Fae Street (8 page)

Chapter 19

Harrison entered Alexa’s house and didn't even bother knocking. He just kicked in the door. He looked around but didn't see Alexa. She was here, though; he could smell her perfume. There was a scream and Alexa came at him with a knife. She came at him and he moved out of the way and quickly grabbed the knife. It didn't take much effort on his part to disarm her and put her into a submissive position.

“Harrison?” Alexa asked. Her eyes were wide, her breathing increased, and she feared him. The fear that came off of her excited him. He loved fear; it’s what he fed off of, and the reason he did so well in the guard.

Harrison whipped around and slammed her against the wall, his breath hot and deadly against her neck. He felt her body tremble against his and it turned him on. All those times in the past she had had the upper hand, but now that she deceived him the tables had turned and now he was the one in charge. “Lachlan brought me into his office today. Why you ask? Well, you selfish bitch, your former lover, Richard, is part Fae. Oh and that’s not all. He is Lachlan’s grandson!”

“You’re lying. He’s not Lachlan’s Grandson. He can’t be; he’s just a nobody.”

Alexa kneed him in the groin and Harrison released her with a painful moan.

“You fucking bitch.”

“Oh suck it up. You’re here and you’re fine so do what you promised and find Richard and bring him to me. I won’t take no for an answer.”

Harrison slowly stood up straight before he smiled and then struck Alexa across the face. Her lip started bleeding. Alexa licked her lip, tasting the coppery flavor on her tongue.

“Things have changed, Alexa dear. You will listen to me; I am in charge now. You have denied me too long. Give me what I want and perhaps I will consider not turning you over.”

Harrison didn't wait for her answer; he pushed her down. He was on top of her and kissed her forcefully as he clawed at her clothes, ripping them to shreds. At first, she seemed to resist then she submitted to him. The one thing Alexa leaned long ago was to use her body to get what she wanted, or in this case get out of trouble.

“That’s right, fuck me,” she challenged, allowing him to do what he wanted.

“You like it rough, bitch. I'll give it to you.” His black wings extended as he straddled her. Alexa screamed but he wasn't fooled. He knew it was part of the game. He stripped out of his pants and his cock protruded from his body, ready to take her.

Richard and Blake kicked in the door of Alexa’s house. Richard stopped dead in his tracks. He watched Alexa in the living room being fucked by some winged bat-like creature. Alexa moaned and at first didn't even notice Richard and Blake standing there. She screamed when she finally noticed him and kicked off the man.

Alexa stood naked and without shame. She looked at Richard with contempt.

“You finally came back to me. Did you miss me?”

Richard scoffed. “Hardly, but I hear you hold a grudge like nobody’s business and you took my mate. Bad move, very bad move on your part.”

“Your mate,” she hissed. “I could have been your mate, but you used me and never gave me another thought. Nobody treats me like that!”

Harrison put his pants back on as he lurked in the background. Alexa had all her attentions on Richard. He stood behind her, ready to make his move. He grabbed Alexa by the hair and before Richard could protest, he cut her deeply across the throat and dropped her to the ground. In less than a minute, Alexa was dead and a steady pool of blood grew around her head. It was over. He never wanted her dead just to get his mate and to be left alone.

“I, Harrison: Seelie General, officially apologize for the warrant against you, Richard. I have killed Alexa in defense of Lachlan’s family. You are a free man, Richard. I hope you will forgive me. Please tell Lachlan I defended you and wish him and his family good fortune.”

“What do I have to forgive you for?” Richard asked.

“Alexa. She was one conniving bitch. Fooled me, and I almost paid for it with my life.”

Richard took a good look at the man in front of him. He looked like a gargoyle or something that was truly scary. Richard decided to forgive the man just to get him out of his sight.

“Thank you. I will relay the message to my grandmother.”

Harrison bowed to Richard and left without another word. Richard didn’t even pause as he started running through the house searching for Cam. He checked each room until he finally reached a small back room where she was sitting tied in a chair and, surprisingly, had a small boy hiding behind her.

“Richard, you found me. I knew you would rescue me.” He took out a knife and quickly cut her out of the rope that held her. She practically jumped on him, hugging and kissing him. “What happened? I heard a loud bang and shouting. I had no idea what was going on.”

“Alexa was killed. I didn't kill her, but she’s dead now.”

Lyle ran out and hugged Cam and started crying.”Where’s Mommy? I want Mommy, I want Mommy.”

“It will be alright; I will take care of you,” Cam said to Lyle.

“Forever and ever?”

“Yes, forever and ever.”

Richard felt bad for not realizing that the boy could have been Alexa's. “Is this him, my child?”

“Yes. Alexa told me it ruined her life and it’s why she wanted to ruin you. I’m sorry, Richard.”

“That bitch never told me. Oh, sorry kid. I didn't mean that.”

Cam took Lyle's small hand and placed it into Richard's large one. “Lyle, this is Richard. He's your father.”

Chapter 20

Blake, Richard, Cam, and Lyle came upon the Seelie castle. The walk was long and quite silent. Richard was happy to be able to get his grandma and finally get home. They reached the entrance and the two guards nodded and let them pass. Richard thought nothing of it, but Blake knew this wasn't the normal treatment. Once they entered the palace grounds, they were met by Emily and shown though the palace to an office door.

“Lachlan is expecting you. He is relieved you have found your mate and this whole thing is over. Oh, listen to me babble on. Go on in.” Emily held the door open.

Richard walked inside with his arms around Cam protectively. Lyle followed closely behind them. Richard was impressed how Cam took Lyle and treated him like her own, but it was harder for Richard. He just reminded him of Alexa and everything he went through and what he could have lost. He could tell Cam cared for the boy so he had no choice but to take him in, but that didn't mean he had to bond with him.

The group entered the large office and Lachlan came from around his and gave Richard a hug. “Grandson I am so glad to finally meet you. You look just like my late brother, Feliks.”

“Thank you, Grandfather. I came to get Grandma and head back.”

“You must stay. I want to get to know you and your mate. And who is this little fella?” Lachlan said, referring to Lyle.

“My son. Alexa never told me; I just found out.”

“I know she was horrible, but we will be thankful she gave you a son and will be remembered for that. Children are always a treasure in life.”

“Richard!”

“Grandma.”

Liana hugged and kissed Richard like crazy, holding onto him tightly.

“Is it over?” Liana asked.

“Yes. We can go home now.”

“Actually, I've been thinking I would stay a while.

Blake tried his best to stay composed. Everything he did was for Liana. He clenched his teeth, talking through them with forced restraint.

“I see you have decided to go back to
him
.”

“Blake, I know you must hate me but I hope in time you can see I need to be here and try again.” Liana gave Blake a gentle smile.

Blake walked over to Lachlan, who remained silent. “You won; she is yours. If I hear she isn't the happiest she has ever been, I will find you and I will hurt you.”

“You know you could never hurt me. I would kill you before you got close enough. The fact that you would attempt such a suicide mission on Liana's behalf means you care. I wish you a long and prosperous life, Blake.” Lachlan held out his hand and Blake took it. He shook the hand firmly and he walked out and closed the door firmly behind him.

Lachlan took Liana's hand and kissed her. It wasn't a toe curling passionate kiss, it was a sweet ‘I am happy to be with you’ kiss.”

“Liana, I love you.”

“I think you are the reason I have not moved on. I just couldn't, no matter how much I wanted to,” Liana said. A tear fell from her eye and Lachlan took her into his arms and held her.

Richard didn't know what to think. He watched his grandparents, but they didn't feel like grandparents; they looked like any other young couple on the street. Richard gave his grandmother a kiss.

“I will call you soon, okay?”

“Oh, Richard, I wish you would stay just for a little bit. I want to get to know Cam and Lyle.”

“I have to get back. I've been in hiding far too long.  I need to get back to my life. I will come and visit soon.”

Liana looked over at Cam and Lyle. “She is beautiful, Richard. This is a blessing; a mate and a son.”

Liana picked up Lyle and hugged him tightly. She swung him around playfully and Lyle squealed with joy.

“I am your Great-Grandma. I will come visit soon.”

“Okay, Grandma,” Lyle replied.

Richard watched Liana play with Lyle and was envious that both she and Cam seemed to bond with the boy instantly. “Grandma, we really need to get going. I haven't slept in my own bed for far too long.”

“Tell Gretchen to call me; we can talk some more.”

They parted ways and walked out of the palace. A carriage was waiting out front and Emily informed them it would be their ride to whatever portal they wanted to go through.

A few hours later, they arrived at the portal. The ride had been quiet and the only noise was the sound of the horse on the dirt road. They occasionally passed a Fae cottage or house. Some even waved as they passed. They probably thought royalty was traveling because of the carriage.

Richard kissed Cam on the cheek. “It’s time; it’s finally time to go home.”

Cam ran up to the porch and was met by Gretchen, who handed over a squealing Zoe. Cam held her daughter tightly and cried as she kissed her on the head. “I love you so much, Baby.”

I love you, Mommy. The bad people took you.

“Richard rescued me,” Cam answered.

I told you he loves you.

Cam carried Zoe and Lyle followed. She entered Richard’s room, and Richard was surprised. It looked cleaner and nicer than when he left months ago.

“You're a pig, so I cleaned up, and added a few decorative touches. It looks better now. You can share a bed until we can get another one.”

“Where will we put it?”

“Good point. You can either switch to bunk beds or you can just continue sharing.”

“I guess you’re stuck sharing a bed with me, Lyle. Can you put up with me?”

Lyle smiled. It was the first time Richard attempted a conversation with him. “Yes, sir. I would like that.”

“Just call me Richard.”

“Richard,” Lyle said. He hugged Richard then hopped onto the bed. “So big,” Lyle said, stretching out on the king size bed.

Richard looked over and saw his sister, Gretchen, standing there with an envelope in her hand. “This just came for you.”

“What is it?”

“It came through the portal. It’s addressed to you.”

Richard took the envelope and opened it and carefully read the letter. It was from Alexa’s parents. It said they wanted to be kept out of everything concerning Lyle. They set up an account with ten million dollars for Richard to care for Lyle and to keep his mouth shut concerning who Lyle’s mother was.

“Cam, can you watch Lyle for a little bit? I need to go take care of a few things.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now. I'll be back soon.”

Cam agreed, but wasn't thrilled about being left so soon after they got home. Once Richard left she collapsed on Richard’s bed with Lyle and Zoe. It had been a long couple days and thought some quiet reading time would be the perfect activity. She grabbed a few books and jumped into bed and both Zoe and Lyle laughed and smiled.

“It's been a long day. How about some stories then bed?”

Stories; no bed,
Zoe said in Cam’s head.

“Yes, bed. Mommy needs rest, and Lyle is tired, too,” Cam replied.

“Why does Zoe talk inside my head and not out loud?” Lyle asked.

“We are Fae, and most Fae are born with gifts. Do you have any gifts?”

“No. Mommy said I was a mutt and will never be a Fae.”

“Lyle, I'm sorry your mommy said that. You’re Fae no matter what. It may just take a while for yours to pop up.” Cam poked him in the stomach and he giggled.

“Here we go; time to read.”

Chapter 21

Richard walked inside the Paranormal Subdivision model home. Luckily, since they also catered to Vampires and other night creatures, it was a twenty-four hour operation. A woman approached and smiled. She was very pale and had dark hair pulled up. She looked very professional in a black skirt and blood red blouse that happened to match her lipstick perfectly.

“Good evening, sir. I am Nora. I am so thrilled, just thrilled you have decided to come out of the closet and into society as who you are.”

Richard could tell she was a Vampire, but she wasn’t anything like any other Vampire he had ever met. She was beautiful like all Vampires, but her voice was high pitched with a southern accent and very cheerful.

“Thanks. I, um, well, I need a house. A big house for my family.”

“Can I ask your affiliation so I can better serve you?”

What the hell is with these questions?

“Werecat and Fae.”

“A hybrid couple how delightful. Have you decided where you would feel most comfortable?”

“I'm not sure yet. We live with my sister on Werecat Avenue, but I think maybe with the Fae as I want my mate and children to be comfortable.”

“Fae street is lovely—so many different species within the Fae. We have a small but growing group. How many bedrooms?”

“Five. I don't want to have to move again in a few years.”

“Oh my, we are quite optimistic. That would require a double lot.”

“We already have two, so it's not that optimistic.”

“Come this way. I'll show you two different five bedroom models.”

Nora pulled out floor plans of two houses and Richard looked at them both carefully. One was a standard colonial with a wrap around country porch and two car garage. Four of the bedrooms upstairs and one on the main floor. The second house was a ranch style house with a smaller front porch, but also a large deck on the back and a three car garage. He liked the ranch, but without looking at a model he wasn't sure.

“I like the ranch. Do you have a finished model?”

“I have something even better. I have that same model double lot and it’s almost finished. It was supposed to be for a Doctor in the Paranormal wing of the hospital. He got a better offer at the last minute. The builder won’t let him out of the contract, but has agreed to let me resell it for him. It’s a great deal. He's taking 20% off for a quick sell. It’s on Fae Street, too. I think its fate. What do you say?”

“I have to say you are different from any Vampire I have ever met.”

“I'm taking that as a compliment. Here are all the brochures on our development. The clubhouse and pool is still under construction, but is scheduled to be finished in six months. The Fae school has a bus that picks up the children on the end of the block. We are also in the planning stages of building an onsite daycare and preschool.”

Richard listened to Nora and couldn’t quite wrap his mind around what he was doing. He was buying a house for his family. He knew Cam would love the house.

“Oh, one last thing: here is the lot number so you and your mate can do a drive by.” Nora wrote it on the front of the brochure and handed everything over to Richard.

“Do you live here, too?”

“Oh, yes. I was smart and got the pre-construction price. Customized just for me—ground floor completely light tight; top floor has all windows with a daylight timed shades.”

“I would like to walk around the model a bit before I leave.”

“Of course. Would you like the full tour? I could highlight the upgrades and special features.”

“Thank you, but I’d rather just wander on my own.”

Just when Richard stood up, another couple entered the office and Richard was able to get away and wander around a bit. Everything as new and obviously upgraded to the hilt. Granite counter tops and beautiful mahogany cabinets in the kitchen. The living room had beautiful hardwood floors and a view of the pool in the backyard. He walked out the front door and saw a park. Even though it was well past midnight, there were still some children playing. No surprise since the model was on Vampire Lane. He would have some tough decisions to make.

But right now, it was late and he had a family to get back to.

***

Richard walked into his bedroom and found Cam and both kids sound asleep in his bed. He had hoped to talk with Cam, but dared not disturb her after the last few days. He grabbed a change of clothes and shut the bedroom door behind him, deciding a nice long, hot shower would be wonderful. He stood under the shower for what seemed like an eternity. He took his time lathering up and rinsing, washing several days of dirt off. He dressed in comfy sweats and a white wife beater. He walked into the kitchen to find Gretchen sitting at the table with her nightly cup of hot cider. She stood up and smacked him on the head.

“What were you thinking?”

“You are such a jerk; I have been so worried!”

“I'm sorry, Gretch. I didn't want to go to prison. I just ran and hid like a coward.”

“It's not always about you, Richard. What about Cam and Zoe? They worried about you, too.”

“You can't tell me anything I haven't already told myself. I'm trying to make up for it. I'm back and I'm going to do the right thing. I promise.”

Gretchen grabbed her brother and hugged him and began crying on him. She had never been so scared in her life and decided right there if he ever did that again she would kill him herself.

“How are the kids?”

“Sound asleep in my bed. I'll be on the couch tonight.”

“Where have you been, anyway? I thought you might not come back.”

“I may be scared shitless of having an instant family, but I love them. I would never leave.”

“And Lyle?”

“That may take a little longer. I have mixed feelings. I still have so much hate for his mother, but at the same time I know I should be happy he's my son and in my life now.”

“You can't expect to love him instantly. Spend time with him. Take him fishing or something. Don’t be such a wuss. He looks so much like you, you know.”

“I know, and thanks, Gretch. I'm going to sleep now.” Richard kissed his sister on the cheek and fell onto the couch. It didn't take long until he was blissfully asleep. 

***

Richard woke up to the blaring sound of cartoons on the T.V. Lyle sat on the edge of the couch where he slept, eating a bowl of cereal and watching T.V. He reached over and patted Lyle on the back in greeting. He yawned as he sat up.

“Hey there, little guy.”

Lyle smiled and then belted out. “Cam! He's awake, he's awake!” He turned around and looked at Richard. “Cam says I can call you Daddy.”

“Um, well that's true, but you can just call me Richard.”

“So I can't call you Dad?”

“Well, this is so new to us both, Lyle. Maybe we could wait a little while until we get to know each other a little better first.”

“Okay, Richard,” Lyle said and went right back to his T.V. watching.

Cam came into the living room and smiled, her red hair tied up into a ponytail. She wore sweats and a t-shirt, but it still didn't keep him from imagining her naked on top of him. Richard stood up and faced her.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“Like a rock. Sorry we took your bed.”

“No, I want you to. I think you should take my bed with Lyle and I can take the couch. After everything, I think he feels safest with you.”

“Richard, I couldn't. I will go back to my bed and you can sleep with Lyle. I insist.”

“Cam, I don't want to be alone with him. What if I roll over him while I'm asleep?”

“Richard, don't be afraid; he's your son.”

“I have a surprise for you, and the kids,” Richard said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Cam couldn’t help but laugh. “And what kind of surprise is it?”

“Get dressed and you'll find out.”

***

Richard waited and waited and, finally, two hours later Cam, Lyle, and Zoe were all dressed and ready to go.

Richard drove around the subdivision for a few minutes. He hadn't really thought this plan through. He thought it would be a great surprise to show her the house he bought for them. He turned the car onto Fae Street and stopped in front of the almost finished house. No workers seemed to be at the house yet, so he figured it wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

“Richard, why are we stopping?”

“Come on; the surprise is inside.”

Richard unbuckled Lyle while Cam got Zoe out of the car seat and carried her, following behind Richard and Lyle.

Richard opened the empty house and held the door for Cam. She walked in and was surprised at how big it was. Beautiful hardwood floors, a huge kitchen, and a fireplace in the adjoining family room made up the magnificent home.

“This house is beautiful and so big,” Cam said as she circled around, looking at every detail of the house.

Richard wasn't sure what he expected, but this surpassed anything he imagined. The cabinets were only partially installed, but he could already imagine the house filled with children.

“Okay, I'm really confused. Where is the surprise?” Cam asked, putting Zoe down so she could run around with Lyle.

“Cam, this is going to be my family home. I bought it. I wanted to get your opinion. I'm worried it’s just too big for two people.”

“It is so big, but once you find a mate you will need the space. This way you won’t have to move again.”

“I got an excellent deal since the buyer backed out at the last minute.”

Cam was a bit disappointed he wasn't asking her to move in. She didn’t want to assume anything, but she was still over the moon excited for him. “Please let me help decorate. It would be so much fun.”

“The job is yours, if you want it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I'm hiring you to be my decorator. And don't worry about expenses. I have plenty of money thanks to Lyle’s grandparents.”

“That’s a generous offer, but I’m hoping my job at
Mommy And Me
is still available.”

“When did you get a job?”

“Just before I was taken. I’m very excited to be working with children.”

Cam thought that this could be her first step in being able to be more independent and not relying so much on Gretchen for help and money.

“They would be fools not to give your job back.”

Richard took Cam’s hand. She felt tingles through her body. She was feeling confused. Did he still feel things for her, or was he ready to move on?