Curse of the Fae (The Creeper Saga Book 2) Read online

  I stand there in amazement for a few more minutes. We spread out the blanket and settle in for our lunch. Anton unpacks so much food, bread, pastries, cheese, and fruits that I wonder if he left any for anyone at the palace to eat.

  “Will you tell me what it was like for you growing up?” I ask Anton.

  “I was a typical kid, just less breakable. I played lots of sports. My aunt and uncle never treated me different. Not having their own kids, I was theirs. It took us all some time to find my limitations, being a half vamp was new for us all. I never had a girlfriend because I was never drawn to anyone until you. So, all these emotions are hard for me to grasp.”

  “I am glad you three found me in that store. I wouldn’t want anyone else on this adventure with me.” I smile at him.

  We finish up lunch and clean up our mess. Folding the blanket and setting it on top of the basket. I take Anton’s hand, and we stroll through the multitude of colors.

  Leaning into Anton, he wraps an arm around my waist, sending sparks down my spine. He feels my shiver and holds on tighter. I get a whiff of smoky vanilla and cardamom as I move closer to his body.

  I’m so lucky!

  Just as we turn to make our way back to our basket, we hear a rustle of leaves. Looking towards the sounds we see two creepers, black lines cover all their exposed skin, chunks of flesh have been ripped off of them from stumbling through the woods.

  Thankfully, Anton and I are wearing our swords. Quickly, I remove my sword, nodding at Anton that I’m ready. I take the one on the left. Moving towards the creeper, I grasp how much faster they are than the usual creepers we dispatch. The body thuds to the ground. Black goo now coating my sword. I hear another thud and turn to see Anton’s taken out the other one.

  Taking a breath, I scan the area for more creepers. It’s so strange that there would just be two random creepers here. I hear more rustling. Looking for a source, I see a short leprechaun sized man covered in black veins. As he steps into view, I see he has a sinister mustache, and a stupid looking goatee.

  “Finally, we meet. So, I see the famous mystery Princess is real.” He spits out of his teeth.

  “Did you finally escape the Lucky Charms box?” I ask.

  “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

  “An evil leprechaun is my first guess.” I shrug.

  “I am Deezy.” He laughs. Not a normal laugh, a creepy evil laugh. It sends a shiver down my spine, and not a good one.

  “Why have you destroyed the Human Realm? Why are doing this to us?”

  “I am the one true Fae king, and I will rule all the world.” He yells.

  He is crazy. I summon my fire and throw a ball at him. He counters so fast with water I barely sees what happens. I feel air swirl around me, before I can react I’m thrown back in the air. Landing hard on my butt, I scramble back up to the fighting stance that Evans taught me. Anton is at my side at once, dusting himself off.

  I summon water, and aim in his direction. He counters back, more powerful. Soaking us, I call on air so I can dry myself and Anton off.

  I’m sure glad Kalli taught me that trick.

  “We need to run, this is not the time to face him.” He whispers in my ear.

  An evil laugh rips through the air.

  We turn and run back to where we left the picnic basket.

  “You can run, but you can’t hide.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong pal,” I reply out of breath, “I can’t do either.”

  Fuck, I need to get more cardio training in.

  Gripping my side, I try to calm the stitch, and steady my breathing. Ready to run again, I look to Anton. I wish I was more sure in my teleportation abilities. Then we could be out of here in a flash.

  I nod to Anton, we secure our swords, and then he unexpectedly scoops me up and runs back towards the palace. I do my best not to wiggle too much, just leaning into his newly familiar scent. I try to wrap my head around the angry leprechaun and his claim.

  After what is the longest five minutes of my life, we are back at the palace. Anton doesn’t stop until we are in the courtyard. Evans and Callum run to meet us.

  Anton sets me on my feet.

  “Thank you, Anton. Remind me to add cardio to my training list.” I half joke.

  Anton just gives me a grim look.

  “We need to go talk to my father, now. Deezy is near.” I tell them.

  Hurrying through the castle, Evans leads us to the throne room. My father is there with the elders, and they look up as we burst in the doors.

  Raising from his seat, my father notices the goo dripping off my sword.

  “What happened?”

  “Anton and I were out for picnic when two creepers show up, and then out of the trees, an evil leprechaun man appeared. He claims to be Deezy, and he is very skilled in magic. Realizing it wasn’t the time to take him on, we made a run for it back here to you guys.”

  “I am grateful you both made it back safely. Evans, make sure all the guards are at their stations, we need to alert the citizens, Anton please accompany him.” My father says, jumping into action.

  With that the elders disband, and we all head out of the palace to help inform our kingdom that Deezy is near.

  Callum and I pair up. Our first stop is Evans’ mom’s flower shop. When we enter, Kalli comes to greet us, only to stop short in her tracks.

  “What has happened? Why is there black goo on your dress?”

  “It’s Deezy. We need to warn everyone.” I tell her.

  Nodding, she heads to the store room to grab her parents. The three of them return, swords in hand.

  “We will help warn the people.” Kalyvn announces.

  Heading out, we go door to door, telling people of the danger. They gather a few things, then head to the palace.

  When our task is done, I head back to the palace to shower and change. I’m sure people are alarmed to see their Princess in such a state, but I don’t care. Their safety comes first.

  As Callum and I reach my room, so do Anton and Evans. I tell the guys I’m going to shower, and send Evans and Callum to report to my father.

  Anton follows me into my room. I take off my sword, and stand it up against my bed. I need to clean off the goo from the creeper. Not talking, I make my way to the shower, dropping my clothes as I go. I haven’t forgotten Anton is there, and hope he follows suit.

  Turning on the water, I stand in the cold stream as it warms. Strong arms wrap around my middle. I turn into in them and just cry. I cry for what is to come, and for what I almost lost. Clinging to Anton for a few more minutes, I get myself back together, pull out of Anton arms, and grab some soap to start washing him. I start with his backside, and continue around until I’m washing his finely sculpted chest. This is the first time I have really gotten a chance to admire him completely, just the two of us.

  Not that I would mind a group shower.

  As my hands descends lower, Anton stops me.

  He hooks his other hand under my chin, raising it till I’m looking at him eye to eye.

  “We will have plenty of time for that later. It’s my turn to wash you.” He winks.

  I enjoy the feel of his hands all over me. Once he is done, he kisses me passionately, and washes the area he wouldn’t let me. I’m standing in the shower with a goofy look on my face, but crushed I have to return to reality. Shaking my head, I wash the few areas he did not, while he finishes cleaning himself, and we both get out.

  My bed is calling my name, but instead of a nap, I get dressed, and go back to greet my father and the others.

  Chapter 9

  When I enter the dining hall, everyone is already seated, talking excitedly. I take the only open chair available, the one to my father’s left, and all the talking stops as I take a seat.

  “Don’t stop on my account.” I tell them.

  Picking at my food, I listen to the talk about what our kingdom needs. This new development with Deezy and the creepers has taken my appetite. />
  “Father, have all the citizens been relocated?” I ask when there’s a break in the conversation.

  “Indeed. We have them as comfortable as can be for now. Tell me what happened with Deezy.” he replies.

  I recount what happened. They all just stare at Anton and I.

  “It’s a miracle that you two survived. We can not underestimate Deezy. We need to step up your magic training, and then we need to find this witch and figure out how to stop him.” My father says as he sets down his fork.

  “I will seek out Kalli first thing in the morning, but now I need sleep badly.” I reply.

  “Of course, goodnight daughter, get some rest.”

  I stand to retire, and Evans stands to follow. Taking his hand, I ask him to take us to his room to grab some pajamas so he can stay with me. He does so, and we head to my room. I step into my closet and change. As I step out of my closet, I notice that Evans is already cozy in the giant bed. I crawl in and snuggle next to him.

  He wraps his arms around me to pull me closer, kissing my forehead. He looks me in the eyes.

  “I’m grateful you weren’t too stubborn to run.” He jokes.

  “Well, Anton did most of the running. I’m usually one to fight, but I’m not stupid enough to stay if I know I’m not going to win.”

  He kisses my lips tenderly and tells me to go to sleep, that I’m safe in his arms. With that, I’m out.

  At dawn, I wake still wrapped in his arms, with another warm pair added from behind me. It’s my shifter, Callum. His snores are light in my ear. Sighing, I unwrap myself, do my morning ritual in the bathroom, and head to my closet in search of some training clothes. I pick a simple light blue tunic and black leggings. After changing, I take a minute to brush through my hair and braid it, rolling it into a bun. Forward thinking on my part, fire and hair are not a good combo. I replace my brush and head out of the closet, back my room. The door lightly creaks as I close it behind me. A smile spreads across my face as I glance at my men still asleep, and snoring in my bed.

  Leaving my room, my steps echo through the halls. I guess it being so early, not many of the Fae are up. I near the kitchen when I hear Alix’s voice.

  “I have some personal business to take care of the next few days. You will serve the king in my place.”

  Her voice drifts out of range as if she’s walking away from me.

  That’s weird, who is she talking to?

  I don’t stop to think more about it. I’m on a mission; breakfast, find Kalli, and train.

  A cinnamon smell greets me as I enter the kitchen, and a rumble from my stomach reminds me that I didn’t eat dinner. All the Fae start to kneel as I enter.

  “That is not necessary, my friends. Thank you, but please stand. I just came for breakfast. I plan to start training soon.”

  One beautiful, teenage-looking Fae walks up with a tray full of goodies. I grab a cinnamon roll, and a couple other yummy looking pastries. I thank them and exit, heading towards the courtyard. As I bite into my cinnamon roll it reminds me of home. Mom and I would get up early on Saturdays to bake them for Dad because they were his favorite. I loved it because it was quality time with mom.

  God I miss them. I wish I was there.

  I blink, and I’m in my house. I hear my parents’ voices in the kitchen.

  “Mom?” I call.

  The next thing I know, I’m surrounded by five Fae warriors, all pointing their swords at me.

  Mom and Dad rush in the room to see what all the fuss is, and mom loses it when she sees me.

  “Don’t you dare raise your swords toward our daughter.” My father yells at the guards.

  The one on my left realizes that makes me their Princess. She immediately drops to a knee, lowers her sword and mutters, “I’m so sorry, Princess.”

  The rest of the Fae do the same.

  “Please rise, it’s ok, I didn’t mean to pop in unannounced.” I laugh.

  Mom breaks in to the circle of Fae and hugs me just a little too tight.

  “Mom, I can’t breathe.” I joke.

  Squeezing her back, Dad joins the hug. It’s wonderful to be wrapped in their arms again.

  Dad pulls back, “How’d you get here?”

  “Well, I kinda have a teleporting power. I was eating a cinnamon roll, thinking of you two and home, then I blinked, and I here I am.” I shrug.

  “Liauna, I’m so happy to see you! I have to go get Raelyn!” Mom says, and runs out of the room.

  “Princess, does your father know you’re here?” A Fae warrior asks.

  “No, no one does. I haven’t mastered control over all my powers yet.” I answer.

  “We need for you to try and return as soon as possible. Your father and Evans will be beside themselves if you come up missing.” The female Fae warrior joins in.

  “I agree, but I want to see my cousin and chat with my parents for a couple minutes, and then I will try to return.”

  They nod, and return to their duties and chores my mother has no doubt given them. I’m glad that they are pitching in and helping. As much as I want to be home, I know I’m needed elsewhere.

  The door bursts open. Raelyn has tears in her eyes as she tackles me with a hug.

  “Liauna, it’s really you! I didn’t believe your mom, when she said you were here.” she says through her tears, “How are you here? Why are you here? Did you bring me anything?”

  I chuckle at her last question.

  “Let’s sit down, and I’ll tell you all what’s been going on.”

  I sit in the middle of my bed with mom and dad on each side, holding my hands. I tell them all about the Fae realm, of how my magic unlocked, my sword training, and training with magic. I tell them about the creepers, and the Deezy attacks. I don’t tell them about my time with my guys or how they appeared in my shower. Those things are better left unsaid.

  “Mom, Dad, Rae, as happy as I am to see you all, I really need to get back. Deezy’s on the loose, and I have a witch to find.”

  I hug them all, and then leave my room, closing the door behind them. I hope I can clear my head enough to get back to the Fae Realm and my men.

  Relax I tell myself, but I find it’s not so easy. I want to go hug the Johnson twins and take a dip in the pool.

  Ok. Focus, Liauna. Think Fae Realm, Evans, Anton, Callum.

  Taking a few breathes in, I clear my thoughts of home here, and start to think about my new home. I picture the courtyard, Kalli sitting by the tree, my guys sword fighting.

  I blink, and I’m back in the courtyard under the tree. Some of the staff see me appear and run over.

  “Princess, are you alright?” one asks.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Do you know where I can find Evans or my father?”

  “Yes, Princess, in the throne room. They were about to send out a search party.”

  Geez, overreact much?

  I make my way to the throne room. With a creak and a groan, I push the doors open. As soon as Evans spots me he pulls a Rae. Tackling me with a hug, he lifts me off the floor, squeezing me tightly.

  “Where have you been?” He asks in my ear.

  He sets me down, and we walk up to my father.

  “Would you believe I was home?” I shrug. “I was thinking about making cinnamon rolls with my mom, and then I was standing in my bedroom. I was going to train early, but stopped for breakfast. I’m sorry if I worried you all.”

  As I finish my sentence, two blurs rush in and I’m wrapped in two sets of arms. Anton on my left, and Callum on my right.

  “Don’t you scare us like that again!” Callum exclaims.

  “I can’t promise that yet. I really need to get a hold on these teleporting powers. Once I do, I’ll make you that promise.”

  From behind us, I hear Kalli laugh. “Then let us get started, Princess. You are late for your training.”

  “I’ll try to be on time from now on.” I wink.

  I untangle myself from the two sets of arms holding me. I kiss all three
of my guys on the cheek, and wave at my father as I follow Kalli back out to the courtyard.

  She heads to the tree I teleported under and takes a seat. Doing the same, I wait on my instructions.

  “Ok, I want to work with your teleporting as well as some elemental magic first. I have talked to your father, and we are going to do half the day on working on teleporting, and the other on an element. Today will be teleporting and fire. We will start with teleporting, as it can get you into trouble. What were you doing or thinking when it happened?”

  “The first time, when I went home, I was thinking of home and my parents. To come back, I thought of the palace and my guys. Not to the place I exactly thought of, but close.”

  “The close part is what worries me. Okay, relax and try to teleport just in the courtyard.” She tells me.

  I do just what I did before, relaxing and breathing in, and I picture the other side of the courtyard.

  The first attempt is not so great. I end up on top of Anton. He, Evans, and Callum have come to watch, and it was not a graceful landing. I think it hurt me more than it did Anton. He must be made of stone.

  I try again and again until I finally land in the spot I picture. Kalli has me try other areas of the castle. When I have that down, it’s time for lunch time.

  A break is just what I need, Callum brings over a sandwich and drink. I’m hungrier than I realize, as I scarf it down in a couple of bites. Looking at Callum, he’s wearing a shocked face. Shrugging, I lean against the tree and enjoy the rest of my break.

  Anton and Evans are sparring. I look at Callum.

  “I want to learn that. Hand to hand. It may be good to know for the future.” I tell him.

  “I don’t like a damsel in distress anyway.” He laughs.

  “No, I’m serious. If you won’t teach me, I’ll go ask one of them.”

  “Fine, geez you’re stubborn. I’ll talk to Kalli and see when we can fit in the training.” He replies as he gets up.

  I stick my tongue out at him and hop up to talk to Anton and Evans.

  I admire my guys as they train, both shirtless, sweaty.

  Get your mind out of the gutter.