay her back against the pillows. With agonizing slowness, he loosened the buttons, and nipped her skin lightly as he exposed each inch. Every nip was followed with a soothing caress from his tongue or the press of his firm lips. Raking her nails over his back, she wriggled impatiently while he undressed her.

Finally, he moved above her and settled between her legs. The tip of his erection rubbed insistently against her, increasing the burning ache. Running one foot along his calf, she arched to him.

But, he would not quench the fire. Instead, he traced the aureoles of her nipples with soft, heated breaths of air. His tongue circled the swollen tips and his perfect teeth grazed her skin as he moved from one breast to the other. She pressed upward, clutching at his shoulders until he took one pebbled peak into his mouth and suckled gently. The soft movements of his tongue and teeth drew the breath from her in gasps and moans. He cupped her other breast and slid the pad of his thumb back and forth across the dusky tip.

Allyn lifted her leg across Jaye's buttocks and pressed him to her. His shaft twitched against her wetness and she opened herself fully to him. One of his hands left her breast, slid down her side and up her thigh. He lifted his head. "Slowly."

Frustration shivered along her skin. "No."

"Yes." He gave a wicked laugh and continued his exquisite torture by moving his hand from her thigh to slip between them. Probing fingers touched the center of her heat, the unquenched source of the fire. She gasped and clung to his shoulders. His touch was gentle, circling, stroking and flicking the fire higher.

The death grip she had on his shoulders tightened until he gave a grunt of pain. Embarrassed, she relaxed her hands to splay them across his back. When she opened her mouth to apologize, waves of tingling heat shook her body. Jerking her head to the side, she tried to muffle the cries against her upper arm.

The delightful movement of his hand froze. "Don't." Allyn bit her lip and forced herself to look at his eyes blazing with an inferno of sparkling blue flame. Breathless, he forced the words through taut lips. "Let me hear your pleasure."

His finger entered her. He withdrew the finger and slid wetness over the firm nub of her desire. The thumb continued teasing while the finger slid deep within her. His finger moved and her answering moan escalated to a sharp cry. Jaye's lips relaxed to a smile of lazy satisfaction. He lifted his hips slightly and slid up her body to capture her mouth. He swallowed her cries, mingling them with his own.

Allyn twisted her lips from his. She couldn't breathe, was beyond all thought. Except one. Her head whipped back and forth, evading his searching lips. "Jaye, please."

Bracing himself on his elbows, Jaye lifted his hands to the sides of her face to hold her. "Look at me."

Allyn's eyes locked onto his burning gaze. Only the harmony of their labored breathing filled the silence.

With a slight adjustment of his hips, Jaye slid slowly into her welcoming embrace. Together they gasped, and stared at each other, eyes glazed and wide. Holding himself still and shaking with the effort, Jaye lowered his mouth to hers. Allyn's tongue met his and danced into his mouth even as she arched her back and wrapped her legs around his hips to take him more deeply into her.

Moving together, meeting each thrust, they coaxed the flames higher than Allyn thought possible without physically bursting into flame. Jaye's breath exploded across her cheek in rhythm with their fiery dance; his short cries echoed into her kisses.

She was whirling, spinning out of control. Her hands moved restlessly, but she was unable to touch enough of Jaye to satisfy the flames. The spinning tightened to a spiral, centered on their joining. She clenched her lips against the rising sound of completion, but Jaye kissed them open, letting the sound escape. Her body contracted, pulling him even deeper to touch the core of her desire.

Throwing his head back, Jaye thrust again. The muscles in his neck filled with the strain of pleasure. "A-lynn." His eyes lowered to hold her pleasured gaze.

They met in a fierce, final thrust. The spiral burst, bathing them in flame. Blue sparks flew around them, tingling Allyn's overly sensitive skin wherever they landed. She welcomed the burning, just as she welcomed Jaye's soft healing kisses.

Jaye rolled to his side and molded her to him. His hands traced across her side and back, cooling where they had so recently burned. With one arm curled under her head she watched his eyes grow heavy, the depths once more only a deep golden brown.

"Allyn?"

She stroked his forehead pushing his damp hair back. His eyes fell closed. "Hmmm?"

There was no answer, and she smiled indulgently. Perhaps tonight he would sleep with no dreams. She hoped she could do that much for him. Pulling an edge of the rumpled quilt over him, she kissed his cheek softly. "Mo ghaol ort."

Jaye nestled into the pillow and mumbled sleepily. "I love you, too."

## Eleven

The sun peeked through the skylight over Allyn's bed. A bright patch crept across the quilt and filled the room with early morning light. When the light touched her face, Allyn opened her eyes. Stretching languorously, her body aching pleasantly, she reached to one side. Her hand brushed the empty space beside her.

She jerked fully awake, sat up and held the quilt tightly to her chest. Anxiously, she searched the room; Jaye's clothes still lay in a jumbled pile in the middle of the floor. A soft, relieved breath escaped her lips as she lay back into the pillows. She smiled at the muted sounds of the shower filtering through the wall.

Jaye stepped into the claw foot tub and pulled the shower curtain around it. He adjusted the water temperature and let the massaging spray undulate against his body. Curious, he shuffled through the small bottles lining a shelf hanging from the showerhead. He lifted one to peer through the spray at the tiny flowers suspended in the liquid.

He glanced around quickly and opened the bottle. The concentrated fragrance escaped to swirl around him. It was Allyn. Memories blossomed of his hands in her hair, of the times they had loved during the night. His body tightened and grew heavy, aching to experience those moments again. After turning the faucets off, he shook his head, sending water droplets flying. He reached through the shower curtain for a towel and stepped from the tub.

_Oh my God_. He sat with a wet plop on the cold edge of the tub, his desire suddenly gone. _We didn't use anything last night. How could I be so stupid? What if._..Jaye shook his head. Stupid.

He rubbed the towel roughly over his body. How irresponsible was he? Where had his head been? He glanced down. Obviously not on his shoulders. The floral scent drifted past him and he inhaled deeply, closing his eyes to visualize Allyn in a forest surrounded by tall, glorious trees. Sun-blonde curls floating in a riotous display around her small head, a tiny girl toddled up to her. Allyn lifted the child high into the air. Laughter rang through the trees.

Jaye grinned to himself. Their daughter was a beautiful child. Their daughter? He shook the vision away only to have it replaced with another. A young man, wearing a kilt made of fabric much like the tartan he purchased, was in that same forest. He carried a dark haired, dark eyed child on his shoulder. Again laughter echoed around the vision. One word etched itself on his mind's eye. _Da?_

After wrapping the towel around his waist, Jaye tucked an end in to keep it secure. It was time to forget the fantasies. This was the real world. He wasn't a part of someone's fantasy, no matter how she might wish it. He glanced in the steamy mirror and smoothed his hair with his fingers. He took a deep breath. It was time to face Allyn.

Waiting her turn in the bathroom, Allyn wrapped herself in a soft robe and sat on the edge of the bed. Even after their night together she felt too shy to enter the small room while he was there. But, she smiled brightly when he entered the bedroom.

Covered only by the towel, he was like an athlete fresh from a race; the few remaining droplets of water in his hair and on his shoulders glistened in the sunlight. The ache in her chest made her realize she was holding her breath so, she exhaled slowly.

"Morning." Her throat was dry and the word cracked. Ducking her head shyly, she looked up at Jaye from under her lashes. He hadn't moved, hadn't smiled, his face closed and set in tense lines. So this was it then.

"Allyn, I'm sorry about last night. It should never have happened like that."

Allyn jerked to her feet and took a halting step toward him. "Sorry?"

At least he had the decency to look contrite. "Things kinda got out of hand. I wasn't thinking."

Sure, not thinking how old she was. What, was he feeling sorry for an old maid? Taking an easy pleasure? This was only what she expected, so why did she feel so...why did she feel?

Crossing her arms and cradling her elbows in her palms, she tried to pretend a nonchalance she couldn't feel. "No boundaries, no regrets." She turned from the tempting sight of him.

"Listen Allyn. I'm trying to apologize here, don't turn away."

"Apology accepted."

"I need to explain..."

A tart response forming on her lips, she whirled to face him. But then she saw his face, and witnessed the regret lingering in his eyes. A need grew inside her, a need to touch him, to kiss away that regret. Her voice softened, but she couldn't disguise the sadness or the pain. "There is no need. I understand."

Confusion clouded Jaye's features. "I don't think you do. I shouldn't have let myself get so out of control."

Allyn cocked her head at him. "You weren't the only one."

"That's no excuse. I should have been..."

An urgent beeping erupted from his pile of clothes. Lifting his finger to hold his place in the conversation, Jaye bent and dug his cell phone from the pile. "What?" he barked into it.

Allyn turned away, trying to take slow, deep breaths to keep from collapsing into tears that would solve nothing. Staring into the mirror, she watched Jaye. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead with the heel of his hand, spoke a few urgent words and flipped the phone closed.

"That was Tommy." Allyn faced him. He dropped the towel and bent to his clothes. "I've got to go. I forgot the appointment with Mina this morning. Thank God Tommy keeps track of me."

She watched silently while he dressed and memorized the planes and firm curves of his body--memories to savor the rest of her life.

"I'll grab the invite on my way out." He crossed to her and absently kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry I have to go, but I might just make it on time. We'll talk later."

The rush toward the stairs halted on the top step and he paused with one hand on the banister. "We need to start the food prep this afternoon. Are you still willing to help?"

"I said I'd be there." Allyn winced at her waspish tones.

Jaye's quizzical expression lasted only a few seconds before he bounded down the stairs. Allyn held her breath until she heard the door close softly behind him.

It wasn't fair. She'd waited too long and now he was gone too soon. One tear slid down her cheek. Then another. A sob shook her shoulders. Wrapping her arms tightly around herself, she stood in the middle of the hall and let the pain shudder through her.

It was much later before Allyn was able to calm herself sufficiently to be able to complete the meditation to call a portal to Faerie. She looked horrible, her eyes swollen and her nose beaming a cherry red. She would not be able to avoid the questions of her friends. But maybe she'd find some comfort there.

Allyn leaned back against the tree and waited. Stephen stepped into the clearing, smiling a welcome. He sobered when he looked into her face. Anger blazed through his eyes.

"Who has done this to you?"

Allyn shook her head. "It's not important."

Stephen spread his legs and planted his fists on his hips. "Oh aye, if not so important, then why cry?"

Not long ago Jaye had faced her with the exact stance, the same flashing anger. "You are a wise man, my friend." She smiled sadly and reached out her hand to him. "I need my family here. Perhaps you can help me see more clearly."

"For that you need Kelene." Stephen relaxed slightly and smiled uncertainly. "I fear her mood has been particularly unpleasant of late." Stephen grimaced comically, forcing a laugh from Allyn.

"Thank you," she gasped after she had stopped laughing.

"'Tis naught but the truth. As her time draws closer, few wish to be near her. But come, she waits to see you. Perhaps you will tell us how long before this unpleasantness is over."

Allyn chuckled at Stephen's earnestness. They walked silently under the massive, ancient trees to the place where Stephen had built a small home. Allyn squinted into the bright light of the treeless clearing. Derrik sat on a bench near the open doorway, reclining against the wall, eyes closed. When they drew nearer he spoke, startling them.

"Allyn? I am glad ye are here. I need to speak with ye." He opened one eye. "Kelene has been looking for ye, Stephen."

"I must go." Stephen rushed into the building. "Kelene?"

Derrik opened his other eye. His gaze swept Allyn from head to toe. "Ye look terrible."

"Always observant, aren't you, Defender?"

"Irritable too."

"This hasn't been one of my better days." Allyn sank to the bench beside him.

"What has the child done?"

Allyn took a deep breath. "Jaye has done nothing."

"Uh-huh."

"Nothing I want to talk about."

"That is acceptable. But, I must talk with ye about him." Derrik leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his eyes darting around the small clearing while he spoke in hushed tones. "The Nechtan-Cattee have increased their efforts and Feidhlim grows in power and influence." He turned his head to Allyn. "It has become verra dangerous for Jaye."

"Dangerous? How?"

"The Nechtan-Cattee would have him renounce Faerie and live as a mortal."

A bitter laugh forced its way between her lips. "That shouldn't be too difficult. He prides himself on being down to earth, discounting any fantasy in life."

"The Nechtan-Cattee would find any," he paused, "any tiny belief as cause to destroy him. Even a childhood belief in the Elf Claus."

Allyn drew back in disbelief. "You're joking."

Derrik's usually merry eyes filled with serious concern and he shook his head. "There are many human beliefs with some root to the Otherworld. The belief may nae lie within this Clan, but Feidhlim would use it to his benefit. And destroy Jaye."

"Wouldn't it be more dangerous for Jaye if he did remember the Clan and believe?"

"By the act of believin' he could call upon the power that is his by right. Feidhlim believes this power to be a danger to the Nechtan-Cattee. They would use any means of destroyin' the child."

"No." Allyn grabbed Derrik's arm. "We can't let that happen."

"Aye, I was countin' on ye feelin' so. Stephen says Jaye was close to the rascal dog, Noid. Perhaps if ye mention a black dog, some memories will return and prompt others. The Queen's blessin' is drawin' to a close. If he doesna remember by the time of his choosin', he willna ever remember."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Aye. It will mean the end of the Alastriona. Ye willna be able to cross the portal. In all probability, the portals will be destroyed. As will Stephen, Kelene an' all they love in Faerie. An' Jaye. The Nechtan-Cattee will take no chances an' all traces of human kind will be wiped from the Clan's memory."

"I understand all that, but I want no further part in any tricks to jog Jaye's memory. I want nothing more to do with it."

Derrik looked at her without turning his head. "Ye delude yerself, Allyn."

"I do not." Jerking to her feet, Allyn crossed her arms and stamped one foot. "I refuse to be involved."

"But ye are. Deeply involved."

Allyn hovered over Derrik and shook her finger at him. With a frustrated huff of breath, she turned her back. "Don't be telling me I'm involved." Her face grew hot while she tried to draw on a righteous anger that succeeded in eluding her. When she turned again to face Derrik's knowing grin, her finger lifted for another tirade.

Suddenly, Stephen appeared in the doorway. Panic lined his face. His gaze twisted from Derrik to Allyn and back again. Derrik jumped to his feet in a defensive posture and whirled to face the door.

"Allyn, 'tis time." Stephen stumbled over his words. "My daughters...my Kelene...help her."

"Kelene is in labor?" Allyn clapped her hands once in joy and rushed past him into the house.

Straightening, Derrik stood with his mouth hanging open until Stephen clasped him on the shoulder. "Aye, 'tis time." He smiled broadly. "Kelene will have no healers, only Allyn. But, I would have them nearby. Will you fetch them?"

A silly grin lit his face as Derrik nodded and ran toward the healer's settlement. Stephen turned back toward the house and nearly fell over the large dog Allyn was shooing out the door.

"Keep this great beast out of here." She shook her finger at Stephen. "He will see his new charges soon enough, but I don't need to be tripping over him every time I turn around."

Stephen knelt and hugged the dog around his thick neck. "And what am I to do?"

Allyn's smile was sympathetic. "You can either come hold your lovely wife's hand or stay out of the way yourself."

She stepped aside quickly, for he leapt into the house and rushed to Kelene's side. Allyn laughed, closed the door in the black dog's face and turned to prepare for the impending births.

Kelene's slim body fought the demands of birthing, making her labor long and hard. Allyn and Stephen remained at her side, wiping the sweat from her face and body. Even though Kelene wrung his hands with strength born of pain, Stephen would not release her fingers and spoke to her softly, trying to distract her from her agonies.

Allyn felt when Derrik returned with the healers and she tried to convince Kelene to allow their magic to reduce the pain. But the laboring Faerie woman continued to refuse their presence. Allyn took much of the pain within herself, but feared it would not be enough. So together the three of them waited and endured.

Stephen held his exhausted wife when the pains wracked her body. Despair filtered into Stephen's eyes but he tried to hide it when he kissed Kelene's damp hair and flushed face.

Using an undeniable force, Kelene pulled Allyn close and spoke, her voice raw and tinged with pain. Allyn had to lean closer to understand.

"Jayezer made you cry, did he not?"

"No. Concentrate on your daughters, Kelene."

"Do not lie to me. You can not hide the fire from me."

"Fire?"

"Aye." A contraction forced a cry of pain past her lips. She panted weakly and pulled on Allyn's hand, dragging her close once again.

"The soul fire. In your eyes. He put it there." She smiled tenderly. "Mothers know."

Allyn paused...and then nodded.

Kelene continued. "Bring him to Faerie. I fear...his love for you will be the only way."

"He does not love me." Unshed tears caused an irritating tickle in Allyn's nose that she tried to rub away with her fingers.

"The fire proves that he...bring him. Promise me." Kelene lifted a shaking hand to Allyn's downcast face and cradled her cheek. "Promise."

Wanting, needing to do anything to ease Kelene, Allyn nodded silently. Kelene returned her nod before glancing at her mate.

"It is time, Stephen."

Allyn placed her hand on Kelene's distended belly and forced her own weakened empathy into the contraction. Kelene was right; it was time.

Stephen lifted Kelene's shoulders while Allyn knelt between her legs. Within moments, a tiny wriggling daughter slipped into her waiting hands. Stephen lay Kelene back and handed Allyn a soft length of plaid. She cut the cord, wrapped the infant and noticed that the tartan was the same pattern as Jaye's. She had barely handed the child to Stephen when Kelene cried out and the second daughter made her appearance. Her first-born sister's cry and the tired laughter of the proud parents echoed the child's mighty squall.

Waiting was beyond hell, even if he did not believe in the concept. Derrik paced in front of the cottage, striding in a small square. The healers stood clustered in a small knot to one side of the clearing. Protecting the doorway, Noid lay with his tongue lolling out one side of his mouth.

The sudden cry of a child pierced the silent clearing, and soon a second cry followed. Derrik froze and turned slowly to face the doorway and was unable to breathe until Stephen appeared, beckoning to the healers. Stephen smiled broadly and raised two fingers to Derrik before returning to the dim interior. Amazed at the event, Derrik sat in the dust. A birth in Faerie was a rare occasion, one to be celebrated and cherished. With the birth of two, the joy should be uncontainable.

However, these children were only half-Faerie, and targets of the Nechtan-Cattee. Stephen's family would need all the protection the Alastriona could give.

There was movement at the edge of the clearing. Slowly, he turned his head as if stretching his neck and shoulders, casually scanning the area. Someone was there, barely hidden by the trees. A second presence remained hidden deeper in the forest.

Searlait poked her head around the tree. Derrik had seen her, for she meant for him to. A subtle movement of an eyelid signaled him. Derrik's brows drew together in denial.

She signaled urgently and was once again denied. Searlait's eyes closed in defeat and she slipped back into the forest, turning toward Feidhlim's headquarters.

Derrik felt her fade into the darkness between the trees. He lowered his head but continued to watch closely. There. A clandestine movement followed Searlait's passage. Derrik reached out with his senses but found the way blocked by magic. He closed his eyes, concentrating. The hidden magical signature indicated the same presence he'd fought with while Jaye was held within the dream.

Close to discovering the identity of the rogue Alastriona, Derrik bunched his muscles to stand.

Stephen appeared again in the doorway. He bent and scratched Noid behind his short ears and invited both Derrik and the dog into the cottage. The dog stood, shook himself and paced regally into the building. Relegating his concerns to the back of his mind, Derrik laughed and followed slowly, stopping by the bench to reach for the bag containing birthing gifts for the newest members of the Clan.

## Twelve

Tommy turned to Jaye and crossed his arms. "You're asking me if I believe in fairies?" A pained laugh passed his twisted lips. "You've got to be joking."

Jaye stopped chopping and lay his knife on the cutting board. "Tell me honestly, what do you think about this crazy story Allyn and Derrik came up with?"

"Are you sure it's a story? I've been thinking about it a lot lately and it explains Derrik. The way he talks, his secretiveness. Did you know he can disappear at a moment's notice?" He shrugged. "I really don't know what to think."

"Why would they create such a story? What would they gain from it?"

"Have you asked Allyn?"

"It was a great way to start an argument."

Tommy lowered his eyes. "I don't feel like I've seen Derrik enough lately to fight."

Picking up the knife, Jaye attacked the nearly pulverized onions. Being so wrapped up in Allyn, he hadn't stopped to see how this was affecting his friend. He put the knife aside again and turned to face Tommy.

"I'm sorry. He seems..."

"He is. But I'm not sure he's as interested as I am. I've been thinking, maybe I should stop seeing him before he drops me."

Tommy had been happy with Derrik, happier than Jaye had ever seen him. He would hate to be the cause of Tommy losing a chance at happiness. Lifting the knife he pointed it at Tommy's chest and gave what he thought was sage advice. "You should give him another chance. Talk to him."

"Have you ever thought of following your own advice?" Tommy's eyebrows lifted and he waited.

"Yeah, well. Thanks for calling me this morning. I had totally forgotten the appointment."

Tommy's eyebrows lifted even higher, disappearing into the fringe of hair falling over his forehead. "I thought you might. What did Mina have to say about the plans?"

"The invites are spectacular. I took them directly to the printer when I left Mina's. After he gets them to her, Mina will have them hand delivered by tomorrow evening. She left the menu totally up to us. We can set up late Thursday afternoon."

"That covers it pretty well. Now that we have effectively changed the subject, do you think our help will show up this afternoon?"

"Allyn said she would. That's all I know."

"And you'll talk to her?"

Jaye grabbed another onion and shook it meaningfully at the young man. "If you talk to Derrik."

Reluctantly, Tommy sighed. "Deal."

Searlait paused at the door to Feidhlim's chambers. She shuddered, dreading the time she spent in the presence of his slobbering lips and lecherous hands. Aye, Derrik would pay for this. Calming herself, she knocked softly and hoped there would be no answer.

"Enter."

She opened the door and stuck her head into the chamber. "My lord, I have news."

"Ah, my dear Searlait. Come, sit and tell me your news."

She refused to notice how Feidhlim patted the lounger and sat before him on the floor. "Kelene has given birth to twin daughters."

Feidhlim's eyebrows shot upward. "Two? Ah, this is a wonderful day."

"I did not think two more of the unpure would be a cause for joy, my lord."

"Oh, but it is, my dear." He smiled down on her like a benevolent father. "For you see, it will be a doubly magnificent day when they are banished. My power will increase twofold, and then again, until the Clan recognizes the Nechtan-Cattee are justified in the righteous deliverance of the unpure to destruction. These two small creatures will solidify our need to cleanse Faerie."

Searlait waited. Feidhlim continued to ramble, but she was unable to follow his logic. Her mind wandered until she realized he had stopped speaking and was gazing at her expectantly.

"My lord?"

"Fill my mug before you leave, my dear. I will call when I have need of you."

Searlait bent her head and rose. She filled the mug carefully, trying not to slosh ale over the sides as he moved it unsteadily. He was in the throws of drink once again. Small wonder he made no sense.

At his limp wave of dismissal, Searlait gratefully escaped the stuffy room and rushed to her own chamber.

When the door closed behind her, Feidhlim placed the mug on a small table and Torquil stepped from behind a heavy wall hanging. Feidhlim sat up straight and spoke, his voice strong and clear of any effects of drink.

"You followed her?"

Torquil nodded, candlelight glinting off the silver broach at his shoulder.

"And?"

"It is as she said, the human lover gave birth to twins."

"Good. And the other issue?"

"I do not know. I believe she contacted Derrik, but he gave no recognition. I cannot discover their connection."

Feidhlim waved a pudgy hand. "It is of no consequence."

"She is not loyal to you, my lord."

"Your suspicions were correct, Torquil. But it is of no matter. I will have my pleasure of her and then she will join the destruction. Also at my pleasure."

"Yes, my lord. There will always be many maidens willing to serve," Torquil paused significantly, "the King."

Feidhlim smiled broadly. "Yes, that is true, Torquil, very true." He winked. "And the king's most trusted servant, eh?"

Torquil bowed his head. "My lord, you are good to me."

In the silence that followed, Feidhlim closed his eyes. The one he wanted since her first bloom of womanhood filled his thoughts. Time had merely increased her desirability. He licked his lips. But she had rejected him. Foolish human. He would have given her the Clan and kept her by his side as he ruled. But now, he could see her as she truly was, a mortal temptress unworthy of his attentions or desires.

His mind returned at the sound of Torquil's deep voice. "Your plan to bring the child to Faerie is wise and good. He will follow for the witch before he would cross the portal on his own, mortal lusts being as they are."

Laughing together, Torquil handed Feidhlim his mug, filled a glass and lifted it in a toast. "To human desire."

Feidhlim took a small sip and returned the mug to the table. "However, I cannot allow you to lead the attempt to take the witch." He paused. "The Alastriona remain close by. They will recognize you and your use of magic." The words spat from his mouth.

"I am able to disguise my power and hide it from the others. Derrik remains near the witch and the child, and I will have my satisfaction on him."

"Ah, my dear Torquil. It is as you say. However, I wish you to take your revenge here in Faerie, not in the ugliness of the human world. With the witch in our control, both the child and the leader of the Alastriona will come willingly to us."

Torquil's hands tightened around his glass and his knuckles turned white. "And then, my lord?"

"Then events shall unfold according to my plans."

"Will you not tell me these plans, my lord, so I may take joy in them as well?"

Feidhlim looked at Torquil from under heavy eyelids. "I think not. Great leaders must retain some mystery."

Hiding his anger, Torquil bowed his head. "Yes, my lord."

Feidhlim clasped Torquil's shoulder. "Soon, my friend. Have patience. The plan is in motion. Send your chosen to the mortal world and bring the witch to me within two days. Your warriors may deal with her as they wish, as long as she is not too broken when she comes before me. I will enjoy the challenge."

A smile of pleasure touched Torquil's lips; his mind whirled with possibilities. He would also enjoy the challenge.

Jaye and Tommy worked in the companionable silence born of many years together. The fillings for the Mexican- inspired finger foods Mina had ordered waited in the large refrigerators. Jaye glanced repeatedly at the clock. Working with a false vigor, he would bend to his task. But his eyes would stray again to the clock.

Where was Allyn? Suspicions and betrayal began churning in his stomach, tensing his shoulders. She'd said she'd be there.

Betrayal grew into despair. He'd never see her again. He'd ruined his chance with her by acting so irresponsibly. There had to be some way to make it up to her. He had to see her again, and soon.

The door opened and Allyn stepped into the Zeroun's kitchen as if summoned by his thoughts. Tommy's sharp intake of breath was loud and harsh when Derrik followed Allyn through the door.

"Do you still need help?" Allyn asked. Her face glowed with a serene happiness threatening to spill over into pure joy.

Every hair on the back of his neck lifted as Jaye bristled. Had Derrik put that look on her face? There was no hope then. How could she choose another after the night they spent together? He took a breath to turn their help away. Reconsidering, he swallowed his negative answer. He really did need the help.

Forcing he hoped was a congenial smile to his lips, he answered. "Of course. Any help is more than welcome. There are aprons in the cupboard by the door."

Jaye turned the properly attired help over to Tommy and excused himself. Once in the tiny kitchen office, he raised the blinds on the window facing the work area and listened to the low rumble of Tommy's directions. Sitting at the small desk, he angled the chair toward the kitchen.

Trying to work, he even turned on the computer, but his gaze returned to watch Allyn over the top of the monitor. When the curl of the screen saver at the edge of his vision grew too irritating he switched off the monitor.

He sat back and watched Allyn take tiny tortillas, drop small amounts of filling on each, folding and shaping them with nimble fingers. Once she discovered her rhythm, the pile of mini-burritos on the platter grew rapidly.

Jaye spared a glance at Derrik. Although his fingers were not as graceful as Allyn's, his stack of appetizers also grew rapidly. Jaye realized a friendly competition consumed the three in the kitchen. Finally, he leaned forward, forgetting all pretense of work.

Allyn and Tommy worked at a similar pace--Derrik not far behind. The tip of Allyn's tongue slipped between her lips while she worked. Drawn to the moist fullness of her mouth, Jaye wet his lips, and followed the movement of the pink tip of Allyn's tongue.

Adjusting the front of his jeans against the growing need to feel Allyn in his arms, Jaye squirmed in his chair. Hell, he wanted more than that. He wanted her by his side and in his life, always. His brows drawn together, his thoughts stopped short. It doesn't happen this fast. Attraction, sure. Lust? Of course. But not a deep commitment. Commitment? A deep sigh filled him and he shook his head. Blue sparked behind his closed eyelids. Commitment.

"Done!" Allyn threw her hands in the air. Tommy and Derrik groaned together in defeat, even as they finished with their own stacks of burritos. Allyn wiped her hands on her apron and graciously accepted the congratulations of her fellow competitors.

Trying to leave his thoughts behind, Jaye entered the kitchen to add his congratulations. "Now, you all need a break. How about we get some fast food and head to the park for lunch?"

Derrik pulled the apron over his head and tossed it into a laundry bag. "I must regretfully decline. I must be returnin' to my apartment. Perhaps Tommy would drive? I will finish what I must do an' return more quickly then."

Jaye shrugged. Tommy reached for plastic wrap to cover the platters. "Just let me get these into the cooler."

Covering Tommy's hand with her own, Allyn lifted his from the wrap. "I'll take care of that. You two get going."

"But make sure you come back. There's still a lot to get done," Jaye added.

The wrap dropped onto the counter with a dull thud. Tommy gave a jaunty salute. "Aye, aye, sir."

Derrik followed Tommy out the door. Jaye reached for the platter and deftly double wrapped it. He patted the stack of finger size burritos and glanced at Allyn. After a moment's hesitation, he decided what to say. "Will you take me up on my lunch offer?"

"As long as it's not Mexican."

## Thirteen

Sunlight filtered through a heavy canopy of leaves. Lunch was long over--the crumbs fed to an expectant family of ground squirrels. Using an offering of a leftover cheese curl, Jaye even enticed one onto his shoe.

Jaye took Allyn's hand. "All morning you've looked ready to burst. What's made you so happy?"

"Were there ever other children with you in the foster homes?"

Jaye shook his head.

"Did you ever want a sister?"

"Of course I did. Or a brother, it really didn't matter. I was alone too much. When I went to school it was tough for me to make friends. I never learned how."

"You don't seem to have trouble now."

"Not on the outside." Jaye turned on the bench so he could lean his elbows on the picnic table. He glanced sideways at Allyn. "I do what I have to do."

"I'm so happy because a dear friend just had twin daughters. She waited a long time for another child." Allyn paused and took a deep breath. "What if you found out you had a sister? Or two?"

Wariness filled his expression. "Is this going to be more of that fairy story? Are you telling me I have sisters in some other existence?"

Allyn tensed, her shoulders hunching forward. She traced patterns on the rough tabletop. "Not another existence, in the Otherworld."

Exhaling sharply, Jaye struggled to school his features. "Okay, let's just say for the sake of argument..." A wince at the poor choice of words was followed by a half grin of apology. "Let's just say I believe in this Otherworld. Now, my mother has given birth to twins. Is she going to abandon them, too?"

"Jaye, you were sent to this mortal world to learn its ways. When the time comes for you to return, you'll be able to make an educated decision about your future. Either here, or in Faerie."

Jaye laughed bitterly. "Yeah, good plan. Except I remember absolutely nothing about the Otherworld. The only thing I know about fairies is they are little people with gossamer wings."

"That is what fiction writers would have you believe. You know Derrik, he's far from diminutive. And I've never seen any wings. There are many clans and races of the fair folk, just as there are many races of mortals."

Jaye lifted his hand forestalling her. "No literary history lessons today."

Wondering why she had ever promised her help to Kelene, why she even tried, Allyn fell silent. Then Jaye's last statement resounded in her head. I remember absolutely nothing about the Otherworld. Curious if he knew what he said, she decided to try Stephen's suggestion.

"Did you ever have a pet?"

Obviously confused at the sudden change of topic, Jaye cocked his head at her. "No."

A deep breath focused her attention into the distance. "I've always thought a big furry bear of a black dog would be a nice companion." She watched his face closely. "A big, goofy animal totally devoted to me. It would be wonderful."

A furrow creased Jaye's brow. His eyes lost focus and he took a quick breath to speak. The appearance of a struggle with his memory held his expression frozen, until his mouth snapped shut and he shook his head slightly.

When he smiled at her, she knew the brief touch of memory was gone. After a few moments of silence he said, "Yeah, I suppose a dog would be a good friend. We'd better get back to work since I made such a big deal about it to Tommy. Even with your expert burrito folding..."

Allyn groaned and wiggled her fingers in front of his face. Gently grabbing her hands, he punctuated each word with a kiss on a fingertip.

"We. Still. Have. Lots. To. Get. Done. Before. The. Party." He finished by pressing his lips to her palms. "Friday. Night."

Lost in the velvety brown depths of his gaze, Allyn watched deep blue sparks swirling at each touch of his lips. Fires burned at the tip of each of her fingers and she could barely draw a breath against the desire spiraling through her.

Jaye held her hands against his chest and leaned toward her to touch her lips softly with his. But, he pulled away when she tried to deepen the kiss.

Warm breath fanned her cheek and his voice rasped in her ear. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Because I made such a mess of things this morning. Because we have to go back to work. Because I can't believe in your fantasy world. Any number of becauses."

Allyn closed her eyes and sighed. _Because of my age?_ A forced smile accompanied her response. "I'm so sorry, too."

Jaye paced across the great room of his modern apartment. He couldn't believe she turned him down. They spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen and with Tommy and Derrik's help finished all the party prep. The work had flown quickly with everyone in high spirits.

Then, he asked Allyn to join him for supper. She said no. He asked if he could call her in the evening. She said no. He asked if he had done something wrong. She said no. He threw his hands into the air and flopped in front of his rarely used television and grabbed blindly for the remote. She'd probably say no to this too.

Knowing he must look like a pouting little boy, he crossed his arms over his chest, pointed the remote vaguely in the television's direction and began pressing buttons. Images flashed on the screen and flew by. On his second time through the available channels he began to notice what was on the screen.

He paused on a classic movie channel. _A Midsummer Night's Dream_. He sighed. Some fantasy world was determined to get him. His lips quirked with self- depreciating humor and he slouched down in the overstuffed chair. He'd enjoyed Shakespeare in college and Puck never failed to make him laugh. He needed a good laugh about now.

Soon he was lost in the lovers' story, all the while wondering if Allyn's fairy world was anything like the movie. Of course not, it's in color. Chuckling sleepily, the past nights of limited sleep caught up with him. The remote slipped from his fingers as his eyelids fluttered shut.

He stood before the stage, watching a play. A maiden was captured by the villain and carried away by shouting henchmen. Jaye laughed and applauded, until he realized there was no play and the woman dressed in palest lavender was Allyn.

As he ran toward the stage, he found himself in the center of a forest primeval. Searching, he turned one-way and then another. The trees closed in on him. The clearing where he stood shrank with each of his labored breaths.

A shimmering filled the space between two trees and expanded until a man could step through it without touching the edge of the glow. He reached toward the glow but was held back by an invisible force.

There. In the glow. Allyn was thrown roughly to the ground. Jaye cried out to her and she lifted her eyes to his--dark circles of pain shadowing her face. Her mouth moved; a tiny drop of red formed on the fullness of her lower lip and fell to leave a horrifying track down her chin.

Jaye fought, twisting wildly against the invisible bindings keeping him from Allyn. Exhausted, he slumped to his knees.

Helpless, unable to move, he was unable to do anything. Two circles of moving ,dancing bodies surrounded Allyn. The inner circle comforted her, holding back the spinning circle of captors. A young man dressed in a muted plaid squinted through the glimmer. His eyes pleaded for Jaye to come.

Growling in anger and pain, Jaye flailed against the forces holding him. A long-fingered hand reached out to him from the glow. Bright blue eyes encouraged him to take the offered hand. He hesitated.

Until there was a cry from the captive circle. He took the hand without further hesitation and let himself be pulled through the glimmer.

Jaye woke kneeling on the floor in front of his chair. Dazed, he looked around, struggled to his feet and dug for the remote. Finding it hidden in the chair cushions, he turned off the blaring television. The urgency to call Allyn and make sure she was safe drew him rapidly across the room.

He reached for the phone. The handset was to his ear, the dial tone humming, before he remembered he didn't know Allyn's number.

Grabbing his keys from a side table, he rushed from the apartment. It was a short drive to Allyn's neighborhood, and he made that drive in record time. Parking across the street, he angled the car so he could see into the side yard and her workroom window.

The only light in the house was in the workroom. Her shadow moved against the drawn blinds. Relief filled his chest with a heavy breath. She was fine.

Knowing sleep would elude him once again, he sat back and watched her house until it was well past midnight and Allyn turned out the workroom lights. He imagined her climbing the narrow stairs. His mind's eye watched her prepare for sleep and climb into the safety of her bed. Alone.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly and lowered his forehead to rest on his hands. Long moments later, he finally dropped one of his hands to turn the ignition key. He sat up and drove home. Alone.

It was mid-afternoon when the Zeroun's van pulled up in front of Mina's spacious home on the outskirts of the city. A small car parked behind them and three college students jumped out, excited and eager for the chance to work in the star's home.

Allyn knew exactly how they felt. She slid from the van and admired the massive architecture of the home and the banks of flowers on either side of the curved sidewalk leading to the wide front door. Tommy and Derrik stood next to her in awed silence.

Jaye chuckled when he joined them. "It's just a house. One we need to get set up for a party." A sharp poke of his elbow nudged Tommy. "C'mon, you've done this before."

Tommy nodded and cleared his head by shaking it. "I'll get the kids organized." Noticing an older woman wearing an apron in the doorway and motioning to the side entrance, he pressed the back of a hand dramatically against his forehead. "Humph, always the staff, never the guest." Stamping off in the indicated direction, he made his own 'come with me' motions to the student staff.

Jaye, Allyn and Derrik followed slowly. Jaye was happy to let Tommy take charge; it gave him the chance to stay longer by Allyn's side. Derrik, eyes continually scanning the manicured grounds, seemed distracted. But soon, everyone was busy making the patio and pool area blossom into a Mexican resort.

After Jaye congratulated the students on a good job, he sent them off with explicit instructions for the next night. Then he encouraged the others to pile tiredly into the van before he climbed into the driver's seat and turned to the back.

"Anyone up for a drink at my place?"

Tommy looked at Derrik and lifted his eyebrow. Derrik returned the look with a smile. "Not this time, boss. Could you drop us off at Derrik's?"

"Not a problem. Allyn, how about you?"

She cleared her throat. "I don't think..." His face fell, a little boy's wistfulness creeping across his features. She couldn't resist his pleading eyes. So against her better judgment,she nodded. "This time."

Triumphant satisfaction filled Jaye's smile as he maneuvered the van into traffic and headed back into the city.

Allyn was as much awed by Jaye's apartment as she had been by Mina's home. The curves and lines of art deco architecture in the modern building were in stunning contrast to Jaye's homey, eclectic furnishings. He gave the grand nickel tour and she oohed and ahhed in all the right places.

Accepting the promised drink, Allyn sipped carefully from a graceful goblet with a shallow swirl of pale golden wine while she wandered the great room. There were subtle Celtic influences in the architecture and decorating she doubted Jaye even realized were there.

Jaye joined her when she stopped in front of the fireplace to examine the tchotchkes crowding the mantle. It was a display worthy of any Victorian collector. He took her glass and set it with his on the only clear space left on the mantle. "Do you think Derrik and Tommy are enjoying his fireplace?"

It was difficult to swallow around the lump forming in her throat with Jaye watching the movement with rapt attention. "I never think much about fireplaces during the summer."

"A fireplace is for more than just warmth, Allyn." With one hand on the small of her back, he guided her from the hearth and then returned to flick the switch starting the gas flames. "Atmosphere at the touch of a finger." He wrapped his arm about her shoulder and they watched in silence for a few moments, leaning comfortably against each other.

Jaye kissed the fullness of her cheek before briefly leaving her side. Grabbing his tartan from the arm of the small couch, he spread it on the floor. He helped Allyn to sit and propped a cushion he pulled from the couch behind her back. He knelt and took her face between his hands. She rubbed her cheek against his palm and turned her head slightly to nip at his fingertip by holding it gently between her teeth.

"Ahhh." Curling next to her, he pulled her into a tight embrace. After a moment he relaxed his hold and grinned. "Wait." He crawled to a small chest set near the fireplace. "I usually use this only around the holidays." Reaching into the chest, he retrieved a small packet, tossed it into the fire and crawled quickly back to Allyn's side. "Watch."

The flames crackled loudly, turned the colors of the rainbow and shot high in the air. One of her hands resting on his chest, Allyn snuggled against Jaye. Heat burned through his shirt; his pulse raced beneath her fingers.

One of Jaye's buttons was undone. Allyn's hand slid down the smooth skin of his bare chest until it was hindered by another button. Her nimble fingers released the small plastic circle. Allyn looked into his eyes and smiled when the last of the buttons was undone and she pushed his shirt away. He burned with the pleasure of her touch, as if the fire jumped from the fireplace onto his skin.

Jaye was lost in her violet eyes--eternally lost with no wish to ever be found. Crushing her even closer, he captured her hand between their bodies. Slowly, feeling in himself the torture of the slowness, he lowered his lips and claimed hers. A meeting of equals, there was no surrender in her lips and mouth, only a realization of desire they would no longer deny.

Their frantic hands tore at their constricting clothing until they lay naked and breathless before the fire. Jaye braced himself on one elbow and studied Allyn, and smoothed one of his hands over her flushed skin.

Remembering each time her breath caught at his touch, Jaye returned unerringly to those places with hands or lips until her ragged breaths turned to gasps of pleasure, rising to mix with his own growling moans of excitement.

Allyn's startled exclamation halted the exploration of her soft breasts. "Look." She pointed one shaking hand toward the fireplace. The rainbow of colors had faded from the flames, and now only a deep blue remained. It sparked and cracked, rising higher than the flames.

Jaye nuzzled her ear. "Ahh, the color of our desire, my love. It would destroy us to extinguish such a fire."

He kissed the tip of each pebbled nipple and then lifted himself over her and paused. The blue flames danced in her wide eyes before she blinked and gave a barely perceptible nod. Their cries mingled when he slid swiftly into her welcoming embrace. Flames burst from the fireplace, hovering over them. Moving slowly, each thrust and withdrawal took them deeper into the blue haze of desire.

Sliding one of his hands between them, he cupped her breast and brushed his thumb across the dusky nipple. His name escaped her lips as a sigh. "Jaye."

Until that moment, he had never realized the passion, the sweet mix of mystery and surrender one syllable could express. Nor had he understood how it could create an abiding passion within him. A passion that threatened to explode, taking his orderly world along with it.

Softly caressing, teasing, Allyn's lips moved beneath his. She spoke and he tried to feel, to taste the words. Jaye lifted his head to look at her, thrust firmly and held himself deep within her quivering stillness.

Another soft sigh whispered across his cheek. "Jaye." In the instant he exploded within her, he knew he would die to hear his name whispered that way again.

Listening to the slowing of his heartbeat, Allyn rested her head on Jaye's chest. A soft sheen of sweat covered them and she shivered in spite of the fire. Jaye tugged the rumpled plaid from beneath his hips and slid it over them. She snuggled into his arms under the soft, fragrant wool material.

Jaye turned to his side and the plaid fell away from his leg when he bent his knee. Allyn studied his exposed thigh. The detailed shading of the tattoo glistened damply in the flickering firelight and she reached out her finger to trace the design.

"Umm." Jaye shifted, allowing her greater access to the tattoo. His muscles rippled under her fingertip and his breathing quickened. To her utter disappointment, he rolled onto his back, the tattoo no longer within her reach.

"Enough. You don't know what you do to me, woman."

Allyn grinned. "I have an idea." She lay her head back on his chest and relished the glorious power of creating a lover's pleasure.

Pushing the plaid to one side, she slid her hand down Jaye's belly. He gasped when she lifted her head and the ends of her hair tickled lightly across his chest.

"I have a very good idea," she said. Swinging her head slowly back and forth, she watched his muscles twitch and quiver in response to the subtle drag of her hair against him. Trailing the silkiness along his skin, she slid down his body. Trembling rippled along his entire body.

Moaning, he reached for her and his hands fell on her head. She shook them away. Taut words came through clenched teeth. "Stop, love."

Allyn looked up at his face through a curtain of hair. "I think not." Using a handful of her hair, she caressed the soft, supple skin encasing the firmness twitching against her cheek. With a smile, she lifted her head, captured his wide-eyed gaze with hers and took him into her mouth.

## Fourteen

Searlait passed Feidhlim's chambers on her way to the Nechtan-Cattee gathering place. The rough sounds of his snores assured her no one would be in the gathering room. The leader of the Pure must have his own plans hidden within the plans he offered to his followers. She would discover these plans. That would show him.

Saving the sheets of parchment scattered over the table for her final perusal, she found little else in the neat room. When she sat at the table and turned to those pages, all she was able to decipher from Feidhlim's cramped script was information she already knew.

A soft brush of fresh air across her cheek stirred the strands of hair that escaped from her long braid. Fresh air? There were no openings in this room. Where...?

The bottom fringe of a woven wall covering moved slightly and she felt the air stir once again. A passageway?

Excitement brightened her features. She rose and scanned the room, determined not to miss any clue before she explored the new passage. Perhaps this discovery would make up for the lack of helpful information in the room.

Smiling grimly, she reached for the tapestry and swiped it to one side. There was an open entryway hidden behind it. Absolute darkness stretched before her, so she turned back to the meeting room and reached for one of the torches lining the wall. Deciding a light would announce her presence in the passageway, she took a tentative step into the darkness. Letting the tapestry fall into place behind her, she paused a moment to let her eyes adjust and took another cautious step forward.

Searlait exhaled, the breath she didn't realize she had been holding whooshing into the darkness. She turned her head to look back toward the nearly invisible opening and took another step, right into a firm, masculine chest. Strong arms circled her. Too startled to struggle, she collapsed against her captor.

There was a rumble of magic in the wide chest. A faint glow formed to one side of the passageway. The glint of an Alastriona insignia flashed when her captor turned his head and looked down at her.

The promise of evil in Torquil's smile sank deep into her heart only to be chased by the rush of shivers when Feidhlim's voice came softly through the darkness.

"Think you to discover our plans, my dear? Torquil was correct. You are a spy for the Defenders. Shall I show you now my final plan for the unpure? Come then, my dear." Feidhlim paused and stroked his hand down her back and across her buttocks. "I had so hoped you would prove other than traitorous."

He stepped back. Searlait could breathe again even though Torquil still held her tightly. Wounded innocence crept into her voice. "But, my lord, I..."

Torquil's hand clapped roughly over her mouth and his fingers pressed into her cheek. Feidhlim leaned toward her, resting his hand on her hip. "Hush now, my dear. I know all. Think you to be my only source of Alastriona knowledge?" His voice lost its wheedling tone, growing deeper, authority ringing in the dim passageway. "Take her to the Judgment Chamber. Confine her well. Then, find the human lover and those abominations she bore and bring them to me. It is time."

Searlait stretched, pulling the chain as far as she could. Torquil had only manacled one ankle to the wall so she was able to reach the door of her tiny cell and peer through the small opening.

The Judgment Chamber was deeper within the rock of their world than she had ever been. Smoking torches dimly lit the cavernous space. Numerous similar doors surrounded the open central area where Feidhlim's followers milled about expectantly. At one end, a raised stone platform held a heavily carved bench. Thick leather straps bound a Faerie to a high table placed before the dais. Searlait did not know the woman, but fear for her rose each time one of the Pure paused to touch her lightly and smile.

The Pure were dressed in dark robes, hoods pulled low over their heads. In the flickering light, brief flashes of their faces appeared, frightful streaks of blue masking their features.

A shout of triumph echoed through the high domed chamber. Torquil marched in leading a tight knot of robed Pure. Defeat settled in her heart and Searlait lay rested forehead against the rough wood of the door. Within the captors' circle, Stephen carried Kelene. He held her tightly and stood firm, his eyes shifting from Kelene's face to the small baskets carried by the Pure. Additional robed figures led a struggling black dog; his mouth tied tightly shut with a strip of wool.

Unaccustomed tears threatened, tingling behind Searlait's downcast eyes. The Pure had taken the babes. She berated herself sternly for not acting more quickly and slumped against the door. She had underestimated Feidhlim and his quest for power. And she had failed. Now, she could only hope the faithful of the Alastriona would find the chamber in time.

Deep reverberations of a drumbeat throbbed through the chamber. Facing the dais, the Pure fell to their knees and lifted their arms high into the air. Majestic in a stark white kilt belted with a twist of white rope, Feidhlim stepped to the center of the platform. Blue woad, painted onto his skin, created a mask surrounding his eyes. A swirl traveled down his fleshy neck to form a knot pattern on his bare chest.

Standing spread legged, he lifted his arms out over the assembly and then let them drop to his sides with a slap that resounded in the silence. He paused, looking at each follower. The Pure waited in breathless anticipation until he spoke.

"Ah, the human lover has arrived. Torquil, will you see to their accommodations? Make sure they are comfortable."

Wanting to shout out a denial, Searlait pulled angrily at her chain, making it rattle against the stone wall. Feidhlim turned toward her cell and lifted a thick finger. "Patience, my dear." Then he spoke to Torquil without facing him. "Bring the other as we discussed."

Torquil gave a brief nod, directed the placement of the captives and strode from the chamber. A mixture of delight and rebellion lit his face.

Feidhlim sat on the bench and motioned to a follower. "Once the human lover is settled, bring the maid here to me. Then, you may proceed."

The Pure lifted an arm across his chest in salute and left the dais. Feidhlim leaned against the wall and scratched at a spot below the blue painted knot. He sighed in pleasure and closed his eyes. Searlait backed away in fear and disgust.

Jaye held the door open for Allyn and bowed her through with a flourish. Allyn giggled and patted him on his lowered head. He snatched at her hand and drew her into the Zeroun's kitchen. Suddenly uncomfortable, she held back. Tommy and Derrik were already at work, silently packing food into thermal containers. The air oozed with thick tension and anger.

Giving her a quick kiss, Jaye stepped into the office. An anguished look passed over Tommy's face before he turned his back on her. She turned to Derrik. Face set in firm, immobile lines; his eyes were shadowed and cold as granite.

Allyn lay her hand on Derrik's arm. The muscles tensed but he did not pull away from her touch. Over his shoulder she watched Tommy stiffen before shaking his head fiercely and slamming a refrigerator door with his hip. "Derrik, what's wrong?"

"Nothin'." He cocked his head, shrugged off her hand and turned away to carry a container to the cart by the door. His back remained ramrod straight.

She turned to Tommy. "What's going on?"

Tommy gave her a look similar to Derrik's. "Nothing." But, he couldn't hold the façade and his face crumbled. "I told him I didn't want him anymore," he whispered.

"Is that true?"

Barely able to look her in the eye, Tommy stammered. "Yes. No. I've found it's ultimately easier to leave before being left. Okay?"

After touching his hand lightly to show her concern, Allyn left him alone and entered the office. Jaye glanced up from his paperwork and smiled. She pointed through the window. "Tommy broke up with Derrik."

Jaye sighed, dropped his pen on the desk and folded his hands. "Tommy is afraid of close relationships. He's been dumped too many times, used too often by others. He'll survive."

A quick glance showed her Derrik slumped against the door watching Tommy glumly. "I'm not sure Derrik will."

Jaye followed her gaze. "They have to work it out themselves."

Tommy appeared in the doorway. "I'm ready for the first load. He will help me. Back soon." Giving Derrik a brusque wave, he left the kitchen. Derrik followed slowly.

Allyn slouched in a chair and stared at the closed door. She had swiftly come to consider Tommy a friend and wanted only the best for him. And Derrik was the best. But, she couldn't even figure out her own life and love. Why did she think she could help anyone else? Lost in her thoughts, only the soft scrape of a chair moving across the tile floor drew her attention to Jaye.

He stood, edged around the desk, and taking her hands in his, crouched before her. "Will you marry me?"

"What?"

"Will you marry me?" He kissed the back of her fingers before caressing the spot with his thumb. "I love you. I have loved you since you told me that first story. My heart burns for you, Allyn."

Allyn shook her head. "That's just lust."

"No. Maybe it was at first. But now, now your spirit has taken up residence in my soul. My entire being is filled with you. Without you I could never again think I was whole."

Allyn wiggled her fingers and Jaye let her hands go, reluctance darkening his eyes. He sat on the floor at her feet. Her voice carried the weight of the sadness in her heart. "You don't know what you're asking, Jaye."

"I know I can never be without you again." A tentative smile glowed up at her and hope glistened in his eyes.

"Romantic words, but how can you want me? I'm thirteen years older than you are. That's almost a generation."

"Age isn't important, Allyn. Our feelings are. You love me, don't you?"

Allyn wanted desperately to deny her feelings and shook her head, afraid he could hear her heart screaming yes.

"You do. Your eyes will never lie to me. Be with me, like the design wrapping your room, for all eternity. Say yes."

Allyn leaned forward, took his face between her hands and kissed him. But her hands slipped from his face as she stood. Walking across the office put the distance she needed between them.

"You belong to the Otherworld. I'm mortal. It's not possible."

Jaye groaned and rose. He leaned over the desk and slammed a fist against the hard wood, rattling the mug holding an array of pens. "Oh hell, Allyn. Not that nonsense again. Okay, so I'm half Faerie. Okay, so I'm in love with a mortal woman. According to your story my Faerie mother loves a mortal man. Why can't we be together? What about Tommy and Derrik? It's the same thing."

"No, no, it isn't. When you accept, and remember your heritage, there will be no way we can be together." Allyn hesitated before moving closer to him. "Can't we enjoy the time we have?" Her voice broke. "I will be happy for that."

"I won't."

Arms spread, he shivered and turned to face her. When she stepped into the circle of his embrace, he crushed her to his chest. "I won't, Allyn. I won't be happy, or whole, until you say you will stay by my side. The time for talking is done. Consider, Allyn, consider this."

His firm lips met hers softly, yet with rapidly increasing demands. The now familiar spiral of desire swelled to fill her. Lust, just lust. Then, she could think no more.

Jaye angled back, lifted a finger and caught the tear trailing down her cheek. He licked the saltiness from his finger. "No tears, Allyn, please. I will do anything, do you understand me, anything to keep pain from you."

Closing his eyes, Jaye paused, took a deep breath and struggled around the unfamiliar syllables. "Mo ghaol ort." Eyes wide, he stared at her in wonder.

Another tear fell. Allyn caught her lower lip between her teeth. "I love you, too. But Jaye, it's not to be."

"But the fire?"

"What fire?" Allyn held her breath.

"The sparking blue of our passion. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"No."

"I won't even consider believing it means so little to you. You ran from me the first time you saw it."

"Oh." She would remember the moment forever, but had hoped he would not.

"I can feel it sparkle and burn every time I'm near you. Like this." Slanting his lips across hers, he teased until they parted. The silk of his tongue met hers and stroked against it until she had to gasp for breath. The kitchen door slammed.

Jaye grabbed her hand and held her palm a bare inch from his. Blue sparks arched between them and swirled up their arms. He shook her hand in frustration. "This."

A deep sigh sounded from the doorway. Allyn took advantage of the interruption to jump away from Jaye. "'Tis the soul fire. When a soul finds its true mate the fire appears. Many have said the fey have no souls, but I dinna believe such claims. Still, the fire is rare in Faerie. I have never before witnessed soul fire." Derrik's low voice was filled with awe.

He turned silently and left the office, taking Tommy's arm firmly to pull him away. But, Tommy jerked back angrily and stepped into the office. "We're ready for the last load. You'll need to be at Mina's soon, too." Whirling, he stomped past Derrik, grabbed at a food container and shoved it across the counter. Then more carefully, he picked the container up and carried it out the door.

Derrik remained staring at Jaye and Allyn for a few moments. Wonder filled his eyes and a smile spread across his face. When he turned and followed after Tommy, his shoulders were straight and his step lighter.

Jaye lifted a finger to caress Allyn's cheek. "See? Even Derrik knows it. Don't deny it, Allyn. Don't deny me."

Even though she still trembled from the force of Jaye's loving onslaught and the soul fire, Allyn shook her head. "We'd better get your party over with." Somehow, she found a brave smile within herself. "I will consider your offer."

Hope and sadness disappeared when Jaye closed his eyes. "I'll be satisfied with that. For now." Determination tightened his features. "But, you're right, I still have a business to run and a party to cater." He took a step from the office, paused and turned back to her. His eyes filled with unspoken promises. "I will not be patient, love."

## Fifteen

Feidhlim's followers forced Searlait from the cell and dragged her before him. With a majestic gesture to the ornately carved hook high on the wall next to the bench, he indicated Searlait's chain was to be looped over the hook and fastened magically. Heavy hands forced her to her knees in front of Feidhlim.

"No, my dear." He gestured to the bench. "You must sit here next to me." His voice was oily and full of deadly intent. Searlait didn't dare think of the consequences of refusal, but still, she shook her head.

He gave another gesture and she was lifted roughly and pushed onto the bench. Feidhlim patted her knee and laughed when she jerked away. By grabbing her knee and applying undeniable pressure, he forced her to slide next to him.

"There you see, my dear. Isn't that better? Now watch, and see the power that will be turned against you since you defied me." She bit her lip to keep from giving him satisfaction by crying out when his fingers dug into her leg.

Feidhlim pointed, directing her attention to the unknown Faerie on the table before them. "She has had congress with a mortal and is no longer pure. She has refused to deny the mortal, to name the name that he may also be made pure by forgetfulness. Watch now, my dear, how she will confess and be made pure."

Feidhlim reclined, pulling Searlait back with him. At his nod a heavily robed figure advanced to the table. The figure's nimble fingers ran across the woman's body, touching her intimately. Trying to escape the humiliation, the Faerie squirmed, pulling the straps binding her until they bit into her fair skin.

Holding Searlait tightly to his side, Feidhlim's hands mimicked the gentle torture. Suddenly, his fingers halted. Searlait released the breath she had been holding and tried to slip from his grasp. The bite of his nails when his fingers closed tighter on her thigh held her in place.

Feidhlim relaxed his grip and leaned forward eagerly. "Begin the next phase of convincing."

Torquil sat on a slight rise at the edge of the mortal city and wrinkled his nose at humanity's stench. The Nechtan- Cattee were correct; the Clan must be made pure. If he gained personal satisfaction and power when it happened, more the better. He smiled to himself and focused his gaze on the large dwelling below.

He had opened a portal far from the human gathering and hid its existence from any Faerie presence. The deep pulsing magic of the Alastriona throbbed though him. Derrik was there. He would have to be wary.

Motioning to the hilltop, he spoke to the Nechtan- Cattee who followed him. "We will wait until the moon begins her nightly descent. Disguise and guard yourselves well, I have noted at least one Defender presence. If we are careful, the plan will flow as my lord Feidhlim has decreed. We will return to the Otherworld honored and successful." Torquil and his band sat patiently, fading into the gathering darkness.

Allyn struggled with the cummerbund; she just couldn't get it to look right. Flinging the offending cloth to a chair, she jerked at the loose waistband of her black slacks. "I'm glad I don't have to wear this getup again."

Hands fell lightly to her shoulders, kneading them gently. "I'll only ask you to help in an emergency." Jaye kissed the side of her neck while he reached around and picked up the cummerbund. Wrapping it around her waist, he adjusted the folds. "It's party time, love."

Allyn crossed to her station. The college students were to wander the room offering trays of the Mexican inspired finger foods. She requested an easy job, so she would refill the trays and keep the main table stocked. Happy to be in the background, she was still able to watch the party unfold around her.

The transformation of the star's already luxurious home was amazing. Large bouquets were placed strategically about the pool, the single, large white bloom in each glistening in the rising moonlight. She was proud of how her contributions added to the success of the event.

Guests began to arrive and gather about the patio and gardens. Allyn smiled; of course the bar was the first stop for many of the festively dressed guests. Jaye and Tommy were everywhere, unobtrusive but watching and assisting where needed. Derrik was nowhere to be seen.

Allyn watched Tommy as the band set up and began to play softly. Mina had chosen a traditional group, one who could play more than mariachi music. Allyn nearly laughed out loud when Tommy visibly relaxed.

The band played a rousing fanfare, startling her from her daydreams about the beautiful dresses parading before her. Mina appeared in a backlit doorway with the moon poised directly overhead. Amazed, Allyn shook her head. The star certainly knew how to make an entrance.

Partygoers gathered about their hostess. Jaye and Tommy made their way around the edges of the room to stand with Allyn. She looked from one to the other. "It's going well?"

Tommy nodded, his eyes searching the room. Jaye took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Very well."

The party blossomed into an event that would be long talked about. Jaye or Tommy would step away from time to time and then return to Allyn's side. As the night drew on Allyn's feet ached in her confining shoes. The moon began a downward slide through the sky.

A commotion near the stone wall surrounding the softly lit pool drew the guests' attention. A black flag rose, skull and crossbones floating high in the night air. From all directions, pirates cascaded into the party. The night was filled with soft cries of surprise and laughter. Harsh "arrrghs" and the clash of steel weapons rang through the area.

Jaye slapped Tommy's arm and they rushed off trying to make their way through the crowd to the party crashers.

The flag bearer planted his feet firmly in the center of the patio. "We be the pirates of Cancun. Make way fer the Cap'n."

The Captain strode through the crowd. A jaunty feather in his hat bounced with each step. A black mask covered his eyes, the long ties twisted around his dark hair to fall to the center of his back. He stopped beneath the flag and rested one of his hands menacingly on the handle of the long rapier at his side. "Aye, we come for a hostage. Our demands will be met or the hostage will suffer the fate of the plank."

The Captain stared from one guest to the next. Fanning themselves with their hands, many of the women sighed under his intense gaze. Men hesitated before smiling indulgently at their partners. The pirate crew wove their way through the crowd toward the service table. Two raggedly dressed pirates lurched at Allyn, pulled her arms behind her and signaled to the Captain.

The Captain pointed his long finger in her direction. "She be our hostage. Away my men." With a wide flourish, he lifted the hat from his head and tossed it high in the air. Everyone's eyes followed the rise and descent of the twirling tricorne. When it touched the ground, the pirates--and Allyn--were gone.

Searlait watched in horror while the hooded Nechtan- Cattee drew a razor sharp blade down the bound woman's cheek. The torture and questions had weakened the woman until she could barely manage a hoarse moan when the blade sliced her skin.

Feidhlim's finger traced an exact line on Searlait's cheek. "You see, my dear," he said when she shuddered and tried to draw away. "The illusion is as important as the reality."

His finger rested on her jawline. "Tell me who recruited you for the Alastriona. Show you follow me. Name the name."

She shook her head. Feidhlim let his hand drift to her breast and fingered the nipple roughly through her tunic. Although she bit her lip and willed herself to stone; the nipple peaked under his ministrations. The coppery salt of blood filled her mouth and mixed with her rising bile. Feidhlim softened his touch, a bare caress sliding soft material across the firm tip of her breast.

"You are mine to control and use, my dear. Your body knows this." He twisted the nipple and she gasped with pain. "You know this. Who is the Defender? Where is the child?"

Back stiff, she turned her face from him. His hand traveled lower to rest on her thigh and he began to gather the material of her skirt in his fist. "I will know what you know. You will give me what I desire, Searlait."

Wetting her lips, she swallowed past the thickness in her throat. The unspoken promise of release from his touch nudged her mind, pushing away her resolve. She looked at the woman suffering on the table. "I..."

The woman's head jerked to the side and tilted enough so her pain-filled gaze could bore into Searlait's. Her eyebrows lifted. Searlait could feel the woman's presence in her mind, telling her to be strong, showing her how single lives were not as important as the survival of the Clan, the survival of the child.

Searlait took a deep breath and gave a sharp nod. The woman gave her a tiny, exhausted smile and turned her face toward the ceiling.

Dark anger exploded in Feidhlim's head and clouded his vision as he watched the exchange between the two women. Holding the anger within himself, Feidhlim exulted in the growth of might and clarity. Righteous indignation filled him until he pushed Searlait away and stood.

All activity in the chamber ceased when Feidhlim stepped to the edge of the dais. The torture master paused with a dulled knife held tightly in his hand. Feidhlim drew himself to his full height and pointed a finger at the woman.

"I call upon all Faerie to bear witness. This lover of humans is not as she appears, but is otherwise and in essence of a lower species. She is no longer worthy of the Clan or of Faerie itself. She is unpure. She is destroyed."

The signal was a slash of his arm. The torture master gave a shout, and then began a low chant that throbbed into fading echoes. The chant grew louder as each of the Pure gave voice, until it echoed back upon itself, rising to a sudden climax of silence.

In that silence the dulled knife was lifted, turned twice in the light and forced into the captive woman's chest. She gave no cry as her lifeblood oozed around the blade, but turned her head to Searlait, and as the light faded from her eyes, smiled.

Feidhlim turned expectantly toward Searlait and she bit back her own cry. A sneer of defiance twisted her fair features. Feidhlim gave a disgusted snort. "Take the traitor to my chambers to await my pleasure." Lifting his arms over his head, he smiled and turned toward his followers. Each of the Pure bowed their heads. Lowering his hands slowly, Feidhlim spoke as if in benediction. "Dispose of the unpure in the usual manner."

Searlait's chain was unfastened and jerked, dragging her from the dais. Pausing in the passageway, she turned back, but the woman's body was already being taken away. She looked past the table. Stephen's face was framed by the tiny hole in the door to his cell. She met his eyes and pleaded with her small magical skill, trying to tell him she would save them somehow. The chain jerked again, forcing her to stumble behind the Nechtan-Cattee. When she looked back over her shoulder, Stephen had turned his face from hers.

Allyn laughed and played along with her pirate captors when they pulled her arms behind her and bound them loosely. They led her through a garden room, into the darkness of the yard and through a small gate set in the stone wall.

When they paused, Allyn heard applause and excited chatter from the party. Jaye had planned a wonderful surprise. She wondered if he was going to play the swashbuckler now and rescue her from the pirates. The Captain came up behind her, lay a hand on her shoulder and bent toward her ear.

"My lord wishes to speak with you, human."

The menace in the voice stole her breath. She spun away from the pirate holding her and whipped her leg to the side. Her foot met his abdomen with a satisfying thud. Trying to dredge every defense Derrik taught her from her panicked mind, Allyn kicked out again.

Panting with fear and exertion, driven only by a surge of adrenaline, she was able to keep the pirates at bay for a short time, until strong hands grabbed her ponytail and tugged to pull her off balance. She took a breath to scream but a damp hand clamped heavily over her mouth. A dirty rag replaced the hand and she tried not to gag. Her arms were tied tightly behind her back with leather thongs before she was wrenched around to face the pirate leader. He pulled the mask from his face and folded his arms across his chest. The smile he offered her did not reach his cold eyes.

He spoke to his followers. "Take her. The portal will open for you at the crest of the hill. I will follow closely. My lord Feidhlim waits."

Feidhlim? These are Nechtan-Cattee. Allyn tried to catch her breath, to calm herself. If she weren't calm, she wouldn't be able to call Derrik. Where was Derrik? Had the Nechtan-Cattee harmed him? _Oh, no...Jaye. They want Jaye._

Poked, prodded and finally pushed, she moved forward. The disguised Faerie led her into the darkness and up a low hill. She felt the power before she saw the faint glow of a portal. A hand planted firmly in the center of her back shoved her through to the Otherworld.

Jaye stood in the center of a group of admirers and accepted hearty congratulations for the pirate act. Mina had been among the first at his side. The stunt was, in her opinion, the hit of the evening. Jaye smiled, nodded, and wondered who had planned the entertainment.

Glancing frequently toward the door where the pirates had taken Allyn, he knew she should have returned by now. Time slowed as his hand was shaken and promises for future business were given. Absently, he realized he should remember those who pledged to call him for their next party, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered but the emptiness where Allyn should have been. He edged toward the door.

An elderly woman led a phalanx of well-wishers toward him. "Excuse me, please. I must attend to business. I'm glad you are enjoying Mina's party." He forced himself to walk calmly across the now cleared room. From the corner of his eye, he saw Tommy heading in the same direction.

As he reached for the doorknob, he heard his name spoken by Allyn's sweet voice. _Jaye. They want Jaye_. He looked around, a frown making deep lines between his eyes. Where was she?

"What's up?" Tommy pushed the door open and ushered Jaye from the party arena. "Who came up with those pirates? That was great."

The voice still resounding in his head, Jaye spoke slowly. "I don't know. Have you seen Allyn?"

"Not since she was kidnapped. Hang on. There's Derrik. I've got to tell him what happened."

What had happened? Something wasn't quite right, the air felt...funny. Why hadn't Allyn returned? Dazed and more than a little out of control, Jaye felt as if something was reaching for him and knocking repeatedly at the edges of his memories. If he could just remember.

Derrik was suddenly at his side, staring into his face. "Aye, ye feel it."

Jaye shook the cobwebs from his brain. "Feel what?"

"A portal to the Otherworld. Allyn has been taken by the Nechtan-Cattee. There is no time fer ye to believe or regain yer memories. Ye must come with me now."

"The Otherworld?"

"Aye, ye daft man. To Faerie. If we dinna hurry, Allyn may be destroyed."

Jaye lurched into action by turning to the open-mouthed Tommy. "Take care of things here." Tommy nodded once in response.

Jaye paced a small circle, moving like a hunting beast. Taking off his jacket and tie and dropping them to the ground, he turned the direction Allyn had been taken. He was through the door and across the grounds before Derrik could react.

Derrik took Tommy's hand. "Do as he says, my Tommy. We will return." He pressed his cheek against Tommy's and then he was gone. Tommy turned back to the party, stopped, and followed Derrik out the door.

Heedless of the rocks and depressions threatening to slow his progress, Jaye raced up the hill. He skidded to a stop at the top of a rise. Here was the source of the strangeness. But, where was Allyn?

Derrik ran lightly up beside him. Jaye threw Derrik a dirty look as he tried to draw air into his burning lungs. The man wasn't even breathing hard.

The responding grin held little humor while Derrik sketched a sign with his fingers and spoke soft words. A pinpoint of light appeared before them. The effort to hold the light shook his body. Finally the pinpoint grew to a glow and slowly a portal opened.

Derrik's hands fell to his sides. His breath escaped with a weary hiss. "The magic of the Nechtan-Cattee has become verra strong. We must hurry."

A dream memory exploded around Jaye. Terror filling his chest, he stumbled under the force. Crumpling the front of Derrik's crisp, white shirt in his hands, he stared into the Faerie's face. "This is my dream. I couldn't save her. I couldn't save any of them."

Derrik pried Jaye's fingers from his shirtfront. "This is no dream. Ye must pass through the portal. We will save them." Derrik's bright blue eyes pierced the panic of Jaye's dream haze.

Trying to see beyond the glimmer, Jaye stared through the portal. The electricity tingled through him, infusing him with power. What was he doing? It wasn't possible. There had to be some sort of a generator hidden nearby.

Derrik moved toward the portal. Jaye called out to him. "I've had enough of this. I don't understand why you've come up with this elaborate story. What do you want from me?"

The portal's glow faded with the slump of Derrik's shoulders. "'Tis no story, Jayezer. It is yer life. A destiny, if ye will. I canna make ye believe, an' if ye willna believe, the Clan is doomed. The Nechtan-Cattee will prevail."

A soft breeze blew from the portal. Jaye inhaled deeply; the air was fresh, clean and filled with the scents he associated with Allyn. He took a step forward.

Derrik squared his shoulders and strengthened the portal. "Ye must decide now. I canna hold the portal much longer. I canna defeat the Nechtan-Cattee by myself, Jaye. I need yer help." He angled his body to watch Jaye.

Staring at the portal, Jaye hesitated and shook his head.

"Allyn needs ye."

Those three words pushed Jaye into the soft glow. The Defender and the human stepped through the portal and into the Otherworld together.

Tommy slipped from behind a tree and held a hand out to the fading portal. A huge sigh filled his chest before he turned away. The brightly-lit yard at the bottom of the hill was where he belonged.

## Sixteen

Taken to Feidhlim's bedchamber, Searlait's chain was looped though a hook set in the stone wall and fastened tightly. By tugging on the chain, she rubbed her ankle raw. Sighing in frustration, she stretched as far as she could. The chain would allow her to reach the bed--and no further.

Heavy hangings surrounded the bed to screen its cavernous depths from the rest of the room. Lush pillows covered the surface three and four deep in places. Bits and pieces of leather and fur peeked from between the pillows. Searlait wondered at the strangeness of them, and then turned her attention to escape.

She took the chain in her hand and leaned back. Putting all her weight into the action, Searlait tugged as hard as she could. There was a tiny hitch as a link in the chain gave way. With another triumphant yank the link parted, freeing her from the wall.

She pulled the chain through the ankle manacle. The metal clinked softly when she piled it in the middle of Feidhlim's bed. But, the escape was too easy. A link of Faerie chain would not give way. This must be another of Feidhlim's plans within plans.

She would be recaptured when she stepped from the room. Or followed to lead them to Derrik and the child. She was torn between staying in the bedchamber and taking her chances with Feidhlim or leaving. One glance at the bed and her choice was clear; she would take her chances away from the opulent chamber.

Searlait stood silently at the door and reached out with her senses as she had been taught. She held her breath and listened. There was no movement in the corridor. Easing the door open, she peered around the doorframe. She edged her way along by hugging the wall and pausing in dimly lit doorways.

A presence stepped from the shadows and followed at a discrete distance. Although the Faerie trailed her silently, no attempt was made to hide his presence. She snorted softly. Her plan was now clear.

She had hoped to return to the Judgment Chamber, wait until it was deserted and free the captives. Now, she would have to find her way to the place of meeting and wait for the Alastriona. Making just enough noise for her follower to hear, she made her way from the Nechtan- Cattee stronghold and into the surrounding forest.

Searlait turned first one way and then backtracked, traveling a circuitous route through the forest. Smiling to herself, she led her shadow on a merry chase. Pleased by her escape she nearly broke into song. But remembering the horror of Feidhlim's judgments, she choked back her merriment and searched until she found the spot she was searching for.

A deep crevice between two monolithic boulders created a perfect hiding place. She backed into the small space and waited, closing her eyes and mentally seeking the Nechtan-Cattee following her.

He moved in closer, more careful now, and settled to his own waiting. Searlait grinned to herself and played finger games to pass the time. When she began to despair of the Nechtan-Cattee ever giving up, he crept off. Searlait knew he would return to the stronghold and tell Feidhlim where she was waiting to meet the Alastriona.

She did wait. But only for a few moments to be sure the Nechtan-Cattee was gone before she crept from the crevice and took off at a trot, her path straight and determined.

The route took her far from the stronghold. Forced to stop, she bent over with her hands on her knees and gulped deep breaths. The stitch in her side lessened and with her senses on the defensive, she walked swiftly.

The crunch of many feet approached. Panicked, she looked around and finally shinnied up a slender tree. She chose a crook in the branches and settled back, disappearing into the foliage.

When the approaching group marched below her, she nearly laughed out loud at the badly dressed pirates. Holding her hand over her mouth, her eyes twinkled with amusement.

The Faerie were loud and raucous. They surrounded a bound captive, pushing her roughly to keep the pace. Searlait closed her eyes, tears of sympathy replacing her laughter. Another victim for Feidhlim's judgment chamber. She had to reach the Alastriona soon, before another was bound to the long table.

A muffled cry of pain issued from her gagged mouth and the captive fell to her knees. She bent forward until her forehead touched the ground. A pirate kicked her and she fell to her side and curled into a tight ball. His foot was drawn back for a second blow, but the leader of the pirates grasped his arm and jerked him back.

"My lord Feidhlim wishes her...unharmed. He will be displeased if she is unable to cooperate. I would not wish to face him if she is damaged."

The Faerie pirates laughed together and clashed their swords in mock battle. Searlait leaned forward, cautiously using a finger to part the leaves for a better look at the captive.

A pirate grabbed a handful of the captive's red-gold hair and yanked her head back. "Get up, witch. My lord awaits."

Witch? Searlait knew of only one the Nechtan-Cattee called witch. Looking more closely at the woman's face when she was hauled to her feet and pushed to stumble forward again, Searlait caught her breath. Allyn.

Tommy finished loading the van. He patted his breast pocket and the thick velum envelope Mina handed him. Disappointed when he told her Jaye had been called away, she had slipped the envelope into his pocket with a wink. A bonus, she said, for the entertainment.

Moving on automatic pilot, Tommy directed the cleanup. After handing the college help their checks and giving the area one last critical look, he finished packing the van. There was nothing else he could do. He smiled grimly; the reputation of Zeroun's was intact. Enhanced in fact, even with the sudden disappearance of the owner.

Instead of turning toward the center of town when he pulled out of the long driveway, he drove to the hill where Jaye and Derrik stepped into that strange glow. A portal, Derrik recently told him, into the Otherworld. Derrik's world. And now, he supposed, Jaye's world.

He stopped the van and stared into the dark at the hilltop. The whole situation was unbelievable. He believed it though. As if in answer to his belief, hints of a faint glimmer appeared on the hill. He held his breath and waited to see if Derrik returned.

The glow held for a few moments, but faded as if it had never been there. Tommy chewed on his lower lip and blinked a few times. Had there really had been a glow or did his hopes and dreams make him see what he wanted? With a deep breath, he squared his shoulders, put the van in gear and executed a neat U-turn in the middle of the road. Time to get back to Zeroun's and finish up. Alone, again.

An old tune hummed through his mind. He sighed.

Naturally.

Stephen leaned against the cold stone wall--one of his daughters held tenderly in his arms. His gaze flickered from her small, scrunched face to Kelene, who held the second child to her breast. Kelene looked up and met his gaze.

"I was fearful I would not have the milk for our children."

"Aye, but they are well satisfied." He smiled and stroked his daughter's soft cheek with his finger.

Kelene wearily matched his smile with her lips, although it did not reach her pain-wracked eyes. "Now, my only fear is for our children, and for you. If the Defenders are unable to find this place..."

"They will find us. The maid Searlait will bring Derrik here."

Kelene snorted, disturbing the infant's meal. "Her? She is Nechtan-Cattee, a favorite of Feidhlim."

"I have seen her fear and revulsion and how Feidhlim treats her. I believe she is no more Nechtan-Cattee than I." His brows drew together in concentration. "When she was led away, she tried to send a message to me. But her magic is weak, and since I have no magic, I could not help her."

"You have magic, my wonderful man. For you, I will withhold my judgment of the maid." Kelene clutched her daughter so tightly the child whimpered. "The Nechtan- Cattee will not harm our daughters, or Jayezer."

Proud of his mate's fierce protectiveness, he said nothing by keeping his doubts to himself. Rising carefully, he lay his daughter in the basket at Kelene's side. Then he crossed the small cell and knelt beside Noid.

The dog had been fastened to the wall with a short length of thick chain. Stephen removed the wool binding his muzzle and received the swipe of the large tongue in thanks. He ruffled the fur on Noid's head, scratched his ears and looked deeply into the dark eyes.

"We shall protect them, shall we not, my old friend?" Another slow lick was all the answer Stephen needed. He hugged the dog and stood.

Triumphant shouting echoed from the main passageway entering the judgment chamber. Stephen rushed to the door and squinted through the small opening. Kelene called after him, but he motioned her to silence.

Torquil strode into the chamber and posed with hands planted firmly on his hips. He tapped his chest with a fist in salute and angled his upper body to signal down the passageway. The band of disguised Nechtan-Cattee roiled noisily into the room. An equally strangely dressed captive was pushed in front of the band.

Members of the Pure stepped between the captive and Stephen. He moved from one side of the small window to the other, trying to see. Kelene eased beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned to her. "You should not be up, it is dangerous for you. Please return to the bench."

Kelene shook her head firmly. He could not press the issue with his willful mate, so he stepped minutely to the side and let her peer through the window. He wrapped his arm securely about her waist to support her.

Head held down, the captive was forced to the floor. Feidhlim stepped to the very edge of the dais.

"So, witch."

Stephen's eyes jerked to Kelene's. Her mouth formed a silent, "Oh."

The hands holding the captive's head fell away and a gag was removed at Feidhlim's signal. Allyn lifted her eyes to Feidhlim and her mouth worked as if to remove the taste. "I am no witch."

"Ah, but you are, for you bewitched me long ago. Then refused me. There was your fatal mistake, witch."

Kelene clutched Stephen's arm. He turned from the window to wrap his other arm around her and pull her close. He stroked her hair before turning back to the window.

"Let the prisoner stand before me."

Allyn shook her head. Torquil's hand covered her head; his fingers dug into her hair. He yanked upward, dragging Allyn to her feet. She bit her lip to keep from crying out and stumbled forward when Torquil released her with a vicious shove.

Feidhlim laughed.

Kelene lifted her stricken eyes to Stephen's. "If they have Allyn..."

"Derrik and Jayezer will not be far behind," Stephen finished for her. "We must be strong and bide the time until they arrive. Hush now, you must not become so agitated."

Her eyebrows rose. "A jester you are, my dear man. I will try. Watch for me." Her small feet dragged along the stones as she returned to the bench. Each step weighed heavily on Stephen's leaden heart. His own anxiety, swift as the hounds of a Faerie hunt, coursed through him.

Allyn stood with her head hanging, while a Nechtan- Cattee guard on each side squeezed new bruises into her arms. Her scalp tingled painfully. She feared if she moved suddenly, her hair would fall to the floor in a heap. As would her abused body.

She had no idea where she was. A haze of pain blurred her vision. Wanting to collapse in tears, she chewed on the inside of her cheek instead and willed strength into her failing spirit. She wanted Jaye, but she tried to clear any thoughts of him from her mind. The Nechtan-Cattee would use her in any way to find him.

A light touch under her chin lifted her face gently. Feidhlim leaned close, his voice low and seductive. "You still bewitch me, even after all this time. Say you have not forgotten what we may have meant to each other."

Allyn blinked, clearing her vision momentarily. His eyes were too close--the stony coldness belying his wistful words.

She blinked again. Feidhlim's eyes were the eyes of the Faerie who attacked her soon after she reached puberty. Those eyes had frightened her so greatly, she spent many long years denying the pull of the Otherworld, running from the caring family she found there. She cried out and cringed away from him.

Satisfaction glinted in Feidhlim's eyes. "So, you do remember me? Shall we renew our acquaintance?"

Struggling, twisting and jerking like a wild woman, she was unable to break the firm hold the Nechtan-Cattee had on her arms. She drew a deep breath and worked moisture into her mouth. It mixed with the blood there and flew with a wet smack to the center of Feidhlim's chest.

He looked down in surprise and then tightened his fingers on her chin. "You will pay for that, witch." He stroked her cheek, and then slapped her.

Allyn's head snapped to the side, a new trickle of blood trailing from her split lip. A curtain of hair blocked her vision from Feidhlim's reaction. Shaking the strands back, she gave him a weak but defiant grin.

Feidhlim grabbed her hair and pulled it to his chest, using the tangled strands to wipe away the spittle. Part of the blue design came away. He turned to Torquil. "Bind her tightly to the table. I must wash away the defilement. Judgment shall begin upon my return."

Stephen turned from the door. At Kelene's questioning glance, he only shook his head. Defeat pressing heavily against his heart, he slid down the wall.

## Seventeen

Even though Derrik struggled to keep it open, the portal snicked closed as Jaye stepped through. The resolution in Jaye's face softened to awe. He looked around with his mouth gaping open; in the Otherworld the twilight colors were brighter, the world appeared in sharper focus.

Fresh determination firmed his lips while wonder still held his eyes. He turned to Derrik. "I remember."

"Aye, we were wonderin' if the portal would return yer memories."

"Yes. But I remember more than a toddler would know." Derrik smiled with relief. "'Twas also hoped the memories of our race would be passed to ye, half-mortal though ye be."

"We go this way." Jaye wheeled and ran. Derrik grinned, sobered, and ran lightly after Jaye.

Fists clenched tightly, Jaye took a direct path. He jerked to a stop in a small clearing to gulp air and looked around while he caught his breath. "She was here."

Derrik stopped beside Jaye. Breathless, he examined the clearing. "Aye."

A soft voice filtered from the canopy of leaves above them. "The Nechtan-Cattee have Allyn."

"Searlait?" Derrik peered up into the heavily leafed tree.

Searlait dropped lightly beside him. "Well met, cousin."

Derrik gave her an impatient, questioning glance.

"Not long ago a noisy group of Nechtan-Cattee forced Allyn this way," she continued. "They would be to the stronghold by now. I will lead you."

Jaye held up his hand. "I know the way."

Derrik and Searlait both lifted their eyebrows at him and he nearly laughed at the duplicate expressions. "I can sense Allyn, taste her fear, feel her pain. Blinded, I could find her."

"Searlait, ye must go to the Alastriona." Derrik ripped the insignia from his hair and tossed it to her. "Show this an' lead them to the stronghold."

The Faerie was already on the run, waving over her shoulder. "Aye. 'Twill not be long."

Jaye took a deep breath and Derrik was fast on his heels when he started in the opposite direction. They passed quickly through the wooded areas. The land grew rocky; large boulders lined the pathways. Jaye entered a narrow canyon and stumbled over the stone-filled path in his haste.

Swiftly, they made their way to the end of the canyon where a rocky ledge towered over them, blocking the bright starlight. Jaye slid his hand along the rough surface until it disappeared into the rock. He held his hand in place, turned to Derrik and nodded. Silently they passed through the rock into a dim passage.

A low thrumming of drums echoed through the passageway. They followed the incessant beating by hugging the shadows between flickering torches, but encountered no one. Derrik slipped around the edge of an entry into a large chamber and crouched in an alcove. Jaye followed but turned to look across the chamber.

Only Derrik's hand grabbing the back of his shirt held him in place. Allyn lay on a long table in front of a high platform. Bound with tight leather straps, her clothing was torn and deep purple blotches marred the smooth surface of her skin.

Her face turned toward the alcove and she searched as though she knew he was there. Then, she chewed on her abused lip and gave a negative shake of her head. Closing her eyes, Allyn turned her face back toward the dais.

The chanting of the robed Pure circling the room provided a counterpoint to the increased drumming. One final beat reverberated against the stone walls and silence greeted Feidhlim as he stepped onto the dais. Dressed in a kilt of blue matching the newly painted knot on his flabby chest, he had thrown a cloak over one shoulder.

The Pure fell to their knees before him; the chant of his name rang around the chamber. A twisted look of malign satisfaction passed for a smile.

Feidhlim's motion for silence received an immediate response from his followers. He stepped to the edge of the platform and leapt down, his bulk landing lightly before the table.

Allyn twisted, trying to loosen the tight straps. She could barely sense Derrik's presence, but her entire being was infused with Jaye. He had crossed into the Otherworld. Despair tightened bands around her heart.

A hand pressed lightly to her forehead and she froze, trying to keep her thoughts hidden. A strange glint lit Feidhlim's eyes when he smiled down at her. Allyn wanted to turn away, but feared risking alerting the Nechtan-Cattee to the presence of an Alastriona. Ruthlessly, she pushed thoughts of Jaye and Derrik as far to the back of her mind as she could.

The leader of the Pure stroked strands of her hair back from her face and softly caressed the bruise on her cheek. "You should not defy me, witch. No one will delay the completion of my plans. The Clan will be Pure." He leaned close to her ear. "And mine."

He continued to caress Allyn's face. Tempted to clamp down on his hand with her teeth, her mouth opened. But snapped shut when she realized how vulnerable she would be to his retribution.

Feidhlim lifted one eyebrow and smiled. "Bring those we hold captive. They are also a part of my judgment."

Allyn shivered under his stroking fingers. A tear escaped to trail down the side of her face. How much more could she endure? More tears threatened but she sniffed them back and caught her lip between her teeth when Feidhlim's fingers slid down her neck to cup the back of her head. The puffy face was too close, leering at her. She tried to turn away from memories of the long ago attack and the pain of this present, but he held her head steady.

"Do not fear, witch. I would not now sully the purity of my body with yours." His lips were cold against her skin and he laughed, spittle spattering her face. When his hands slipped away, her head fall back to the table with a dull thud. Giving her cheek a pat, he moved away. Allyn's eyes closed wearily.

A frenzied barking erupted from one of the cells. The sound called Allyn back to the unwanted present and forced her to open her eyes. Stephen carried Kelene from a cell; a Nechtan-Cattee followed with two baskets. There was a high-pitched yelp from the cell, and then silence.

Allyn bit down, drawing fresh blood from her abused lip. The tears she had kept at bay through her pain fell at the sight of her dear friends herded like cattle to stand before Feidhlim. Allyn twisted her neck to a painful angle so she could see.

Feidhlim pointed at Stephan. "She will stand in my presence."

"No, she will not." Stephen clasped Kelene firmly to his chest.

"She will stand, human." Feidhlim gritted his teeth. At his signal, several hooded Pure advanced toward Stephen, deadly threats evident in their clenched fists. Kelene struggled weakly and spoke softly to Stephen. He set her on her feet with a sigh, pulled her back against his body and kept his arm tightly around her waist.

Derrik kept a heavy restraining hand on Jaye's arm. Intent upon Allyn and determined to save her, Jaye did not notice the other captives until the slight pressure from Derrik's fingers drew Jaye's attention. He cocked his head quizzically at Derrik who nodded, answering the unspoken questions.

_My parents?_ Confusion warred with Jaye's determination. These were the parents he'd hated all his life. They had abandoned him. He filled his vision with the young woman _. Mother?_

Kelene's eyes flew to the darkened corner where Jaye crouched. She clutched at the man holding her, whispered urgently in his ear and smiled across the dim chamber. A faint smile also crossed the man's tense face. He held the woman tightly and kissed her hair. Then, he tensed his shoulders and glanced around the chamber. His gaze lingered momentarily at Jaye's hiding place before sliding past quickly.

_Those are my parents_. Jaye sat back on his heels. A child's memories twined through his confusion. They loved him greatly, so much; they were willing to lose him to give him an important chance. He still couldn't understand why. He was supposed to hate them for abandoning him. He shook his head. Now, it didn't matter. Memories of their love surrounded him and he realized he loved them in return. He would save them, too. If only to discover why they did what they did.

At a cry from one of the Pure, the drums sounded. Jaye's anger grew with each beat until he throbbed with it. Derrik's fingers tightened on his arm and he motioned across the room toward Stephen and Kelene. Jaye nodded. Crouching low, he began to ease his way around the chamber.

He had moved only a few feet when a muffled thud sounded behind him. He glanced back over his shoulder. Derrik sprawled on the floor. A dark Faerie stood over him, the silver Alastriona insignia at his shoulder glinting in the torchlight. The Faerie knelt beside Derrik and lifted a long, thin knife. A drop of blood fell from the tip.

Which way should he go? How could he help everyone who needed him? The knife hovered high above Derrik's chest and Jaye's decision was made. He leapt back toward Derrik's prone form.

The attacker paused, a grim smile of satisfaction twisting his face. Suddenly, his head jerked back and a flash of cold metal slashed across his exposed neck. Bright blood oozed, following the line along his throat. A quiet gurgle accompanied his slump to the floor.

Searlait lifted her knife to Jaye in salute and motioned with the bloodied blade for him to continue toward the captives. Shoving Torquil's limp body away, she sat beside Derrik and took his head onto her lap.

Wondering how he was going to rescue everyone, Jaye inched his way around the chamber. He didn't feel like hero material. But when the situation called for it...

Feidhlim held Jaye's attention. The agitated Faerie paced between Allyn and Jaye's parents. Pausing, he would speak softly to himself before continuing his rapid pacing. Finally, he stopped half way between them.

"Judgment has been made. The unpure will be banished from the Clan, never to return to the Otherworld. I bear witness to the cleansing of the Clan." When he began weaving his hands through the air. Jaye noticed the pattern he created was the same as the knot upon his chest. "Now my loyal Nechtan-Cattee, go to your homes. Meditate on the actions that take place this day. Celebrate the cleansing. For when next you see me, I shall have sent forth the unpure. The Pure shall prevail. Now go. Leave me."

Murmurs and confusion among the robed figures kept them milling about the chamber. But, soon they followed their lord's demands without question. Even the guards holding Feidhlim's prisoners bowed and moved slowly from the chamber.

Jaye frowned. What kind of power does he have over these people? Those left in the room could easily overcome him. Now, it was up to him. Perhaps the girl brought the cavalry. He edged along the wall until he was even with the table.

"Torquil. Stand forth." Feidhlim paused and looked around. "Where is Torquil? His presence alone is required."

Sarcasm dripped from the voice answering Feidhlim's summons. "Here, my lord."

Searlait stepped from the shadows and kicked at the bulk of a limp form until Torquil's body rolled to Feidhlim's feet. Feidhlim jumped back, his face blanching to the whiteness of Torquil's bloodless skin. Regaining his composure, he moved forward once again.

"What manner of trick is this? Dare you to insult me and defile the judgment chamber? Take her." He looked around but no Pure remained in the chamber. Muffled sounds of struggle filtered into the chamber from the many passageways.

Searlait smiled and threw Torquil's Alastriona insignia at Feidhlim's feet. "I think not. The Defenders are come."

Feidhlim's brows drew together. He gritted his teeth but did not hold back his primal scream of rage. Kicking Torquil's body, he stepped over it and lunged toward Allyn. "This is your doing, witch." A bright orange glow popped into being around his hands where he clasped them before his face. His hands flowed around each other and the glow, until he cupped the brightness lovingly in his palms. He aimed the ball of power and with a fierce battle cry set it spinning toward Allyn.

The power engulfed her. Screaming, her back arched sharply, pulling the binding straps even tighter into her skin. A seizure of pain wracked her body. Kelene fainted, falling heavily to the ground. A baby's cry mingled with Allyn's screams. Wild barking erupted from the far cell. Surrounded by the sounds, Jaye was lost in the glow of power. Frozen, he was unable to think, unable to move. Unable...

A tall form rose in front of the table and blocked the glow from reaching Allyn. The screaming stopped, but her breathing was loud and ragged in the sudden silence. Derrik squared his shoulders, took a step forward and lifted his hands to try and capture the deadly glow.

Feidhlim backed away, shaking his head. A deep breath puffed his chest and he concentrated the power. Derrik faltered, stumbled and fell to his knees. Feidhlim chuckled. Searlait crawled behind Derrik to grab the infants' baskets and slide them away from the angry glow of power. Stephen lifted Kelene and followed Searlait to the relative safety of the side of the room.

Without hesitation, Jaye lurched into action, standing before Derrik, absorbing the power, feeling it grow within him. Surprised he wasn't weakened by the onslaught like he expected, the tension wound through him like a spring twisted tightly. Matching Feidhlim's stance, he lifted his hands and a faint blue glow spread down his arms to gather in his palms.

Behind him, Derrik clutched his shoulder and collapsed to the floor. His voice sounded in Jaye's mind as if from a distance, a faint echo surrounding the words. _Use yer mind to push the power away_.

Jaye nodded and concentrated. The tingle in his hands intensified until his fingers pulsed with power. A glow lifted slowly from his hands and pushed at Feidhlim's power. Confidence filled Jaye. He imagined throwing a spear straight at Feidhlim's chest. Power followed his thoughts in a blue streak.

Feidhlim screamed, his eyes bulging with rage. His hands fell to his sides, the orange power dissipating into the air. "You can not win, human."

Panicked, he looked around. The Nechtan-Cattee left the judgment chamber as he ordered. His shoulders slumped and he hung his head in defeat, but smiled down at the floor. Pressing his back against the platform, he panted heavily.

Jaye touched Derrik's wounded shoulder and received a shake of his head in response. So Jaye stepped back until he felt the table behind him. Only then did he turn away from Feidhlim's cowering form.

"Allyn, love." The strange power surged through him in response to the seething anger at her wounds. Gently loosening the tight straps, he made soft sounds of comfort to Allyn's still form. Lifting her shoulders, he held her tightly against his chest. Tears blurred his vision and he vowed to destroy the one who caused his love such pain. He blinked at the vehemence in his thoughts. Destroy someone?

Her hand touched his face and he turned to kiss her palm. She spoke, but he could not understand the strained voice so close to his ear.

"No love, don't speak."

Allyn shook her head. "You must go to Kelene."

"Kelene?"

"Your mother."

"I will not leave you." He stroked her hair but jerked his hand away when she winced.

"I'm fine. Go." Her push was as weak as a kitten's first cry. "I'll join you in a few moments."

Reluctant, Jaye nodded, kissed the side of her mouth but avoided the split that opened again with her speech. He moved away slowly, keeping his arm outstretched to maintain contact with her as long as possible.

Allyn tried to smile and waved him away. He turned, halted frozen in place and then rushed to his mother's side.

Watching the tender reunion, Allyn's heart filled with love and joy, and the sharpest pain she had yet felt on this painful day. She loved Jaye, but he belonged here. She was so happy for Kelene, she thought she would burst. Swinging her legs off the edge of the table, she struggled to leave the hard surface as quickly as possible.

Derrik appeared at her side to help her slide carefully to the floor. She caught his grimace of pain when she turned to thank him.

"You're hurt."

"Aye. Torquil's blade caught me unawares. 'Tis not deep, but verra painful."

"I could..."

"Ye could nae heal me any more than ye could carry a pebble across the room. Dinna worry. I will see the healer when this one is confined." He pointed to Feidhlim.

But, he wasn't there. Derrik rushed to where Feidhlim had recently cowered and searched desperately for the evil Faerie.

Satisfied laughter rang out above him. Feidhlim sat on his bench, reclining against one armrest. "No, you cannot defeat me. I have the power of right. The Clan will be cleansed."

There was a moment of silence as he paused deep in thought. "But first, I would have the child know why he, and you who he cares about, must be destroyed."

Allyn clutched the table edge. Her head swam with sudden weakness and her vision blurred. A deep breath helped clear her sight, but panic filled her chest as easily as the air she gulped filled her lungs.

Jaye shook off Kelene's embrace and stepped forward. "I don't take well to destruction."

Feidhlim ignored the interruption. "There is no blood right within the Clan. Each leader chooses the heir and successor. I was the chosen of the Queen. I enjoyed the privilege I was entitled to, and deserved.

"Until the witch blossomed. The new woman in her inflamed my blood. She refused the glory I offered her. I offered more, but she ran from me. And though my body ached for her, she did not return to Faerie for many of her human years.

"By then, Kelene, the human-lover had borne a child. The Queen thought to heal some imagined breach with the human world and named the child her heir. A child over me? I would rectify the Queen's terrible mistake. I sought to remove the child from the grace of the Queen. Then I would return to my place of privilege.

"The child was hidden from me in the mortal world. I could not find the child; not even the human-lover knew how her child fared. I cherished the pain of the mother."

Feidhlim's wild eyes rested on Allyn. A chill traveled the length of her spine. "I knew the instant the witch returned, the moment she passed through a portal, and I felt anew the agony of her rejection. It was on that fateful day the Nechtan-Cattee were created, and the quest for pureness began."

Feidhlim paused and sighed happily. He looked over the occupants of the judgment chamber and his eyes lingered on each for a few breaths. "Now is the time of my triumph."

The hair on the back of Allyn's neck lifted. She glanced uneasily over her shoulder to see a forming portal. The magic seduced her, drawing her toward the swirling glow.

Electricity filled the room as portals opened throughout the chamber. Allyn's mouth dropped open. The expanse of power was so great, she wasn't sure the stones of the chamber could contain it.

Feidhlim chuckled happily. With a flick of his fingers he sent the portals spinning, the power forcing each captive toward the center of the room. Gathering his captives, he held them within the spiral of the whirling portals.

"The unpure will pass through a portal one final time. Each portal opens to a different place, and time within the mortal world. You will never find one another. You will exist alone and far from Faerie. You will never return, for I will close and destroy all portals."

Feidhlim pointed at his chest and then flung his arms toward the portals. "If the Queen will not return me to my place of rank and privilege, she will also be banished from the Clan. I and I alone have power over the portals."

Jaye stepped forward trying to shake away the tingles rubbing his nerves raw. "I don't think so." He looked up at Feidhlim and met his eyes, shuddering at the hate engraved there. A deep breath did nothing to steady his nerves. "You will banish no one but yourself."

Bending forward to clutch at his jiggling belly, Feidhlim laughed. "The child challenges me?" Feigned regret colored his sigh. "Very well then." He unfastened the cloak and dropped it on the bench. He leapt from the dais and landed lightly.

Jaye motioned the others behind him, took a deep breath and tried to steel his resolve. What the hell was he doing? Totally out of his league, he hoped this was just another bad dream. But there was no one to wake him now. Planting his feet firmly on the stone floor, he let Feidhlim move forward unchallenged.

Magic spurted to life and flowed toward Jaye at a fantastic speed. Jaye's deflection was automatic. He defended, but could not focus an attack. As much as he hated this...this Faerie, Feidhlim was still another person. Jaye did not see himself causing death. He fought, wishing he had accepted his belief sooner so Derrik could have given him some pointers.

Power drained rapidly from him and the glow of Feidhlim's magic intensified as it whirled around him. Soon, he wouldn't be able to lift his arms, even to wipe the sweat from his face. Jaye tried to hide his weakness from the others but knew the shaking of his arms gave him away. The lead of failure filled his belly and dragged him further into despair.

Feidhlim's wicked grin grew into a feral snarl. Jerking his hands to increase the flow of power, he advanced a step. Orange light blossomed and completely surrounded Jaye.

Every cell of Jaye's body hurt; intense, pulsing pains shot up his arms and across his shoulders. He gasped, unable to draw enough air into his aching lungs. Nothing existed for him but the pain--and the power. Even the prospect of failure faded until the pain surrounded one blue word, one hope in his overwrought mind. He cried out.

A hand touched his shoulder and pressed against the curve of his extended upper arm. The ache eased. Allyn stood behind him. She said she had no magic. The word sparkled again across his mind's eye. Love.

He forced his tired eyes to focus on the orange blur of Feidhlim's magic. The blue of his own latent power deepened as his strength returned. "You will not harm me or those I protect." Jaye spoke through gritted teeth, each word ground out with pain and anger. The air exploded with sparkling blue light.

Forced to his knees, Feidhlim cried out. Struggling to draw a breath, he could not raise his power again. He crumpled into a heap and covered his head with his hands.

Jaye collapsed against Allyn. Searlait mumbled something about the Queen and turned toward a passageway; but found she could not pass the circle of the portals. No one moved. All eyes turned to Jaye.

He sank wearily to the floor and reached up to take Allyn's hand. "I don't know what to do now."

Feidhlim's muffled voice rose cheerfully from the floor. "There is nothing you can do, child. I control the portals. Only I can close them. Which I will not do until each of you has passed through. Alone. I suggest you accept your fates. The portals regain strength even as I do. You feel the call and will soon be enjoying your new lives.

"Be thankful I do not destroy you. I will take greater pleasure in imagining your pain at your separations." He chuckled and crawled unsteadily to his feet. "Now, who will be the first?"

Defiant silence answered him. He looked around, narrowed eyes finally resting on the baskets sitting forgotten against the wall. With a speed that belied his size, he slipped to the wall and gathered a basket to his chest.

A startled squall erupted from the basket. "One of the abominations will be first." Kelene cried out, reaching for her child. Jaye fought his agony to scramble to his knees but could rise no further.

Feidhlim flicked a finger and a portal steadied beside him while he sat the basket on the floor and drew back his foot. Looking at Stephen and Kelene, held helpless by his magic, he gloated. "Farewell, small abomination."

A growling black blur forced a startled Feidhlim to step back to place itself between the Faerie and the infant. Noid stood with all four legs braced, the fur along his back lifted and fluffed until he looked twice his normal size. A length of chain dragged on the floor behind him, ending in a broken link. Low growls rumbled from his deep chest.

Jaye watched in amazement. It was the dog from Allyn's tale. With a flash of enlightenment, he remembered the joy-filled playmate of his first year. This was that same fierce protector. Groaning, he stood, wrapped his arm around Allyn's waist and clutched her to his side.

Noid sidestepped, forcing Feidhlim away from the basket. His sharp white teeth glistened against the black fur. Feidhlim focused a ball of power at the dog and sent it flying. But, the orange glow shattered harmlessly around the animal. Confusion and fear twisted Feidhlim's triumphant expression into a mask of terror.

The dog advanced, one menacing step at a time. He punctuated his growls with sharp, staccato barks, making Feidhlim jump each time. Never relenting, never giving ground to the astonished Faerie, Noid allowed Feidhlim no chance to gather his thoughts or aim his magic elsewhere.

Feidhlim held his hands in front of himself and tried to hold off the large dog. Noid's growls reverberated through the chamber. Crouching on his hind legs, he lunged forward. Feidhlim fell back and screamed. A portal snared him and sucked him through. Feidhlim disappeared and the portal snapped shut with deadly finality.

The swirl of portals disappeared one by one, leaving the air tense with unexpended power, like electricity turned loose. Sobbing in relief, Kelene ran to the basket and lifted her daughter. Stephen gathered his other daughter to his chest and turned tear-filled eyes to Jaye.

Jaye fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around the dog's neck. Noid's large paws were planted on Jaye's shoulders; his tongue was busy laving Jaye's face. Jaye was knocked over, rolling on the floor with the slobbering black pile of fur.

Allyn, smiling fondly at the two of them, was tempted to giggle, but the pain flaring through her prevented it. She moved away from Jaye. This was a time of reunion and she had no place in the celebrations.

Stephen and Kelene rushed to Jaye's side. He rose to his knees, but dropped his gaze to the floor. "You abandoned me."

Kelene sighed, handed their second daughter to Stephen and helped him adjust the two tiny girls in his arms. She gazed at the top of Jaye's head and tentatively rested her fingers against his hair. "Aye. Do you not know now the true reason? Why we were separated for so very long?"

Taking a deep breath, Jaye lifted his eyes to her clear gaze. "Yes. It was not about the choice, for there is no choice to be made. You sought only to protect me from the harm that would prevent me from reaching this time, this place."

"Aye."

"But you couldn't leave me any memories? Anything to tell a young boy he belonged somewhere, to someone?" Tears filled Kelene's eyes. "It was forbidden. Also for your safety. I would have kept you with me, but I could not protect you from the growing evil in the Clan."

"I...I think I understand." Jaye lifted his arms to her. Kelene leaned forward letting Jaye wrap his arms about her waist and lay his head against her stomach. "Mathair." Kelene swayed gently, rocking the son she had missed so dearly. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Allyn wiped her own tears away.

Derrik moved unsteadily to her side. "'Tis a beautiful moment, is it nae?"

Allyn nodded. Jaye stood to meet his sisters and then clasp his father in a fierce hug. There was no doubt in her mind what life Jaye would choose. He had missed a family in his early life and there was much to make up for. Happily time flowed differently in Faerie.

A commotion from one of the passageways drew their attention. A tightly compacted troop of Faerie hurried in with weapons held tightly. The many sets of eyes searched the room. Derrik stepped forward with his hand raised palm outward.

"Ah, the Alastriona have arrived." Respectfully, he bowed his head. "And my Queen. Welcome." The phalanx of Alastriona parted and Derrik moved to join the Queen. He spoke rapidly, gesturing here and there about the chamber while he spoke.

Uncontrollable tremors engulfed Allyn's muscles when he pointed to her and to the long table. She inclined her head to the Queen and slipped back into the shadows between two torches. Calm and refreshing to her trembling limbs, the stone wall was cool against her back.

Derrik finished his recitation and left the Queen in tears. She knelt and called softly. Noid's ears perked and he left off his play, rushing to the Queen's arms. She made much of the dark animal dancing happily before her.

Derrik cleared his throat. "My lady, how did the dog defeat Feidhlim's magic?"

"I do not know, Defender. Perhaps it was my long ago blessing." The Queen stared deeply into Noid's eyes. "More likely it was the love he holds for his family and Clan. The magic of animals manifests itself differently than that of Faerie." She rubbed Noid between his alert ears. "It is of no matter."

The Queen stood, brushed black fur from her clothing and crossed to her sister. The Queen assured herself that Kelene and her family were without serious harm and spent a long time cooing over the babes. Smiling, she turned finally to Jaye.

He dropped to one knee. "I remember you at last, my lady Aunt."

The Queen lay her hand gracefully on his head. "Jayezer. You have returned to us."

"For a time, my lady," he cleared his throat, "to learn who I am."

Tilting her head, she contemplated his statement. "It is fair." With the abrupt change of nature of her kind, she laughed and lifted her arms, twirling in place. "The Nechtan-Cattee have been defeated. The heir has returned. It is time for a celebration."

Jaye rose stiffly to his feet, mouth open to make a comment. The wild cheers of the Defenders interrupted him. The echo of their joyous cries washed away the stench of the Nechtan-Cattee chants from the gloomy chamber. Jaye shook his head, smiled grimly and turned back to his parents.

Allyn sighed; he hadn't even looked for her. Of course finding one's family after so many lonely years is far more important than a lover of only a few days. Repeating the thought, she tried to make the dull ache in the pit of her stomach disappear.

Unthinking, she chewed on her lower lip, wincing at the sudden pain. The pain might help her forget Jaye. But, she knew it wouldn't. She wrinkled her nose against the sudden tingles that signaled more impending tears.

The massive width of Derrik's chest moved before her, blocking her view of the chamber. He placed one hand against the wall at the side of her head and leaned toward her. Pain and questions swirled in his eyes.

"Do ye wish to see the healers before the celebration?"

"I'm not going to the celebration. It's a time for Jaye and his family. And the Clan who have waited so long for his return."

"But, ye are..."

"So tired, Derrik. I'll heal as well at home. I don't have the strength to call for a portal. Will you help me home?"

"But..."

"I know you have to be at the Queen's side for the gathering of the Clan." Her voice grew soft and tiny. "It won't take long."

She slumped against the wall, eyes closed. Her face paled to white and she lost consciousness, sliding to the floor. Derrik turned to where Jaye gazed in wonder at the small sister he held awkwardly in his arms. He took a deep, painful breath, unsure if following Allyn's wishes would be the correct action.

Making his decision, he knelt and struggled to lift Allyn with his good arm. The movement opened the wound in his shoulder; a trickle of wetness soaked into his shirt. Holding Allyn against his side as well as he could, he let her feet drag along the ground. He took a few difficult steps into a nearby passageway, quickly opened a small portal and carried Allyn through.

Jaye's head snapped up and swiveled to the passageway. Emptiness flowed back at him. Allyn was gone.

## Eighteen

Allyn faced Tommy and tried to help him untangle a length of crisp white material. "How long is this thing anyway?"

"Umm, about ten feet. It'll skirt an eight foot table." He dug an end from the tight knot of material and handed it to her. It was then quick work to finish folding the table skirt and place it on the special hanger.

"Allyn, thanks for helping me out. I'm not sure I could have carried on without you. Thank goodness the business was closed for a few more days anyway. I haven't decided what I'll do when the staff starts asking questions."

She smiled carefully, although her lip was nearly healed. "I didn't want to be alone either. Derrik will be back. He cares for you, very much."

"I thought so, but I've been wrong before." Tommy shrugged. "No big deal. I am surprised Jaye hasn't checked on you, as beat up as you were. I know he loves you."

"There are issues involved that would change how he feels."

Tommy snorted. "What? Your age?" He held up a hand. "Derrik told me how concerned you were. I don't see that as a viable issue."

Allyn leaned against the counter and wrapped her arms about herself. "It is though, and insurmountable."

"I think not." The familiar voice sounded from the doorway.

Tommy surged into action, rushing toward the door. "Jaye!" He collided with Jaye and hugged him tightly. Just as quickly he stepped back, face flaming red. "It's about time you returned."

Laughing, Jaye grabbed Tommy's shoulders and pulled him into another hug. "I know. There was much to learn, and much more to be done." He glanced past Tommy's shoulder to Allyn. Her gaze skittered away, looking everywhere but at him. Finally, she took a deep breath and angled to face the back wall.

Jaye closed his eyes briefly, opening them to Tommy's questioning look. "First, I am to tell you Derrik will soon be able to return. He made too many trips through the portals while wounded. The healers have grounded him for a short time."

Concern flashed through Tommy's eyes before he set his features firmly and shrugged. "So?"

"He wants to talk with you."

"So?"

Jaye let his breath out slowly and lifted his eyes toward the ceiling. "Okay. Second, I wanted to have you take a look at this and tell me what you think." He grinned and handed Tommy a thick folder.

Throwing Jaye another quizzical look, Tommy set the folder on the counter and slowly opened it. He read for a few moments and his mouth fell open. His eyes grew wider and he used a finger to trace the words he re-read for a third time. Turning to face Jaye, he kept one hand possessively on the stack of papers.

"A partnership agreement?"

"It's about time, don't you think?"

"You want me to be your partner?"

"No. I want some stranger off the street. Honestly, Tommy, I wouldn't have spent all those long, boring hours with the attorney if I didn't. You've done more than your share for a long time. It's time for me to repay you in some way."

Jaye canted his head so he could watch Allyn's tense back. "Besides, there needs to be someone here with interest in Zeroun's since I am unable to spend all my time in this world. When I am in the Otherworld, you will care for the business here. When I am about Zeroun's business, the Queen will continue to care for Faerie as she has done for longer than we can imagine."

He watched the muscles in Allyn's back tense further and saw her shrug to relax her shoulders. She had closed herself to him. It was his fault; he should have returned for her immediately, the instant he knew she was gone. But, he discovered just as quickly there was no immediately in the Otherworld. Time flowed according to the whims of the Queen.

Tapping the folder, he spoke earnestly to Tommy. "Read the agreement carefully. Unless you disagree, you will have primary responsibility for the business. And the benefits and title to go with it."

Tommy smiled broadly. "What could I do but accept?"

When Jaye lifted his eyebrows at him, Tommy patted the papers. "I will read this carefully--for the sake of the attorney." His smile faded and he cleared his throat, jerking his head toward Allyn. "What about..."

"I will deal with the insurmountable now." Jaye crossed to Allyn and touched her lightly on the shoulder. She winced.

"My bruises are still painful."

"I could not return sooner." He leaned close; a low chuckle stirred the hair lying against her cheek. "Kelene tried to make up for all our years apart in just a few days. When I was not smothered by her, the Queen kept me close by her side."

Allyn turned to face him. "You didn't mind the mothering?"

"No. It was strange, but I've always wondered what a real family would be like. I know my family well now, and understand why I was abandoned. It still hurts like hell, but I can deal with the pain now." He kissed her cheek and let his lips linger close to her skin. "I have returned for you."

"It wasn't necessary. I'm healing as well as expected, considering the extent of my injuries."

Jaye took her hand, lifted it while he glanced at the bruises and bent his head to press his lips softly to a deep purple blotch.

Allyn jerked, but he didn't let go of her hand. "Don't. I'm thankful your return has been a happy one. The Clan must be ecstatic with joy. Are you happy, Jaye?"

"Part of my heart has been filled with my parents' love, the belonging, the discovery of my real family. The hate I once felt for them has been erased. I don't understand how, and it doesn't matter.

"Another part of my soul is screaming with emptiness. It was drained the instant Derrik carried you from Faerie. The emptiness remains and will fester there until you agree to spend your life with me."

"I can't."

"Insurmountable, huh? Come with me now. Talk to me. Give me the chance to convince you." Jaye turned toward Tommy, but his new partner had slipped silently from the room. "Come with me?"

Allyn nodded slowly. Jaye's heart pounded, filling his chest with wondrous pressure. Little boy mischief tinted his words. "Watch what I can do."

He turned his back to her and his fingers fluttered until a shaky portal appeared before them. He reached back and grabbed for her hand. "Come on, I can't hold them very long. And we can't go far yet." She didn't resist when he pulled her beside him and stepped into the glow.

The portal opened into her backyard and closed after they stepped through. Jaye led her to the deck and helped her sit on the top step. Shading her eyes with a hand, she squinted up at him. "Not bad. What else can you do?"

Crouching in front of her, Jaye touched his fingertips to the largest bruise on her arm. He closed his eyes in concentration and a faint sheen of sweat covered his forehead. She watched in awed silence as the bruise disappeared slowly, the deep purple fading to her natural skin color. Jaye looked up and blinked his blurry eyes twice. "That."

She eased her arm from under his fingers and his hands dropped to her knees. "I said I would heal."

Jaye took a deep breath and gazed into her face. "Allyn, I love you. Will you marry me?"

"We've been through this before."

"Yes, we have. The perceived problem of where we will be together has been resolved. We are able to choose where to live, for by the grace of the Queen, the portals remain open and there is to be free passage for friends of Faerie. Will you marry me?"

Allyn paused and used the banister to pull herself to her feet. She took a couple of steps into the yard, stopped, lifted one knee and then the other. There was no pain, no sound like chirping crickets when she moved. Eyes wide and accusing, she turned back to Jaye. "What did you do to my knees?"

Guilt tinged his expression before he lowered his eyes. "I guess left over power healed them." He joined her in the yard, took her hands and cradled them between his own. "Now you will be able to dance at our wedding."

Allyn bit her lip to suppress a giggle. "You are persistent."

"I've had to be to get what I want. And I want you. I need you in my life. Allyn, love, will you marry me?"

"But I am so much..."

"Older than me? I have also given much thought to that problem. And I believe I have a solution."

Doubt clouded Allyn's features even as she clamped down on a budding hope. "Do tell."

"Well, first you must return to the Otherworld. Since time passes differently in Faerie, perhaps the years will not seem too long to you. I would not have you saddened during this time." Jaye glanced at her from under lowered lashes and his mouth quirked with suppressed humor.

"I'll remain in this world for thirteen years. Or perhaps fifteen, then I'll be older than you. When we meet again there will be no difference of ages between us."

Allyn's brows drew together and she closed her eyes against the ridiculous idea. To spend so long apart just to match their ages was..."That would be extremely silly."

"Then, you will marry me now?"

She shook her head and walked quickly into the house. Jaye waited a few moments before following, finding her, as he knew he would, in her workroom staring out the wide windows.

"You make so much sense when I'm with you, I can believe anything you tell me. But when I'm alone, huge doubts assail me. I don't know what to think. Then, I see you and it all makes sense again."

Jaye moved behind her and wrapped his arms about her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder. "I will have to make sure you are never alone then, love."

He nuzzled her neck until she leaned back and tilted her head away from the pressure of his loving assault. Kisses traveled from her ear down her neck and back. "I love you. Will you marry me?"

"I can't think clearly when you do this to me."

"Good. You think too much." He smiled against her neck. "Come with me."

"Where to this time?" Shivers trembled along her arms when he lifted her hair and drew his lips softly across the back of her neck.

"Upstairs, my love."

Jaye took the narrow stairs two at a time, tugging Allyn's hand to hurry her along. He pulled her into her room and pointed to the design painted around the top of the walls. "Do you think the smiths could translate this design into our wedding rings? I want to surround myself with symbols of eternity with you."

Taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly, his lips barely brushing against hers. The rise of desire flared between them. Jaye lifted his hand to trace her lips with a trembling finger. The rough scab absorbed into her lip.

Jaye smiled. "Now I don't need to worry about kissing you." To prove his point, his mouth descended to hers again, pressed against her lips firmly and moved deliciously. Her lips parted, inviting him to deepen the kiss. He did.

Stumbling together, they crossed the room and fell laughing onto the bed's resilient surface. Jaye gathered her against him, holding her head against his shoulder, kissing the top of her head, inhaling the essence of her hair. "I love you, Allyn. I always will. Perhaps, I always have. Together we are whole, complete. I could fight the Nechtan-Cattee by myself, but could not defeat Feidhlim without you at my side."

Allyn shuddered, her voice muffled into his chest. "I did nothing."

"You did. You said you have no magic. But you do. You believe in me, you love me. In belief is power. You poured the strength of your love into me. I would never have believed I could have the ability to fight Feidhlim, let alone defeat him, if you had not been at my side. I would return the power to you." He ran his hand softly across her back, over her arm, down her leg. Blue fire followed his hand, sparking into the air around them.

"Look, love, look how we are blessed by the soul fire. I've learned how rare it is, how precious. Together, we must treasure this fire, as I cherish you."

"I desire the fire."

Jaye gazed into Allyn's heavy lidded eyes, into the sparkling blue of the passion that stretched between them. Gentle reserve disappeared and he was jolted by raw desire. Allyn's fingers threaded through his hair and forced his lips to hers.

Minutes later, he was breathless. Allyn's lips were swollen and moist, inviting his return. Her hands were under his shirt, working their way to the front of his jeans.

Rolling onto his back, he let her take the lead. Soft sounds of frustration passed her lips as her fingers fumbled with the button and zipper. She pushed his jeans away and lifted his firm length from the confining material of his briefs and then her frustration turned to a sigh of satisfaction. Surrounding his erection with one hand, she squeezed gently. A low moan quivered his tense stomach muscles.

Jaye turned slightly and pushed her shoulders onto the bed. He waggled his eyebrows and slowly lowered his head, closed his mouth over the tip of a breast and suckled her through the soft material of her dress. He nipped at the peaked nipple until her hands left him to crush the quilt at her sides with frantic fingers.

He moved to the other breast, repeating his tender ministrations until she arched against him and held his head tightly. "Oh Jaye, nothing...between us."

Jaye chuckled against her breast and inched away. She gasped at the lack of his fire against her. One of his insistent hands grazed her distended nipples, floated across her ribs and belly, slid beneath the hem of her dress. He pushed it to her hips and let his fingertips tickle the smooth skin of her thighs. Cupping her bottom he helped lift her hips so he could slide the dress up further until it could be removed over her head. The soft material landed in a heap on the floor. She wriggled desperately out of her underthings.

It took only seconds for Jaye's clothing to join the crumpled pile on the floor. Allyn ran her hands along his skin and reveled in the firm planes, the prickles of hair under her palms.

Their hands were both frantic and soothing as they explored each other. Every inch of sensation ignited an ever-tightening swirl of fiery desire. Behind her closed eyes, Allyn saw shooting blue sparks. She now welcomed them as a part of their love.

The spirals whirled, concentrating at the spot where she ached for their joining. She leaned into Jaye until he rolled onto his back. Then she swung her leg over his hip and straddled him, capturing his rock hard length between them.

Jaye bit his lower lip until she kissed him and comforting the abused area with her tongue, sucked his lip between hers.

Sliding against him, she made soft cries into his mouth. He tried to slow the wild movements by holding her waist, but she shook her head and sat back on her calves. She filled her hands with his shaft, lifted her hips and guided him into her heated embrace.

Her muscles clenched around him and drew him deeper within her. His hips lifted against her. Leaning forward, she touched his lips with hers. Jaye pressed into her again and groaned. After lifting her hips slowly, she slid down his length just as slowly.

Jaye's hands flattened against her bottom and his fingers flexed to pull her closer each time she lowered to encase him. Her head was thrown back, her breath escaping parted lips in ever-increasing bursts that matched her throbbing rhythm.

Jaye's slid his hands up her back and around to cup her breasts where he squeezed and twirled her nipples between his fingers. Her cries became sharper and she rocked against him franticly. Thrusting up firmly, Jaye arched his back to fill her completely. Sparks of blue exploded around Allyn and she cried out. The soul fire fell onto his heated skin, burning with the intensity of her pleasure. It was a blessed pain.

She collapsed against his chest. He caressed her for a few moments before rolling her beneath him. Holding her face tenderly between his hands, he kissed her, taking her slowing breaths into his mouth. His kisses rained on her eyelids, the tip of her nose, her chin.

"I love you, Allyn. I will forever."

Her words were the music of their lover's dance. "I have always loved you, Jayezer."

He brushed damp strands of hair back from her face and watched intently while he lifted his hips until he was nearly free of her. When he returned to her heat, they gasped together in delight. Adjusting the angle of his thrusts, he moved slowly. With a hoarse cry, Allyn wrapped her legs around his hips and pressed him into her more quickly.

Jaye matched the rhythm she desired, increasing or slowing the tempo at her insistence. Their soft cries filled the quiet room with joyous pleasure. The air sparkled around them, drenching their damp bodies in clear blue light.

Allyn clawed at Jaye's shoulders and he arched his back to drive his hips into hers. His cry was low, drawn from deep within his chest, shuddering with the power of his release. Her cry joined his. He gasped again, lost in the blessed agony of sensation.

His eyelids fluttered open to the vision of Allyn's sated smile. Arms trembling, he lowered his chest to rest on Allyn's soft breasts. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly to her. Their heartbeats slowed together, matching beat for beat. Minutes passed in comfortable silence and soft kisses.

Allyn squirmed, moving her shoulders restlessly.

"Am I too heavy?"

"No, I will bear your weight for the eternity you spoke of. There's a wrinkle of quilt under my shoulder."

Jaye grinned, rolled to his side and pulled the quilt from under Allyn's shoulder. He rested his hand on her stomach and began to caress her navel. She giggled and slapped at his hand, so he continued his onslaught. Although she held her breath and tried hard not to laugh, joyous giggles exploded from her lips and she curled into a ball to protect her stomach.

Watching the laughter calm to soft, gasping giggles, Jaye lay propped on one elbow. Suddenly self-conscious, Allyn blushed and tried to tug at the quilt over herself.

"Please don't. I'll never tire of looking at you. I love you, Allyn, more than life. If I had to give up my life here and my new life in Faerie to be with you, I would happily start over. As many times as you wished, if only you would stay by my side."

"And I love you, my Jayezer." Mischief sparkling her eyes, she grinned at him. "Didn't you understand what I said? I will gladly bear your weight for all eternity."

Eyes wide, hopeful and sparking blue in the deep brown depths, Jaye hesitated. "Does this mean...? Allyn, will you marry me?"

She caressed his face with flowing fingertips. "For all eternity."

## Nineteen

Half hidden by a grouping of potted palms, Allyn stood at one end of a large reception hall and filled her memory with the sights and sounds of her wedding reception. The cake had been cut, and Jaye, true to his word, had only placed a small bite in her mouth. Tempted to smash the fluffy frosting into his face, she'd restrained herself, but not her evil grin.

The traditional toasts followed with Tommy taking his duties as best man seriously. He'd made an eloquent speech. Now, Faerie toasts had taken over, one corner of the room full of boisterous laughter.

The shimmer of a wide portal into the Otherworld caught her eye. Faerie and human passed easily between the worlds for the wedding, and the Queen promised a portal would always be open to those who believed. Allyn shook her head sadly at human guests who sat near the portal and had no idea of its existence.

A small Faerie band played traditional Gaelic music near the dance floor. Stephen and Kelene danced quietly in one corner. Near them, their small daughters lay in their baskets and watched with the wide-eyed curiosity only a newly born old soul possesses. Between them, the large black dog stood guard. Even when called away to dance with the Queen, his eyes seldom left his tiny charges.

Tommy hovered stiffly at the back of the room. He insisted on planning the reception and took his host responsibilities as seriously as those he performed as best man. But, now that the usual ceremonial activities were over, Allyn wanted Tommy to enjoy himself. She stood on tiptoe to look for Jaye. Instead she saw Derrik purposefully crossing the room while holding two slender wineglasses cradled in one hand. With a smile, Allyn ducked her head and watched the two men through lowered lashes and palm fronds.

Derrik stopped next to Tommy, leaned against the wall and held out a glass. The glass remained steady even after Tommy shook his head. Reluctantly, Tommy finally took the glass and lifted it for a small sip. He angled away from Derrik and shook his head again. Derrik leaned closer, punctuating his conversation with his glass that had wine threatening to slosh over the rim at any moment.

With his arm around Tommy's stiff shoulder, Derrik guided him gently toward the glow in the far wall. Tommy jerked to a stop and gestured around the room. Derrik dismissed the concerns with a graceful wave of his hand. Jaye sauntered to Tommy's side and made shooing motions at him. She giggled as she remembered her grandmother making those same motions to get her out of the way.

Betrayal and pain created tense lines around Tommy's eyes and his shoulders slumped under Derrik's arm. Derrik leaned close to his ear and whispered earnestly. At last, a tentative smile pulled Tommy's lips. His shoulders straightened and his arm slipped around Derrik's lean waist. They passed through the portal. Knowing her friends were well on the way to resolving their differences, Allyn breathed a sigh of relief.

Jaye came up beside her. "Miss me?"

She jumped and slapped him on the chest. She softened her initial reaction by stoking the side of his face. "Yes."

"How about a little fresh air, love?" Jaye took her hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow to lead her into the hallway. They crossed to wide French doors leading to an enclosed courtyard. A fine sheen of drizzle covered the glass panes. Jaye cracked open one door and let the damp freshness swirl around them.

Jaye nuzzled Allyn's neck. Her breath caught when his lips grazed the tender spot behind her ear. Once her arms were around his neck, she pressed into him. "How long do we have to stay at the reception? I want to be with you. Alone. Well, maybe not alone."

Peering into her face, wild questions filled his eyes. "No, definitely not alone. Just you, me," Allyn paused and waggled her eyebrows, "and the bed."

Jaye threw back his head and laughed. He touched her lightly on the nose with a long finger. "You, woman, are insatiable."

Allyn threaded her fingers through his hair, angled his head down for a lingering kiss and traced his lips with the tip of her tongue. The rumble of his deep groan vibrated against her. Reluctantly moving her lips from his, she whispered, her breath fanning his cheek. "It's your fault, marrying an older woman. You know women reach their sexual peak later than men."

He cupped her breast and stroked his thumb across softness. Her nipple grew firm and insistent at his gentle touch. "So I see."

Slipping her hand between them, Allyn caressed the firm length pressing against her hip. "It seems we are peaking at the same time."

Jaye cleared his throat. "I think..."

"Wait. Listen." The bouncing melody of a fast Celtic dance tune rang from the reception hall. "This is one of my favorite dances. I couldn't keep up before. Come on."

"Uhh, I don't think I should go back in there just yet." Questions on her lips, Allyn looked into Jaye's face. "It's, uhh, difficult to hide something like this wearing a traditional kilt." Jaye squinted one eye at her. "And I do mean traditional."

She covered her mouth in mock surprise and bent slightly to slide her hand beneath the kilt to stroke his unencumbered flesh. "Yep, traditional. Oh, but I have got to dance." She turned to the courtyard. "Out here."

"But, it's raining."

"Just like a cold shower."

"I've never had much luck with those where you're concerned."

Allyn tugged playfully on Jaye's arm until he followed her into the light rain. "Haven't you ever danced in the rain?"

"No. Jumped in a few mud puddles, maybe. But dance?"

"Dance." Allyn led him onto the damp grass and danced a few intricate steps in front of him. "Oh, that feels wonderful. Have I thanked you for fixing my knees?

She twirled, the hem of her dress swirling around her ankles. Jaye shook his head. She was barefoot again.

Allyn danced into his arms and kissed him soundly. "Thank you, my wonderful man. Now, dance with me." Raising her skirt to her knees, she repeated the difficult steps.

Jaye sighed. "Guess I have a lot to learn. Come here, woman."

Allyn twirled into his arms where they swayed to their own music, their lips and bodies melding in the rain. Taking Jaye's hands, Allyn swung him into a spin. Laughing, they twirled around the courtyard until they were both dizzy but unwilling to stop. Finally turning their faces to the sky, they realized the rain had ended.

The clouds parted, allowing the full moon to fill the courtyard with cool light. Jaye pressed his cheek against Allyn's damp hair. She snaked one arm around his waist and rested the other on his shoulder. A faint blue glow surrounded them to blend smoothly with the moon's clear blessing.

## Afterward

Jaye watched his young sisters with fond tolerance as they chased Tommy around the clearing in front of Stephen's home. The girls stopped, chattered briefly and attacked from opposite directions.

Tommy fell to the ground laughing, allowing the girls free access to his ribs. He defended himself with soft tickles until the girls collapsed on him and the air filled with clear giggles.

Derrik stepped from behind a tree, knelt and grabbed one of the girls around the waist and lifted her high into the air. "Ye'll be lettin' my Tommy go now."

She looked into his glinting blue eyes and squirmed until she could wrap her small arms about his neck. "'Kay." But, her fingers wiggled in his face, and with a coy look she attacked.

Derrik fell back beside Tommy and his deep laughter rang through the clearing. "Mercy, child."

The sisters stopped, looked at each other and together shook their heads. The tickle fight continued in earnest.

Noid bounded into the clearing and added his barks and playful growls to the ruckus. He bounced around the combatants until the girls' tiny fingers reached out and scratched the exact spot behind his ear. Happily, one of his back feet thumped against the ground.

Allyn stepped from the cottage, holding their daughter in her arms. The sun glinted off the child's mop of golden curls. Jaye ran his fingers through his own dark hair and wondered again where such glorious color came from.

Allyn was only able to take a few steps into the clearing before her child began to twist and wiggle. "Down."

Grinning, Allyn complied with the demand. With her arm outstretched and fingers at the ready, the small girl toddled over to join the fracas.

When Stephen joined Allyn, they crossed to stand by Jaye. Stephen looked sideways at his son. "'Tis a good thing the family includes Derrik and Tommy."

Allyn glanced at him warily and grimaced. Stephen shook his head with dismay. "Elsewise there would be no peace for us, surrounded with five females as we are."

"I could not imagine life without them, Da." Jaye eased Allyn to his side and held her tightly. He kissed her cheek. "I wouldn't change a thing."

A faint tinge of a rosy blush crept across Allyn's cheeks. She looked at Jaye from under lowered lashes. "Sometimes change is good."

"True, but," Jaye swept his arm around indicating the now quiet combatants and the peaceful clearing. "What would you change?"

"How about making the odds more even?"

Stephen grinned and stepped away to gather his daughters and granddaughter. Jaye's brows drew together and he turned Allyn to face him.

"I have the feeling everyone knows something I don't. That's not nice, darlin'." Jaye shook a finger in Allyn's face.

She chased the finger for a moment. Once she was able to grab it, she placed a light kiss on the tip, and then held his hand tightly. "Only about odds and evens."

"Okay, so I'm being obtuse. Would you please be so kind as to explain?"

Faint blue lights twinkled in Allyn's eyes. "Well, if there are five females and four males in the family it's odd. Add another male and it will be even."

"Okay, but what does th...?" Jaye's words trailed off, his face frozen in an open-mouthed expression.

Allyn pushed on his chin with her finger until his mouth snapped shut. "It means, dear heart, that you will soon have a son."

## Dear Reader

Thank you for reading this tale. Bringing stories to life is one of my greatest delights and I hope you enjoyed your time in one of my worlds as much as I enjoy creating them. Readers like you spark the energy needed to tell these tales. Again, thank you.

With today's world of vast reading choices, word of mouth is the best advertising. So please let others know about this book. Tell your friends, relatives, acquaintances, the dog next door (hey, you never know...).

And if you're so inclined, please leave a review on Smashwords or at review sites such as Goodreads, so others can discover the worlds of *lizzie starr.

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Next, in the Starr Library, there's a bit about each of my books. Enjoy the love and discovery!

*lizzie

## Meet *lizzie starr

*lizzie always made up games and stories to keep her company. So, a cunning witch lived in Grampa's weather research station and was only held at bay by waving a certain weed. An ancient road grader morphed into a boat carrying wild adventurers to islands filled with fierce lions and dangerous cannibals, which really looked a lot like sheep. Now, filled with fantasy, love, and romance with a sparkling twist, the stories of her imagination swirl their way into the mundane world. When *lizzie must return to a more routine life, she's *the Lunch Lady* at a private school.

Author and lunch lady~~what a combination!

## The Starr Library

## The Double Keltic Triad

Book One: By Keltic Design

Allyn Keely, Celtic artist and friend of Faerie, finally finds a man she can love. But she's older than he is and faces the insurmountable task of helping him realize his destiny in the Otherworld.

Successful businessman, Jaye Zeroun prides himself on his realistic, but lonely, view of life. Until Allyn knots her way around his heart and fills his life with a fantasy he refuses to believe. Then danger threatens their love, forcing him to either accept a deadly battle or lose the very things he never included in his life, a family and a love beyond his wildest imagining.

Free at Smashwords

Book Two: Fires of a Keltic Moon

Danger lurks in the long ago of Iain's time and becomes a threat to Lara's present. Can Lara and Iain defeat the evil and make their ways through time to find the love they both desire?

Searching...

Lara Zeroun needs something in her life, so she opens a portal in time and travels to the ancient Highlands. But, how can she become involved with a dark, mysterious man who belongs to another time?

Waiting...

Due to the matriarchal line of inheritance, Iain is no longer able to lay claim to his father's lands. He's prepared to leave--until a golden-haired woman visits the manor on the arm of a wandering storyteller. But, with no land or possessions, Iain dares not succumb to the temptation of Lara.

Finding...

Danger lurks in Iain's time and becomes a threat to Lara's present. Will Lara and Iain be able to defeat the evil and make their ways through time--finding the love they both desire?

At Smashwords

Book Three: Keltic Flight

To the Faerie Gentry of the Otherworld, the fairy wee folk are but a myth and legend. Until the fairy Korin falls in love with a half-Gentry maid. Forced to bargain with an evil king to woo her, he risks discovery, and his life, to fulfill the conditions

Korin Goodfellow loves the Gentry maid, Nanceen. In order to woo her, Korin bargains with his evil king, who sets seemingly impossible tasks. The first? She must believe in him.

But the folk of Faerie, the Gentry, don't believe in the odd assortment of beings who make up the wee folk. And definitely not in fairies.

Nanceen doesn't know what she believes. Until Korin calls to her, then makes his way into her world, becoming a wingless man she can see, touch, believe in.

But will the rat king's conditions drive a wedge between them, or force Korin to confrontation, to battle, into risking his life for love?

At Smashwords

Book Four: Wild Keltic Carouselle

Falling in love was easy. But demons of the past and evil-doers intent on destroying the present tear Carrie and Bryce from their newfound love, throwing them into a world of deception, lies and revenge.

Just when Bryce decides to give up looking for the masked dancer who captured his heart and get on with his life, his darlin' daughter climbs onto the lap of a captivating woman in a coffee shop and calls her Mommy. He certainly wouldn't mind exploring the possibility.

Carrie's vacation is over. Although she loves her job, she dreads returning. Especially when a blonde-haired cherub insists she's 'Mommy'. Add the girl's intriguing father, and Carrie believes she's finally ready for a real relationship. But memories of a horrific attack surface, bringing doubt and fear.

Then one of Bryce's fathers is kidnapped by a cult. Not knowing if the abduction was of human or Fey origin, Bryce must chance seeming crazy and losing Carrie with tales of the Faerie Otherworld. Dare he take her to Faerie and declare his love—or are the forces aligning against them too much to overcome?

At Smashwords

Book Five: Keltic Dreams

A spiritual quest throws Bard, naked and alone, from his world to the desert Sahara. Each grueling step through the shifting sands only adds to his questions and confusion. What did the seven Guardians mean for him to learn in this strange place? Will he discover a way home?

Burying her emotions, Kaelea retreats into the research of fey texts, searching for a clue--for anything, to protect her clan from an ever-present evil. The appearance of a stranger at the oasis is an unwelcome interruption. Her instant fascination with the man is even more distracting.

Hotter than the desert sun, attraction blazes between Bard and Kaelea, but personal concerns and that ancient evil drive a wedge between them. Alone, and together, they discover answers, and their soulfire. But will it be enough to keep Bard in Kaelea's worlds, and at her side?

At Smashwords

Book Six: A Faire Keltic Renaissance

It ain't easy being fey and the subject of prophecy.

When her uncle disappears into the world between worlds, Lucidea discovers it ain't easy being fey. Especially when he had no idea her father wasn't human. Now, as the half Alfar-Sindhu heir, she's forced to assume the leadership of a parallel, underwater world.

Then she meets Jaysson Zeroun...

...who has Otherworldly issues of his own. Once again evil plagues his clan and protecting a newborn child takes priority over personal dreams. When Lucidea offers a solution, the family accepts and Jayse willingly accompanies them to Scotland. He just doesn't know how Lucidea will react to the news he's a quarter Faerie.

Three worlds are in danger. Ancient prophecy might defeat the separate evils, but will it also bring them love?

At Smashwords

Double Keltic Triad Collection Books 1-3

Contains By Keltic Design, Fires of a Keltic Moon, Keltic Flight

In the fey Otherworld, a half-faerie child is born. To protect him from evil and a crusade to protect the purity of the faerie race, he is abandoned in the human world, never to know of his magical heritage.

Now the boy is a man rooted in reality, and fantasy is only something from an undisciplined imagination.

By Keltic Design tells the story of this man, Jaye, and how he discovers his heritage... and love with Allyn.

Fires of a Keltic Moon is the tale of Jay and Allyn's daughter, Lara, whose special magical talent allows her to create portals to other times. But evil travels the past and the Scottish Highlands, creating blocks to Lara and Iain's love.

The fairy wee folk are but myth and legend, even to the faerie. In Keltic Flight, the fairy Korin falls in love with Jaye's sister, Nanceen, and is forced to bargain with an evil king to woo her. To fulfill the conditions, he risks discovery, and his life.

Double Keltic Triad Collection Books 4-6

Contains Wild Keltic Carouselle, Keltic Dreams, A Faire Keltic Renaissance and bonus content Prince of Dark Ness

Falling in love was easy in Wild Keltic Carouselle. But demons of the past and evil-doers intent on destroying the present tear Carrie and Bryce from their newfound love, throwing them into a world of deception, lies and revenge.

In Keltic Dreams, a spiritual quest throws Bard, naked and alone, from his world to the desert Sahara. Each grueling step through the shifting sands only adds to his questions and confusion. Burying her emotions, Kaelea retreats into the research of fey texts, searching for a clue--for anything, to protect her clan from an ever-present evil. The appearance of a stranger at the oasis is an unwelcome interruption. Hotter than the desert sun, attraction blazes between Bard and Kaelea, but personal concerns and that ancient evil drive a wedge between them.

Prince of Dark Ness is a tale of the Keltic Multiverse. The story takes place before the final book of the Double Triad, and introduces characters who come to play significant roles in the Keltic worlds.

Torn between duty and love, Morghan stand alone to protect two worlds from and ancient fire elemental bent on escaping from the world between worlds, He's loved Coralie long upon long, yet never acted on his desire.

Raised in the royal household, Coralie has remained silently at Morghan's side through long human years. She's hidden her true feeling for him, even from herself.

A forensic artist from America, Lucidea Galvagin travels to Scotland to determine the identity of a skull found on Morghan's land. What she discovers will change her life and the fate of two worlds.

The tales of the Double Keltic Triad conclude with A Faire Keltic Renaissance _._

When her uncle disappears into the world between worlds, Lucidea discovers it ain't easy being fey. Especially when he had no idea her father wasn't human. Now, as the half Alfar-Sindhu heir, she's forced to assume the leadership of a parallel, underwater world.

Then she meets Jaysson Zeroun...who has Otherworldly issues of his own. Once again evil plagues his clan and protecting a newborn child takes priority over personal dreams. When Lucidea offers a solution, the family accepts and Jayse willingly accompanies them to Scotland. He just doesn't know how Lucidea will react to the news he's a quarter Faerie.

Three worlds are in danger. Ancient prophecy might defeat the separate evils, but will it also bring them love?

## The Keltic Multiverse

Prince of Dark Ness

An ill-prepared Alfar-Sindhu prince and the love he waited ages to find, fight to protect two worlds from the threat of an ancient fire elemental.

Torn between duty and love, Morghan stand alone to protect two worlds from and ancient fire elemental bent on escaping from the world between worlds, He's loved Coralie long upon long, yet never acted on his desire.

Raised in the royal household, Coralie has remained silently at Morghan's side through long human years. She's hidden her true feeling for him, even from herself.

A forensic artist from America, Lucidea Galvagin travels to Scotland to determine the identity of a skull found on Morghan's land. What she discovers will change her life and the fate of two worlds.

If Morghan chooses family and Coralie over battle, is it only his worlds that will be lost, Or will his choices doom them all?

At Smashwords

## Children of the Keltic Triad

Blue Keltic Moon

It's been twenty years since Morghan, leader of the Alfar-Sindhu, became trapped in the desolate World Between Worlds and once again blue moons are aligning in a multitude of worlds.

Breanna has loved Gowthaman forever, but as one of the Faerie race, he continually claims their age difference is too great. Yet the soulfire shows he loves her as well. To help her family, she must set aside her emotions to lead a rescue mission to the World Between Worlds. She and her group will face the unknown and bring Morghan home.

Even devoting his life to the Fey library hasn't saved Gowthaman from the agonies of his past, and the long moments he spent in the World Between Worlds. Now, the woman he loves stands ready to lead a rescue party into that cursed place, and only he holds the knowledge to take them there...and, with luck, safely return with the prince. The risk to his mind...doesn't matter as long as he keeps Breanna from harm.

The World Between Worlds. Can a place filled with despair and loss also be a discovery of love and redemption? Perhaps... only under the blue Keltic moon.

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## Contemporary Romance

Birds Do It!

A search for truth, switched babies, and a threat from the past all conspire to destroy the love Birdie found with Garr and his daughter, Rachelle.

Macaws as lovebirds?

An avian expert, Birdie Simons is called to help control a cantankerous hyacinth macaw during a young girl's birthday party. Inexorably drawn to each other, she and single father Garr Logan share an afternoon of joy and bittersweet memories, for Garr's wife died the same day as Birdie's newborn child.

Something about Rachelle makes Birdie wonder if the golden-haired girl is her daughter, switched at birth. Then her child's father returns, dogging her search for understanding and throwing her deeper into fear and confusion.

Ready to move on after his wife's death, Garr wants the intriguing woman, but Birdie keeps the search, threats and hidden relationships to herself, driving a wedge between them.

Will discovering the truth from nine years ago bring them closer, or forever tear them apart?

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## Anthologies and short stories

Dead Lily Blooms (At Death's Gates)

For ages uncounted, Master Death has assisted souls in transition. But what happens when love gets in the way?

Someone wants vampyre Lily dead, and a bargain with Death has been struck. Death sends servant Agaar to bring Lily to him, but the task becomes more complicated than either Death or Agaar anticipated.

This short story originally appeared in the anthology Tales From The Mist.

It can also be found in the Addictive Paranormal Reads Halloween Box Set

This re-release has had minor corrections from the original edition.

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Tales From The Mist

Contains the tale _Dead Lily Blooms._

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Death and the Dryad (At Death's Gates)

For ages uncounted, Master Death has assisted souls in transition. But what happens when love gets in the way?

What's Death to do when a dryad appears at his gate without her soul? She can't move on, nor go back. Will Death find a place for her--at his side?

This tale appeared originally in the **Martini Madness** anthology and this re-release has had minor corrections and additions from the original.

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Martini Madness

Contains the tale _Death and the Dryad_

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