"I'll teach you."
She glanced around the room; though the party was elaborate there were few people in the room she didn't know. A fact she was relieved about. They weren't staring at her and whispering behind their hands as some of the others in the palace did. Though most of the attention she received seemed more curious than malicious, she was still a little troubled by it, and happy she didn't have to deal with it today. Today was a celebration, and that was what she aimed to do. There would be no more sadness, she decided firmly. Not today.
He pulled her close against him, wrapping one arm around her waist as he took hold of her hand and pressed it to his chest. "Isn't there supposed to be some room between us?"
"That's what they say but I don't agree," he told her.
"That's good." She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes she savored in the delicious scent of him and the sense of security that enveloped her. "The people within the palace, and the vampires that fought with us, are curious about me."
"They are."
"They don't understand us."
"They don't," he confirmed. "But it doesn't matter. We do, and eventually they will too. I have a surprise for you later."
She lifted her head to look up at him. "What is it?" she asked eagerly.
"It's not a surprise if I tell you."
"I'm not very good at waiting."
"I won't make you wait long, I promise."
She was going to hold him to that promise. "A bigger surprise than talk of wedding cakes?"
He lifted her up and spun her around. A small gasp escaped her as for a moment she felt like she was flying. "I meant it too," he informed her as he stopped spinning her but didn't place her back on the ground. "I am going to marry you."
"Aren't you supposed to ask me first?" she inquired.
"I thought that would be redundant."
"So you just assumed I would say yes."
"Of course."
Well how the hell was she supposed to argue with that, especially with him grinning down at her like that, and a happy sparkle in his vivid eyes? "You're arrogant."
"Hmm." He shrugged as his hands stroked over her back. "And you love it."
She shook her head as she rested her hand on his chest again. "When I was little, before I gave up thoughts of marriage, I always pictured being married under the banquet tree."
"The banquet tree?"
"It's a giant apple tree that William and I discovered. We were the only two that ever knew its location."
"Then you'll have it, just tell me where to be," he murmured against her mouth.
She shivered as thrills of pleasure swept up and down her spine. Her fingers curled around his solid biceps as he continued to dance with her feet off the ground. Closing her eyes, she let the melodious music drift over her as she lost herself to the feel of him against her. They danced through three more songs before returning to where William stood propped on his crutch between Max and Daniel.
"I'll be right back." Braith kissed the top of her head and left the room.
She watched him go before leaning against the table. "Where did everyone go?" she inquired as she realized that Ashby, Jack, Xavier and Gideon were no longer present. A cold chill crept down her spine; she stepped away from the table. He'd handled her revelation well, but she knew Braith had been furious when she'd told him about their plan. "I'll be right back."
Daniel stepped in front of her. "We were told to keep you here, something about a surprise."
Was it really a surprise or was he going to confront them? She glanced nervously from Daniel to the door Braith had disappeared through. "Daniel…"
"It's fine Aria, really."
"I hope so," she muttered.
"It's been over a week since you told him," William reminded her as he leaned forward on his crutches. "Don't you think he would have done something by now?"
"Or he's just let the anger fester."
"Nice Max," Daniel said brusquely.
Max shrugged as he picked at some cheese and crackers. Aria twisted her hands before her as she shifted from foot to foot and watched the door. "Getting married soon?" William tapped her calf with his crutch to get her attention.
"I think so," she muttered.
"Becoming a vamp soon?"
The three of them became quiet as they exchanged a look. She had a difficult time meeting William's gaze. It would kill him if she decided to try and make the change and didn't survive. The thought of it caused a hard lump to form in her throat. "I don't know," she admitted. "I was going to wait till after our birthday before deciding anything."
William nodded, his gaze traveled to the cake. "Who knew we'd be hoping that we actually did have vampire blood in us."
Aria chuckled softly. "Not me. Do you still have Daniel's drawing?"
He shook his head; sadness crept over his features as he hesitatingly met her gaze. "No, dad saw it one day, he asked me for it. He, uh, he really liked it."
"Oh." The sudden pressure in her chest made it difficult to speak.
William squeezed her arm. "I'll give you away you know, I've been trying to do it for eighteen years now."
She managed a small laugh as she clasped hold of his hand.
***
Braith ran the key Ashby handed him over his fingers. "It's all set up like you asked for it to be."
"Good."
"Are you going there to change her?" Jack inquired.
"I'm not sure about anything when it comes to that," he admitted.
"She is stronger and more impressive than any other human I've ever met," Gideon said.
Braith glared ferociously at Gideon. "We believe there is a reason for that. Xavier, if you would please tell them."
Xavier's dark eyes were reproachful as they scanned over Ashby, Jack, and Gideon. In his firm, even tones, he told them exactly what he had told Braith, and what Braith had in turn related to Aria. Gideon and Ashby's mouths dropped, Jack seemed to have an, ah-ha moment as he placed his hands over his face and began to nod.
"It makes so much more sense now," Jack muttered. "There were so many things…" Jack broke off as his hands fell away. "I should have suspected something like this. The four of them were always so talented with weapons, so fast. We've all seen the way Aria moves through the trees and she helped to bring Caleb down. You've never seen Daniel or David on a horse though, they're amazing, and William may very well be the fastest human I've ever seen when he runs."
"That completely explains the bloodlink," Ashby breathed in awe. "And your eyesight. You were able to link because she has vampire blood in her, and I am certain of that, even if you're not. Your eyesight came back when she appeared, because something inside of you recognized her as your link, and you had to be able to see her in order to claim her as your soul mate and link.
"The minute I saw Melinda, I knew my life would never be the same. Because you were blind you weren't able to find her immediately, so something inside of you made it possible for you to do so. It makes sense you would have such a reaction to it considering she isn't a vampire, but does contain some of the genetics. The sharing of your blood, and the increasing intensity of your bond, has improved your vision, and for all we know may one day cure it completely. Your bloodline is the most powerful and the purest; your father was the oldest vampire ever. We'll never know what he may have been capable of, and we may never know what you are fully capable of, especially when it comes to her."
"How did we miss this?" Jack demanded.
"You were too busy plotting how to take her away," Braith snarled. He had promised Aria he wouldn't break anything, had promised her he wouldn't lose complete control, and he meant to keep that promise, but he hadn't promised he would simply let it go. His gaze fixed pointedly on Gideon. "Or even killing her."
Ashby took an instinctive step back as Braith pressed closer to them. Braith's hand shot out, he seized Gideon by the throat and shoved him into the wall. Gideon remained immobile as he stared unbli
nkingly at him. "Braith be reasonable," Jack urged.
"I am being reasonable Jack, he's still alive." Gideon's hazel eyes narrowed. "For once I am not simply just reacting, right Gideon?"
"You have to admit Braith you backed us all into a corner," Gideon grated.
"I admit it, and because of that, I'm not going to kill you. I swear on her life that if you ever go behind my back again, if you ever think of hurting one hair on her head, I will do things to you that even my father would have been jealous of. Do you understand me Gideon?"
Gideon's eyes were hooded as he stared at Braith. "I understand. It's not like I actually wanted to kill the girl, and she came to me."
Braith jerked his hand away before he accidentally snapped Gideon's neck. "I know she did."
"If any of you had come to me, this never even would have been an issue," Xavier admonished. Ashby had the grace to appear chastised, Jack and Gideon wouldn't meet Xavier's gaze.
Braith's hands fisted, he stared down the hall as his stomach twisted. "There will be no more plotting, not amongst us, and not if we are to have any chance of making it a better world than my father did."
"Agreed," Gideon murmured.
"If she does agree to the change what are you going to do if she dies Braith?" Ashby inquired.
"Survive," he muttered.
"Braith," Ashby's eyes flickered briefly over the others. "I don't know if that's possible."
"It has to be possible. I promised her I would, and I will keep that promise no matter what happens."
"I don't envy your position," Jack said.
"No one would."
"Perhaps someone else could do it if she decides to try," Ashby suggested. "Jack even, he's your brother."
Jack's mouth dropped as he shook his head forcefully. "No," Braith said firmly.
"For you to be the one that causes her death is a different kind of monster," Ashby persisted.
Braith turned as Aria stepped into the hall; he should have known her brothers wouldn't be able to keep her away for long. Apprehension etched her features, she stared at him for a moment before her gaze flickered over the others and her delicate eyebrow shot up questioningly. "It will be me," he informed them, unable to take his eyes from her. "No one else will touch her in such a way again."
They exchanged a disconcerted look before Jack turned to him. "I'll be by tomorrow."
"Don't destroy the kingdom while I'm gone Gideon," Braith told him.
Gideon laughed as he rubbed his reddened throat. "Don't destroy our future queen, Braith."
"You're an asshole," Braith hissed as he shoved past him.
"So I've been told."
Braith didn't look back as he hurried down the hall toward her. "Is everything ok?" she demanded.
"Fine. Are you ready for your surprise?"
She glanced at the men behind him and nodded. He smiled reassuringly as he held his arm out to her and waited for her to take it.
- CHAPTER 20 -
"Where are we going?" she demanded laughingly.
"I told you, it's a surprise. Keep your eyes closed."
It was impossible to see anything anyway. Braith didn't seem to trust her not to peek as he'd placed his hands over her eyes to ensure her blindness. They were in the woods, and though she couldn't see the leaves, she knew they were beginning to turn as the smell of them hung heavily in the crisp air. Keegan pressed close to her side for a moment, she felt the goodbye in the gesture before he slipped away. She knew they would see the wolf again, but for now he was returning home to his family.
Braith adjusted his hands to slip one away from her eyes as he pushed back a limb. He stopped suddenly, pulling her back against his chest as he held her. The hum of anticipation raced through her as she practically bounced on her toes. "Are you ready?"
His lips brushed against her ear as he bent close to her. Her heart pulsed with excitement but she wasn't sure if it was for the surprise, or for him. "Yes."
He slipped his hands away from her eyes. For a moment she stared around the darkening forest in confusion as she saw only the flickering fireflies and a fox hiding amongst the trees. Braith reached around her, his chest pressed against her back, and his cheek briefly brushed against hers as he pointed upward. Aria's head tilted back, her mouth dropped as shock and incredulity swamped her.
There, nestled in the trees, was a home that had been spread throughout five large maples and oaks. The light wood of the building gleamed in the moonlight that reflected in the two front windows. A winding walkway started from the far edge of the woods and curled up toward the large porch. Her hand fluttered to her heart, she couldn't breathe through the love that engulfed her. It was far smaller than Ashby's rambling creation had been, but it was stunning.
"I know you're not at home in the palace. I know that this is where you're happiest, that this is who you are. I told you I'd bring you to the woods as often as I could, but you'll require a place to stay when you come here, somewhere safe, a home."
"Home," she breathed. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she turned slowly toward him. "How? When?"
His fingers caressed her cheek. "I started it after Caleb took you in the hopes that it would help to keep me somewhat calmer. It didn't work very well but it kept me a little preoccupied and from going insane. Jack, Ashby and Daniel have been working on it lately, and I'm told that William hobbled around giving orders."
Aria laughed as she shook her head. She turned back to the tree house; she could barely breathe as she tried to take it all in. She was loved, so unbelievably loved. That love was in every nail, in every piece of wood, in every drop of sweat that it had taken to put it all together. It was amazing, she loved it, but she knew one thing above all else…
"Wherever you are will always be my home."
His arms wrapped around her and turned her within them. He kissed her briefly before lowering himself to one knee and holding out a small black box to her. She could only gape in astonishment as he opened the box to reveal a small emerald ring inside. "Will you marry me Arianna?"
For a moment she couldn't find her voice, she could only open and close her mouth like a fish as her heart raced and tears of joy burned her eyes. "I thought you didn't have to ask."
Oh how she loved that grin, loved to see it on such a regular basis now, loved how it lit his eyes, and revealed that dimple in his cheek. "Is that a yes?"
She nodded eagerly and burst into joyous laughter as he leapt to his feet and wrapped her in a massive hug and kissed her soundly. She wiggled her fingers as he slid the ring on, it was a little big but she didn't care. "I thought an emerald suited you better than a diamond."
"I love it."
He cradled her face as he kissed her again. She melted against him as his tongue swept in to take possession of her mouth. Her legs encircled his waist as he lifted her up and held her against him. She barely felt him moving as he carried her up the walkway and into their home.
***
Aria hadn't taken the time to explore the night before, or at least Braith hadn't given her the time to do anything but explore him, but now she relished in every square inch of the rooms. There was far more detail than she would have thought to put into a home in the trees. Daniel must have helped with the details as some of the intricate carvings in the doorframes and cabinets were a work of art.
She smiled as she ran her fingers over the cabinets within the kitchen. She closed the door on some bread and as her stomach rumbled at the sight of it, she wondered how much longer she would feel hunger for something other than blood. She wasn't certain if she would be leaving here a human, wasn't certain if she would even be leaving here at all. It seemed like a perfect time to make the change, to throw caution to the wind and have eternity, but she was terrified of losing this bit of bliss they had just discovered together.
Her whole life had been nothing but arduous and now that it was going so well, she was contemplating her own death, and no matter how she looked at it Braith was right about
one thing, she was going to die.
The delicate carvings in the cabinets were ivy leaves she realized as her fingers lingered on them. That had to have been William's suggestion; he knew how much she loved the way the ivy grew through the trees in some areas of the forest. Thoughts of Max and her brothers saddened her. They had already lost her father, she didn't know how they would survive her loss too, especially William, if she decided to do this and didn't survive.
Aria sighed as her fingers slipped from the cabinet. She had no idea what to do. It was one thing to die for a cause; it was another thing to risk her life when it wasn't entirely necessary. At least not yet.
She could wait a few years; maybe even wait till she was twenty five. It was an age she'd never thought she'd hit anyway, it would be nice to see it.
However, if she waited a few years she wasn't sure she'd have the courage to do it, and what if she accidentally became pregnant? She'd never take the risk of leaving her child behind by doing something that may very well end her life.
She'd thought this decision would be easier, but now she was completely torn. Why did she have to become reasonable and concerned about consequences now? She wished her father were here so she could talk to him and seek his guidance in making this decision.
I have vampire blood inside of me; she clung firmly to that thought. I'm stronger than most, more stubborn. I will survive, I will.
She traced over the swirls within the soft green countertops as she studied the open, airy kitchen. They hadn't run electricity from the palace and Aria was glad of that, she much preferred the flicker of the lanterns hanging above her. It was warmer, cozier with the mellow radiance that lit the picturesque home.
She felt Braith's eyes on her before she spotted him leaning against the doorframe. Her toes curled as her mouth went dry. His eyes were still hooded with sleep and his dark hair was tussled across his forehead. He had taken the time to throw on a pair of pants that hung low on his hips, revealing the hair that ran from the waistband and up to his belly button before flaring out slightly at his chest. The hard ridges of his abdomen flexed as he crossed his legs and scanned her with the same hunger she was certain had just been in her gaze.