Page 367 of Flirting with Darkness

Dashing an appreciative smile over my shoulder to both Cedric and Abigail, I look at Rae and smile. “Anything we do from here on out is to protect them. That I promise you.”

The glint of hope exuding from Rae as she gazes at me now, tests my resolve. She’s putting every ounce of trust in me by being here. The last thing I’d want to do is break that trust.

“Don’t worry, Rae,” Melchior steps beside us. “You don’t have to do this right now. Kharon and you have until Spring before you’d need to take that step. I suggest creating some distance between you and Win. At least for a little while. That way my sister won’t grow curious, and your erasure should take better.”

“We can help!” Abigail merrily adds. Before any of us can ask how, she rushes toward us, but Cedric halts her just before she reaches the thread of sunlight peering through the shutters. Stepping back, grimacing at the sunlight, she shoots us an awkward grin. “Lux said he wanted Win to start school soon so that should take up some of her schedule. But he also wanted to take her around the globe for a bit. Cedric and I can ensure they stay too busy to notice. That should buy you some space and time.”

“Thank you,” Elysian says. “Knowing Winter is kept far from this for now gives me comfort. I’d appreciate if my wife is also not apprised of our dealings. At least for now.”

Everyone nods in understanding except Melchior who remains obstinate toward Elysian. Observing the tension between father and son, Dalcour’s brow lifts as he watches the two.

“How did you know this?” Dalcour asks Melchior. “For a mortal you are rather well-versed in these things.” Casting a speculative stare, he folds his arms across his chest as he regards Rae’s cousin.

“Because it’s what Moirai did for me. She erased my memories of Vivian, Rae, and Ross. It was the only way to ensure the Changelings wouldn’t know anything else about our family,” Melchior explains. “Not until I was free of the curse did my memories come rushing back. In fact, it’s been like an info dump. I’m remembering everything.” Casting his father an ominous glare, I can tell there’s more to Melchior’s frustration with his father than he’s shared so far.

“But what about Win?” Ross questions. “You obviously remembered her.”

Melchior’s face darkens and I can see remembering his torment is difficult, despite his strong and gallant demeanor. “Thoughts of little Win were the only thing I had in the beginning to keep me sane. Memories of my last moments playing with her in the forest kept my wits about me for a while. That is, until Moirai told me how the Changelings were using my memories as a means to gather intel about our family. Once she erased my mind, the Changelings had nowhere else to look. But since I came back, it’s like everything that was hidden from me is flooding my mind.Everything.”

“And that’s why we can give them nothing, young one,” Dalcour says, looking at Rae. “I can simply compel your memories from you,” he offers with a cagey grin.

“No!” Both Elysian and I protest in unison. We share an understanding, albeit awkward nod with one another.

Taking Rae’s hand in mine, I try to force aside the eagerness of Dalcour’s tone. I’m not an idiot. His lust-filled stare as he regards her gives him away. Although I did it for my own pleasure, I think her snug ensemble may be accenting her curves more than I care others to see. But if he keeps it up, it will be the last thing his wretched vampiric eyes ever see.

“Look Rae, I know all of this may feel like too much too soon. I won’t ask you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Decree of the Fates or not, I’ll not risk your safety or ask you to give up your memories, unless you are amenable. But only I will do it, and no one else.” I cut my eyes to Dalcour. Returning my attention to Rae, I smile. “It’s like I said before, I’ll never take more from you than I’m willing to give in return.”

Despite the warring I see behind her eyes, she smiles. “I hope you plan to give me all of you, Kharon.”

Damn. This woman is perfect.

33

RAE

Rushing back to the stables, I couldn’t get away from my family fast enough.

Ever since we heard the jovial voices of Winter and Lux as they made their way back from the cabin at the lumbermill, we abruptly ended our discussion to carry on about the day without their suspicion. Being both Christmas and Winter’s birthday, she’d quickly notice our disappearance had we continued.

After spending a better part of the day crooning holiday songs, drinking wassail, and lounging at the manor with the family as usual, it felt like the minutes crept slowly as my heart ached to be with Kharon again. Sitting around a brood of couples made things more annoying. But at least I had Melchior to keep me company. Even though he did his best to keep up his pretense in front of his sister and stepmother, I could tell it pains him to be around Uncle El and away from Moirai.

Lord Marchand and Lux’s family kept their distance from the manor. Although they’re accustomed to being around mortals, they still prefer not to tempt themselves. Lux offhandedly joked we looked like walking meat sticks to them and after some time even the most subdued vampire can no longer fight their bloodlust. Thankfully, being a wolf hybrid, gives Lux the advantages of not desiring blood, unlike his kin. I suppose being a wolf has benefits.

But none of that matters to me. The entire time all I could think about was Kharon. No sooner than all of the happy couples commenced their swooning near the fireplace, did Melchior and I take our rather unnoticeable exits. Well, I do think I caught a quick glance from Ross while he and Stephen fed each other smores, but at least this time my brother knows exactly where I’m going.

My eyes scan the stables as I turn about looking for Kharon. He assured me he’d be here waiting for me. Fidgeting with my fingers, I hover near Mr. Puddles. “Have you seen him?” I ask, running my hand through his slick mane. Only tilting his head slightly, enjoying the gesture, Mr. Puddles only snorts in return and I wonder if he’s answering me in some unknown language as Kharon mentioned before.

“I’m right here.” Kharon’s voice startles me from the dark corner of the stable. “I told you I’d be waiting. Besides, I rather enjoyed stalking you all day. Not that it was my first time.” Kharon throws me a wickedly sexy smirk, and I almost want to ask him more, but I don’t. Instead, my mind drifts to times I felt like I was being watched, and I smile, knowing it was likely Kharon.

Smiling as Kharon steps forward, my heart nearly leaps out of my chest. I am so happy to see him. “So what else did you do today?” I ask, trying to break away from the look he’s giving me that will clearly have me naked in no time.

A few seconds of silence sit between us before Kharon decides to play along. “After taking Moirai’s stone back to my place, I placed a barrier enchantment around the perimeter, so no one can enter.”

“You can do that?”

Kharon seems amused by the look of awe written across my face, but he shrugs his shoulder like it’s no big deal. “Nether magic, remember? It’s the same kind of magic I’ll use to lock out the memory of your cousin before we go to my realm.”

“Oh, is that why you didn’t want Lord Marchand to just compel it from me? I mean, I know Altrinion-vampires like him can do that.”

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