An Elfs Magic

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. An Elf’s Magic: Santa’s Elves Book 4 Copyright © 2008 Lynn Crain ISBN: 978-1-55487-210-7 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

An Elf’s Magic: Santa’s Elves Book 4

By

Lynn Crain

GLOSSARY OF TERMS beloved— muileach darling — àilleagan, cagaran druaightagh — druid, occult, charmer, charming, magician, druidic(al) good morning — Dia dhuit ar maìdin heart — cridhe, criodhe, croí hunter — sealgair, giomhanach I love you — Tha gaol agam ort. I’m sorry — Tha mi duilich league — aonaich loinnir — literal translation is shining glade; the area where elven magic exerts the most influence. In this area, elves are undetectable. love — bàidh, gaol, gràdh, liobh, seirc; báidhe May all your days be happy ones. — A h-uile là sona dhuibh’s gun là idir dona dhuibh mouth — beul, gionach; bél, béal nor’ahkeem — process of bonding together lovemates for all eternity. Once the process is completed the lovers will have eyes only for each other with a love that transcends beyond forever. of — de dhe scathach — (Scau-ahch) The Celtic goddess of healing, magic, martial arts and of prophecy. She is also known as the Shadowy One and She Who Strikes Fear. She was a woman warrior who lived in Albion and possibly on the Isle of Skye who taught those with the need to defend themselves using martial arts.

slànaighear — healer The babe is mine. — An naoidhean thà e leamsa.

Dedication To C.R. and J – you make my writing better just by being there and editing the heck out of my many foibles. To Tina for always being there. You’ll always have a special place with me just like you do for these characters. As always to the boys, Gordon, Kyle & Tom. You’re the light in my day. And to Kim and Brenda, you’re just fun to be around!

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Prologue looked out over the crowd and wished Cuinn he could dance. Sometimes being a nerd didn’t pay while other times it was a definite advantage. In some physical matters he was far better than the basic jock, but most of those dealt only with a lover. The wedding was beautiful as expected. It didn’t matter the bride had been eight months pregnant. His sister, Aingeal, had found someone she could love forever. It was a good thing for Fearghus Brodie he returned the feelings because Cuinn wasn’t sure what his mother would have done to the man. Rarely in life did someone find the perfect person, a soul mate, but all of his older siblings managed to do exactly that. He sighed, glad he decided to come home for the event as his sister left the choice to him. Aingeal’s wedding had brought a bigger crowd than the other two because people couldn’t believe she would actually get married. All the family wanted to see 1

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if the wild child would follow through and make it to the end of the ceremony. He turned back to the bar set up for the reception and drank his beer. He supposed he should be careful since he really didn’t want his mother to catch him. Not that he didn’t drink, he did on occasion, but there was a whole lot of difference between grad school and home. College was in Boston and a whole world away from the North Pole. Down south was where he could be himself and not worry about his elven magic because he knew how to mask it well. “Dance with me,” a seductive voice said close to his ear. Tingles traipsed through his insides and his body tightened in response to the seductive nature of her voice. “What?” Instant attraction to the female caught him off guard. He turned his head and his mouth brushed against a pair of soft pink lips as an exotic scent wrapped itself around him. “I said, dance with me.” A pair of beautiful brown eyes stared up at him. “Do I know you?” The staccato beat of his heart tapped against his chest and he hoped she didn’t notice. She took a breath and the mere act turned him on even more. “We met in Boston. You’re Cuinn Locklin and I’m Lacey Sinclair. I’m a friend of your cousin’s. We met at a party, had a drink and even talked 2

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about going out sometime. Unfortunately that never happened.” She smiled and arched her eyebrow in what seemed to be an open invitation. “Yet.” His gaze widened. “I remember. How did you get here?” “The sleigh picked us up.” “What I meant to say is, what are you doing here? I don’t recall you knowing my sister, Aingeal.” She flipped her honey blonde hair off her face. “You mean what’s a human doing here, right?” She shrugged. “I told her she could practice her amnesia spell on me. You know the one where you make the person forget everything that’s happened at an event?” “I’m aware of it. But you shouldn’t know anything about it. And since Giselle’s human I know she doesn’t know how to do the spell no matter what she told you. She’s a lot of things but…” He tried hard not to stare at Lacey but couldn’t help it. She was beautiful. “Let’s just say, we only share genetics from one side of the family.” “I guess we’re busted.” She smiled at him again, her eyes lighting up with apparent amusement. “I guess you’ll have to practice it on me, ‘cause now I know a lot of things I’m not supposed to.” 3

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He smiled wryly. “I would say so.” He looked out at the dancers again, uncomfortable with the fact he didn’t excel in dancing at all. “But I’m not sure I’m someone you’d want to dance with.” “Why not?” she asked with a hint of a laugh, dazzling him with another smile and looked down at his feet. “Your feet may be large, but I can tell you don’t have two left ones.” He laughed. She was such a breath of fresh air. “Alright. But I’m not very good. “ “I don’t think you have to be good for this one. It’s a slow dance. All you have to do is put your arms around me and sway with the rhythm of the music.” He grabbed her offered hand, pulled her toward the dance floor and, doing as she had instructed, took her in his arms and swayed gently to the music. A head length taller, his shoulder was the ideal height for her to rest her head upon while they moved to the music. Her alluring scent, her utterly feminine, soft contours that fit like a perfect match in his, stirred his passion. He willed his body to stop reacting, afraid if he couldn’t control it, he would embarrass them both. “See, this isn’t so bad, is it?” She smiled up at him. “No, it isn’t,” he agreed, hoping not to melt into a pile of goo at her feet. “So, what are you studying in Boston? We 4

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never got that far before.” She gazed up at him as if intent on memorizing every line. “History and computers right now. I haven’t figured anything else out yet, although my oldest brother wants me to help him design toys. But I’d rather have my masters in something I like, not what the family likes.” She chuckled. “At least you understand that much. It takes some people years.” “And you?” “I’m in pre-med. I hope to be a pediatrician some day. First, I need to get out of school and earn money toward my goal. I’ll graduate with a nursing degree specializing in pediatrics within the next few months. “ “That’s a hard thing to do. My brother Ardan is a doctor and, while he loves it very much, I know it was really difficult. But you sound as if you have a definite plan in place.” “Anything worthwhile is always hard. Life wasn’t meant to be easy no matter who you are.” Puzzled, he nodded. She was right of course, but the only person he had ever heard say that had been his father. He looked down at her and smiled. Lacey was a stunning woman and she had sought him out. Maybe that was a good sign. But then again, there were elven matters she wasn’t supposed to know. Giselle was always doing something she shouldn’t. He would have to get 5

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back with his cousin on the issue later. “Coming through, coming through.” Eggther pushed his way through the dancing couples, stopping to stand next to him. “Eggther thinks you’ve found a very pretty woman.” He smiled down at the small elf. “I think she found me, Eggther. What’s going on?” “Aingeal and Fearghus want to cut the cake. Eggther needs to let cook know it’s time.” He shuffled off in the general direction of the cake, continuing to weave in and out of the other couples on the dance floor. “Is he always like that?” Lacey watched the little guy rapidly move away. His focus returned to the woman in his arms. “No, he’s usually worse.” She laughed softly. “I think I like your home. It’s pretty outstanding here.” Cuinn watched her for a moment, wondering why anyone would like it in this frigid environment. True, Santa had made it a paradise for those who lived here, but step one inch out of the loinnir and the winterscape was one scary place. “Why do you like it here?” “Why wouldn’t I? I mean you have everything you could ever want. A nice family, a wonderful community, people who care about you. I would say that’s pretty nice.” She looked away, her eyes taking on a sad, yet dreamy look. 6

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Suddenly, he saw her and his home in a different light. “I suppose it’s nice when you look at it that way. I never really thought about it before. It’s always just been where I grew up.” She turned back with a wry smile. “When you have it all, you don’t think about it.” “You’re alone,” he stated, remembering more about his introduction to her, the party and how his rich Boston cousin took her around as if she were a pet project. Giselle’s treatment of her had made him very angry at the time, which resulted in them having an argument the next day. He glanced around the room, catching a look from his father. And he knew that look. “Yes and no. I mean I have my grandparents, but my parents died when I was twelve. The only way I could ever go to college was to receive every scholarship possible. Even now I have to work extra hard to make ends meet.” She smiled sadly up at him. “Some people have called me focused.” “I’m sorry.” He could see the sorrow in her eyes and wished he could take the pain away even if only for a moment. “What do you have to be sorry for? I mean, it’s not like anything was your fault.” “No, but this will be.” He tapped her forehead between her eyes. “Remember me,” he whispered and gently kissed her before her eyes closed.

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Chapter 1

Nine Months Later Lacey didn’t understand her life at all. Everything that could go wrong today had. “I take it this vomiting isn’t new?” she asked the mother of the vomiting infant. An affirmative nod from the woman confirmed her suspicions. “How long has this been going on?” The mother sighed, tiredness creeping into her voice. “Little longer than a day. I hoped it was just a twenty-four hour stomach flu or something similar. But I think I was wrong because everything he eats comes right back up.” She nodded, patted the woman’s arm and, with a sympathetic smile, looked in her tired face. “We’ve seen quite a few children recently with this same ailment. Are there any other symptoms we should know about?” The woman shook her head and tried to comfort the now screaming child. 8

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“The doctor will be with you in a moment.” After Lacey left the room, she eyed her smock again with distaste, wondering if she had another top at the office. In the break room, she leaned against the counter and rubbed her head. When she graduated six months ago, she had hoped to stay in school to continue her studies toward getting her medical degree. But life was known to throw people curve balls and she had been handed hers on a silver platter. “What’s up, Lacey?” She looked up as the office manager, Stella Monro, walked in with her coffee cup. “Ew…maybe I should ask what’s that smell?” Stella held her nose. Lacey looked down at her shirt once again and frowned. “You know, it’s happened so much recently I don’t even notice it any more. Are there any other scrubs around? I’m not sure I have anything else in my locker.” “You know, Dr. Andrew won’t like if you’re not wearing the proper clinic attire.” Her shoulders slumped. She was sick and tired of hearing how Dr. Andrew didn’t like this or didn’t like that. If the man treated his patients half as well as he treated his employees’ appearance and clothing, it would be standing room only. And it wasn’t that they didn’t have a lot of patients, they did, but the man thought more 9

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about how his workers looked than the actual care of the patients. And as far as she was concerned, a doctor having an attitude when one treated children really sucked. “Here’s the choice as I see it, Stella. I can wear the one I have on now and make other patients ill or clear the room when I walk in, or I can find a clean shirt and change. Which one do you think is the best choice?” She watched as the woman seemed to contemplate the question and tried hard not to cry, wondering for the millionth time why she took this particular job. “You understand I’ll have to let the doctor know you’re out of uniform.” Stella’s blue eyes swept up and down her body. “Again.” The woman turned and walked out of the office. Lacey took a deep breath and gazed at the ceiling. No matter how hard she tried, this gig wasn’t going to work out. While she was grateful to Giselle Paine for getting her this job, these people were unreal and, as far as she was concerned, didn’t practice real medicine. Real medicine meant you took care of patients, not your clothes. She was still leaning against the counter and rubbing her head once more when Dr. Andrew came in. “Stella says you’re not wearing your uniform again. What’s the problem, Lacey? I mean it isn’t brain surgery or anything here.” The man stood in 10

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the doorway and glared at her. How many times do I have to explain why I have to change during the day? “Dr. Andrews, this isn’t going to work out. We have different work ethics. You and I both know I can’t help it if a child gets ill on my smock. Yet you and the rest of your staff acts like it’s a tragedy.” He was by her side in an instant. “Lacey, you know you can call me Justin and it’s important in this town to make the right impression.” She looked up at him and shook her head. “That impression should never take precedence over patient care.” He frowned down at her. “It doesn’t.” “It does. You know it does.” He looked serious, taken aback. “We would never compromise patient care for-for clothes!” “Well, I’m sorry if this upsets you, but when the office manager tells me I’ll be out of uniform because I want to change a puked-on shirt, I think it does.” “Stella never said your top was soiled.” She arched an eyebrow. This was worse than she thought. “Why else would I change my shirt?” “I thought you didn’t like the design or something. At least that’s the way it was presented to me.” “Dr. Andrews, can you even smell what’s on my shirt?” she asked incredulous, not believing he 11

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could be that clueless. “Not really. I mean my olfactory nerves have never been the best.” He stood and stared at her, total incomprehension in his eyes. I guess he is that dense. His lack of understanding explained a few things. She sighed. “I’m going to clean out my locker and leave.” “You’re coming back, aren’t you?” He looked hopeful. “I don’t think so. We have such different philosophies about patient care. I do want to thank you though. I’ve learned a lot during my time here.” He stepped in a little closer and rubbed his hand up her arm. “You know, we can work out something.” Her ears had to be deceiving her. “Work out something? I just quit.” He ran his hand up to her face, cupping her cheek. “You know what I mean.” The doctor leaned in as if to kiss her. “I’m sorry.” She quickly turned her head to avoid his advance. “I’m not interested in you that way. I told Giselle so when she said you wanted me to work here.” He stepped away, glaring at her. “Well, it’s not like you have any real prospects anyway. You just go ahead and leave. Good riddance is what I say.” He turned and stormed off. 12

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She stood there stunned. He had left like a petulant child who had thrown a dog a bone, then got angry when the dog didn’t like it. She really didn’t understand rich people and wished Giselle would quit trying to fix her up or get her jobs because they inevitably didn’t work out. With a heavy sigh, she went to the back room to gather her things. In her bag she found a clean t-shirt. After pulling off the nasty smock, she slipped into it. Once all her items were back in her bag, Lacey turned and looked at the room. There has to be some place in the world for me. Heaven knew it wasn’t here. **** Cuinn looked at his cell phone and wished the contraptions had never been invented. His mother had called him every day this week with some little tidbit of news. He knew the woman desperately wanted him home, but he’d go back when he was damn good and ready. He was happy his Uncle Marion had offered him a job when he graduated. He needed some practical experience outside of the North Pole. Frankly, there hadn’t been anything up north to hold his attention and, truth be told, there really wasn’t anything here either. After his sister Aingeal’s wedding he hoped something would 13

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present itself, but it hadn’t. Sitting at his desk, he stretched his neck. He was tired of living by the family rules and tired of being alone. No matter how hard his cousin Giselle tried, he just wasn’t into the women she set him up with at all. Just last week another disastrous blind date had happened. While the dates helped to relieve the boredom, none of the women would ever suit life at the North Pole. It would take a very special woman, someone similar to his sisters-in-law. He envied his brothers for their good fortune in finding women who fit in so perfectly. He answered the phone. “Hello, Mother. I’m well. And yourself?” He listened intently as the woman told him about the happenings at home, delighted his siblings were doing so well and wondered briefly when he would get a word in when a question stunned him. “What do you mean you want me to try and find another nurse for the North Pole? Wouldn’t that be Ardan’s area? So, you’re telling me Angie is pregnant with triplets? Wow. Yeah, that is good news for them as I know they’ve been trying for a while. I understand they need someone to take her place. But why ask me?” He waited to hear the explanation and found himself nodding his head. “That does make sense about Ardan wanting someone more trained in pediatrics. I’ll set up 14

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some interviews. When can he get away? Alright, I’ll get Giselle to help me. Bye, Mother.” Cuinn leaned back in his chair with a deep breath. There was only one person who immediately came to mind and he didn’t want to think about her at all. He’d have to get with Giselle to come up with a list of good candidates and, despite his feelings, if Lacey was still available, he would have to put her on the list. Still, his mind couldn’t help but wander back to his sister’s wedding and the blonde-haired beauty he’d held in his arms. Lacey Sinclair had gotten to the North Pole with his cousin on the sleigh and was told Giselle would practice her amnesia spell on her. As usual, he had to help clean up his cousin’s mess. Frowning, he wondered just what allure spells and magic had for his human cousin. Their magical ability was part of the elven makeup and elves made sure they didn’t reveal themselves to the world. By and large, magic was never done outside of a loinnir or a safe zone. His door opened. He knew it was his cousin without even looking up. Although subtle, her perfume was a distinctive expensive mix, which didn’t appeal to him or his senses. “Hi, Giselle.” “How do you do that?” He looked at her and smiled. “You know how. I can smell your perfume.” His beautiful blonde cousin frowned at him. 15

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“Yeah, I know but I was hoping for something a little more magical.” “You know the rules, Giselle.” She shrugged. “I’ve always hated rules, you know.” What an understatement. He nodded. “So, I’ve already had a call from my mother today. Can I assume she called you as well?”He smiled at her rapidly bobbing head. “She did. And I know just the person for you.” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me, the woman you have in mind is Lacey Sinclair.” “There’s nothing wrong with Lacey and you know it. I just happen to know she’s in the market for another job and I think she really needs to get away from Boston.” Cuinn sat up straight in his chair. “Why? Has something happened to her?” His heart had beat a little faster at the mere mention of her name, but the tempo was different. Giselle eyed him cautiously. “I did tell you her grandparents were killed in that bus crash a few months ago.” He nodded once. “I know. I went to their funeral.” She frowned. “You didn’t even go up and give her any condolences at all. Hardly anyone did.” “You know why I didn’t. If you hadn’t brought her to the wedding, I’d never have had to make 16

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her forget anything. It was too soon afterwards. I couldn’t take a chance on her remembering me or the North Pole.” “I don’t know why you all are so afraid to let people know you’re here. It could make life so much simpler.” He offered her a stern glance, and she threw up her hands. “Okay, okay. I get it. You don’t have to lecture me again, but I still think you’re wrong.” She threw up her hands. “Okay, okay. I get it. You don’t have to lecture me again. I still think you’re wrong.” “Get back to Lacey.” “Right. She lost her job and she seems to be without a purpose. She’s alone and floundering as far as I can tell.” He could sympathize. “There’s a lot of people in that boat, Giselle. What makes this time different or her so special?” His cousin let out a big sigh. “Well, aren’t we snippy today. I know I don’t understand elf magic all that well but I could swear she’s been different since you rearranged her memory of our trip. She doesn’t seem to have the same zest for life as she used to have.” “Don’t you think that might have something to do with her not having any family?” He remembered how intrigued she had been with him supposedly having it all, the first thing she 17

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had mentioned was family. “Yeah, that’s part of it, but there’s something else missing. I can’t put my finger on what, but I can tell there’s a difference.” He stared at her for a moment then chuckled. “So, she doesn’t like being your pet project anymore? I would say she’s come face to face with the hard realities of life.” Giselle made a pouty face. “Think what you like but Lacey is my friend. I do other things with her besides what you know about.” “Sure you do. When was the last time you went out to lunch with her just to go?” “Today.” He leaned back again. First his mother calls then Giselle shows up. “What are you two up to?” “Why would you think I was up to something?” The woman appeared genuinely shocked. She stood and glared at him for a few moments. “For once in my life, I had nothing to do with this. Your mother, who happens to be my aunt, called me this morning and asked if I knew any nurses. Apparently Angie is expecting triplets and Ardan is taking no chances and wants her to take it very easy. He needs someone else to help him at the hospital.” “I’d like to believe you, but your track record doesn’t speak well for itself. And if you think about what I’m saying you’d understand where 18

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I’m coming from.” She sighed and sat down on the edge of his desk. “Quit being mean to me,” she sulked. Cuinn laughed. “Giselle, I’m your cousin, not some conquest.” “Now you’re really being mean. Besides, Lacey is the only nurse I know who has any experience with pediatrics. Do you know any others?” He cocked his head to one side and looked at her. She had always been a pain and now that she had gotten older she was worse. “No, I don’t but we can advertise for a nurse. Mom said Ardan would be here next week.” She pursed her lips and watched him for a few minutes. “I do believe they wanted someone familiar with the family.” “Lacey isn’t familiar with us. You made sure of that.” “Come on, Cuinn, I knew she was someone I could trust. It’s the only reason I brought her with me.” “You know the rules, Giselle. Santa doesn’t want anyone there he hasn’t personally approved. If you had told him she was coming, he wouldn’t have minded so much.” “Hmmf. That old man shouldn’t have so much power.” He looked at his cousin more than a little shocked. “You’re lucky you even know anything 19

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about us yourself. The old man could have made it so no one ever missed my mother.” She folded her arms. “It’s just so unfair.” He rolled his neck. This was going to be another one of those arguments. “I can’t help who my parents are any more than you can.” “I know. But you have all the fun.” He shook his head. “Trust me, it isn’t fun when you have to make someone forget they even know you. Imagine how I felt. I really liked her.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Is that so?” “Get that look off your face. I will not be another one of your projects.” “Did I say anything? I just find it interesting a human woman has finally captured your attention.”

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Chapter 2 sat behind the wheel of her subcompact Lacey for a moment longer than she needed. She didn’t know why she let Giselle talk her into this interview. Whatever made her think she would like a job in the remote northwest? With a sigh, she looked at her friend’s family’s office. Giselle was the daughter of one of Boston’s biggest and richest businessmen. Grabbing her bag, she climbed out of the car and trudged toward the front doors. She might as well get this over with since she already knew she would turn down the job, having plenty to do to close up her grandparents’ house. She teared up just thinking about them. While, she knew they had a great life, she missed them terribly and her grief reminded her how alone she was. She couldn’t believe they had been gone three months already. Sure, she had friends but it wasn’t the same as having family. She tried to think positive thoughts 21

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but sometimes nothing helped. Instead, she put on her best face and tried not to worry Giselle. The normally self-centered woman wanted to make sure everything was right in her world. This wasn’t the first time she had been Giselle’s cause. She didn’t want to remember all the times Giselle had attempted to help her as they had known each other since grade school. She smiled when she thought of all the times her friend had been in trouble because of her generosity. After walking inside the double glass doors, Lacey smiled at the security guard behind the front desk. “Hi. I’m looking for Giselle Paine.” “Are you Lacey Sinclair?” She nodded. “They are waiting for you in the main conference room. Just past the elevators on your left.” “Thank you.” Taking a deep breath, she turned and made her way down the wide corridor. She knocked, entered when instructed and stopped short by the number of people in the room. Giselle was there along with her father and three other people she didn’t recognize. One had nearly white blonde hair and reminded her of an elf in some recent popular films. The other was as dark as the first one was light but both had the same blue eyes. The other occupant of the room was an older woman and 22

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she recognized her as Giselle’s Aunt Janice. She smiled and went to the table. “Hi. Hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” Giselle smiled and went to take her coat. “Of course you didn’t. We were discussing how the weather is rapidly heading toward fall. It looks like you’re prepared.” Handing her coat to her friend, she nodded. “You know how I can be a weenie about the cold. Just wanted to be safe.” “Let me introduce you to everyone. My father you know.” Lacey inclined her head. “Hello, Mr. Paine.” “Good to see you again, Lacey. How’s school going?” “I’ve had to put school on hold for a while.” “I was sorry to hear about your grandparents. I was out of the country when you had the memorial service.” “Thank you.” She hoped her face didn’t show what she felt because she suddenly wanted to burst into tears. Sitting before her was an honest to goodness family who loved each other deeply. She would give almost anything to have had something like that in her life. “And I’m really sorry about school but I think we have something to make it a reality.” She sat down. “All right. I guess it won’t hurt to hear what you have to say.” 23

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Giselle’s father frowned at her. “You seem as if you aren’t convinced you want to be here.” She looked at her friend then back at the man. “Sir, you know your daughter probably better than I do. What do you think?” He chortled then looked at his daughter for a brief second. “I think everyone here would agree with your observation, Lacey. But I do believe we have something here, which will help everyone out. First let me get some introductions out of the way.” “Okay.” “This is my sister, Janice Locklin and her two sons, Ardan and Cuinn. I do believe you’ve met Cuinn at school.” She smiled at each one as he introduced them but stopped dead with Cuinn and narrowed her gaze at him. These two were like night and day with Ardan being very blonde and Cuinn being very dark. But when she looked at Cuinn, a twinge of a memory nagged her that it was more than just school. “I remember you but—” She didn’t quite know how to put into words what she felt then the moment was gone. Shaking herself, she smiled up at them once again. “Sorry, don’t know what happened there. I do remember seeing Cuinn around school. I’m happy to meet you, Janice and Ardan. Giselle doesn’t speak too much about her relatives outside of Boston. I do remember she 24

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said you all lived in Alaska or someplace way up north.” “They do but I’ll let them explain it all and our reasons for having you here.” He turned to his sister then and nodded. “Thanks, Marion.” Turning to Lacey, she continued. “We do live up north, but hope that won’t deter you from thinking about our offer. We have a family compound at our manufacturing site complete with a hospital and health care. Ardan’s our doctor and his wife, Angie is normally a nurse but she’ll be indisposed for quite a while due to her pregnancy with triplets.” Lacey arched her eyebrows in surprise. “Triplets? Natural or otherwise?” “Natural,” Ardan supplied. “It comes from my side of the family but we haven’t had any for quite a while.” “Wow. That’s great! I wish you all the best.” “Thanks. I appreciate it and you can see how we find ourselves in a dilemma. It will be hard for me to be unbiased toward this whole event. I need someone to hold the fort so I can help care for my wife. Truth be told, I would like it to be someone who already has a liking toward pediatrics because we will eventually need a pediatrician. We’re kinda having a population explosion.” She chuckled. “I’m sure that happens from time to time, especially since the place is small. How 25

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many children are there?” “Right now, we have four. Two toddlers aged four and two aged one. There are least four more on the way and that includes my yet unborn three.” “Wow. How many families are there?” “Most of the population is beyond child bearing years. My oldest three have all married in the last four years and they are the ones having the children.” Janice Locklin smiled seemingly very proud of her family. Smiling at Ardan and Cuinn, Lacey nodded. “Okay, just how many Locklins are there?” “I have six children and every one of them have been a handful in one way or another.” Janice pointedly looked at her boys. “I’m sure their children will be very similar. This leads us right back to the reason we need your expertise for a while. We can make it worth your while.” Lacey sat and thought about it for a moment. “Tell me where I would live and what I’d have to do. I mean I’m not a nurse practitioner or anything. True, I have four years of pre-med under my belt as well as my nursing but I’m no doctor.” Ardan sighed. “We understand. As I’ve mentioned, we’re having an explosion of births right now. We need someone who can help us with the kids and the regular clinic. Our 26

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compound houses about a hundred and fifty people total. They come in all age brackets from infants to…” He hesitated for a moment as if searching for the right word. “…people well up in years.” “So, not only would I be helping with the kids, I would be helping with the general clinic.” She narrowed her eyes. “Let me get a few questions out of the way first. Do you have a dress code? What’s your take on patient care?” Ardan looked surprised at this sudden change in tactics. “Umm, we usually wear scrubs and as long as they’re clean I don’t really care. Patient care is everything. I mean, granted I’ve known everyone since I was a child, but the fact is I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I consider myself lucky to find someone who shares the dream in Angie. Is there anything else?” Lacey sighed and slumped in the chair. The offer sounded too good to be true and the man in front of her had much the same thoughts she did as far as some basic items. “Yes, there is. I’ve heard it from more than one person you’ll make it worth my while. Can you please define what you mean by that?” He nodded. “I think can. We’d have to ask for a minimum commitment of a year. That way, we’ll know if Angie will return to work at the hospital at all. Right now that’s all up in the air. You’d be 27

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paid a competitive salary with a bonus for being isolated.” “What’s the amount of the bonus?” “We’ll pay for your medical school.” Her mouth dropped open and she glanced from one person to another, ending with Giselle who had a big grin on her face. This was a lot of money for just one year of service. “So, what’s the catch?” She zeroed in on Cuinn as he seemed the most bothered about the whole thing and fidgeted as she watched him “You’ll have to sign a nondisclosure agreement and you’ll never be able to tell anyone where you’ve been.” Cuinn’s quiet voice filled the room. She took in a deep breath. Sure, there was nothing for her here but changing everything was scary. “Do I get any time to think about it?” Cuinn shook his head. “Not really. They need a decision today as the transportation has already been booked.” She swallowed hard. “What about my grandparent’s house? I haven’t had a chance to close it up.” “Lacey, my company is prepared to help you. You can leave instructions with Giselle as to what you want to take and what you want to store.” Mr. Paine stated. Marion Paine was definitely a generous man, but this was happening all so fast. She knew life 28

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was like that sometimes but still, she didn’t have to like it. “Can I at least have five minutes?” Janice nodded. “I totally understand. It’s hard to leave everything you know behind even if it’s not much. How about we give you a few minutes of privacy with Giselle?” “Okay.” When everyone got up to leave, she looked at Cuinn and a rush of emotion swept through her body. “Cuinn, can you stay too? I mean, just in case I have a question.” He glanced at his mother and brother who gave him a slight nod. “Sure. No problem at all.” She watched him as he sat down, staying still until the others had left. “All right, would one of you tell me what’s going on?”She looked at Cuinn first then Giselle, the latter who shrugged her shoulders. “I’d like to know that as well.” Lacey turned to look at the man she felt so drawn to and realized confusion was plain on his face. I understand I don’t know you very well, but there’s—something—I just can’t explain with you. Somehow, I-I know I can trust you. Where as you on the other hand...” She turned to the woman who had gotten her in more hot water over the years than anyone. “You fixed me up with that awful Doctor Andrew. How do I know this one is any better?” Giselle threw her an indignant look. “I didn’t 29

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know Jason had the hots for you.” “It was Justin.” Lacey’s mouth hung open in shock. “You don’t even remember his name now?” With a dismissive gesture, the woman continued. “Whatever. This is my family. The really strict side. While they seem all normal and everything…” “Giselle,” Cuinn warned. She gave him a quick look. “Well it’s true, you all may act normal, but even you have to admit you’re all a little peculiar.” “Okay, we’re weird. What about you?” Lacey started laughing. “All right. It seems as if every time I have seen you together, you’re arguing or at last, that’s what I remember.” Two sets of blue eyes turned toward her. “Tell me about your home.” Cuinn smiled. “Well, it’s white a lot of the year. And quite cold, but we have a main compound one could liken to a movie studio.” The last comment piqued her interest. “Really? How so?” He sighed as if resigned. “Since we don’t have much regular weather, our boss built an inside atrium where we have weather. It was for my mother because she gets homesick sometime for a long spring, summer rains and the fall colors.” She nodded. She knew she’d miss those as well. 30

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“What’s the housing situation?” “Everyone pretty much has their own home. At least, if you’re old enough you do. It’s a real family affair. All my siblings are there and we only go away for school. Now my older sister, Aingeal, she’ll spend time at the family home as well as in Scotland where her husband is from. You’ll be set up with your own small cottage and, in your case, complete with furniture.” “Okay, so housing isn’t an issue.” She studied him up and down again. This man certainly was good looking and she’d never met a Scotsman that wasn’t. With his dark hair and blue eyes, he was as dreamy as they came. Just one touch would send her over the edge. “That’s right, Locklin is Scottish.” “Aye,” he said with a touch of the brogue. The tingles rushed down her spine. She knew this man. How she did and when she certainly didn’t remember, but this guy turned her on like no one ever did before. She would be a fool to pass up the opportunity even if things didn’t work out. “I’ll go.” It came out in an impulsive rush. Surprised expressions gazed back at her. Sighing heavily, she knew she had to explain her reasons now. “Look, Giselle, you were right. I don’t have anything here or anyone except you and the girls from school. I need a change. Even if it just works out for the year of the contract, this will be 31

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something new and different. I need new and different.” Cuinn nodded once. “I can understand. I’ll go tell my mother and brother. If you’d like, I’ll come to your house and help you get your belongings you want to take with you.” She smiled. “That would be nice.” She watched as he left the room and turned back to her friend. “There’s more to that man and I swear you know something.” Giselle gave her an innocent look. “I don’t know what you mean in the least.” Lacey continued to stare at her until Giselle squirmed. “Quit playing the innocent with me. I’m not as naïve as you think I am.” Giselle sighed. “I’ll tell you what I know and the rest you’ll have to find out on your own.” She eyed her suspiciously. “Go on.” “Before you graduated you had told me you liked Cuinn. Then one day, you didn’t and I’m not sure why.” She concentrated for a moment. “I vaguely remember the man, but it’s nothing earth shattering. But-but there’s a point where it’s blank.” She shook her head to clear the cobwebs. “Were we involved?” “I think you would have been.” Giselle looked at her, then cast her eyes down. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I introduced you over a year ago 32

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because I thought you would be great together. We did a few things together, you, me and Cuinn, then you just faded away from doing anything with me and my family at all.” She looked at her confused. Just what was it that they had done together? “I don’t want your pity. I just want some explanations.” The door creaked open and they both jerked in their seats. Cuinn walked in, coming to stand by the table. “Are you ready, Lacey?” She looked at Giselle once again. “I assume there are phones there, right?” “There are.” His quiet voice surrounded her in its embrace, calming whatever fears she might have had. “Giselle, we’ll continue this conversation later.” She went to get her coat from the rack and turned back to her friend. “And thank you. I know you only want what’s best for me. You just wear the rich kid mantle too well sometimes.”

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Chapter 3 got out of the car and stood before her Lacey grandparents’ home in one of the historic areas in Boston . She had lived here since her parents died when she was twelve. Lots of memories were between the walls and she still hadn’t made up her mind what she would do with the place. It had been well cared for during its two hundred or so years and her grandparents did a series of renovations when she moved in, which had increased its worth. Cuinn came to stand behind her, his very presence calming her nerves at such a big decision. “This is a nice place.” She glanced at him, giving him a quick smile. “It’s been in my mother’s family for years, passed from mother to daughter. It would have been my mother’s had she lived. Grandma started the papers to transfer ownership to me when she died.” 34

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He didn’t say anything, but gave her shoulder a comforting rub. “You can put off a decision regarding the house for later. There’s no rush.” She nodded. “Giselle said she’d take care of everything in regards to closing the house.” Lacey sighed and thought about her friend. She’d been a little harsh with her and almost immediately regretted her actions. “She’s a good friend even though she can get very irritating at times.” “You noticed, huh?” “Yeah. I can’t imagine what family events were like.” She gazed into his eyes, watching a little bit of their light wane then return quickly. His rich chuckle warmed her insides. “They can be very exciting. I think you’ll see what I mean when you arrive at the family compound.” “You’re not coming?” A wave of panic suddenly hit her that the one person she was comfortable with wouldn’t be there. If Cuinn didn’t go, she would be alone with no one to confide in.” “I might be able to manage a few days off to help get you settled. I’d need to talk to my uncle.” “You work for your uncle? I thought you worked where your family lived.” “I did for a while. I came back to finish my masters, which I did the same time you graduated.” “Oh.” She hoped her disappointment didn’t 35

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show. He was one of the main reasons she had said yes. She wanted the opportunity to get to know the sexy man. “I was getting ready to ask my brother if he needed more help. Maybe now is the right time.” He smiled down at her. “Thanks. I would like that. You’re the only person I’d know and while I can get on by myself, I know it would be better if I had at least one friend.” He took her elbow and directed her toward the stone pathway. “Why don’t we get started in putting your effects together and I’ll tell you why you’ll never be alone where you’re going.” They walked inside the house together and soon he had her laughing in hysterics over the antics of his family and life at the compound. She decided to start in her room and looked through her clothes both personal and professional. She was so happy her scrubs would not need to be a certain color or style. She had tons of outfits to choose from and decided to pack at least two weeks worth. “I take it there will be a washer and dryer in the house I’ll get.” She turned and got a nod from her companion. “Good. I have lots of clothes but I don’t see the need to take everything. I can have Giselle send it up later. I should take the cold winter clothing though, right?” 36

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“Since it’s very cold there for nine months of the year, with only a slight temperature rise in the other three months, I would say to load up on your sweaters.” “You heard when I told everyone I was a weenie in regards to the cold today, right?” “I did and it’s my only real concern about you going there at all. I mean, it’s true we have everything one could ever want in the way of creature comforts but the landscape is usually white all the time.” She nodded and continued packing, choosing sweaters and pants and wool socks to brace herself from the cold. Trying to fit everything in two large suitcases would be a trick. She hoped the airlines wouldn’t charge them for the extras. “I don’t think I can fit everything in two suitcases.” She sighed and put her hands on her hips. “Don’t worry. My uncle has given us permission to use the corporate jet for most of the way.” “And the rest?” “Other private transportation. But it still doesn’t matter if you need to take another suitcase, there won’t be a problem.” She went into the closet and pulled out another. Lacey put the bag on the bed, opened it without and was surprised to find what looked like a wedding program in it. Please join us in the 37

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celebration of marriage between Aingeal Mae Locklin and Fearghus Andrew Brodie… “Wonder where this came from?” She tossed it onto the bed but shivered when she did. There was something about the program, which she should know, she could feel it in her bones. Swallowing hard, she knew she didn’t have time to think on it now and pushed it from her thoughts. Seeing a movement out of the corner of her eye, she turned to Cuinn who had turned sheet white. She put her hand on his arm. “What’s wrong?” He gave a quick, jerky shake of his head. “Nothing.” Maybe she understood what she felt when she found the program. “Ah, someone you fancied?” He scowled at her. “You think I fancy…of course, you would…you haven’t met all my family yet. Well, I don’t. One isn’t supposed to fancy one’s siblings.” She threw up her hands at the tone of his voice. “Oh, I assumed by the look on your face it was someone you liked.” She looked at the paper again wondering why she didn’t associate the woman’s name with his. There was something very out of place with the wedding. It nagged at the fringes of her mind and she had to shake herself mentally to move on. “It’s okay. Maybe you took someone you shouldn’t have or something. There have been 38

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some people in my past too. “ He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “It’s not like that at all.” Every contour of his body was rock solid. Her breath hitched and she tried hard to control her breathing. Licking her lips, she looked up at him and lost herself. She wanted to kiss this man, to touch him like a lover, to have him inside her as quickly as she could. Before her thoughts could get the better of her, she brought to mind images of the president, of Gandhi, of Mother Teresa, but nothing would to stop her passionate feelings. Her very being wanted this man. **** “Ah, hell—” Cuinn swooped down on her and captured her lips with his. He couldn’t help himself. From the moment she walked into the conference room that morning, all he could think about was having her in his arms. He should have told his father at the wedding last year about his desire for her, but her place hadn’t cemented in his heart yet. Now there would be no stopping their bonding. Gently, he pulled back and gazed at her. “I’ll stop if you want me to.” Lacey quickly shook her head. “No. I’ve never felt something so right.” She pulled his head back 39

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to her and his lips captured hers with no tenderness this time, just a hard, raw need. Still, he knew she needed tender after what had happened to her this past year. Changing the tone of his onslaught, Cuinn gently sucked her bottom lip and ran his hands softly down her arms. Rewarded with a slight shiver, his body tightened in response to her body’s signals as his caress slipped around to her soft buttocks. The rapid beat of her heart drummed against him, showing how aroused she truly was. She would be the core of his world and he wanted everything to be right for their first time, so trying hard to remember all the lessons on sex from his father. First, he put up his shields knowing some people in the city would feel the energy. Then, he snapped the glamour spell more firmly around himself because there were some things she couldn’t know until they had reached the North Pole. Cuinn only hoped she would forgive him once all had been revealed. Breaking off the kiss, he breathed hard as he gently cupped her face in his hands. “Tell me to stop right now and I will because you have to be very, very sure you want this to happen.” “I am…believe me…I am,” she whispered. He pulled her to him again, his mouth descending on hers, seeking entry with his tongue. Trying to convey the promise of all he could offer, 40

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he moved closer to the bed, easing his knee between her legs. She trembled around him then began rubbing herself up and down on the rough fabric of his jeans, shivering and whimpering. He hoped she felt the way he did and slowly lowered her to the bed, following down. “I want to touch you the way a lover does.” he said, looking into her now flushed face. “Me, too,” she whispered and pulled him on top of her. Her hands caressed his body through his clothes, each movement a slow torture of pleasure. All he wanted to do was rip her clothes off and do what he should have done months ago. Leaning into her, he pressed his lips against her and with just a bit of pressure, she opened her mouth and allowed him easy access inside as their tongues glided across each other, returning kiss for kiss. He slid his hand under her shirt, her skin warm to his fingertips. He yearned for this, wanted this in a way he had never wanted anything else. His nerve endings tingled again as she pulled his bottom lip into her mouth. His body grew hotter with desire with each tug of her lips. Her hands pulled his shirt from his jeans and moved along his hard abdominal muscles then glided even further around him to squeeze his butt. He almost lost it. “Lacey,” he murmured. “I want to feel your 41

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bare skin against mine.” Her cheek rubbed against his in agreement. He sighed heavily. “I need to make sure one final time that this is what you want.” “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. Can’t you feel how fast my heart is beating?” He nodded and grabbed her hair, pulling her back to him again, kissing her fiercely. Cuinn rolled them to the side and began to undo each button on her blouse, opening it slowly to reveal a beautiful lacy bra on her sensual body. Leaning down, he kissed her flat stomach and unfastened her pants. He moved them out of the way then went even lower and she moaned in pleasure. “That feels so good. Please-please—” she murmured. “I intend to do just that.” With a deft movement, he hopped from the bed, pulled off her pants, threw them to the side then nuzzled her through her silky underwear. When she thrust herself against him, he dipped his fingers under the material and rubbed her slick folds. She shuddered in response, her muscles tensing, her hands clenching into tight little fists. Cuinn shivered and continued to stroke her for a few more moments before pulling her underwear completely out of his way. Lingering there, he reached up a hand to caress her breasts through 42

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her bra. He glanced up to watch her reaction and when she arched into his palm, he dipped his head back down and once again flicked his tongue out to caress the inner recesses of her soft flesh. She groaned with pleasure and touched his head, tugging gently on his hair. “It’s only fair if I get to do this as well.” She pulled a little harder and got him to look at her. “I mean it. Lovemaking is meant to be a give and take situation. If you’re going to give me pleasure, I get to give some back as well.” “I understand but I want to do this for you first. Please.” Sighing deeply, he was happy when she nodded. “All right but just this once.” Spreading her labia once again, he moved his tongue from top to bottom, paying special attention to her hard clit, he assaulted her body. Then, plunging his fingers as far inside her as he could, he started rubbing what he hoped was her inner hot spot. Her body writhed beneath him with each stroke and he felt fairly certain he found it. Each time he stroked her hard nub, she pushed against him, and it wasn’t long before she was one quivering mass. Alternating between his tongue and fingers, moving in and out, he blew gently on her clit and she began to pump rapidly against 43

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him, moaning. “Cuinn, please, please, hard, faster,” she cried. What appeared to be wave after wave of pleasure slid through her body as she ground against him with her orgasm. Her breathing came in short gasps and pants. After a few moments, she sighed heavily and stopped moving. “Thank you.” **** Lacey lay there not believing what just happened. It was the best mind-blowing orgasm she had ever had. But now it was her turn to give back and she wanted that more than ever. Sitting up, she smiled down at him. “My turn.” She pulled him up to her by the shoulders and kissed him deeply, tasting herself on him and hoping he had enjoyed it as much as she had. Pushing his shirt over his shoulders, she rubbed her hands up his taut body, stopping only to tweak his nipples. She smiled as he moaned a little. “Like that, did you?” She chuckled when he nodded. “Take off my bra,” she commanded, feeling much more sure of herself as she sat up further so he could reach around her. Her confined flesh now freed felt wonderful especially when he rubbed both of his thumbs over her nipples. A sensual shudder washed over her. “I’ll take off your pants.” 44

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Beneath her hand where she rubbed his jeans, his huge cock strained to get free of its constraints. Unzipping the fabric leisurely, she was surprised to see he didn’t have any underwear on. “You don’t wear underwear?” “Sometimes. After all I am a bachelor.” A large smiled crossed his face. “Ah…wash day. Got it.” She pulled him to her once again and forced him to lie beside her on the bed. Shoving aside the fabric, she moved her hand inside, gently moved his body where she could take the best advantage, and stroked him with her hand. It was high time to get him out of his pants. Pushing him onto his back, she grabbed the waistband of his pants and forced them down his body. The head of Cuinn’s cock was flushed and purple while the actual shaft was long and hard, the muscles along his hips firm with his balls nestled in the dark hair at the base. Reaching out her tongue, she whirled it around his cock head and paid special attention to the rim. He groaned and reached for her head. “No woman has ever done this for me.” “Let me be the first.” She continued to caress and work his hard penis, making him moan in the process. Her fingers went to his balls and stroked them gently as his dick got harder, longer. Leaning in, she licked his balls, taking first one then the other into 45

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her mouth, sucking them like a favored morsel of food. His body tasted slightly salty as her tongue rolled over his hot skin, each stroke like the brush of a painter, quick, sure. “You’ve got to stop,” he rasped. “Give me one good reason.” She smiled at him, a teasing look on her face. “Because I’m going to come.” “And that’s a good enough reason for me to want to stop assaulting your body? Please, you have to do better than that.” Gently, she carried on with her sensual attack on him and his senses, sucking ever so lightly on his body. Breathing heavily, he grabbed her hair. “All right, how’s this? I want to thrust my cock inside you and feel your body clasp me in its loving embrace.” She looked up at him, a sly smile on her face. “Better. Still, it needs some work, so how about I continue to do you?” Without waiting for him to answer, she crawled up his body and lay on top of him. Kissing him fiercely, she allowed him to savor his taste from her lips. Her fingers ran along his ears and she could have sworn they were pointy but saw nothing out of the ordinary when she looked. Lifting herself, she smiled and watched him as she lowered her body on his, seating herself firmly on his hard dick. He filled her up completely and she 46

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closed her eyes as desire, want and need surged through her body. Their joining felt so right, so good and she never wanted it to stop. It was…magical. Gradually, he began to move and she thought she saw colors floating in the air. Sex with this man was certainly magical as she opened herself even more to him. Soon she panted and leaned over as he reached for her breasts, pinching her nipples. Colors flowed around them in a dizzying array like the stars were out of control. After a few moments, Cuinn flipped her over and pulled her beneath him. His cock performed a slow dance inside her and she enjoyed every minute, every stroke. While she was no virgin, it was still so different than anything she had ever experienced before or would again. How she knew this, she couldn’t understand, but she did. “This is beautiful, magical and I’ve never experienced anything like it,” she whispered and pulled him down to her for a kiss. “This is only the beginning,” he replied and thrust his tongue inside her mouth. He moved in and out of her body, each thrust becoming longer and deeper. She closed her eyes as the colors invaded her very being. Arching her hips into him, she felt his body become larger as he stretched her to capacity. Each stroke pushed against her sweet spot, making her whole body 47

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feel electrified and about to explode. His forehead touched hers and another stream of color was released into her consciousness. The tug on her cunt was unwavering and undeniable. She had never come with anyone inside her before and thought it only a myth of female design, something to make a woman want a man more. Soon everything was coalescing into one another, the colors, her feelings, the very depths of her soul. Her muscles suddenly squeezed him tight and she came as never before, crying her release for her lover and to the heavens. Almost immediately, she heard his cry as he pressed deeper within her, his come shooting into her willing body. The magic of the moment left them within an ebony glow and she knew in that moment, her world was forever changed, forever different. And she knew she loved Cuinn like she would never love anyone again.

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Chapter 4 town, Janice Locklin fingered her Across necklace and felt the magic flow around her as she looked out over the city from the family’s penthouse. She sighed deeply and wondered if they did the right thing. When Giselle called her earlier in the month, she wondered what the woman was babbling on about until she went to her husband. She remembered the conversation well and wondered why no one bothered to mention it to her before. Now, almost nine months later, she took matters into her own hands. She had never taken an active part in any of her children’s love lives and they all seemed to have done well on their own. The older ones were all married and happy, each of them starting their own family on very sure footing. The next in line was Cuinn and Janice worried about him because he was as shy as Jedrick had been. And it took Santa bringing home Tessa for things to work out for her oldest. 49

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She was very happy when Cuinn decided to go away for college and grad school. But the boy had been very secretive about who he liked and what happened the whole time he was there. He never talked about girls but Lacey was someone who had come up in conversation more than once. This one was special and the men had been dumb to not realize it. When she heard the young woman had come to Aingeal’s wedding with Giselle, things slowly came together. Then when Giselle had called her, suddenly it all fit and made sense. Her mother’s intuition had told her that her son was depressed but she didn’t know why. She sighed and remembered the feelings, which had run through her when she realized what had happened. The process of nor’ahkeem could have a very subtle beginning and the soon-to-be lovers might not even know especially when one was human and one was elven. And she recognized the signs, even though Cuinn hadn’t, once she had arrived in Boston. But before she had left home, she had found out what Santa and Bevan had made the boy do. They were so worried about the young woman and what she might say to the outside world they had him do the one spell he was incredibly good at doing—the amnesia spell, the one where a person would forget their encounter with the elven 50

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community. And she had been livid once she found out how the charm affected the two young people. In her opinion, it was an irresponsible thing to do because of the negative effect it had on them. “Mother, did you feel the energy?” She turned to look at Ardan and remembered she had to convince him to come here in the first place. “I did.” He sighed heavily. “It’s the first time I’ve ever felt it in the human world.” She chuckled slightly. “After Jedrick, your father took the younger boys and made sure they all knew how to hide the sexual energy release. We figured you’d never fall for a human again and knew you understood how to shield yourself. We only felt it now because we’re family and then of course, your feelings would be a little stronger because you’re half elven.” He nodded once. “Do you think we did the right thing?” “I hope we have. I wouldn’t have even interfered at all if Giselle hadn’t called. Apparently, Lacey hasn’t been the same since she visited the North Pole. And from what your cousin said, neither has Cuinn. It made me mad when I learned your father and Santa made him use an amnesia spell on the poor woman. They never even tried to see what she would do or how 51

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she felt about Cuinn. They just decided to try and take care of the problem themselves.” “I didn’t realize it was that involved. Love’s a hard thing sometimes, Mother. You know. I mean just look where we are.” She smiled, leaning against the window. “I would have to agree with you. If you’d told me thirty years ago our families would have blended this well together, I wouldn’t have believed it. Nor would I have believed I’d become the mother of six wonderful children. We were very lucky.” “Thanks, Mom, but I wasn’t searching for a complement.” “I know.” She continued looking out the window. “I have a confession.” Janice turned and looked at her son. “What type of confession?” He smiled. “It’s a good one.” “Well, spit it out.” She frowned slightly as Ardan was the one with the most practical streak. She didn’t want anything to go wrong with this plan. “I’m a glad you talked me into getting someone else for the clinic. I know I haven’t been the easiest thing to live with over the years but Angie is slowly showing me my opinion isn’t always right.” She chuckled. “That so? Well, love will do that 52

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to you. Besides, I’ve had twins and I know just how hard it is having two. I can’t imagine having three.” “I’m a little bit concerned about her but she is a strong woman.” “We can try to bring someone else in, another doctor if you want. It’s your call.” “I think Lacey will do well with us. I hope she doesn’t hate us for what Cuinn was asked to do.” “Me, too, son.” She turned and looked out the window once again, watching the sunset on the city of her birth. “Me, too.” ( **** Lacey smiled at Cuinn and looked from his mother to his brother. “Cuinn sounds like he was a very interesting child.” The object of their prodding frowned at them. “I suppose asking you all to stop poking fun at me would be useless.” “That would be an understatement about him being interesting. As far as leaving you alone, it’s what siblings are for after all.” Ardan smiled at him as well. Lacey hadn’t had this type of camaraderie ever as she was an only child when her parents had died. It was many years before her grandmother told her her mother had been expecting another 53

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child when she was taken by the tragic accident. “You all seem like you get along so well.” Cuinn frowned at her. “I wouldn’t say that. Mom can tell you we were a handful when we were kids.” “I can and I will. I think that’s one of the reasons our boss fears the most with all the babies being born.” “I can understand, at least a little. Kids are hard if you’re not around them all the time. I made sure I got plenty of exposure since I didn’t have any siblings. My parents were only children just as I was.” Janice looked at her confused. “How did you do that, Lacey?” “I took a job at a day care while I was in school and I worked for a pediatrician until just a few days before we left. Needless to say, the job with the pediatrician didn’t work out, but it wasn’t because of the kids.” “Both of those are good experience.” “I thought so,” she replied with a nod. “I’m always surprised about the number of people who are in pre-med who don’t even like the field they say they are going in.” “I have to agree with you there. I knew I had to become a general practitioner because I wanted to have the clinic at home. I did some extra studies in trauma, pediatrics and a couple of more areas so I 54

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could be ready for anything I might come up against. I had to be able to stabilize a patient for transport to a bigger hospital if necessary.” “Has that ever happened?” He shook his head. “Not yet. So far we’ve been able to handle everything in our own clinic. Angie and I have gone to many seminars to keep our skills updated.” “Good. I wouldn’t want to work for someone who let himself get behind the times.” She smiled broadly at him. Ardan returned the smile and turned to Cuinn. “I think I’m really going to like this woman.” “I never had any doubt.” She chuckled. “I’m glad you two approve of me.” “They approve anyone who can talk to them on their level.” Janice smiled at them. “We should probably get some sleep since we’ll be in Vancouver by morning. From there it will be mainly ground transportation.” “I am a little tired.” Lacey tried hard to stifle a yawn but wasn’t very successful. Today had been a wonderful day and with any luck, she’d be starting a wonderful life. “I am so glad the seats are big and wonderful. It makes it easier to sleep on the plane.” “I’d have to agree with you. Is this your family’s plane?” 55

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Janice nodded. “It is. And it’s not a perk from the company. I insisted we purchase it since we’d be using one a lot with me being in the great white north.” Lacey laughed. “How did your family feel about the whole thing?” Janice got a wistful look in her eyes as she thought about her past. “At first they didn’t like it at all. They felt my place was with them and their firm. But once I met my husband, it didn’t matter what they thought. I just wanted to be with Bevan.” “Isn’t that the way it should be?” Lacey shot Cuinn a look and hoped no one picked up on it. “I mean, you fall in love and the only thing that should matter is the person you’re with.” Janice turned to her boys and smiled. “I’m going to agree with you both on this one. I like this woman.” Turning back to Lacey, she nodded. “You’re absolutely right. My family didn’t have a clue and nothing I did would convince them otherwise. It was only when we were happily settled they relented and things got back on an even keel with us.” Lacey sighed. It was good to know wonderful things did happen to normal people. “That’s great everything worked out well.” She yawned again. “Geez. Sorry. I guess I’m more tired than I thought.” 56

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“You should be. It was a very busy day. Did you and Giselle work the whole thing out about your home?” She nodded. “I think we did. Most items will stay in place until I decide what I want to do with the house. She’s going to box up the more personal items and store them in one of the rooms. Everything will be kept at a bare minimum since we don’t want the pipes to break in winter or anything. Cuinn helped me pack the bits and pieces I wanted to take with me.” She smiled at him, warmed by the light in his eyes. “I kept that to a bare minimum as well. Giselle will send me anything I might need. But I’m sure I’m good to go for at least a while. I do have one concern though.” Janice raised her eyebrows. “What’s that?” “I’m not sure if my coat will be warm enough.” Everyone laughed as the tension was let out. Cuinn just shook his head. “We can get you a warmer coat, Lacey. We may live in the far north but it’s not like we don’t have ways to get things.” “I understand that but it’s still a concern of mine.” She crossed her arms and yawned once again. “I’ve got to take a nap. Do you mind?” “No, of course not. Would you like a blanket?” “That sounds good.” She watched as Cuinn got up to get her a blanket. Bringing it to her, he moved back the seat and tucked her in. 57

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“How’s that?” “How do you think it is?” she growled, as her body tingled with his touch, his clean scent wrapping itself tightly around her. “Did I do something wrong?” Cuinn frowned. Lacey sighed and leaned in to whisper, “No. You’ve done nothing wrong. I want to have my way with you.” He chuckled and moved back to look at her face. “So you want to belong to the mile high club?” he whispered back. She nodded fiercely. “That would be wonderful but I know it isn’t going to happen on this trip.” He threw a quick glimpse at his mother and sibling, relieved to see them huddled together in conversation. “You’re right. However, we can take care of the problem later if you’re still inclined.” “Thanks, I know I will be. But right now I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.” She squeezed his hand once and her mind drifted away to the pleasantness of sleep. **** Cuinn looked up from her very beautiful face as it relaxed into sleep to stare at his mother and brother. “Okay. Tell me what you did? I’m not tired, but Lacey seems to be wiped.” His mother sighed. “We didn’t do anything at all to her. Ardan suggested she go to sleep. We’re 58

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meeting the sleigh at Tina’s house near Garibaldi Highlands and Santa wants to be the one to break it to her about her new living conditions.” He frowned. “Does Tina even know we’re coming? I mean we just can’t show up on her doorstep.” “She knows it will be a quick stop and that we need to be on our way almost immediately.” “It’s not fair to the woman to stop and go. I hope you’ve promised her a longer visit at a later date.” Janice stared at him. “Of course, I have. She knows what’s happening here.” “Good thing she’s been your friend for a long time.” “Okay, okay…it wasn’t the best arrangement, but we only had short notice. I was going to do the ground transportation thing, but apparently we’re needed back sooner than expected.” “I hope there’s nothing wrong.” She shook her head. “There isn’t. Santa just wants to get everything settled before the Christmas season arrives. He’s worried about this year. So many people have so little and he wants to make sure everyone is taken care of and has something to make this season special. This year is especially important he says.” Cuinn nodded. “I can see that. It’s been a hard year on most people. Uncle Marion’s more than a 59

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little dismayed he may have to lay some people off. I told him not to pay me if it would help someone keep their job. I mean, it’s not as if I need the money or anything.” “That’s noble of you and I’m sure he appreciated your gesture a lot. It’s our fate to bring happiness to everyone’s lives and that’s what we plan to do this year.” He sighed and looked at them both. “I’ll let it go this one time but you know I don’t condone using magic or glamour on people unless absolutely necessary.” “Whoa, here…don’t you use glamour on every human that sees you when you’re in Boston? I mean, I don’t see very many of them asking about your pointy ears.” Ardan frowned. “Actually, I have the spell in place but most of the time I have a hat or keep my hair over them because I don’t like doing that to people.” “Boys, stop it. This was my fault. I could have told them no, we were doing it my way. But they seemed to want us back and they were more than a little concerned about a huge storm which is on the way.” Cuinn eyed his mother. “Santa doing some weather watching now?” “Cuinn, be fair. I’m not there and I don’t know what is going on. Let’s just get home and decide what the situation is.” 60

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He sighed and knew his mother was correct. “All right. Let’s get up north and see what the situation is.” “I agree. It won’t help to argue when we can’t do anything about what’s going on.” He sat back in his seat and knew this portion of the trip would be over soon. He hoped the part in the sleigh would go quickly as well. He didn’t want to give Lacey any reasons to dislike him. Otherwise this would turn into one big mess, and he didn’t want to have any problems where his love for this woman was concerned.

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Chapter 5 snuggled and stretched further into the Lacey down comforter, amazed to see the sun streaming into her window. She remembered vaguely Cuinn had tucked her into the big bed with the fluffy spread. But she felt surprised she didn’t remember much about how they got here or even getting off the plane or anything else. She sat up and rubbed her head. Heck, she didn’t know what day it was or if she was supposed to go to work. Pushing the bedding off her, she swung her legs to the side and stood up. She was still in her underwear and the shirt she wore on the plane. She’d have to teach the man how to take advantage of her. Chuckling, she knew he wouldn’t quite see it the same way she did. Upon exploring her new room, she was happy one of the doors lead into an attached bathroom. She needed to make herself presentable and try to get hold of someone to find out what would 62

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happen next. The large washroom was like a spa with a big jetted tub and walk in shower. If she didn’t know better, she’d say the whole thing was made for two people. Since she hadn’t unpacked, she was happy she found all the basics needed such as shampoo and soap. In the shower, she let the warm water sluice down her body, tried her hardest to remember something from the rest of the trip and came up blank. This wasn’t the first time with a lapse of memory and it concerned her a little. Once when she had spent the weekend with Giselle, she returned to realize the whole weekend was blank. It was as if someone wiped her memory clean though she knew that was impossible. Getting out, she wrapped herself in a large towel amazed it was warm then towel-dried her hair, sliding her fingers through the long strands. Back in the bedroom, she was surprised to smell fresh-brewed coffee. She quickly pulled on her jeans and a sweater then walked out into the living room. She surveyed the room and was immediately wrapped up into the warmth of the place. There was a fireplace surrounded by a dark wood, a light colored leather couch and a comfy big chair. The abode needed her own touch but overall her impression was positive. A catchy tune sang from the kitchen. “Hello? 63

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Who’s there?” Lacey jumped back and squeaked when Cuinn emerged with tray in hand. “Oh…sorry…I had hoped to surprise you with breakfast in bed.” As if on cue, her stomach growled. “How did you get in?” He smiled. “We don’t have any reason to lock the doors here at all. I thought you might like some breakfast and a friendly face before you met everyone here.” She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, but give me some warning. I didn’t know if I should get the fire poker or not.” “Okay.” He sat the tray down on the table. “I hoped to surprise you with breakfast in bed, but I heard the shower when I came in. I hope you like omelets as it’s my best culinary skill.” She laughed. “Every bachelor knows how to make omelets.” She sat down in the chair he held out. “It smells delicious and I’m famished. When did we get here? I mean I don’t remember a thing.” “Yesterday.” “Yesterday! Wow, I must have been really tired.” She munched down the omelet and toast. “Sorry but I’m famished.” “I bet.” He sat quietly across from her, seeming to contemplate her every move. Once she had settled back into her chair with 64

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her coffee, she eyed him skeptically. “All right, now that my hunger has been sated, do you want to tell me what’s going on?” She had never seen a man blush, but this one did as his cheeks turned a dull red. “I’m not sure what you mean.” She swore to herself as he squirmed in his chair and she took a sip of the warm liquid. She knew something was going on between the two of them before anything had even happened between the two of them, and now that she was here in his neck of the woods, she could feel the pull even more. “You know I’m not a superstitious at all but my intuition tells me something is going on here. That something has been going on for a long, long time. You can confess it now or you can confess it later. Either way doesn’t matter to me.” She took another deep drink and saw he was still a little uncomfortable. “Look, I don’t think this is unreasonable or anything. I just want some answers.” With a heavy sigh, Cuinn looked up at her. “Unfortunately, I’ve been asked not to say a thing until the others talk to you first.” “The others?” He nodded. “The big boss around here and my family. I think everything will become clear once they talk to you.” Lacey scowled. She didn’t like the way he 65

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looked, as if she’d toss him back or something. “Look, I’m not going to say I won’t be upset but you need to know I care about you. I am interested in seeing where this relationship will go, aren’t you?” He looked at her with clear blue eyes and she wondered if any other women had hurt him. “I am, too, but I know how this situation will look and I know my family.” “You know, lots of people think their family is crazy. And I will have to agree, there is weirdness in everyone. But at least you have a family and they love you. And I think I’m beginning to love you so I’m sure everything will be fine.” He frowned at her for a quick moment. “Promise me you’ll remember this once you find out about us.” “Sure. I think I can do that.” She took one more sip of her coffee and sat it down on the table. “Could you come here please?” Slowly, he got up from the chair and came to stand beside her. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him down to her and kissed him deeply. She nipped his lip then sucked the place where she had inflicted the pain. It didn’t take her long to make him pull her from her seat to nearly crush her against his hard body. “Do we have time for this?” she questioned, her breath coming in short gasps. “There’s always time for this,” he growled and 66

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ran his hand under her sweater. “I suppose we can initiate the table here.” A chuckle rumbled deep in her throat. “That should be exciting.” He continued to caress her. “I’ll show you exciting.” He kissed her neck, below her ear and she almost lost her mind. Moving down, he stretched the sweater as far as he could to lave the lop of her breasts that showed above her bra. “May I?” he questioned lightly. “Please.” She lifted her arms and let him pull the piece of clothing off, dropping it to the floor. He pulled her breasts out of her bra, kissing one then the other, sucking gently on each nipple. Reaching around, he flicked the hook clasp open and pulled the flimsy under garment off as well. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. She rubbed him through his jeans and wasn’t surprised his dick got bigger with each touch. But she wanted him free to rub its hard length between her breasts and into her mouth. She already loved the taste and feel of him. “I think you’re pretty hot, too.” Unsnapping his jeans, she shoved the material down around his hips. “Rub yourself up against me. Put your cock between my breasts and in my mouth,” she urged. “I want to taste you before we do anything else.” 67

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She saw his eyes darken as he obliged her. The smooth skin of his dick caressed the valley between her breasts. Her tongue reached out, encountered a salty bit of precum and she lapped it off. Lacey wrapped her hand around his hard shaft, gently tugged up and down on it. “I love your cock,” she whispered and encompassed her mouth around the large purple head. She was rewarded with a loud groan. “Lacey…please…I need to be inside you,” he whispered. “Not yet. Rub me.” Getting down between her legs, he moved his fingers up and down her slick folds, pausing to rub her hard clit. Every time seemed a little more urgent with this man. It was as if she couldn’t get enough, as if she’d never get enough. Arching into his fingers, she leaned back and continued her erotic massage with her hand on his hard shaft. “That feels so good, Cuinn.” He grunted in return, breathing heavily. “Having a little problem?” “More than a little,” he moaned. Reaching under her knees, he spread her wide, not giving her an opportunity to stop him. He plunged into her body, making her arch into him. The pleasure was so intense, she felt as if she would fly apart any second. Through a sex filled haze, she gazed out into the room–it was awash 68

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with shimmering color. Letting her head fall back, Lacey watched the streams for a moment. “Cuinn, can you see what I see?” He glanced up, nodded then returned his gaze to her. “Yes, it must be us. Like you said, we’re magic together.” Not thinking about a possible real explanation, she nodded once and leaned up to kiss him. “I know it’s probably an illusion. You didn’t tell me you were a magic man,” she said, breathing heavily. “But it’s one I like.” He said nothing but slowly moved in and out of her, touching her inner hot spot again and again as she rose to meet him. Each time he touched her in this way, her whole cunt clenched in anticipation of a possible orgasm. It wasn’t so much as to whether it would happen, but when. Each stroke took her higher and higher and soon the trembles rumbled deep inside. “Cuinn!” She aggressively pulled him to her, not wanting the feeling to slip away. He touched her deep inside and her whole being shook with ecstasy as the orgasm started with a slow burn building to a hard crescendo. She tried to stop from falling over the edge but to no avail. She tumbled headlong into the abyss, the colors swirling around them in ever shifting patterns. Still, he held off, allowing her moment to overwhelm her and not them together. Pulling 69

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out, he quickly went down on her and sucked her clit adding another dimension to the feelings she had. It was obvious, this man wanted to give as much as he took. Without warning, another orgasm slammed into her as she pulled his head toward her. “Cuinn…please…please…” He slammed into her once again, filling her completely and making the sensitive spots even more so. Slowing his pace, he tweaked her nipples and kissed her. Soon his movements became deeper, with the strokes long and hard. Putting his forehead onto hers, he looked deep into her eyes and she could see the colors on the periphery getting more and more brilliant. Hitting her inner spot one more time, she was thrown over the edge as a third orgasm shook her with an intensity she would have never thought possible. His hoarse guttural cry reached in and twisted her very soul, and then she was lost. What seemed like hours later, once their breathing slowed, she gently ran her fingers through his hair as he lay against her chest. She didn’t know if she should say anything, she just wanted to enjoy the moment, but she felt he deserved to know how much pleasure he brought her. “That was amazing,” she whispered. “Yeah.” He was still breathing heavily and the 70

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colors still swirled around them in a beautiful miasma of shifting hues that seemed to bleed into one another then separate as themselves again and again. “It was.” “I know you’re a little shy, Cuinn, but you need to know what a wonderful lover you are. Why don’t you talk to me?” Looking up at her from his vantage point, he blinked. “It’s not that, Lacey, it’s just—” “What are you afraid of?” she whispered. Sighing he stood up and pulled her with him. “Actually, quite a few things. One I can say and the rest will have to wait.” She caressed his face and gazed into his eyes. “Tell me.” He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply for a few seconds. “I don’t want to regret falling in love with you.” “You’re falling in love with me?” She almost couldn’t contain the warmth she felt inside. She would like nothing better than to belong to him and be in his family. “I am. But I think we both need to reserve judgment until you know about here and my family.” She frowned and took the bra he handed her. “You can just turn your emotions on and off like that?” He shook his head. “No I can’t. But for someone 71

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like me, once I fall in love, there will be no turning back.” “I don’t understand.” He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. “I know you don’t. Just have a little more patience. You’ll know almost everything in a couple of hours. Okay?” She nodded and wondered what could be so bad he wasn’t allowed to explain it. “Okay.” She gave him an intense hug, trying to convey in one gesture what she felt as well. “You know I feel the same way, right?” “I do. I want you to hold on to that thought and not make any final decisions until later.” He pushed her away and looked into her eyes, smiling a little. “I’m not trying to scare you, really I’m not. I can see the whole picture and you have so very little.” She thought for a moment and finally nodded in agreement. “I guess I can understand what you’re saying. It’s confusing but I’m looking at things from a totally different perspective.” “You are and you may not like me or my family very much when it’s all over.” “Don’t say that,” she admonished. “I don’t think there’s one thing which will ever make me not like you or your family.” She was troubled when he stayed silent on the subject. “I think we need to go because by now they are 72

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all waiting for us.” He reached down and began pulling up his pants then stopped. “Do you think we should take a shower?” Lacey laughed as it wasn’t something she usually worried about. “We could if you want. But we would have to set some rules.” Cuinn arched his eyebrow. “Like?” She leveled her gaze at him. “Like no touching. At least, no touching in a sensual way. The only reason for us to touch would be to help each other bathe, otherwise we’ll be even later. Does that sound acceptable to you?” He nodded. “Acceptable but I’m sure a near impossibility. I’m not sure if I could be in a confined space and not want to touch you.” She grabbed him and pulled him toward the bathroom. “Come on. The quicker we get in, the quicker we get out.” Shucking herself out of the clothes she had on, she turned the water to warm and jumped in. He was a little more cautious but soon followed. While she didn’t want him to be self-conscious, she did want to get a good look at him. His wide shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and while he didn’t have a classic six-pack, he still had muscles in all the right places. His flaccid cock lay in a nestle of hair as dark as that on his head. “If you don’t stop inspecting me, I’ll have to do the same to you.” 73

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Very little embarrassed her but this caused a rush of heat to fill her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help myself.” Chuckling, he pulled her close and kissed her firmly. “Good. I can’t either.” Reaching around her, he filled his hand with bath gel and began to massage it into her body. The lather quickly foamed and made his hands glide smoothly along her body, arousing her yet again. Pushing down those feelings, she also put some gel in her hands and ran them over his chest and down his back. “Have I missed any place?” she questioned breathless. “No,” he ground out. “But if we don’t get out of this shower, we’ll be here another two hours and then my mother will come looking for us.” Lacey scowled. “Your mother?” “Yes. She hates it when we miss appointments.” “Heavens, I almost forgot why I’m here. What time were we supposed to go? I mean, I know you mentioned something but I started to touch you, and it was impossible to think about anything else.” He reached up and gently cupped her face. “Don’t worry. I told them I’d call when we were on our way. I refused to give them a set time because I didn’t know how much longer you’d sleep. We’re good.” 74

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Sighing deeply, she smiled and rushed to get their shower done so they could start their day.

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Chapter 6 Lacey’s front door sat a sleigh and Outside what appeared to be reindeer. She stared wide eyed for a few seconds, blinked then turned to Cuinn and arched her brow. “Taking it a little far now, aren’t we?” “I assure you not but you’ll have to see for yourself.” He helped her into her seat and tucked a blanket around her. “I don’t want you catching a cold on your first day here.” “You know you can’t catch one from being cold. Now you might make me more susceptible to it but being cold will never give me one.” He laughed. “I know that. I’m trying to make a stressful situation on my part less so.” “Oh, small talk.” “Are you always so blunt? Have to have the last word?” She mulled over his question for a moment. With most people she wouldn’t have been so forthright but with him, she didn’t see any reason 76

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to be anything but… “Sometimes.” He smiled broadly at her. “I think we understand each other now.” She glanced his way. “Why do you say that?” “Because you basically told me you feel comfortable with me.” This was a first, someone who got her right away. She had never been so lucky with any man. Most of the time, men couldn’t even get her point and their lack of comprehension would frustrate her to no end. Cuinn was so different. She had a fleeting remembrance of when Giselle introduced them a few years ago and her instant liking of Cuinn. It was no wonder a warm glow of pleasure encompassed her body and the joy grew as she observed him checking the connections of the reindeer to the sleigh. He had an inborn grace she just loved to watch in action. And it had nothing to do with arrogance. She could tell at once, his brother Ardan had at one time been a very arrogant man. Someone had knocked him down a peg or two and while her encounter with him had been quite tolerable, she felt sure that wasn’t always the case. But Cuinn had no traces of such arrogance and he seemed very comfortable with himself and his life. A trait she thought was a bit unusual. Settling himself on the bench next to her, he snuggled in and made a clucking sound to the 77

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animals. When the lead one just turned and stared, Cuinn threw up his hands in exasperation. “What did I do wrong this time?” he questioned. When they didn’t move, he continued. “It’s not my fault I’ve never been able to tell you apart.” Lacey looked at him confused. “You’re talking to the reindeer? Why? They can’t understand you.” “I wouldn’t want to make a wager on that if I were you.” “Don’t you need to take the reins or something.” She looked closer at the deer and the harness. “Wait. There aren’t any reins.” Suddenly, they were thrown against the back of the sleigh as they sped off. In mere moments, it was as if they were flying, fast approaching a group of buildings a short distance away from her home. With the speed and waning light of the midnight sun, she barely noticed there were other homes scattered about, each with some distance between them. It was a good thing to distance between people as most like their privacy. A few moments later, they arrived before a large two-story building. The outside reminded her of the more ornate buildings she saw in Boston. But that look seemed limited to the first floor. The second reminded her more of a normal office building with less ornate windows. “Is this the clinic?” 78

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“No, it isn’t. That’s a little further up. But everyone goes through the workshop first. That’s the way the boss wants it.” After getting out of the sleigh, she allowed Cuinn to take her elbow and lead her to the front door. Once inside, she stopped and stared, the décor reminding her of the toy stores in Boston but with an extremely homey feel to the place. Matter of fact, it was just like the famous store in New York. She stood and gazed up the whole length of the tree which was very tall and apparently very alive. “This tree can’t be real.” “It’s real and you need to get ready as our welcoming committee will be arriving shortly.” She turned around. “Welcoming committee? What are you talking about?” He inclined his head in the direction of the stairs. “The boss and family are coming to meet us.” “Really?” She turned to look in the direction he indicated. Down the spiral staircase came a rather large man with red pants, suspenders, and a white beard. A very small person bopped beside him and appeared to be talking a mile a minute. Behind him followed a man with amber hair who looked amazingly like Cuinn which probably meant he was a brother, his mother and brother Ardan. Then a couple of women who she assumed were their wives, proceeded behind them. 79

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Lacey stood still and waited, stunned by the first one down the stairs. The man looked just like Santa Claus or at least what she thought the man would look like if he existed. But before he could say a word, he was shoved out of the way by a little man in what looked like a green elf suit. “Wow! Cuinn really did find a very pretty woman. Eggther really thinks so. How about you Angie Hudson?” He stood staring up at Lacey, a grin consuming the features of his small face. A dark haired woman with a pretty smile and bulging stomach walked over and placed a hand on the small man’s shoulder. “Eggther, she’s just gotten here. She needs some time to adjust, I’m sure.” The amber haired man stepped up and extended his hand. “I’m Jedrick, Cuinn’s older brother. This is my wife, Tessa and you’ll meet our kids sometime soon I’m sure.” Lacey shook his hand. “I’m Lacey. It’s good to meet you both. I look forward to the kids.” This still left the white-haired guy and she felt a slight twinge of dread deep within her. “I’m sorry for the rather abrupt greeting.” The white haired man took her hand from Jedrick. “I’m sure this is rather intense, especially after what already happened to you.” She turned to Cuinn, confused. “What is he talking about? And you know, he looks exactly 80

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like what I’ve imagined Santa Claus to look like. Just what is it you people do?” She turned back to the ensemble, directing directed the last question to the Santa impersonator. Cuinn moved up behind her. “Lacey, I’d like you to meet Kristopher Kringle, otherwise known to the world as Santa Claus.” Her mouth fell open as the older man shook her hand. “This is some kind of trick. This has to be a bad joke, doesn’t it?” “I assure you, young lady, this is no joke. We’ve been here in the North Pole for more years than I care to remember. It’s only been in the past few we’ve had an influx of new people.” Her eyes opened wide and she stepped back into Cuinn’s hard body. His warm breath tickled her ear. “I can assure you this is as hard on him as it is on you,” Cuinn offered in a whisper. She stood there a moment and realized if she put things together, it all made perfect sense. Sleeping the whole way, the chill she had when she woke up, the glimpse of pointy ears that weren’t quite there, the colors when they made love. She spun around and shoved Cuinn away from her. “Show me your ears,” she demanded, anger boiling within her that she let herself be duped. He looked shocked. “What?” “You heard me. Show me your ears.” She 81

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cringed at the flustered tone of her voice but continued on. “I think it’s called a glamour or something. You know the thing you do to not quite show yourself. Whatever it is you are.” Sighing heavily, Cuinn lowered his chin as his shoulders dipped. “You’re right, it’s called a glamour. And yes, it’s something we use to not quite show our true selves.” Lacey shot her best icy glare at him. “Now, Cuinn.” A snicker sounded in the background. She tossed back a searing look. “Don’t worry, I’ll get to you all in a minute.” “Lacey, look we didn’t--” She glowered at him. “All right. I’ll show you.” Immediately, an almost unperceivable change came to his face. “What happens when we do this?” She stepped close to his body and gently rubbed the points of his ears, which were now apparent. His body twitched in immediate response. “I see.” Trying to find balance in her shocked mental state, she breathed deeply for a few moments before turning to look at the rest of them. “I don’t appreciate not being told the whole truth about the job. Are there any other special items I should know about?” Santa frowned. “All this is my fault. When you came to Aingeal’s wedding, I was so upset with Giselle for not following the rules I forced Cuinn to cast an amnesia spell on you.” 82

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Well, this is getting stranger by the moment. Strange though the situation was that little bit of information from Santa helped her put together what were missing pieces of a short period in her life. “When was that wedding?” “About nine months ago. And believe me, I got mad when they told me what they had done.” Janice contributed. Lacey looked at them all still confused. “Define who they are.” “They would be Santa and myself.” She looked up to find a very handsome but small man approach. “I’m Cuinn’s father, Bevan. It was Santa and myself who told Cuinn to cast the spell. And being the good boy he always is, he complied without question. Obviously, it was the wrong decision.” Lacey could see the family resemblance. She rubbed her head as she ran out of steam. This was all so very confusing. “Explain to me why because it apparently messed me up.” She turned to Cuinn. “How about you? Were things right with you?” Santa frowned. “What do you mean? The spell is only supposed to make you forget your visit here and nothing else.” She looked at them all, not sure where to start. With a deep breath she gathered her scattered thoughts and feelings hoping she’d be able to put 83

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them into words. “It’s-it’s all so hard to explain. I remember doing something with Giselle but could never grasp what it was. I-I-it was if I was lost or I had lost something. It was so unusual and troubling.” She closed her eyes and breathed deep, slowly opening them when she got hold of her emotions. “You took away from me something special. That much I know.” Her voice shook and she walked over to an overstuffed chair and sat down. She looked out a window and over the white land, glad the group didn’t come to stand by her. Soon, the presence of another caught her attention. Cuinn stood next to her. “You remembered me and every time you saw me, it caused something to happen to you, which you couldn’t define.” She looked up at him with bright eyes, nodding her head. “Yeah, I guess that was it. How much time have we lost together, Cuinn?” He hunkered down to look her full in the face. “Too long.” He gave her a firm kiss. “But the glamour was meant to last your whole lifetime. I don’t think any of us knew if you were exposed to the very thing you were meant to forget it would cause problems.” “You mean I was supposed to forget you as well?” “No, you weren’t. And it may have been me 84

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who inadvertently caused this problem.” “Why do you think that?” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I did something stupid and foolish as I did the spell.” “What?” “I asked you to remember me and then I kissed you.” “You think your kiss caused problems?” “I don’t know, son. It could have something to do with what you said to her as you did the spell. I say we contact your sister and have her ask the council and Fearghus. They should know.” Bevan walked over to stand next to the chair where Lacey sat. “I am sorry, young lady. We had no idea our spell would do anything at all to you. We’ve done the spell on lots of people over the years without any ill effects. I don’t know what happened.” “I don’t know, son. It could have something to do with what you said to her as you did the spell. I say we contact your sister and have her ask the council and Fearghus. They should know.” Bevan walked over to stand next to the chair where Lacey sat. “I am sorry, young woman. We had no idea our spell would do anything at all to you. We’ve done the spell on lots of people over the years without any ill effects. I don’t know what happened.” “It’s nor’ahkeem,” Janice stated. “It’s the only 85

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real explanation for her problems.” “Mother! Janice!” Bevan and Cuinn shouted in unison. Lacey saw the older woman cast a stern look at both her husband and Cuinn. “What’s nor’ahkeem?” she asked quietly. Janice sighed deeply. “It’s the process of bonding between an elf and his soul mate.” Stunned, she sat there as the air went in and out of her lungs slowly. Bonding. Between an elf and his soul mate. She turned to Cuinn again. “You’re an elf.” Again a statement of fact. “I’m just half elf. My mother is completely human and my father is a full elf.” She turned and looked at the man. Though small in stature the man was incredibly handsome and not much shorter than Janice. She wondered vaguely about their story. Right now she needed to figure out her situation. Confusion topped the list. “This is going to sound strange but is this going to cause something like a butterfly effect or a paradox? I don’t need one of those incidents on my hands as well as all this to take in.” “Good question. I don’t think so but I do believe the sooner we get hold of Aingeal the better. She’ll know everything in this area and what she doesn’t know, she can find out.” Bevan reached out and touched Lacey’s hand. “I am 86

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really sorry for this.” She nodded and continued to stare. Some events could have been different and those weighed heavy on her mind. Her grandparents were number one on her list. Cuinn could have met them and they would have known she would be well cared for and loved. But none of those scenarios had happened because of fear of what she might do. “You know, I wouldn’t have told a soul,” she whispered. “Not that anyone would believe me anyway. People have the tendency to not believe the fantastic or interesting occurrences around them. They would have thought I was just another crazy woman.” “I believe you but I couldn’t take the chance. We’ve been having some minor problems with people trying to find us and right now I don’t think the world is ready to know we exist.” Santa frowned, not saying much more. “I’m sure you understand confidentiality. Matter of fact, we’re going to have you sign a confidentiality statement. Or at least were. Are you still interested in working at the clinic?” That was the big question on her mind. Did she want to work with people who didn’t trust her? “Why don’t you trust Giselle?” Everyone started talking at once, shaking Lacey out of her melancholy and making her laugh. She held up a 87

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hand. “Whoa. Slow down please. One at a time.” “I’ll start,” Janice said, sighing. “From the moment that girl was born, she’s been fascinated by anything elven. I swear she was one in another life. By the time she was fifteen, she had read every book ever written on elves. And when she came to visit, she was a font of information of what she thought was correct elven information. She took and gave. When the kids were old enough, she wanted to fix them up with her human friends and would cause all sorts of trouble until we banned her from coming except by invitation. Plus, any guests she wanted to bring had to be cleared with Santa.” “I guess she didn’t ask about me.” “Lacey, she never even hinted you were coming. And when I overheard you telling someone a bit of what she had said, I got very angry at my niece.” Bevan stood there still fuming after all these months. “The woman just doesn’t take no for an answer. How were we supposed to know she had done something good and right for once?” “I take it this wasn’t the first time?” She felt a little better about the whole situation. Giselle always had a one track mind when it came to fixing people up. “And heaven help us, I’m sure it’s not going to be the last either.” Santa sighed deeply. 88

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Lacey nodded her head. “I so understand the Giselle thing. Still, we’re going to have to find out what this has done to my life.” “Agreed.” Santa nodded. “And your decision?” She turned to look at Cuinn. “I’m going to stay.” :)

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Chapter 7 morning had a very rocky start but once the Thewhole incident was settled, they quickly moved on to other things. Settled wasn’t quite the right word but the day had progressed to a spot where they could move forward with what needed to be done. They showed Lacey the toy workshop, introduced her to Angie and Tessa both who completely understood her dilemma. Cuinn’s older sister, Aingeal was in Scotland with her husband Fearghus and her twin boys. The rest of the family would be at dinner tomorrow night. There were so many, she wasn’t sure if she could keep them all straight. She sat down in the cafeteria and rubbed her head. Her move here had not turned out how she expected at all. Then again, she didn’t know what would take place but since the men explained what happened, she could look back on the past with new eyes. She had seen Cuinn a few times since the wedding and each time it was as if she 90

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were looking at a black hole. Now, she knew why, that portion of life had been taken from her. She sighed. “Are you all right?” The rich voice of the man in question slid down her back, making her tingle in anticipation. She smiled at him tentatively. “This was what you were talking about, isn’t it?” Sighing, he nodded. “I needed you to hear the whole story before you decided anything. I am so sorry for what I did to you. You didn’t deserve it and I know that now. I should have explained the situation to you and why you had to forget.” She looked away from the intensity of his gaze. “Would it have made any difference in my life?” He frowned. “Difference? As in how?” She turned and looked at him. “My grandparents died during the period of time between when I was here and now. They died just six weeks ago. Would they be gone still if we had completed –” She groped for the word. “Nor’ahkeem?” “That one.” She glared at him, anger welling up in her. “Well? Would it have made a difference?” “I don’t know, Lacey.” He reached out to take her hand, appearing as if he fought to remain calm and passive. “That’s like trying to predict the true impact of global warming or something. There are things we just don’t know and maybe we aren’t 91

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supposed to know. Everyone is dealt a specific hand and must cope with what they have.” He squeezed her hand. “Sure, it might have made a difference, but so would have the bartender who gave the man who crashed into your grandparents his last drink.” Jerking her hand away, Lacey looked down at the table and did her best to will the tears not to come. She had not thought about the accident for months but now brought out into the open, it made the wound raw. Cuinn was right. Things were what they were and every one had issues. Still, how long would this wondering if things would have been different go on? “I am sorry. That was a cruel thing to bring up.” His fingers clutched her chin and he lifted her tear-stained face. Sorrow filling her mind, she gazed at him through watery eyes. “Cruel but true, Cuinn.” She sniffed and wiped her runny nose with a napkin. “Here’s my dilemma. How long am I going to wonder what could have, would have, and should have been different?” He leaned over the table and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “I don’t know. I do believe that’s one of the reasons my father wants to talk to Aingeal and the rest of the elven council. They may have some clue as to what can be done to relieve your pain or maybe even tell you if life 92

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would have been different.” She sat up straighter. “They can see life differently?” Cuinn shrugged his shoulders. “In a way. Some of them are positively ancient and know things someone like you or I can only dream about.” “Define ancient.” He shook his head. “I hear some of them are close to three hundred years old or maybe older. There’s one guy who won’t say how old he is.” “Three hundred years! How old are you?” She looked at him incredulous. She had always thought it was possible, but not without the medical science of today. He smiled at her. “How old are you?” “You know how old I am. You saw it on my application.” “I did and I can say I’m six weeks older than you. It seems our parents were busy at the same time.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Lacey smiled broadly. “You are a crack up. And eww, I never thought of my parents that way at all.” Lacey smiled broadly. “You are a crack up. And eww, I never thought of my parents that way at all.” He frowned and rolled his eyes. “Lucky you. There isn’t a day, which goes by we all don’t think of my parents that way.” “What?” 93

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He nodded his head in the general direction of his parents and her gazed followed. At a table away from most people sat Janice and Bevan. Bevan held his wife’s hand tenderly and their heads came together as they talked. Even without knowing they were married, she would have understood they meant something to each other. The way he looked at her and her him, the gentle touches, the soft little kisses. They had something very special. “Will it be like that for us?” He looked at her surprised. “For us?” She turned and looked at him. “You know, for us. They’ve been together how long?” “I guess thirty five years or so, I mean Jedrick is almost thirty four. They always celebrate their anniversary in the spring. But I don’t even know when they got married.” She smiled. “Look at them and not with the eye of their son. Those two people are in love, really in love. They will die in each other’s arms. We should be so lucky.” She turned back to see him swallow hard. “Sorry, but it’s how I see them.” “Until you commented on them being in love, I never thought about them as anything other than my mother and father.” “Until you commented on them being in love, I never thought about them as anything other than my mother and father.” She chuckled. “They were young once and in 94

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love. The beautiful thing is they still are. And that is so very, very special.” He nodded. “I think I understand what you’re saying. How did you get so wise?” She sighed. “Wise? It’s not wise at all, but when you lose everyone you love, you begin to notice things you never thought possible because you don’t have them.” “Ah, the grass is always greener syndrome. I see.” “No, that’s not it at all. I’m not jealous and don’t want what others have. No, this one is purely realizing what you’ve lost and wondering if you’ll ever get it back.” He looked at her a moment then made a slight nod. “I understand. And I’m not sure what to say. I never expected this outcome. I just thought…” He seemed as frustrated as she was. “Do you ever think about us?” A haunted look crossed his eyes. “Yes, I think about us,” he growled. “Let’s get out of here.” He stood and grabbed her arm pulling her up so fast she squeaked in surprise. “Wait, I told Arden I’d come to the clinic again this afternoon. I have to be there.” “Screw Ardan, he can wait. Right now I need to show you how much I’ve thought about you.” He pulled her along after him. “How about my office?” 95

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“I thought you said you didn’t work here.” “I don’t but I still have an office. My mother wanted me back in the family business, remember?” He turned to look at her, eyes blazing with an inner light she had never before seen. She stared at him and gave a quick nod. “I remember. But how isolated is your office? I don’t think we want anyone to see us for a while.” “What are you saying?” “You’re eyes are blazing. It’s like a fire’s been lit and I think I’m the one who has to put it out.” **** Cuinn stopped and breathed deeply. He had to get himself under control. He had heard about elves made mad by nor’ahkeem and something told him he was on the edge. He didn’t want to frighten Lacey and drive her away. She had been lost to him for too long. “I’m sorry. I know you’re right, but I’ve got to.” He stopped before a door with his name on it and pushed it open. Pulling her in after him, he barely shut the door before he was all over her, kissing and touching her body like the long lost lover he was. “Wait…slow down…please.” She pushed herself away from him and looked up into his face. “I still need to go see Ardan at the clinic and 96

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I’d like my clothes in one piece.” She slowly pulled her arms out of her sweater and reached behind her to lock the door. He was happy she understood the importance of this moment but she didn’t understand nor’ahkeem. It was obvious he didn’t understand the process either as well as he should. So they would learn together and the process would start now. He stood and watched her leisurely undress in front of him. First, her sweater had gone, then she unbuttoned her blouse one torturous button at a time. Slipping off her shoes, she pushed her pants down her long legs and stepped out of them. “I can tell you like what you’re seeing.” She motioned him over with her forefinger. “Come here.” He didn’t need a second invitation. Instantly he was at her side, running his hands over the smooth length of her abdomen. “Lacey, please…” “Please what?” she questioned breathless. Scooping her up into his arms, he sat her on his large desk. “I’ve got to have you now.” He lowered her to the hard surface and ran his hands over her breasts through the skimpy material. Soon her nipples stood at hard point. He kissed the nubs through her bra as his hand wandered down her stomach and into her panties to rub her now slick pussy. 97

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Lacey arched into him and groaned in pleasure. “Cuinn, that feels so good.” Spurred on by her praise, he continued to kiss, lick and nip his way down to her crotch. “I need to kiss you here before anything else happens.” He pushed her underwear out of the way and dipped his fingers into her slick folds, rubbing her from top to bottom. Soon his tongue followed his fingers and she moaned, her body making slight movements in response. “Cuinn…” “Just let me taste you for a few more moments. You’re like fine whiskey,” he murmured. A few more rubs and licks later, he stood and kissed her deeply. “Lacey, I need you more than you’ll ever know.” Not saying a word, she reached down and began to unbutton his pants to push them down. “Then show me.” Swallowing hard, he allowed her to stroke him for a few moments before he spread her legs. “I’m sorry about the desk.” She chuckled. “I’m not.” He gave her a quizzical look. “I’ve always wanted someone to want me that much.” Smiling, he unhurriedly pushed into her, watching her eyes for a response, thrilled to see her pupils get larger. Once his large cock was fully seated in her, he waited. It was only seconds 98

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before she began to move against him, yet still he did nothing except gaze at her. Lacey reached up and kissed him. “What are you waiting for?” she questioned. “I-I’m not-I’m just realizing how completely beautiful you are. And how special.” He swooped down on her with a demanding kiss and began the dance as old as time, moving in and out of her supple body with long hard strokes. He grasped her butt cheeks and pulled her fiercely to him, each stroke inching deeper into her body. It seemed like hours before her body began to shake and quiver from an orgasm building deep within her, but then she was clutching him to her in desperate tugs. “Please, please, Cuinn,” she whispered. He stopped his movement and looked at her. “Please what, Lacey?” “Make me come and love you even more,” her quiet voice requested. She gazed deep into his eyes. Her words were what he had hoped to hear and he pounded her even harder then reached down to pinch her clit as their orgasms consumed them. The colors swirled around them as their passion reached fulfillment yet again. Moments later, their breathing slowed and he took her face in his hands. “Thank you,” he stated simply. 99

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Smiling, she gave him a quick kiss. “You are very welcome.” She stroked his face and watched him. “At least you don’t have that wild look in your eye any more. I find that utterly amazing.” “What?” She chuckled. “That I have it in me to tame the beast in you.” He sighed. “You realize just how hard you’ve made it for me to finish the day, don’t you?” “Really?” she quipped. “I can’t imagine why.” He growled. “You are a minx!” “Only for you. Any idea on the time?” “You have a few moments before you’re appointment with Ardan.” Squealing, she pushed him off her. “Family or not, I have never been late for an appointment. Can you please help me?” “Sure, no problem.” Gathering up her clothes, he helped her to get dressed in record time, making sure she looked her best for his brother. “There, I think you’re presentable.” “What do you mean ‘think’?” “Well, you’re hair’s a little puffed.” Her hands flew to her hair. “Define little.” He frowned at her. “Well, it looks like you’ve been thoroughly ravished.” She smirked. “Do you think they’ll know?” He pulled her to him again. “I sure as hell hope 100

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so.” He opened the door and pushed her out. Together they walked to where she was to meet his brother. How he got through the rest of the day Cuinn didn’t understand. Every time he looked at her across the room or stood next to her all he wanted to do was to pull her clothes off and take her right there. “That bad, huh?” “What?” he asked distracted. Soon a gentle hand clasped his arm. Angie looked at him. “Oh-Ang-I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” “I said that bad in the form of a question. You know, like in jeopardy.” He nodded and returned his focus to Ardan and Lacey who talked about the clinic a few feet away. “Yeah, it is.” “You know, it’s probably worse for you because you’ve had to suppress your feelings for so long.” He saw that his sister-in-law gazed at him with lots of sympathy. “You think so?” She nodded. “Yeah, I think so. I’ve had a little experience with someone trying to suppress his feelings you know.” Angie looked at her husband across the room, her eyes full of love. “I’m not sure who it was harder on, him or me.” “That’s not the same.” She frowned at him. “Not exactly but close 101

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enough I can sympathize. I mean, they ordered you to make the love of your life forget you even existed. Ardan consciously tried to do the same thing.” Cuinn turned to look at her, startled. “He did?” “Yup, he’d decided he would work me out of his system forever. He figured he’d take the sex route since he had some control over his sexual feelings.” She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye and chuckled. “Good thing it only made it worse.” “Made what worse?” Arden put his arm around his wife and leaned down to kiss her the top of her head. “You’re nosey.” Angie smiled up at him and squeezed his hand. Ardan arched his eyebrow and frowned. “Okay, guess I’m not supposed to know what you were talking about.” “Yeah, wives are allowed to have some secrets you know.” She winked at Cuinn. “You better be careful. I’ll spank you when we get home.” “Promises, promises.” “Whoa, too much information here.” Lacey chimed in, making a cross with two fingers. They all laughed. “We should be getting home. I want Angie to rest more and now that you’ve started here, she 102

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can. Is tomorrow too soon?” Lacey turned to Cuinn. “Is that okay with you?” “Sure. You might be more tired than normal the first few days here but other than that, I would say you’re acclimatizing very well. Don’t you think, Ardan?” “I agree with Cuinn here. You’re doing great and if we’re not busy, I’ll let you go home early.” “Okay. Then I’ll be there.”

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Chapter 8 started out quiet. Cuinn made love to Theherday again in the early morning glow of the dying fire, leaving her with the feeling of being loved and cherished. They got up and took a leisurely shower. Together they prepared breakfast, which was a simple affair of scrambled eggs with various veggies, cheeses and ham. Talking over their morning coffee, Lacey was surprised he would also be going to work. “Have you talked to your uncle?” she asked, hoping she would not be the one to cause another family rift. “My uncle knew the moment I brought you up here I might not be coming back. I’m not irreplaceable in his company. A lot of the work he has me doing isn’t dependent upon me being in Boston.” She nodded. “Okay. If you’re absolutely sure it won’t cause a problem.” Cuinn reached out and squeezed her hand. “I 104

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understand but believe me when I say there is no problem.” “I believe you.” She smiled and returned the squeeze. “So what have you been working on?” He eyed her cautiously. “I’m afraid it will be very boring.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “That’s what couples do, Cuinn. Talk to each other. If they can’t communicate well, they could fall out of love. I’d rather talk to you about what you’re doing than not speak at all.” “Okay, I get your meaning. We’ve been working on a new type of remote control for the various electronic gadgets Santa plans to unveil this Christmas. He wants top of the line wireless for the toys this holiday season.” “Really? It sounds interesting. Maybe you can explain it to me when we have more time. Right now I need to get going.” “Sure. You would tell me if you were bored, wouldn’t you?” Smiling, she gently cupped his cheek and kissed him. “Believe me, I’m not the type of girl to ever hold something back from you. I would definitely tell you. But beware, it takes a lot to bore me.” LOL “Good. Hope you don’t mind us riding together.” “Not at all.” 105

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They put the few dishes in the dishwasher, got their coats on and gathered what they needed for the day. Soon they stood outside with the sleigh pulling up to the front. Lacey couldn’t help but notice the blackness of the day. “Are we finally in the complete dark? I mean, I don’t know what time of year it changes from sunlight to little sunlight to no sunlight.” “We are and it probably happened last night.” “Don’t you know when the change is going to occur?” she asked as he tucked her in under the covers in the sleigh. He gave her a lopsided smile. “Of course, I do. I’ve been a little preoccupied lately and didn’t notice what day it was. Total darkness here is from the first day of fall until the first day of winter. From then on we have some sunlight, but not much in the rest of the winter months.” He gave her a quick kiss. “So that’s it, we’re in for the duration?” “Afraid so. Our world will be in total darkness for the next few months.” “Arghh, this is going to be so, so bizarre. How do you ever stay awake?” Lacey did her best to stifle a yawn but it was a poor attempt at best. “You actually get used to it. Although some people have to go under artificial sun lights for a variety of reasons.” “I’ve heard of that before but never 106

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encountered it since Boston is further south. I guess I’ll talk to Ardan about what I can expect.” “You know in the office complex we have the artificial sun in the atrium, right?” She shook her head. “Nope, didn’t know but it’s something to file away. I wonder if Ardan has any of those in the clinic.” “I don’t know much about the clinic. Ardan has complete control there.” Lacey chuckled. “I don’t know a doctor who doesn’t.” “I remember you said something about the doctor you worked with before.” “Doctors are hard people to work for in some respects. I quit my last job because we had a different opinion on what was required for good patient care.” “Doesn’t sound good.” “It wasn’t and let’s just leave it alone.” Cuinn nodded. “Not a problem. And while Ardan can be a pain, he is a damn good doctor.” She smiled. “I figured it to be the case. From what I understand, Angie helped him out a lot with his emotional side as well.” “That’s an understatement,” he stated, chuckling. Suddenly, she shivered. “Sorry, but I just got cold.” “Can’t have you cold now, can we?” He 107

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snuggled closer and pulled her in to him. His warm breath caressed her face and if they hadn’t been in the sleigh, going to work, Lacey guessed where this would end. She looked at him then kissed him, heat filling her body and soul. This man ignited a fire deep within her and nothing would ever put it out. “What does nor’ahkeem feel like?” she whispered. “Feel? I’m not sure I can describe how it feels. It’s almost like an ever-burning flame deep inside you. Whenever you see the person you love, you’re warm yet burning just for them.” She nodded. It was much like she felt right now and she wasn’t even an elf. “When is your sister going to be here? I definitely have some questions for her.” “Aingeal? I think she and Fearghus are due to arrive here either tonight or tomorrow.” She frowned. “They’re coming from Scotland, right?” “They are.” “Ah, how do they get here?” He laughed. “There are a variety of ways. One is the private jet. Another is the sleigh. And I suppose teleportation might be something those two try.” “Teleportation?” she asked, incredulous. “You heard me right. Aingeal has been 108

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exploring some different venues in elven travel.” “How can she do it?” “She’s an earth-intuitive and can do some interesting spells.” “Wow, an elemental.” Lacey stared at him amazed, realizing some of her most loved items in fantasy novels were true, but then deep down she had always known they were. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. I’ve never thought about calling her an elemental though. You’d have to talk to her about that.” “Okay. Can I ask why she and her family are in Scotland?” “Because she needs to study more to hone her skills according to her. I’ve never talked to Fearghus about it.” “It makes sense. You would really need to know how to use the power at your beck and call. It must be an incredible feeling to wield such energy.” “We don’t think of being elven in those terms. I mean I’m half elf and magic is part of my very being.” She smiled. “You’ll have to show me some of your skills some time. Wow, we’re almost there. I didn’t realize the clinic was so far from the rest of the buildings.” “It isn’t. We just came at it from a different direction. I guess the reindeer thought we needed 109

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to finish our conversation.” “That was nice of them.” She cautiously eyed the creatures that brought them to their destination. She had never reflected much on reindeer even though she knew of their existence in the Norse countries. And flying had been the farthest point in her mind when thinking about them. In near total darkness, the clinic looked a little different as did the general landscape overall. She hoped she would get used to it. “What’s wrong?” Lacey looked at Cuinn, startled. “Nothing,” she slowly stated. “I hear a but in there somewhere.” She sighed as he helped her out of the sleigh. “I hope the twenty-four hour night thing won’t make me depressed. You know many people who work on the north slope go a little bonkers or so I’m told.” His deep, rich laughter enfolded her in its sound. “I’ve heard the same thing. I believe it’s one of the reasons the settlers of any place with a bad winter ended up having lots of children in the spring. You have to do something to pass the time.” Smiling, she poked him in the ribs. “Is this a hint or something?” “No, just an observation. My thought was they practiced a lot.” 110

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“You’re just vying for attention, that’s what you’re doing.” “Maybe so but I think you need to get inside before you freeze to death. I’ll see you at lunch. If Ardan doesn’t want to bring you, tell him to get in touch with me.” She looked at for a moment. “I’m not even going to ask.” “Good.” Cuinn took her face in his hands and kissed her gently on the lips. “Have a great day.” He walked to the clinic door, opened it and made sure she was safely inside before he turned to go. She stood stunned for a moment though she understood just why he did it, it made her a little sad. “Is there a problem? Startled, she turned to look at Cuinn’s brother, Ardan. “Uh, no. The problem is me.” He looked at her, eyebrow arched. “Something I should be aware of?” “Ardan, leave the girl alone. She’s in love, can’t you tell?” Angie walked up behind him and wrapped herself around his arm. “You remember, don’t you?” He sighed yet looked down lovingly at his wife. “I’m going to lose this one, aren’t I?” She chuckled. “What do you think?” “Alright. I’m going to ignore this for now. Let’s get started. Angie can show you what your 111

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normal daily duties will be. There’s not a lot that goes on here but we’re coming into the season where everyone starts getting colds, not feeling good, as well as their yearly physicals.” “Okay. Where do I put my coat and scrubs?” “Let me show you.” Angie turned and walked down the hall. Lacey followed her looking at everything. She had only been told what the clinic was like and had seen photos. But now she saw it for herself and needed to become very familiar with her new setting. Soon Angie opened a door and motioned her inside. “Here’s the locker room. Everyone who works here has their own locker. Mainly it’s for Ardan, me and now you. The elves come here and occasionally work when we have our busy times. And apparently, we have some doctor friends on the outside who can be called in when there’s an emergency.” Lacey nodded. “Good to know. It always helps to have some specialists at your call.” “I’d have to agree with you. Ardan is continually consulting with one of his gynecology friends about me and the pregnancy.” “Good” She took off her coat and was about to ask which locker was hers when she noticed a nameplate on one of them. “Wow, I have my own locker.” She turned to Angie and smiled broadly. 112

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“Thanks. That really makes me feel good.” Angie smiled at her. “I figured it was the least I could do. After all, you have had a bad time of it since becoming involved with this family. It happens sometimes.” She eyed the woman cautiously. “What do you mean?” Angie frowned. “I guess that didn’t come out right. What I meant is the spell didn’t turn out right and you’ve paid the price. That wasn’t supposed to happen at all.” “I understand what you’re trying to say. Thank you but I have one question for you in light of what you just said. Does everyone who becomes involved with this family have issues?” “Heavens, no! I mean sure, incidents have happened but it’s no more than any other family. There is the fact the family is elves and that brings its own problems.” “I can understand.” She took off her jacket and put it in the locker. “Do you ever get used to being here? I mean, it’s so dark part of the year and the rest of the time it’s all white.” Angie pursed her lips. “I will admit, it’s hard because it’s so different. But the loinnir has all of the seasons. Santa made sure of that but the part where there’s no sun, he can’t change.” “Really? You have a spring?” “We do and it’s beautiful here.” 113

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“What does it look like to the outside world?” “Like a piece of the great white north. It looks like every other piece of real estate up here. No one would know flowers bloomed or anything which happens in the loinnir.” “Ah, interesting.” “There are so many things Santa and the elves can do. You’ll see.” Lacey nodded and shut the locker. This was going to be a great day. “I think I’ve asked enough questions about being here. How are you feeling?” Angie smiled and rubbed her stomach. “Big. But other than getting tired quicker, I feel great.” “Well, carrying triplets can be a risk for anyone, as you well know.” “I do but the family is so protective, sometimes it’s almost smothering. Have you met everyone yet?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’ve met you and Ardan, I’ve met Jedrick and Tessa briefly but not their children. I’ve met Janice and Bevan as well as Santa but not Mrs. Kringle. And that’s all. I assume the rest of them will be at dinner tonight including Aingeal and her family.” They continued to talk as they walked out of the locker room. “I almost forgot about the dinner. I’ll have to make sure I get a nap today because that’s something I don’t want to miss at all.” 114

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“Do you know something I don’t?” Ardan came to stand beside them. Angie looked up at him. “No but you will note our family dinners are always…exciting.” He rolled his eyes. “Depends upon what you define as exciting.” Lacey threw up her hand as if in class. “I get it. So what’s first on the agenda?” “I thought I could show you the different areas of the clinic and if Angie is up to it, she can show you how to stock our supplies. She’ll make sure you know how I like it. I hate to be one of those doctor’s who yell at their staff because it isn’t perfect.” She snickered. “I understand what you’re saying. The doctor I used to work for got upset if you weren’t wearing the perfect uniform. He got upset when I told him I couldn’t control when the children vomited on me.” Ardan smiled. “His loss and our gain.” “Thanks. I do think I’m going to like it here.” “I sure hope so because if we have you, then Angie and I could take the occasional day off.” Lacey beamed. It made her happy she could help others doing what she loved to do best. The rest of the morning passed very quickly with her learning all the nuances of the clinic. It amazed her when Cuinn picked her up for lunch because she couldn’t believe the time had gone by so fast. 115

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The afternoon was the same with her going through all the past charts and trying to learn the patients. They had a few people come in for their annual check-ups and various other minor ailments. These were more of what she understood Santa’s elves to be, small and cute but fiercely independent. They all welcomed her warmly and told her tales of Cuinn and his siblings’ youth. She only hoped the family dinner went as well.

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Chapter 9 clothes in her hands seemed like the Thehundredth outfit she had tried on since her shower. If she didn’t hurry up and decide soon, she and Cuinn would be late. Lacey sat on the edge of the bed and frowned, not surprised when a hand came to circle her waist. “You know, you’re worrying too much. This is just a family get together. It really doesn’t matter what you wear.” “I want to make a good impression,” she ended in a pout. “Surely you understand.” “I do but most of them have met you and like you as you are. And no one cares about your clothes so you have no further need to impress them.” “I haven’t met your grandparents yet, nor Aingeal or your younger siblings.” Cuinn sighed and kissed the small of her back. “What’s really got you upset, Lacey?” She turned her head and looked at him over her 117

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shoulder. “I’m not sure. It might have something to do with me being all alone. I don’t think I’ve felt like this before. It just-just makes me sad, you know?” His arms came around her immediately. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were feeling this way. What do you want me to do?” She gave him a wry smile. “I’m not sure there is anything you can do. I think it will take a little while. I mean it hasn’t been very long since my grandparents died. I know the thought of seeing yours makes me sad.” He sat up beside her and pulled her in his lap, giving her a huge hug. “I am so sorry they’re gone. I know they would’ve loved to see you happy. You are happy, aren’t you?” She smiled to herself, surprised there were moments when Cuinn wondered about her happiness. “Yes, I’m happy, and thank you. It makes me feel better knowing you want to make me feel better.” His lopsided grin made her insides do flipflops. “I can make you feel better.” Laughing, she caressed his face. “You can have your way with me later. Right now, I think I’ve found the thing to wear.” Jumping off the bed, she reached in the closet and pulled out a wool gabardine navy pant and found a light sweater with sequins and jewels to 118

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combine with them. Putting them on, she stood in the mirror and looked at herself. She didn’t need the low whistle to know she looked good. “Thank you. Obviously, you think this outfit will do.” “It will. Now you make me feel as if I have to dress up.” With a quick glance at him, she realized he had casual clothes on. Maybe she tried to be too fancy. “Hmm, maybe if I tone down the sweater.” From the closet she pulled out another sweater and replaced the sequin one with a dark blue number, one more plain. If anyone asked about the wool, she’d tell them she was cold. “How’s this one?” He nodded. “This one seems a little more appropriate for a dinner with my family. Not so fancy.” “You didn’t like the other one?” “I didn’t say that. I just think this is a more casual dinner than you think it is. You need to relax a little.” “Okay, okay. I get you. Let’s go before I change my mind again.” She put on her shoes while Cuinn held out her coat to bundle her up tight. “You warm?” At her rapid nod, he continued. “Good. We need to get in the sleigh fast as it’s very cold outside tonight. I definitely think winter has arrived.” They didn’t have to wait at all as the sleigh 119

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arrived the moment they got to the door. The ride seemed quicker than the others she took but then she couldn’t be sure of the speed. After all, she did think the first time they had been on the ground. Once they settled to the ground in front of a large house, they were out of the vehicle and into the foyer of Cuinn’s parents’ home almost immediately. Their house was larger than hers. They passed by a formal living room, moving toward what she thought would be a dining room. But when she entered into the room, she realized her mistake as she was in a large family room full of Cuinn’s family. At first, she felt a little overwhelmed and unsure, then she felt his hand on her back and it made all the difference. Turning she smiled at him, thanking him silently for his support. “I’d like to introduce you to the rest of my family.” “I think I’d like that.” He turned to an older couple who walked in behind them. “Lacey, I’d like to introduce you to my grandparents, Alys and Bowen Locklin.” She saw before her two people who weren’t what she expected. Alys was very beautiful and Bowen handsome but what she noticed most was the fact they looked young. Not as young as Cuinn’s parents, but young nonetheless. She could see everyone got their good looks from both sides 120

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of the family. “It’s nice to meet you.” “Thank you, my dear,” said Alys, clasping her hand tightly. “I am very pleased to meet you. I’m also glad to see Cuinn has found someone.” She spoke with a slight accent which made Lacey wonder where they were from. “I agree with Alys. You are exactly what he needed.” Bowen smiled. She liked them immediately. “Thank you. I appreciate the vote of confidence.” “Cuinn! When did you get back?” She turned to see who called Cuinn and a younger version of the man she loved appeared behind him. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought they were twins. “Geez, you two really look alike, don’t you?” He nodded. “That’s what I hear. This is Maddox. But he’s got a twin and that’s Merna.” She looked to see a dark-haired young woman with the most incredible blue eyes she had ever seen. They were something to get lost in as they were so soothing. “Hi. I guess you’re Merna.” She smiled at the younger woman who appeared to be shy. “I am. And you must be Lacey.” “I guess everyone knows who I am. Must be hard to keep a secret in this family.” “It can be.” 121

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She laughed. “You’ll have to tell me all about it since I’m new to being surrounded by such a large group of related people. First, I have to tell you just how beautiful the color of your eyes are. It’s so soothing.” “Thank you,” Merna whispered with a slight smile. “You’re very welcome.” Suddenly, the house erupted with the sound of little ones, and the door swung open to allow Cuinn’s older brother Jedrick and his wife, Tessa and their fraternal twins, Kate and Kin to come inside. Close on their heels were two more adults who Lacey hadn’t met. She could only suppose it was the sister she was waiting for, Aingeal and her husband Fearghus. They too had twins, but they were boys and she wasn’t sure what their names were. “Mom, is my old room ready. I really think the boys need to go down for a nap.” Aingeal held a child on each hip with their heads on her shoulder as she came into the room. With a tired smile she addressed Lacey. “You must be Lacey. Let me get the boys down and I will be back to talk to you. I have the feeling we need to have a good chat. And soon.” Janice came from the kitchen area and went to take one of the kids from Aingeal. “Yes, you’re room is ready. Want to go put them down first?” 122

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“I believe I already said that and yes, they need to stay asleep if we can make it happen.” Janice arched her eyebrow at her daughter. “Alright,” Aingeal conceded. “You and I both know I could make it happen but believe me it’s better if it’s natural.” “Sorry, guess I didn’t hear you before but I understand. Let’s take them up and see if they stay asleep. Merna, please watch dinner for me and I’ll be right back.” Merna nodded and headed to the kitchen. “I can help,” Lacey interjected. “Not this time,” Janice called after her. “Cuinn make sure she stays entertained until we get back.” “Sure, Mom,” he called after her. He turned back to her and waggled his eyebrows. “My mother gave me permission to entertain you. Want to see the room I had as a kid?” She laughed at his funny antics and playfully punched him. “What? You’re trying to get me sidetracked. As if I follow orders.” “You should follow my mother’s,” Maddox said. “She can be mean when she wants to be.” “I thought she was pretty reasonable. At least it seemed so to me.” Maddox rolled his eyes. “I swear, all you women stick together.” She laughed. “Yeah, I guess we do.” 123

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Over the next half an hour, the rest of the family plus Santa and his wife showed up. It was obvious to her it was a family affair plus some. Soon, they all sat around the table partaking a wonderful mea. The talk was almost deafening in its timbre but Lacey was fascinated with the whole dynamic. Before long the conversation came back to her and Cuinn and their rather unique situation. Aingeal leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. “Tell me again exactly what happened.” Lacey briefly looked at Cuinn before answering her. “I can only tell you what I felt. I remember nothing of the incident in question. Apparently, Giselle brought me with her to your wedding. I danced with Cuinn and he made me forget I was ever here.” Aingeal pursed her lips. “But you didn’t forget?” Lacey frowned. “I don’t know what you would call it. From my perspective it was as if there were a void in my life. I didn’t understand why and I never quite felt I was ever in the right place. Everything felt off. Doesn’t that sound strange?” Aingeal sighed deeply. “No it doesn’t sound strange. But I don’t have the skills to make it right. Fearghus, can you fix this?” The man in question shook his head. “Nay, I cannot. This would be something for the likes of 124

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Conall. I do think you’d need to be there as well since this is more of a complete realignment with the universe.” Cuinn scowled. “How can that be? I thought a readjustment couldn’t be accomplished easily. I can’t have thrown her that much out of position.” “Readjustments can’t. That’s why you two must come to Scotland and meet with the council. They’ll have to give you the final assessment. I could be wrong as I’m new with putting it all together for people.” She looked from one to another. “What are you two talking about?” Fearghus sighed and took Aingeal’s hand in his. “Everyone is aligned with the earth and their surroundings. Elves are normally perfectly attuned to it and can make sure no matter what they do, they don’t harm a human’s natural association with the world.” “So, you’re thinking because Cuinn was in nor’ahkeem, but didn’t know so, he caused my natural balance to be off?” Aingeal nodded. “I do believe that’s what happened here. I can’t think of any other explanation.” She frowned. “You don’t need to touch me or anything? Hold my hands?” Aingeal laughed. “No. I’m what they call an intuitive, specifically an earth-intuitive. I just know. 125

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I can feel certain factors about you and your situation.” “Oh. Sounds interesting and a little bit different from what Cuinn and I talked about. I thought you were an elemental.” “Elemental?” Aingeal frowned at first but eventually smiled. “I like the thought but elves can’t be true elementals. I can explain later. Still, it also helps that I’m attuned to every member of my family. I know when they are out of balance or if there is a problem. I remember asking my mother for months if something were wrong with Cuinn as I would feel odd about him.” “Really?” Lacey felt surprised as she tried to take in this bit of information. Aingeal nodded. “You can ask my mother. I think that’s why she took the trip to Boston.” “I feel so horrible about this whole thing.” Bevan sighed deeply. “I just wish I had known the damage it would do beforehand.” “You couldn’t know Cuinn started the process of nor’ahkeem, Dad.” Aingeal sent a consoling look his way. “I am ultimately responsible for this whole thing. Bevan knows how I feel about visitors and followed my orders.” Santa gave everyone a sad smile. “All I can do is apologize.” “Look everyone, as long as this can be fixed, we’ll be fine. I’m confident in that fact.” Lacey 126

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squeezed Cuinn’s hand, knowing their path to a wonderful future was finally secure.

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Chapter 10 snuggled closer to Cuinn as the sleigh Lacey climbed higher in the sky. It had been about a month since Aingeal’s visit and their trip. She put off traveling to Scotland more than once because she wanted to get more comfortable with the job at the clinic. Once she accomplished her objective, she allowed Cuinn to convince her a trip to Scotland would be wonderful. “Is this the way all elves travel?” He leaned in closer to her, his breath warm on her ear. “Sometimes. If you hadn’t ever been overseas before my mother would have insisted we travel the traditional way. She wants everyone to have the experience and I’d say I have to agree with her. I remember how mad Aingeal was when mother made Fearghus take her on a plane.” She nodded. “I can understand. How long will it take in the sleigh?” He frowned. “A while. The sleigh can go around the whole word during the night. What 128

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they don’t realize is every place Santa visits he does so around the midnight to three in the morning time frame. He’s always chasing a specific star or the moon. Depends upon the year.” “Oh. I would have thought the sleigh was faster.” “It is faster than a jet plane but not like teleportation or something. The sleigh just can’t pop into places.” “I get it. So, we have time for a good, long nap?” He smiled at her. “Are you sure all you want is a nap?” “What did you have in mind, Mr. Locklin?” she asked, coyly. “I don’t know. I’ve never tried anything in the sleigh.” She laughed again. “I’m not sure I had that in mind. But kissing would be good.” She moved closer to him and put her mouth on his. While she had been the instigator of making love a few times, she was never the one to start the kissing. It amazed her the sleigh was in some sort of protective bubble as it flew through the air. On short trips she had always been cold but she didn’t think the bubble was in place then. Still, this almost made her hot. Then again maybe it was what she felt for the man next to her as she traced the outline of his lips with her tongue, savoring 129

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the taste. It was obvious he allowed her ministrations because his hands moved up and down on her arms, acting like if he didn’t move he would crush her against him. She knew it was a slow torture for him to give her the freedom to try anything she wanted. But this was her own little experiment as she wasn’t sure how far she could push him and not have him respond in kind to her overt caresses. She had never teased a man in her life but this felt fun in a strange sort of way. “Are you okay?” “Why do you ask?” he questioned between clenched teeth. “Because. You’re acting tense. This is supposed to make you feel good” She smiled at him and tried to soothe his brow. “I don’t know why but this time, it seems different. I’ve been told there are different levels of nor’ahkeem and lovers must go through each of those levels.” She stopped her caresses, sat back and looked at him. “Different levels? What do you mean?” He gazed at her intensely. “I’m not sure telling you here in the sleigh will help me. I don’t know that talking about it won’t make me want to do some of them immediately.” “Why? I want to know.” He sighed and watched her for a moment. “It’s 130

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basically an elves form of the stages of intimacy. You know about those, right? First you hold hands, then you do things together, making you start the bonding process and finally, you have to make love quite a few times to seal the bond. However, our stages can be more intense than humans.” She could tell talking about this hurt him somehow. “This bond is for forever. Correct?” “Yes.” “What happens if the human falls out of love and decides to leave?” He looked at her startled. “Are you planning to leave me?” She smiled. “No silly but I could see us treating elves at the hospital if something like that happened. Then again, I also would like to know what happens when a spouse dies.” “I’ve only heard of one elf who had a human spouse which left a loinnir. It didn’t end well. It was when we were younger and my parents tried to keep it from us.” “No details?” “Other than the elf in question died, none. I would imagine the hall of the elders wasn’t happy though. The elven world has strict rules on death by one’s own hand.” “So do humans. I didn’t know until I was in nursing school that attempted suicide was a crime. 131

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That’s why so many people are placed under arrest in the outside world and committed to a mental institution because the authorities don’t want it to happen again.” “Makes sense though when you think about it.” She frowned. “I’m not going to get into to an argument with you regarding the mental health system. From what I’ve seen of the elves though, your health care is so much different than ours. I find it a better way than the outside world. Let’s just leave it there for now.” “Alright, I get your drift. When a spouse dies, the elf is released to look for a new mate if they would like. Most actually mourn their mate for quite a few years before they decide to seek another. The problem is elves live quite a bit longer than their human counterparts. It is one of the reasons the council doesn’t encourage elfhuman bonding. The elf will be left alone when their mate dies. It can cause a lot of problems. When elf marries elf, they are assured of being together a long, long time.” “Wow. I can see where that can be a problem. Does anyone know the longevity of a hybrid like yourself?” “I’m sure the council knows but I haven’t really thought about it at all. We don’t have much time as we’re almost to our destination.” She looked at him startled. “You’re kidding. We 132

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haven’t been travelling long enough, have we?” He chuckled. “Obviously longer than you think.” He squeezed her hand. “You should watch the scenery. Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world even in winter.” “From the pictures I’ve seen, I agree with you.” Lacey repositioned her back closer to Cuinn and watched the landscape below. Even though there was snow on the ground, she could tell just how beautiful it would be when springtime arrived. There were patches of green where the conifer trees stood and they brightened the landscape. Soon they were dipping down toward a large Victorian type house on the edge of what appeared to be a large forest filled with all sorts of trees. “Where are we?” “We’re at the Scottish ancestral loinnir.” “Does it have a name?” “I believe the forest is called the Black Wood of Rannoch. I’m not sure if the loinnir has a specific name. I’ve not ever heard my family refer to it by a name.” “It will be interesting to study the history of this place. How will we be disguised? I mean, won’t other people notice a sleigh flying and landing on the driveway?” “No, Santa’s sleigh has a glamour on it which makes humans ignore its comings and goings, but 133

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every elf within a fifty mile distance will know we arrived. And I’m sure some of them are making their way to the village within the loinnir to greet us.” “Maybe I’m missing something here. There’s a village within the loinnir?” “Yes, but it’s more ancient than the North Pole.” “So the house is outside of the loinnir?” “Yes. It’s the human façade to our lifestyle. Humans don’t know about us by and large. Most elves will do their very best to not come into contact with humans at all. My parents are one of the few human-elven couples to get the council’s blessing as all pure elf and human pairings need it for their children to be accepted into the community.” “While I might on some level comprehend their reasoning, why would they do that? I mean we’re all people and want the same things.” “I wish that were true. A lot of humans would exploit us while others would do their best to eradicate elves because they think we have an advantage.” “I can understand they might think you have an advantage. I mean, in a way, you do. I know it isn’t in any of you to do something so wrong as taking on an unknowing human. I suppose there are rules you all must conform to?” 134

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“There are a lot of them. We’ve gotten around quite a few of them because we’re half-human. We’re even allowed to marry whomever we want for one. I mean it’s hard to deny both sides of our nature. I swear my mother must have had some elven in her because all of us are powerful elves. It came as no surprise Aingeal is one of the strongest earth-intuitives ever in existence.” “Wow. You all came from some powerful genes.” Cuinn chuckled. “You could say so.” They both felt a slight bump as the runners of the sleigh touched down. “It looks as if we have arrived. Are you bundled up? It will be cold. After all, we’re in the highlands.” Lacey pulled her coat tighter around her and looked at the sight around her. The snow on the ground made the house even more beautiful in her eyes. The old Victorian mansion was some place she knew she would want to visit even if it wasn’t in Scotland. These type of buildings intrigued her. She felt the runners slide along the lane and smiled again at Cuinn. “Do we have to wait or can we get out right away?” “Pretty much right away. Like I said before, this isn’t an airline or anything.” “You know, I expected it to be a lot longer based upon what you said. Will there be anyone 135

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here to greet us? Or are they all in the village?” “I’m sure Alma will be here. She is the keeper of the estate. She’s been here a long time and makes sure all the guests are happy.” She looked at him surprised. “Guests? You mean there are guests here?” “Sometimes. Most are people who know about elves and the loinnir system of the world. Other times, the elves rent it out as a bed and breakfast, something for which it is well suited. It’s also been rented out many, many times for weddings, parties and banquets.” She nodded. “I think I can understand why. I know it’s hard to see what it really looks like under all the snow.” “Well, we need to get inside before we both get too cold. I’m sure Ardan won’t want me to bring you home ill after our first trip.” She laughed. “Okay, I’m ready.” She placed her feet on the snowy, gravel lane standing for a moment to get her bearings on the slippery surface. The cold surprised her outside the protective bubble as she didn’t think it would be close to what she was used to in the North Pole. Shivering slightly, she reached in and grabbed her bag. She hoped she had brought enough warm clothes for the few days they were expected to stay. Racing toward the stairs, she was careful not to fall. 136

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Lacey was happy when the door opened automatically for her when she got to the top step. Once inside, she saw a woman in the hall. “Hello, you must be Lacey. And I suppose Cuinn is right behind you. He thinks he was born in a barn. I swear always leavin’ the door open.” She made a swipe of her hand and the air in the hall immediately became warmer. “I’m sure he’s talkin’ to the reindeer before they go on their way. He was always one to make sure they were alright before their return trip. I’m Alma by the way. I’ve prepared a room for you. The council would like it if you two got some rest and became used to the time difference before you go into the loinnir.” “Okay. There’s not a problem is there?” Lacey questioned. She hoped things weren’t out of order forcing them to return at some later time to finish the process. With Angie expecting the babies within the next six weeks, she needed to get back before then. “There’s always a problem somewhere in the elven world. But it’s nothin’ you have to worry about. Aingeal is off doing something else for the day, and she thought it would be fine for you all to relax a little. Not a problem on your end is it?” Lacey didn’t know how to answer and was saved by Cuinn coming in the door. “Alma says Aingeal is busy today and we’re supposed to take it easy.” 137

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Stamping his feet to remove the snow, Cuinn nodded. “Alright. I understand my sister is a busy person. Where is she off to today, Alma?” Alma arched an eyebrow in his direction. “You know unless your sister gives me permission to disclose her where abouts I can’t tell you. Didn’t I tell you so last time you were here?” Lacey looked at him surprised. “You’ve been here since Aingeal and Fearghus got married?” “I have. Who do you think made sure all their wedding gifts for their home here arrived safely?” “What happened to the rest of the presents? I mean, when they were at the North Pole, they stayed at your parents’ house so there didn’t seem much storage space there.” “They’re having a home built there just like all of us have. Santa has storage areas for us when we need them. In case you didn’t realize it some of the homes there are smaller than the others. Once we have children, we can build a new house or try and fit into the one we have.” “Oh. I’ve never been in any other homes except mine and your parents. I didn’t realize there were different places.” “Sounds like you’ve been lax in giving your girl the full tour.” Alma looked at him rather smugly. “Well, I’m sure the council will ask you all sorts of questions and then you’ll have to tell them everything anyway.” 138

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“What? I don’t understand.” She looked from one to the other, confused. He let out a big sigh. “Did you have to say anything, Alma? I hadn’t told her yet.” “I know. Just like your bothers you are. You best be giving her the details now. But first, let me get you to your room. Grab your bags.” She took her overnight bag and followed the woman up the staircase. She could tell this was a traditional Victorian home. “How old is the house?” “It was built in the mid-1800s by the elven council however the land has been the charge of the elves for generations. The council knew we would be needing a house outside the loinnir and they decided then to build it so the landed gentry around the ancient forest wouldn’t become suspicious if the land were never developed.” “I can see where that’s important. How many visitors do you get here a year?” “Depends upon the year. Some it’s only elven folk and they come in all the time. If they have problems and the village inn is full, they end up here. If it’s one of the year’s we open up for tourists, we usually get a limited amount. Though most of the people who come here must be recommended by someone in the elven community.” “Cuinn did mention about the weddings and 139

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such. How big is the house?” “The house has twelve bedrooms all ensuite. There’s a game room, a ballroom, offices and facilities for a small conference.” “Wow, that is big. No wonder people come here for events. With the grounds outside, this place has enough room to house a small army.” Lacey looked around appreciatively. This was a place she could get used to visiting. “I love the high ceilings and all the wood. I noticed some of the paintings downstairs before we came up. Are those Victorian as well?” Alma gave Cuinn a look of approval. “I think I’m going to like this woman, Cuinn.” “Everyone says the same thing.” Alma smiled and came to a stop in front of a room on the third floor. “Some of them are from the same time as the house but others come from before, way before. There are all sorts of priceless pieces in this house. Make Cuinn show them to you and give you the full tour. I think you’ll find it incredible. Well, here we are. I hope you like it.” Lacey gasped when the door opened. The rich mahogany wood floor was covered in rugs in a burgundy color accented with a seafoam green. A large four post bed was against the far wall. On the top of each post looked to be a pineapple type carving. The armoire and dressing table all had the same carvings on them. Even the fireplace on 140

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the wall closest to her seemed to have similar features. “Wow, I’d heard of this style before but I never expected to see it. My grandparents told me once they had made a bid on a bed like this.” She turned back to Alma. “Thank you. I can tell this is a very special room.” Alma smiled. “I know I like you now as this is my personal favorite. Have a good rest.” “Thanks.” She returned the smile, thankful her first meeting with another elf went very well. “You, too, Cuinn. I expect you two down to dinner. It will be served at six as usual.”

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Chapter 11 had barely closed when Cuinn pinned Theherdoor up against the wall, making her all flushed with desire. Running his hands over her, he whispered, “That means we have almost ten hours before we have to see anyone else. Can you guess what I want to do in that bed you seem to love so much?” Lacey swallowed hard. This man could arouse her like no other and the fire raced through her body. Pulling his shirt from his pants, she ran her hands up his chest to tweak his nipples. Reveling in his rapid intake of breath, she pulled him closer. “I can guess. But this time I want to be on top,” she murmured and stood on tiptoes to kiss his neck. He pulled her hands from his body and held them over her head so he could nuzzle her neck, scorching a path of heated kisses down to the top of her breasts. “I want you out of these clothes now. If you don’t remove them, I swear I’ll rip 142

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them from your body.” She gave a deep chuckle. “Please don’t. I have limited clothing on this trip. I hoped we’d have some time for shopping since Scotland is the perfect place for winter clothes.” “Shopping later, sex now.” He swung her up into his arms, walked to the bed, dropped her on it unceremoniously and unfastened the buttons of his clothing. She licked her lips in anticipation. This man knew all the places to touch her to make her feel loved and cherished and oh so special. Again, eagerness coiled like a snake deep within her and suddenly, she couldn’t get her clothes off fast enough. He was someone she had waited her whole life for and now she would never let him go. She watched as he finished getting his pants off, his cock hard with desire then glanced at his face. “You know I’m falling hard for you, don’t you?” “Good,” he growled and pulled her to him, running his hands along the length of her body. “I’m already there.” The admission warmed her as she returned touch for touch, her fingers lightly brushing his body, feeling the shiver she gave him. Pushing her hand lower, she grabbed his cock and slid along the length of its shaft, pulling his liquid along with her fingers. She gripped him firmly as he throbbed 143

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in her hand, kissed the bright purple head, and then engulfed it completely. Suckling him, she teased his body with her worship and adoration. Reaching around him, she gripped his buttocks and pulled him even further in her mouth. Her reward came to her in the form of a groan and his body twitched as if in a great wind. Satisfied, she continued to flick her tongue over his sensitive dick. Gently, he caressed her head. “Please, I would like to return the favor. Let’s both get on the bed.” Positioning themselves so they could each partake of the other’s body, she gasped when he spread her legs and labia to expose herself to him. His fingers probed her leisurely, pushing and prodding in her slick folds. Arching her hips, Lacey strained even closer to him as he continued to rotate his hand on her most sensitive of areas. Slowly, she brought herself back to the moment and to his body, leaning in to rim his dick with her tongue. Soon both of them were writhing as wave after wave of sensation rained down. “Please Cuinn, I need…” Lacey could barely catch her breath as he buried his fingers in her silken sheath. “I want to be inside you, muileach, now,” he whispered, his breath caressing her with its sensual warmth. He didn’t even wait for her answer but turned 144

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and entered her in one fluid motion. She grunted as he slammed into her heated moistness. She bucked and pushed up into him, pressing him for more over and over. It wasn’t long until the colors were swirling around them, enveloping them in their fierce dance of love. “You complete me in a way I never thought possible,” he whispered as he pushed himself away from her. Curling one hand around her breast, he squeezed it tenderly, rasping his fingers over the tender flesh. “I want all of you, everything you have to give.” All she could do was nod as he pounded her. Reaching between them, he found her hard nub and pressed his thumb against it. With a strangled sob, she surged against him, crying out her need. She knew soon she would be dumped over the edge of the abyss into a world of nothing but sensation and emotion. “Yes! Yes!” she cried as she moved ever closer to fulfillment. Pulling out of her, Cuinn went down on her quickly, sucking her clit forcefully as his fingers moved in and out of her pulsing cunt. Pulling moisture from her body, he rubbed it gently into her tight rosette until it relaxed beneath the insistent pressure, then he pushed one finger into her and rubbed, making the feeling come in wave after rushing wave. Plucking her clit at the same 145

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time he rammed his finger into her ass, he teased her body until she felt she could take no more. And still he pushed. “Cuinn, please, I’m coming.…” Again, moving quickly, his cock pushed into her harder and harder until the colors coalesced becoming one solid hue. Lifting her legs high, he searched for and found her inner spot, driving into her and finally pushing her into the abyss as molten fire burned its way into her very soul. Above her, Cuinn’s breathing was getting harsh and his skin slick with sweat as he struggled to follow her. Then his body jerked, the muscles in his back spasmed and he cried out as his hot jism filled her. “I love you,” she whispered and almost immediately fell into a dreamless sleep. **** Aingeal looked at them from across the table and rubbed her face. This might be harder than she thought it would be. They had been with the oldest council member for almost two hours and Conall was no nearer to finding out why the spell had gone wrong than they when they started. “Tell me again what happened? I think we’re missing something.” Her frustration was evident in her face and posture. 146

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“I would say so, young lady. Do you have any idea what?” Conall looked directly at Aingeal and then back to Cuinn and Lacey as if they could impart some more information. Lacey huffed, apparently aggravated with the whole process. “I’m sorry but there has to be something else. Something so small you wouldn’t think it was even a component of this whole process.” “Aing, why would I not tell you everything? I don’t know what happened.” Cuinn gave an exasperated sigh. She rubbed her hands together again. “You’re sure you didn’t have any special inflection of your voice? You didn’t hold her any other way?” Lacey sighed heavily. “Isn’t there some way you can restore my memory to see if there’s something he’s missing?” Aingeal shook her head. “Not really. This spell is meant to stay in place so the person doesn’t remember. But the reason we’re finding it so disconcerting is the fact it made you feel a void in your being. The real problem is that is exactly what we can’t do or at least we’re not supposed to have the influence. Conall, could we just let this alone and let her have a gap in her memory?” He shook his head slowly. “I really don’t know. This is the first time we’ve ever had this happen that I can remember, especially one who has 147

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returned to the elven realm by their own choice.” “No.” They all turned to see Fearghus standing at the door. “I’ve talked to Merlin and we looked into some of the ancient texts. This has happened at least three times in the elves recorded history. Each time, the pair were meant to be together and nothing kept them apart. No memory spell, no distance apart. Nothing.” “Come and tell us what you’ve found.” Aingeal patted the couch next to her, glad she had talked the council into getting some comfortable chairs in this room. Smiling up at her husband, she felt her heart do a flip-flop. She would never get used to the fact he was hers now and for always. Fearghus sat and in his hands held one of the most ancient books in the library. “Has there been any recent couples?” “No. The last one noted happened about a hundred years or so ago.” “Ah.” “Ah? What does ah mean?” Lacey questioned. “Well, it means we can’t ask the human involved what their point of view was. Elves have a longer lifespan so we might be able to find out something from their friends. Who was it?” Aingeal turned to her husband. “We can’t do that. The couple died together in a plane crash in the early 1940s. I might be able to 148

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track down their children though. They might have more information. There might be a journal. You want me to do some more checking?” Aingeal sighed heavily. “Might as well. We don’t seem to have much else. My biggest concern is whether this will have any long term permanent effect on Lacey. I tend to think it won’t since they are back together, but I’d rather be sure before I let it go. There is the fact she has started overriding the spell herself.” “Aye, I would agree. They are together now as they should be, as they were meant to be. Why worry about any long tern effects?” Conall asked, staring at Aingeal. “Well, there’s a bigger problem here as I see it.” “And that is?” Cuinn questioned, tension obvious in his voice. Turning to her brother, Aingeal tried to give him as much sympathy as she could. “The problem is if Lacey can override one of our spells because she’s in love with you, how many other humans have the same ability?” Conall nodded. “That would bring danger to every elf in the world. We have kept ourselves hidden for a reason. If we suddenly can’t we’re in trouble.” “I’m sorry to cause this. I wouldn’t have known at all if I hadn’t come into contact with you all again, would I?” 149

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“No, Lacey, you probably wouldn’t. You would have lived your life with a piece missing. I don’t know how you would have fared.” She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. “I guess it’s a good thing your mother intervened.” Aingeal smiled. “My mother is good for doing what she thinks is best for her children. It’s one of her most admirable traits.” “Most of the time, Aing. And you know what I mean.” Aingeal laughed. “Okay, there are some items she should leave alone but most of the time, she has our best interests at heart. I wonder what made her know there was a problem.” “She said it was because she could tell I was depressed.” “I can see you aren’t now.” Aingeal laughed. “But it still doesn’t solve the problem. We have got to figure out just why Lacey felt the void and why she can override the spell. How easy was it for you to accept who we are and where you ended up for your job?” Lacey shook her head. “I’m not sure it was. I know the moment Santa introduced himself, I understood immediately what Cuinn and the rest of you are. That first morning was a little hard. I wasn’t comprehending what was happening, but once we got to the compound and Santa showed up, it was as if all the puzzle pieces fit together. 150

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Does that make sense?” “It does in some odd way. It seems as if just one piece was taken away, but once you had all the surrounding pieces, it didn’t matter the piece was missing. It’s like when one reads. The human mind doesn’t see all the letters, but fills in the gaps with known scenarios.” “I’ve heard that as well. The human mind is amazing that way.” Cuinn nodded in agreement. Fearghus looked at Lacey then Cuinn without emotion. “Have you tried a mind probe on either of them?” “We’re only going there as a last resort. You know how stressful it can be on a human.” Aingeal gave him a frustrated look. “Mind probe? Stressful or not, if it’s something which could help, maybe we should do it.” Lacey stated emphatically. “Because if I’m hearing you correctly, my mental state isn’t the only thing in jeopardy but the whole elven realm.” “Young lady, you have a quick mind and noble thoughts. Thank you for thinking about us.” Conall smiled knowingly with a pleased look on his face. “You’re welcome.” She turned to Cuinn and smiled. “The Locklins have welcomed me warmly, and we should protect each other. I need to do my share if I can.” Aingeal nodded. “I totally understand. I think if 151

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we do the mind probe, Fearghus will probably be the one to do it.” The door to the chamber opened and a member of the office staff came in to whisper something to Aingeal who turned to look at him with disbelief. “You’re sure?” When the man nodded, she felt the emotions race across her face. “We need to break up this meeting for now. We can discuss the next step at a later time. Right now, we have a family crisis to discuss.” “What’s going on, àilleagan?” “Apparently, Giselle has been attacked in Boston and she’s asking for Lacey. There weren’t many details. She wants you there as soon as possible.” Cuinn stood up. “I guess we should pack and be on our way.” Aingeal grabbed his arm. “Cuinn, you’ll be staying here for a little while longer as there is another matter to discuss. It may have something to do with this attack. I’m not sure but we need to get you in the loop. Lacey can go and take care of Giselle.” “I can. You don’t have any other information on her condition?” Aingeal shook her head. “Other than she was attacked, nothing. She’s apparently at the hospital. Uncle Marion and Aunt Ruth are on a European trip because she refused to tell them she was in the 152

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hospital. Mom says she has been asking for Lacey since they brought her in.” Lacey sighed and stood as well. “I’ll go get my things. How am I going to get there?” “I’ll make the arrangements for you, lass. Just go gather your belongings.” Fearghus gave her a warm glance before reaching out to his wife. “Thanks.” She gave Cuinn a quick kiss. “I’ll miss you.” “Same here. Go on, while I talk to my sister. I’ll come and help you get ready. Someone will go with you through the loinnir. I shouldn’t be too long.” He watched her receding back before turning to his sister. “Why can’t I go with her?” “I’m sorry, Cuinn. But with the attack on Giselle we really need to bring you up to speed on a group we think are trying to hunt us. This attack on Giselle may have something to do with them.” “Why haven’t I heard of this before?” Aingeal glanced at Fearghus who nodded slightly. “Because up until this point, they seemed to only be observers and didn’t intend us any harm. But something has changed.” Cuinn ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I need to get Lacey packed and on her way. Should I tell her anything about this?” “I don’t think so. We don’t want her to be more afraid than she probably is already,” Aingeal stated quietly. 153

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Sighing heavily, he nodded. “Okay. Let’s hope the attack has nothing to do with this group. Heaven knows what they want from us.”

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Chapter 12 waited patiently while Giselle put the last Lacey of her clothes in the suitcase. It had been two long weeks of tests and recovery for her friend. She missed Cuinn and everything about him. She missed the way he cuddled with her in the night, the way he looked across the dinner table at her and the way he made love to her. She slumped then sighed. She even missed her new job. She only hoped she would be going home soon. “I’m sorry I’ve kept you away from the North Pole. I didn’t mean for you to have to stay with me for so long.” “I understand, Giselle. It was a horrible thing you endured. I’m just glad you’re safe. Cuinn will be getting here tomorrow and I’ll be better company.” Tears welled up in Giselle’s eyes. “You should have been with Cuinn.” “Don’t let it bother you. Family needs to be together in times like these.” 155

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“So, you two are going to get married?” Giselle’s eyes were red and threatened to spill over once again. It didn’t take much for her to be overcome with emotions. Lacey knew it was expected after something like this happened to a woman. The good thing was Giselle hadn’t been sexually assaulted. Matter of fact the police couldn’t find a reason for the assault as nothing had been taken from her. It also hadn’t helped that Giselle had been rather vague when questioned by the authorities. Maybe once they were home, she would get the real story. “I guess we are. I mean we haven’t talked about it. But we have talked about the whole process of nor’ahkeem quite extensively, and what it can do to an elf if the object of their affection isn’t with the program.” “Yeah,” Giselle replied quietly. “I hear it’s bad.” Lacey walked over to her and placed an arm around her shoulders. “What’s really the matter, Giselle? I know there’s something else you’ve been hiding. Won’t you tell me?” Giselle’s eyes frantically scanned the room. “Not here. We’ll talk when we get to my apartment. Did you ask my father’s security team like I told you to?” “About the—” She never finished her sentence as Giselle silenced her by placing a finger over her lips. “Yes, I did. Is that part of the problem?” 156

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Lacey didn’t know if she was relieved or not when Giselle gave a slight nod. “Okay, so we’re good to go?” “Yes, I want to go home.” “Alright, let me go make sure all is ready at the front desk. Are your parents coming in today?” Giselle shook her head. “No. You know they were in Europe when it happened. I convinced them they didn’t need to come home. They’ll be here next week as planned.” “I think they should have come home. You could tell them how terrified you were, it might help.” “Please don’t be mad at me too,” she whispered on the verge of another onslaught of tears. “Okay. Give me a couple of minutes, please. I’ll be right back.” Lacey left and went down the hall to the elevators. Movement back up the hall caught her attention and she could have sworn she saw a black-haired man enter Giselle’s room. She shook her head. That was impossible. No one else had visited the woman the whole time she was in the hospital. Still, she knew there was more to this whole attack thing than had been expected. And frankly, she couldn’t wait to find out what. Even Cuinn had been keeping something from her since she had left Scotland. She could tell by his voice when they talked on the phone. Going down the elevator, she sighed again. This 157

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was a trying time for her and she wanted it over as soon as possible. The doors opened and she went to the discharge area to make sure all was in order for Giselle. Once she had all the papers in hand, she headed back to the room planning to stop by the nurses’ station for the doctor’s final orders. Going back up to Giselle’s room, she couldn’t shake the feeling someone watched her while she was downstairs. Trying to shake the sensation off, Lacey put on her best smile going down the hall. No reason to have Giselle worry even more. Soon she was at Giselle’s door and was surprised someone besides her friend was in the room. Whatever he whispered to her soon-to-be cousin, stressed her out. “Hey, can I help you?” She gasped when the man turned as he was absolutely gorgeous and an elf. Without a word, he moved quickly past her and out the door. Lacey looked from Giselle to the door. “Just a minute, I need to talk to that man.” Practically running from the room, she spied him going down the hall toward the stairs instead of the elevators. “Hey, you! Wait up!” The man turned and seeing she pursued him, walked even faster. She followed him into the stairwell, out of breath as she had to run to catch up. She could see him a flight down. “I know what you are,” she yelled. “You need to quite harassing my friend. She’s had enough trauma.” 158

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In less than a blink of an eye, the man was next to her. “There are enemies everywhere. I would appreciate it if you kept your voice down.” She looked at him puzzled. “Enemies?” “You don’t think your friend was attacked without reason, do you?” “The police couldn’t find any, if that’s what you mean.” “Believe me, there are plenty. You best remember that fact. Anyone who knows about us in the human world can now be considered a target. Be thankful I arrived to help your friend in time. And be very cautious.” And then he was gone. She shook her head. If she didn’t know better, she would have sworn he just vanished into thin air. Swallowing hard, she looked up and then down, not seeing him at all. He was gone so quickly, it made her wonder if elves had the power of teleportation. Sighing, she couldn’t wait until Cuinn arrived. Maybe he knew who this elf was and what he was doing here. Slowly she walked back to the room to see Giselle sitting dejectedly on her bed. “Ready?” she asked casually as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Giselle nodded and gathered a bag. “I’ll ring your call bell and let the duty nurse know everything is in order.” The nurse came very quickly and had a 159

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wheelchair with her. “Are we all set? Let’s just get in the wheelchair and get your bags. Do you have a car waiting for you?” “We do. It will be at the discharge door by the time we get down there. Isn’t that right, Giselle?” “You sure do look a sight better than when you came in the other night.” “Thank you. You all have been very kind to me while I was here. I won’t forget it.” “You’re very welcome, sweetie.” Lacey was happy she could carry everything Giselle had talked her into bringing to the hospital. It was a lot of stuff which didn’t necessarily belong in a hospital sick room, but for some reason, Giselle had tried to surround herself with things of comfort from her apartment. She didn’t know what was bugging Giselle but she knew it had something to do with the elf she had seen. Once outside the hospital door, she saw the limo waiting and the driver standing by the open door. “Ms. Sinclair, it’s kind of you to help Miss Giselle. Her parents wanted me to convey their thanks to you. Is this everything?” “I do believe so, Marcus. Giselle, did we miss anything?” Both turned to look at her. As if not trusting her voice, Giselle shook her head. Smiling wryly at the driver, Lacey merely shrugged and helped the 160

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man pack the bags in the trunk while the nurse helped Giselle into the car. Soon all the items were stowed away and Lacey came around to stand next to the side of the limo. “Thank you for everything, Margaret. I sure appreciate your help the past few days.” “You’re welcome, Lacey. Just keep an eye on her. I don’t think she’s quiet right just yet,” Margaret, the nurse who had cared for Giselle, whispered. Glancing at her friend inside the car, she nodded. “I would have to agree with you. I will try and find out what’s wrong. If we have to get another kind of help then so be it.” Lacey got comfortable in the vehicle as Marcus closed the door. “Can you tell me anything yet?” “No. I’d rather wait until we get to my apartment.” “Okay.” She turned to look out the window and took in the winter scene. It would soon be Thanksgiving and Christmas wasn’t far behind. Boston could be very treacherous in the winter like any of the big eastern cities. But Lacey couldn’t shake the feeling they were being watched and followed. She shook her head. What was wrong with her? After about fifteen minutes of negotiating traffic, the construction zones and the weather, they managed to arrive at Giselle’s apartment. For 161

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once in her life, she was happy there was a doorman who only let certain people in as it gave Giselle another layer of protection against whatever pursued her. They stopped and Marcus quickly opened the far door next to Giselle. “Miss Giselle, we’ve arrived. Henry will help us get you in.” “I want you two to get the bags in the trunk. Lacey will help me in.” “Of course,” she murmured and scooted out the same door to stand at Giselle’s elbow. “You want me to hold your elbow? Just let me know what you want.” “How about holding my hand and arm? I’m not having a problem walking with the memories.” She swallowed hard. “That’s right you managed to get to this door, didn’t you?” “Yes.” She didn’t push her for more details as she knew the woman would talk when she was good and ready. She only hoped she’d get some explanation as to why an unfamiliar elf was in her room at the hospital. They slowly walked through the lobby and she thought she glimpsed something out of the corner of her eye but when she turned to fully look at it, there was nothing. What was going on? The total silence of the elevator ride to Giselle’s penthouse had Lacey’s nerves on edge as well by 162

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the time the door opened. “Would you like me to check the place, Miss?” Giselle looked at Henry who had a bag in his hand. “Yes, please. Lacey and I will wait here. I hope you don’t mind?” “No, it’s not a problem. If that’s what you need to make you comfortable, then by all means.” They stood there in silence as the man walked through the spacious penthouse. “The place is clear, Ms. Giselle. Is there anything I can get for you?” Giselle shook her head. “Just make sure Marcus gets up here quickly. I don’t want any disturbances until the morning.” “Yes, ma’am.” Lacey waited until the elevator doors closed. Once she heard it move, she turned to Giselle with concern. “What is going on? I’ve been creeped out since the hospital, but I can’t put my finger on why.” Giselle walked quickly to the couch and sat, putting her head in her hands. She gave a short sigh, then her shoulders started to shake with silent sobs. Lacey, feeling bad she had sounded cross, went to sit beside her. “I’m sorry, Giselle, but something is wrong. I knew it the minute I saw the elf in your room.” She looked up startled. “You saw him too?” “Of course I saw him. I can see through the 163

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glamours because of nor’ahkeem. Aingeal and the rest of the council didn’t understand why, but it was something they told me before I left Scotland.” She frowned slightly. “And to be careful. At the time I thought the comment strange, but now I’m not so sure.” Giselle swallowed hard. “I wasn’t attacked randomly. I’ve been watched for quite a while and the group appears to want to possess all things elven, including magic.” “All things elven? What are you talking about?” “Apparently, someone overheard something I’ve said over the years about my family. I’ve tried to be discreet, but obviously I wasn’t as good as I thought.” “Okay. Who is this group?” The woman sat there for a long moment, staring toward the big window looking out over the city. “Ronan says it’s a group who wants to exploit the elves for their own purposes.” “Ronan? Is he the elf I saw in your hospital room?” “Yes. He’s a bodyguard of sorts sent here by the council. They are considering this whole thing a huge threat to not only the humans who interface with the elves but to the elven community as well. They know this group is going to target people like us to get the elves to cooperate.” Lacey sat back. She remembered having a 164

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conversation about this before. Exhaling loudly, she squeezed her friend’s hand. “Are there any precautions we should be taking?” “I don’t think so. It’s my understanding Ronan is in charge of my protection. He’s some sort of elven special forces. Maybe that’s why you’re feeling the way you do.” She shook her head. “I don’t think so. This feeling is more...sinister...in nature. That’s the best way to describe it. I can’t explain it at all. It’s very strange and bizarre.” A shiver trailed up her spine. This had to be the same group mentioned right before she left Scotland. “That’s one of the reasons I needed my father’s security staff to check out my apartment. I wanted to make sure there weren’t any bugs or anything used to give away secrets.” “It makes sense. I wonder why Cuinn hasn’t said anything to me.” “Because he wanted to tell you in person. Your life will be a little more difficult while you’re outside a loinnir. You’ll never be allowed to go out alone again.” “That’s absurd!” she stated fiercely. “Why would anyone want to harm me?” Giselle just gazed at her for a moment. “Lacey, think about it. You’re going to marry an elf. I’m related to a family of elves. Why wouldn’t they want to go after you?” 165

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Lacey closed her eyes, realizing her life would never be the same or anything as easy. “What does the council plan?” “Other than having us all guarded, I don’t know. I got the feeling this made them very, very sad as it has been years since there was a human and elven war.” “Surely, this isn’t a full out war. I mean it seems to me to be a few bad apples and if I don’t miss my mark what Ronan told me must be true.” “You talked to him?” Giselle seemed surprised. “I followed him into the stairwell and he told me to be cautious as well. Don’t you think he would have said something if this group were a full army?” “I don’t know. He told me this is the first time in his life he’s ever been asked to protect a human.” “I understand your concern and I will be careful. But let’s be reasonable here. I need to go get us some supplies. There isn’t any milk, eggs or even coffee in this house. And I want to get this done before it gets too late. It’s starting to get dark already.” “No, please, promise you won’t leave.” “Giselle, we need things. Why can’t I take one of your security people with me? Isn’t Henry downstairs and Marcus here right now?” “Yes,” she answered very cautiously. 166

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“Alright. The grocer is just around the corner, and we’ll be back in no time.” “I’m not sure if that would be alright. You should wait for Ronan.” “What will he be able to do that Henry can’t?” “He’s an elf, Lacey. They have special powers.” “I know, but this is two hundred feet from the front door. I should be fine.” She didn’t know which irked her more, the fact Giselle tried to make it difficult for her to do what she needed to do or someone might attack her. “You know, I don’t feel the same way as I did when I first came in. That bad feeling has gone away.” While that wasn’t completely true, it wasn’t complete false either. Now that she knew what the possibilities were, she could handle them. She knew selfdefense and could handle herself. Besides, this might be the last time she was allowed to do anything alone in the human realm. “Alright, let me call Henry.” Lacey nodded. “Tell him I’ll meet him downstairs.”

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Chapter 13 was furious. He should never have left Ronan them alone once he realized the Sinclair woman could see through his glamour. It was times like these he wished he had the gift of teleportation. He might be fast, but he didn’t possess that particular gift. The council had given him so little and as it was he had barely made it in time to save Giselle Paine. Rushing out to the street, he looked toward the grocer and didn’t like what he saw. Someone forced Lacey away from the bustle of to what looked like an alley way. He would have to follow them and find an opening. His gift was one of invisibility. He had chosen to show himself to Giselle, but how Lacey had seen him had been a mystery. Creeping along behind Lacey and her kidnapper, Ronan overheard their conversation. “What you’re saying is ridiculous,” she said quietly. “You can’t fool us, Ms. Sinclair. We know you 168

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are with the elf named Cuinn Locklin. We know you just came back from Scotland and that you are caring for his cousin, Giselle.” “Well, if you know all that, why can’t you answer your own questions?” “We need someone like you to act as leverage.” He was close enough to see there were two average sized men. Neither one looked particularly strong, but he knew looks could deceive. “Leverage. What an interesting concept. And just what do you intend to leverage me for?” “Come now. You’ve seen the North Pole. You’ve been to the loinnir in Scotland.” The comment took Ronan aback. How did they know about the loinnirs? Skulking ever closer, he knew he would be required to drop his glamour in order to get Lacey out of there. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Well played, Ms. Sinclair. I guess we’ll have to persuade you then, won’t we?” Ronan heard Lacey squeak when the gun appeared. It was now or never. With lightening speed, he thrashed the arm holding the gun. “Run, Lacey. I’ll bend the night to shield you,” he whispered in her ear, her eyes going wide. As if in slow motion, she turned and started to make her way out of the alley. “Faster, woman,” he yelled and turned to handle the other man. 169

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Ronan didn’t see her slip and fall, but he did hear her head hit the pavement, the sound loud in the silence of the night. “Damn it.” He let the glamour fall and the other man was on him in an instant. But the man’s strength was no match for his and soon he lay in a bleeding heap at Ronan’s feet. Turning, he saw Lacey sprawled out on the ground. He only hoped he wasn’t too late. **** Lacey felt like hell. She didn’t know where she was or why and she barely knew her name. She remembered going out for some milk then nothing. She pushed herself up in the bed and realized she was in a hospital. She looked around confused. Putting her hand to her head, she winced and immediately pulled it away. Obviously, she had been hit in the head. That would explain why she couldn’t remember much. Temporary amnesia. How did she know that? She turned to gaze at the nurse who came into the room. “Where am I?” she asked, her voice raspy. “You’re in Boston and in the hospital. Do you remember what happened? When they brought you, you were unconscious. One of your friends came with you.” She swallowed hard and shook her head. “When was that?” 170

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“Two days ago.” Her eyes got wide. Two days! I’ve been out two days! She just couldn’t believe it. “Two days? Has anyone come to see me?” The nurse shook her head. “We weren’t letting anyone in. Now that you’re awake and out of the woods, we can let you have visitors.” “You said a friend came with me. Is that person here?” The nurse patted her hand. “Your friend was lucky. She didn’t have a scratch on her. It was as if she showed up when it was all over. I don’t know what you did, but if she was there, you probably saved her because you were pretty battered up. Now that you’re awake, I’ll call her and tell her she can come and visit you.” Lacey felt a momentary surge of panic. “What if I don’t recognize her? I mean I barely remember my own name and now I’m supposed to remember other people.” Her voice rose a notch, indicative of the stress of trying to do something she didn’t think she could. “Honey, there’s no reason to panic. This woman seems to know everything about you. I would say she’s a very good friend and will accept whatever memories you still have.” The panic died off just a little bit and she felt better. Still, she wasn’t sure about anything. “Can you tell me anything happened that night? 171

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Anything at all?” she pleaded with the nurse. “No, honey, I can’t. I wish I could. Let me call your friend. She told me she could be here quickly if we called. I take it she’s not far away.” She nodded and watched the nurse leave. She moved the bed up to a sitting position and decided to watch some TV so she could catch up with the rest of the world. She hoped something would trigger a memory or something she could use to make her know who she was. When the knock came, she looked up, surprised by what she saw. In the doorway stood a beautiful woman, tall and willowy, with blonde hair and blue eyes. There was something vaguely familiar about this woman but she couldn’t remember what. “May I help you?” she asked. “Lacey,” the woman cried and rushed to her side, tears falling down her face. “Are you all right?” Lacey drew back and looked at the woman closely. “Do I know you?” The blonde woman just cried harder. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t made you come home because I was so scared. I should have just left you alone.” Lacey sighed deeply. “Look, I don’t remember any of this. Could you tell me about myself?” “You don’t remember anything?” “I remember my name and I think I must have 172

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had something to do with hospitals because this whole thing doesn’t freak me out. Plus I seem to know what the doctors out there are talking about.” The blonde nodded. “That’s true. You’re a nurse. You have ambitions to become a doctor. You worked at my cousin’s clinic in the north then you went on a trip to Scotland. It was while you were there I was assaulted. I called you to come home because I was scared and needed a friend.” The blonde’s bloodshot eyes welled up with tears. “You know you’re my only real friend, don’t you, Lacey?” While she could feel this woman’s pain, she couldn’t remember one thing. “I’m sorry. Tell me what you know about me.” She listened for almost an hour as she was told about her life in college and her grandparents. She learned the woman’s name was Giselle and they had been friends for nearly ten years. Even though she had not been told, she knew they were very different. The woman exuded wealth with her cool, manicured looks. Granted those looks now looked haggard and slightly off kilter, but Giselle looked fantastic. “What do you do, Giselle?” Giselle sniffed again and wiped her nose. “Do? You mean like work?” “Like work?” 173

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“I mainly do charity work. I was hoping to work with art, but I don’t think that will be happening now.” “Why not?” “Oh, Lacey, I don’t think I can ever do anything again. The assault scared me.” Lacey shook her head, confused. “Do you know why you were assaulted?” “I-I—” “I think I can answer you.” Lacey turned to look where the sound came from…in the doorway stood one of the bestlooking men she had ever seen, his very presence seemed to calm her. “You can?” The man came to stand by her bed. “I can.” He looked at Giselle who only sobbed more. “Giselle, you’re not helping the situation. Why don’t you go outside and wait for me, alright?” “Cuinn, I am so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” He looked at Giselle with sympathy in his eyes. “I don’t blame you at all. Things happen and when they do, people tend to want those closest around them. I knew from the beginning you considered Lacey one of your best friends. I’m not blind.” She nodded and went to leave the room. “Do you mind if I come back later?” Lacey shook her head. “I don’t mind. I think I 174

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would like it if you did.” She watched as the woman walked down the hall. She eyed the man who’d come into the room. There was something familiar about him, what she couldn’t remember. “Who are you?” He sighed and slumped his shoulders. “You really don’t remember me?” She shook her head and watched him as he went to sit in the chair next to her bed. He looked at her with a sad expression on his face and reached for her hand. He took it gently and stared at it for a moment before he gave it a squeeze. “My name is Cuinn Locklin. We used to hold hands and sit next to the fire. Where we live is someplace very cold.” “How long were we together?” He laughed but it was a sad sound. “Not nearly long enough.” She frowned. “Do you know what happened to me? I mean no one is telling me anything. I know my name is Lacey Sinclair but I don’t know much more than that.” “Well, I haven’t heard anyone tell me I can’t say anything.” He watched for a moment as if searching for something. “We were preparing to leave Scotland when we got a call from my mother. Apparently, my cousin Giselle—” “The woman who was just here?” He nodded. “Yes, the woman who was just 175

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here. Well, she had been attacked by someone and she wanted you to be with her. You came to be with her and had just taken her home when you decided the cupboards were too bare. A couple of days ago, you went to the market and you were also attacked. We’re pretty sure it’s the same person or persons who attacked Giselle. You’ve been out of it since then. Giselle and I have been taking shifts staying here with you waiting just outside the door as they wouldn’t let us in.” “Why?” He chuckled. “Well, a variety of reasons actually. First, we both care for you. Giselle loves you as a sister and you’ve been her friend for quite a long time.” He hesitated. “And the other reasons?” Lacey needed to know. “The other is because I love you. We were lovers before you got hurt and we were planning to get married.” “Lovers.” She made it a statement as she didn’t know what else to say to the man. She tried to take in everything he had said so far, tried to convince herself she would know if he weren’t telling the truth. Wouldn’t she? She looked at him with his handsome face. There was something very special about him but she wasn’t sure what. Her heart clenched each time he smiled at her. She wanted him to run his hands all over 176

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her body but she had to be sure. “How long?” “How long what?” “You know, the lover thing.” “Oh. Does that bother you?” She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’m not sure of anything right now.” “I wish I could help but I can’t. The doctors have all agreed we can’t push you into remembering everything. You were in a coma for two days. Things might come back fast or they might come back slow. They don’t know.” She swallowed hard. “What do they know?” “They told me they are confident you’re on your way to total recovery because you woke up.” “Was I hurt very bad?” “You had some bumps and bruises. You hit your head on something hard and had a minor skull fracture. It’s why you were in the coma. Other than that, you seem fine.” A sense of relief washed through her. Thank goodness it wasn’t worse. Suddenly, her stomach clenched in panic. “What happened to Giselle? How bad was she hurt?” He smiled and caressed her hand. “She didn’t get hurt this time at all. She was told where you were and to get to you immediately.” “Good. I was afraid something bad happened to her as she was so emotional when she was 177

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here.” She sat there and smiled at him as warmth invaded her stomach. If her body was any judge of character, this man had been very special to her. “Look, I’m tired now and think I should rest.” “Do you mind if I stay?” He looked at her hopefully. “No, I don’t mind.” She drifted to sleep with a throbbing headache and her hand tightly gripped in his. **** “Oh by the gods, there’s another one!” Lacey moaned and tried to get to her feet. “Don’t talk so loud. My head hurts.” “And well it should, young lady, you had a pretty nasty fall. Do you know where you are?” She sat up and held her throbbing head. “You’re asking me when I barely know who I am?” “You’re Lacey Sinclair betrothed of Cuinn Locklin. Do you remember that?” She frowned. The name did sound vaguely familiar. “I guess…I’m not sure…but it sounds familiar. How did I get here?” “That’s what we’d like to know. You’re the second uninvited human to land in the Hall of the Elven Elders.” She blinked rapidly. Now she remembered. 178

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“Did that man hurt, Ronan?” “What do you know about Ronan?” the mist asked. “Could you please show yourselves? I know you’re there, I can hear you.” “She can hear us,” a voice mocked her. Slowly, she tried to stand and failed miserably again. If they didn’t come to her, she’d go to them. “I heard that.” The mist parted and it looked as if she were in a large chamber much like what she thought the U.S. Supreme Court looked like. Looking from one face to the other, she knew immediately who these people were. “You’re the ancestors.” It was a statement plain and simple. How she knew she couldn’t fathom but she did realize they held the fate of her in their hands. “Yes, we are. Do you know why you are here?” a formidable looking woman questioned. Without asking, Lacey knew this woman was a relation of Cuinn’s. “No, I don’t.” “You aren’t doing too well out there. You’ve just come out of a coma but you don’t know much else.” “That doesn’t explain why she’s here,” the man next to her stated. The woman turned to the grumpy man. “Look, I’m not the one who promised Ronan favors. You 179

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might want to ask him why she’s here.” “Hmmf,” he stated and crossed his arms. “She’s going to be part of that Locklin clan, isn’t she?” “Yes and good thing, too. It will take all of them together, human and elf, to eradicate the threat against the clans. Isn’t that the reason you gave Ronan special powers?” The man groaned in displeasure. “Yes, it is. I just didn’t expect him to use it this way. What’s being here going to do for her?” The woman shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I could almost bet she has some elven blood way back there. Maybe it will bring a power to bear.” “Whoa, what are you saying?” The woman turned back to her. “Only those with elven blood usually end up here. Elves get a choice of when to move from one realm into another. The occasional human will arrive because they are a solution to a great problem. Some humans are accorded the honor of being here because they have served the elven realm well.” “I don’t get it.” Lacey’s head throbbed even more. “Just where is here?” “The other side, young lady. Where did you think you were? “ “Oh, I...” “Don’t worry, you’ll be going back. You’re choice was already made.” Lacey frowned. “Then what was the purpose 180

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for me being here?” “To make you remember and to bring your special powers to the surface.” “What?” She shook her head as the woman was immediately next to her. “You’re beautiful.” “Thank you. You are, too, my dear. Now there’s one thing I must tell you.” “What’s that?” The beautiful elf took her finger and gently pressed the middle of Lacey’s forehead. “Remember.” The mist overtook her and once again, Lacey was in the void.

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Chapter 14 throat was horribly parched and she Lacey’s needed to do something about it immediately. Pushing herself up further, her head suddenly throbbed with the movement. One of her hands was caught under something. Looking down, she realized just who was beside her and smiled. It was all coming back to her. “Hey, I need my hand.” She tugged it out from under Cuinn’s and watched as he woke up gradually. “Are you all right?” he asked, concern etched on his face. “I recognize your face.” She reached out and gently stroked his cheek, hard bristles scrapping her hand. “When was the last time you shaved?” “Lacey?” he sat straight up. “You know me?” “Yes, I definitely know you. Come here.” She motioned with her finger, bringing him close. “If I ever forget you again, just send me back to the Hall of the Elven Elders. They’ll straighten me 182

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out.” “So, you made it there?” The voice came from the doorway and she saw Ronan standing there. “Yes, I made it. Why did you send me?” He shrugged. “You weren’t any good to us without your memory.” Cuinn turned to look at the man. “I take it you’re Ronan.” “I am.” “Why on earth would you need to send Lacey there?” “Like I said, she needed her memory.” Cuinn gazed at the man suspiciously. “You can’t fool me, I know there’s more. Even Aingeal saw something in her.” “Ah, the sister. She’s an earth intuitive, right?” “She is.” “What did she say about Lacey?” She rolled her eyes. “Hey, I’m in the room.” Ronan chuckled. “I know. I wanted to know what his sister said about you.” “So would I now that you mentioned it.” Cuinn looked from one to another before throwing up his hands in exasperation. “Alright. It wasn’t much but it was strange. She said she could feel a power in you, an elven given power, and she couldn’t understand why you had it.” Lacey nodded. “Sounds like what the elders 183

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said to me. The woman told me I needed to remember and then sent me back. I still don’t get it.” “Not now you don’t. But you will when it’s needed.” “What do you mean, when it’s needed?” Ronan looked at Cuinn before continuing. “This confrontation has started with the attack on Giselle and now Lacey. They will not stop until either they get what they want or we stop them.” Lacey nodded. “The elders did say all of us would have to work together to overcome this trouble.” “Lacey, I’m not sure I want you anywhere near the danger.” She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem anymore. I don’t know why but I do.” A squeal came from the doorway. Her head turned toward the sound. “Hi, Giselle. How are you doing?” “She’s doing fine. She’s in my care now and I take my responsibility seriously.” Ronan stood at the end of the bed and crossed his arms. Giselle threw her arms around Lacey as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I can speak for myself.” She leveled a look at Ronan. “He’s right. I seem to be doing fine. But he was hopping mad to find out Lacey had left the penthouse.” “Then why don’t you explain to me just why 184

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Lacey got hurt in the first place.” Cuinn glared at Ronan . “Because I slipped and fell. Ronan told me to run but the ice was heavy in the alley. I lost my footing. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here. No one attacked me. As it was, he had to expose himself to those men to get me away. I have a vague recollection of him picking me up and then I draw a blank as I must have passed out.” “That’s because you were. I had to call Giselle to come down. It wasn’t easy for her to leave the safety of the penthouse.” “It wasn’t as bad as the moment you told me she was hurt, I knew it was for her.” Giselle sniffed a little, tears forming. “I didn’t want her to go in the first place.” “Why did you go out?” Cuinn eyed her critically. “I’d like to know myself.” Ronan crossed his arms and stared at her until she became uncomfortable. “I thought it would be my last moment of freedom.” “Woman, that could have been your last moment of life!” Ronan growled. “No, it wouldn’t have been. “ She leveled a stare at him. “Do tell us why?” Ronan crossed his arms. She blinked rapidly. “I remember what my 185

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powers are.” “And what would those be?” She smiled. “You really want to know? There’s more than one.” Cuinn shook his head. “I think just one would do for now.” Lacey swallowed hard. This might be more difficult than she thought it would be. She lifted her hand, palm up. “Watch the center of my palm.” All three peered intently at her hand. A small orange flicker started and then began to grow. “My god, she’s a human elemental.” Ronan stared in wonder. “She’ll have to go back to Scotland and be trained. It’s been hundreds of years since the world has seen the likes of you.” She shook her head. “No, that isn’t my task. I have to go back to the North Pole, I know it.” “But you have to be trained,” Ronan insisted. She frowned. “You don’t get it. I am trained. That woman gave me all this knowledge but there is one caveat. I can only use it in defense of elves and my immediate family. I’m meant to be protecting the North Pole loinnir. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do.” “Lacey,” Cuinn took her hand in his. “You will need to go to Scotland and talk to the council.” She stared at him. “I’m not sure what I could tell them. I don’t even know how I can do this 186

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myself. It just is. You ancestor made it all come back to me.” “Like many things elven,” Ronan stated casually. “What are the other powers? Or do you know them all.” She frowned and looked at Giselle who looked on in wonder. “I think I can do glamours. I’m not sure.” She sighed. “I understand both of your concerns but I can only use these gifts for defense. I’m not like you who have magic at their beck and call. I have to feel the danger and then act upon it.” “So you think the North Pole will be in danger?” Giselle asked quietly. “Never while I’m there. I can’t guarantee about when I’m not. I have to get back.” “That’s what we’ve determined.” They all turned to the newest occupant of the room. “Aingeal.” “Lacey.” “Why are you here?” “The council told me you had been to the elders.” “How did they know?” she questioned. Aingeal laughed and shook her head. “There is so much more for you to learn. But I do agree your talent is for protection only.” “How did they know?”Lacey asked again, more firm this time. 187

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“It’s a thin veil that separates us from the great beyond. The elven council has communicated between the two realms for as long as they can remember. Like they said, we are given a choice as to when we leave this realm.” “I vaguely remember something of that nature stated when I was there but it still doesn’t explain how you know.” Aingeal frowned. “I sensed something different about you. You’re not elven but you are very special. I even commented on it to Fearghus, and I think this is why you had such problems with the amnesia spell. You can’t put that type of spell on someone who is an elemental, elven or human. It doesn’t take.” Lacey sat up straight. “Hey, you’re right. I finally remember everything about your wedding, even Eggther and our dance.” She turned to Cuinn. “Well, it was really more like a shuffle but I didn’t care. Promise me you’ll take a dance lesson or two before we get married? We can even do them together.” Aingeal laughed. “Shuffle? I don’t think I’d even say it was that good. Cuinn was a horrible dancer as a kid.” “Hey, that’s hardly fair,” Cuinn stated in his own defense as he looked at Lacey. “So, you remember everything? The times we met in college?” 188

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She nodded. “I do remember.” “That’s wonderful.” He smiled. “I think we need to give you two some alone time, don’t you?” Aingeal grinned. “I know Fearghus and I would want some.” Lacey returned the gesture. “I would agree but I have a few more questions which need answering, first.” “Alright, shoot.” “If you don’t need us, I think I should get Giselle home. She had just arrived home from the hospital when Lacey fell. She hasn’t had time to recover herself.” Ronan moved to reach for Giselle. “Giselle, is that true?” “You didn’t leave and I couldn’t leave you. After all, it’s all my fault we’re in this mess in the first place.” “No, cousin, it isn’t. You happened to be the easiest target right now. They could have just as easily tried to kidnap your parents.” “But they’re in Europe.” Ronan turned to Aingeal. “She’s right. Since Europe is the ancient realm of the elves, we’re more protected there. The Paines are always watched when they travel in our realm.” “I thought of that myself. You know what it means then, don’t you?” “There are more human elementals out there.” 189

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Aingeal nodded. “I wonder if they are as hidden as Lacey was.” “Elementals haven’t been around since the before the Egyptians, you know. Not just hundreds of years as Ronan said but thousands. There were a few in the dark ages but no real records on them like in Egypt.” Aingeal stated, a smug look on her face. “Wow. We’ve found the first human elemental in recent elven history.” “What?” Lacey looked at them, surprised. “Why?” Ronan glanced at her. “Because an elemental has to be more human than elf. Most of the original elementals were completely human. But the art was lost except for a small enclave of elves who somehow managed to breed it back into the human population. I just didn’t realize it was that far back in history.” “Geez, I’m a science experiment.” Lacey frowned and crossed her arms. “Honey I’m not sure what you are.” “Great. I’m an anomaly, but that still doesn’t implicate Giselle in any of this.” She looked at her friend. “So quit worrying about how you could have prevented it. You are who you are, and don’t you ever change. After all, who’s going to be my rich girlfriend if you’re not around?” Giselle took both her hands, holding them tight. “I hate to tell you, the elves are richer than my 190

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family.” “What?” Giselle glanced at her cousins. “She had to know sometime. You’ll never have to work a day in your life unless you want to, that is.” Lacey scowled at Cuinn. “She’s telling the truth, isn’t she?” “I’m afraid so.” “I don’t understand the human preoccupation with money,” Ronan said quietly. “There are a lot of reasons, but they are hard to explain when you’ve always had some.” She sighed and stretched a little. “I’ve got to get out of this bed. Ronan, you are going to take care of Giselle, right? I don’t have anything to worry about there?” “Correct. She’ll be in my care until this whole thing is over.” “Good. You two will come to the wedding. I won’t take no for an answer.” “Yes, we’ll come. Say goodbye for now, Giselle.” “Alright.” She gave Lacey a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon. You’ll still have to come and get your clothes from the penthouse.” “I’ll do that before I leave, promise.” She watched as they left and returned her attention to the two remaining occupants. “I’m glad she’ll be safe. Ronan seems a confident man.” 191

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“I agree. Now what are your other questions so you two can be alone.” “The woman who made me remember… who is she? And why did they say I was the second one?” “Well, I imagine it was a grandmother a few generations removed. Angie met her so you might want to compare notes with her.” “So Angie was the first.” “Yes, but for a totally different reason. She was dying and her parents brought her there to allow her a choice.” “But her parents were human.” “Yes, they were, but they had special privileges within the elven community. She chose to come back.” Lacey nodded. “Okay, I remember her telling the reasons a human came to the hall and that was one of them.” “Do you know who the other elementals are?” Aingeal asked. She concentrated hard. “No, I don’t think so. I do know I’m not the last of the line. I believe our children’s children will be of the same line.” “Amazing.” Aingeal shook her head. “Can you see this clearly? Or is it a more vague imagining?” “Not really. It’s more of a feeling. I don’t think things will be resolved in our time.” “I hate to leave this for our children.” Lacey shook her head. “Not our call. I think this 192

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was decided long ago.” “Why do you say that?” “There’s some kind of prophecy, isn’t there Aingeal?” The woman looked positively stunned. “How do you know?” “Just a feeling.” “No one remembers it. The council was surprised when I found it. But yes, there is a prophecy and the cycle apparently started with my parents.” “And it will end with those who come after us.” “I believe you are right.” Aingeal swallowed hard. “I had barely told the council about this at all. Apparently it was lost in antiquity and now found again.” She nodded. “Many items which were lost will be found.” “Well, can you two tell me what we’re supposed to do?” Cuinn interrupted, looking from Lacey to Aingeal. “Nothing, except live our lives to the fullest. While this group will be a thorn in our side, they will not be the end of us. They will only spur us on to do even better.” “Do you even know what this group is called? I’d like to be able to refer to it as something other than the group.” Lacey leaned back in her bed waiting for an answer. 193

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“Aonaich de dhe sealgi or League of Hunters. At least that’s what we think they call themselves.” “Any other ideas on who they are, how they’re financed?” “Absolutely nothing. The prophecy is deliberately vague about them. They could be a disgruntled group of elves for all we know.” “Let’s hope not. Then it would definitely be a battle of wills and skill. Right now, the only advantage they have is surprise. We’ll need to know more about them.” Aingeal nodded. “We’re ahead of you there. The council had started to put together a unit to protect people from them. Ronan was the first one recruited. He won’t be the last.” “Agreed.” “Can we have that alone time now?” Cuinn questioned. “I want to talk to Lacey.” “Uh, sure. I’ll be here to help get you home. We’ve managed to put some more speed on the sleigh. You’ll be surprised.” “Thank you, Aingeal. I appreciate you being here but I’m sure you need to get back to your own family now.” “You’re welcome. We’re heading the same direction. Mom always wants us in the North Pole for Christmas. I just wish our house was ready.” She slipped out the door. 194

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Lacey smiled at Cuinn. “Okay, we’re alone.” He breathed in deeply and clasped her hand. “Promise me you’ll never do anything that foolish again.” She pursed her lips. “I can’t do that.” “What?” “I mean. I’m human and not infallible. I didn’t think there would be a problem. And as Ronan told you, it was my own clumsiness which did me in.” “Will you at least be more careful?” “Yes. Besides, now I can defend myself and whoever is near me.” She smiled at him broadly. “Surely that wasn’t all you wanted?” “No, there’s one more thing.” “What it is?” He leaned in closer to her. “Lacey Sinclair, will you marry me?” He slipped an ancient ring on her finger. “This has been in my father’s family for generations. He says you deserve it more than anyone.” Holding her hand up to see the ring, she noted is was a fire opal surrounded by rubies and diamonds. She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I love you, Cuinn Locklin, and there’s no place I’d rather be than next to you.”

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Epilogue

“A

t least they gave Eggther a month,” Eggther lamented his latest lot in life. But now he had someone who could share it with him, and Edana had been the perfect helpmate in this endeavor. In fact, it had all come together quite easily. “Eggther, I think it was wonderful!” Lacey leaned down and kissed the small elf’s cheek. “Thank you very much. I shall cherish this memory always.” “There are still a few more things you need to do, aren’t there? You aren’t leaving already?” “You’re quite right,” Cuinn said. “We have the bouquet and the garter and then of course, there’s the first dance.” “All those items are important,” Edana stated softly. “Is there anything we can help you with?” “How about announcing our first dance? That would be perfect.” Lacey took Cuinn’s hand in hers and waited for the announcement. . She 196

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smiled as the man she loved twirled her about the dance floor, happy they took lessons together. While the first dance was a waltz, the second one was more up close and personal. “You know I love you.” “I would hope so. I wouldn’t want you marrying me for any other reason.” She eyed him. “So, where’s our honeymoon going to be?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Have a little patience. We’ll be gone soon enough.” **** Merna was bored stiff. True, she loved her brother, but this wedding had taken her away from her first year of college. And while, Maddox really wasn’t impressed, the world outside held some appeal for her. True, she had spent most of her free time at the Inuit village, but Fairbanks had a charm of its own. “I wish you’d quit moping around. It’s downright depressing.” Never in all her eighteen years had her brother frustrated her more than now. “I wish you’d give it up. I’m allowed to be a little depressed.” Maddox sat down beside her. “I don’t get it. We’ve only been there for three months and home 197

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every weekend. I don’t see what the pull to the human realm is for you.” She eyed him caustically. Only her twin would say something along those lines. “I didn’t say it was the human realm which drew me in, just civilization in general.” “I still don’t get it.” “She can go shopping every day. Now, would you leave your sister alone and come with me? It’s time for you to try and catch the garter.” Bevan stood and watched his youngest two. “Do I have to?” “Look, son, there aren’t that many eligible bachelors out there. I figure you have a pretty good chance, and since Merna didn’t even want to try for the bouquet, you have to try for the garter.” “Geez, thanks sis.” Maddox rolled his eyes. She smiled brightly. “You’re welcome, brother.” Merna laughed when he made a face at her as he went to stand with the other men. She frowned as she saw someone she didn’t recognize amongst their midst. Did someone bring a guest and not ask Santa? The man looked incredibly strong and handsome as he tried to get behind the rest of the men. His hair was dark like hers but where her eyes were blue, his were dark brown. Her heart beat a little faster as she took in the whole of his physique. For the first time ever, she wanted to 198

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look at a man, get a really good look, including a glimpse of his crotch. Thank god, she had learned from Aingeal’s mistakes and had never done anything she could regret. Still, the man looked a little suspicious and out of place. She’d ask him to dance and maybe that would allow her time to figure out what it was about him, which drew her to him. Smiling at other guests along the way, she slowly went toward the newcomer, surprised he didn’t retreat as many men did. “Hi, I’ve never seen you here before.” “That’s correct, you haven’t.” His voice was a rich timbre and slid over her like warm rain. “Would you like to dance?” “Most certainly.” **** Trevor Haines couldn’t believe his luck. These elf people really were stupid when it came right down to it. He had managed to attach himself to a party of guests as they left Boston, and that so called bodyguard, Ronan, hadn’t been any the wiser. But to have the most beautiful woman in the room ask him to dance? Now that was the biggest coupe of all, and with his Indian heritage, he could say that. Taking her in his arms, he willed his 199

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body to behave as they twirled amongst the other dancers. He would have to make his move very soon. “What’s your name?” Her voice wasn’t high pitched like other women but low and seductive. Maybe if he played his cards right, he’d get some. “Trevor Haines, ma’am.” She chuckled. “I’m not a ma’am by any means. Do I look that old?” Now that he looked at her, he realized he had gotten a woman-child, someone in the first blush of adulthood. It didn’t diminish him wanting her. “I see what you mean. Just how old are you?” “Almost nineteen. How old are you?” “Old enough to know better.” His voice was a little rough and then he leaned into her, whispering something next to her ear. “What was that?” she asked. “I said, don’t move and you won’t get hurt.” His hand went around her throat. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” The room turned immediately quite as they all saw Merna in the clutches of someone they didn’t know. “I think we need to talk this over, son.” Santa was the closest to the pair and tried to soothe the situation. “Come any closer, I’ll snap her neck. And it 200

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would be a shame.” He leaned in and took in her womanly scent. He didn’t care if she was barely old enough. He wanted her and his body was going to make him pay for his indiscretion. “You know you’ll never get out of here.” It surprised him the comment came from the bride. “Why would you say that?” “Because you’re picking on the wrong bride.” She lifted her hand, an orange flame flared from her palm. Before he could move, a scorching inferno engulfed them followed by a blessed blanket of cold. **** Lacey stood there amazed. She hadn’t meant to do anything to either of them. She had wanted to scare them. “Wow.” Cuinn turned her to look at him as the family surrounded her. “What do you mean wow? Where are they?” “I don’t know. I only did the fire. I didn’t make them disappear at all. I don’t have a clue where they are.” “Great. This is just great.” Bevan stated evenly. “I’d like to know where my daughter is and just who the hell that man was.” “That makes two of us.” Janice stood wringing 201

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her hands and trying so hard not to look worried. Aingeal and Fearghus came up quickly. “Tell me everything you felt, lass.” Fearghus’ soothing voice calmed her nerves. “I just wanted to frighten him. After all, that’s what I’m supposed to do while I’m here. Protect our people.” “I’m not sure making her disappear with someone like that guy was protecting her.” Lacey turned to Janice. “Listen to me again. I didn’t do that.” Aingeal rubbed her head. “Good heavens, we have a teleporter. Worse, she doesn’t even know it.” “What?” Bevan asked. “Merna did it. The fire must have scared her and she took them away from it. That’s the only explanation for the whole thing.” Aingeal stood there and stared at her father. “Now that does call for a wow. But I do know a couple things they don’t.” Lacey smiled mischievously. “What’s that?” “One, no matter what he does, he can’t kill her. Two, he just might be the second of our elementals because I didn’t get any real sense of danger from him at all. He just pissed me off because it’s my day, not his. “ “Don’t even think about him killing her,” Janice 202

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exclaimed. “That’s my little girl.” “Wait a minute, Mother. Why can’t he, Lacey?” Maddox questioned intently. “Every time he tries, the fire will burn them. Don’t ask me how I did that, but she’s well protected.” Fearghus hid a smile behind his hand. “That poor man.” “Poor man, nothing. That’s my daughter he has.” Bevan stood there infuriated. “I understand, sir, but what would you do if you were alone on a desert island with a beautiful woman? Now, I understand that woman would be Janice but think about it. That man can’t touch her with anything but care.” “Heavens, I’m not sure if I like what that implies at all.” Santa rubbed his chin. “You want to tell me how he got in, Ronan.” Ronan shook his head. “I never saw him before, sir. Matter of fact, I didn’t see him now. Just fire. But if he is a second elemental, it would explain all of us not being able to detect him until he made his move.” “So, what do you plan to do about it?” “We’ll have to go the council and see if anyone can tell us about the energy signature. It’s a long shot, but the only thing we have.” Ronan looked around. “Giselle, are you ready to leave?” “I don’t think this is fair to Lacey, Ronan. We all 203

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can’t leave her wedding.” “It’s okay, Giselle, really. We have done everything we were going to do.” Lacey looked intently at Cuinn. “Can we still go on our honeymoon?” Cuinn looked at his older sister. “Well, Aingeal?” “Are you absolutely sure he can’t harm her?” “Absolutely, if he even thinks about it, he’ll get burned. It will probably take him a while to get that through his thick skull, but once it’s there, he’ll never try it again. At least not that way.” “Then go on your honeymoon. Just keep in touch as we may need you.” “What an end to a party!” Eggther yelled. **** “Where are we?” Trevor shouted. “I don’t know,” Merna said and tried to get out of his grasp as well as out of the water. “I should just break your neck right now.” The fire in his hand spread up his arm and he immediately pulled away from her. “Maybe I should ask what you’ve done to me.” He eyed her cautiously. This would take a little experimentation. “I haven’t done anything to you.” “I guess the fire came from the bride.” 204

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“Yeah, I guess you shouldn’t have pissed her off.” He looked down at the woman at his side and chuckled. “You think?” Merna frowned and nodded. “I think. Maybe we should look around here to see where we are.” “We’re off the grid.” “Off the grid?” “Yeah, my GPS is registering nothing. Nada. There aren’t many places like that on the earth.” Merna shook her head and scanned the horizon. She hadn’t even realized he had something in his hand. “How do you know that?” “Let’s just say, I’ve been around. And this place is too good to be true.” Trevor looked around and saw a lover’s paradise, an island away from everyone with white sandy beaches and clear, turquoise blue waters. “Oh.” “There’s one other thing I need to check.” “What’s that?” “When I said I was going to kill you, I got burned. Didn’t you feel it?” She shook her head. “I need to try it again.” Now he was a smart man and realized he only needed to try to hurt her a little. “I’m not going to kill you. At least not yet.” Merna backed away from him as he reached out and grabbed her arm, twisting it a little for her to 205

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gasp in pain. The burning sensation was immediate and he dropped her arm like a hot potato. “Great. I can’t even do my job now because it requires me touching you. Get out of the water. We’ll have to find some sort of shelter before night. Then there’s water and food.” “What-what was your job?” He put his hands on his hips and gazed at her. “To kidnap an elf. Problem is, I think she’s kidnapped me.”

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About the author Lynn Crain realized at an early age she wanted to write. She took the long way to being published by doing a variety of things like nursing, geologist, technical writer and computer manager all of which have added to her detail-oriented stories. Now she’s a full time storyteller and weaves fantasy, futuristic and paranormal tales as well as erotic stories for various publishers with most being published by eXtasy Books. She lives in the very hot southwest with her husband, son, one dog, three cats and a snake named Sandune. Other members of her clan live close by. She is a past national board member of the RWA, past VP, Secretary and EPPIE Chair of EPIC and current EPIC President. But the thing she loves most of all is hearing from her readers at [email protected].