10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

"I often write of the evil of the fae, but there is just as much good in them. Their magic can heal, protect, and bring enjoyment. They are like us, a mix of good and bad. But their dark acts often drown out any of their light." – Lord Rhett, First Lord of Sídhetír.

" Y ou're a fucking idiot," Iris said, handing me a cup of lavender tea.

"I beg your pardon?"Iris sat down across from me, wide hands wrapped around her delicate teacup. "You went off with a dark fae. He gave you an excuse to leave, and you charged into danger. And now you've left Byrne Manor after the lord explicitly told you to stay. All marks of stupidity."

"Those might not have been my wisest decisions."

She laughed. "They were stupid, but your intentions were good. I suppose that counts for something. Not much. But something."

I took a sip of tea, and the floral flavor rushed over my tongue as warmth settled in my stomach, soothing me. I leaned back in the chair as all of the tension fled my body.

"I will send plenty of tea home with you. It will help you sleep."

"Thank you."

"A good fuck would also help you sleep."

I jolted and hot tea splattered my hand. Swearing, I dried my hand and dabbed the thigh of my trousers with my handkerchief. "Must you, Iris?"

She lifted her eyebrows. "What? It would help."

"I'll stick with the tea."

"Your choice," she said with a shrug.

Eyes on the stain on my trousers, I asked, "Do you have anything to help with burns?"

"Were you burned?" she asked, chair scraping on the stone floor as she stood.

"No. The fae was."

Iris snorted, but she wandered over to a shelf and chucked a tin at me; I instinctively snatched it before it hit me in the face. She sat back down and crossed her legs, foot bouncing. "I'm sure he's healed, but spread this on the burn and it will dampen the pain, reduce infection, and promote healing. Not that you should want to save him. It would be better if he died."

"Thank you."

"Maybe he will fuck you to sleep? He might as well be useful if he can't fertilize my roses."

I frowned at her, and Iris simply raised her eyebrows.

My feet followed an unseen path through the woods. Lights flashed in the distance, followed by whispers, and I smiled. Wisps. It had been a little while since I'd seen them, not that they cared. I kept my eyes on my surroundings, searching for far more dangerous fae. I didn't know what kind of creatures had hurt the Hillridges and their people, but I never wanted to see them again.

Eventually, I came to the creek and Cethin's cottage. No welcoming curl of smoke came from the chimney. Was he gone, or did he not require a fire as the weather cooled? The creek was higher than it had been the last time I was here. Only the very tops of the stones were visible, and they were shiny with moisture.

I heard Iris calling me an idiot as I stepped onto the first stone. My boot slipped, and my arms went out straight, but I managed to catch myself. "Why does Cethin have to fucking live across a creek with no bridge?"

"Because it was empty," Cethin replied.

Jolting, I started to fall backward, arms swinging wildly. Cethin moved so fast, I couldn't track the movement. One second he was across the creek, and the next, he was holding me upright.

"You are far more trouble than I realized you would be," he commented.

"You startled me."

"That I did." Cethin helped me across the creek, but he didn't remove his hand from my wrist. "Are you recovered?"

"Mostly."

"You should be at the manor, then, if you are not well."

"All I have left is bruises and scabs," I replied. "Nothing to worry about. Are you well?"

His head tilted to the side, sending his white hair tumbling. "What do you mean?"

"Your hands." I pulled out of his hold to grab both of his hands. His skin was gray, with its normal purple undertone, and free of blemish. Iris had been right. I skimmed my thumb over his palm, and Cethin tensed at the touch, fingers twitching. I cleared my throat and tucked my hands into my pockets as heat swamped my face. The tin Iris had given me bumped against my knuckles, and her words bounced in my mind.

"I got this for you," I said, handing him the tincture. "I thought you might still be injured."

He held it close, throat bobbing. "That was very kind of you."

My cheeks were still burning as I said, "I should get back before anyone discovers I'm gone."

A light touch on my elbow stopped me. "I will escort you home."

Cethin stayed close as I crossed the creek with no issues this time. As he walked by my side, I was tempted to put my arm through his, much like Oren had done with Lord Abnus, but I didn't. The forest was empty of noise, except for the sound of my feet breaking twigs, crushing leaves, and smashing the underbrush.

When the sunlight hit my face, I released a long breath. The autumn air rushed over me, making me want to lie on the grass. I was exhausted. Hopefully, the tea Iris had given me would help.

Fingers gently brushed my hair. Cethin held the back of my neck, his thumb resting on my pulse point. "The first time you witness something of that ilk stays with you."

How had he known? "I'm having nightmares."

"That's to be expected, Aidan." He tightened his hold and drew me closer until my nose was practically in his shoulder. "They will fade in time. What you witnessed was unpleasant."

"Mrs. Hillridge and her daughter saw far worse."

"That does not make what you saw any less horrible. You are allowed to be upset by it."

"It didn't bother you, did it?" I asked, though I knew the answer.

"It did not. I have seen much in my long years."

"Maybe I will be like you one day, though I won't live as long."

Cethin's hand tightened on my nape. "I hope not. Becoming immune to such sights is not something to desire."

I couldn't speak with Whit or Oren, who I'd known my whole life, but with this stranger, the words slipped freely out of my lips. Why? Cethin's hand slid from my neck, down my back, and settled around my waist. His other arm joined the first to hold me snuggly in his embrace.

"It's fine to be upset, Aidan. It's alright to vomit or have nightmares or grief. Whatever your response is, it's fine."

"Thank you."

He laughed against my ear, which did odd things to my stomach. "I will have to teach you to never say those words to another fae besides me, for they could take it as you owing them a debt."

I stilled. Never thanking a fae was basic knowledge. Most people gave the fae gifts in lieu of saying thank you. Normally, I never struggled to control my words. With Cethin, something was different.

"I know that."

"Good," he murmured, lips against my neck. "If another fae tried to take you, it would not end well for them."

"What do you mean?"

He chuckled darkly. "I will kill anyone who harms you or tries to take you from me, and that is a promise, Aidan."

I swallowed. What the hell was going on between us? We'd only known each other for a few days, and yet I was willing to break orders to see him. I'd never experienced anything even close to this.

Cethin squeezed me before relaxing his hold and taking my hand. "Let us continue. You need to rest."

I left my hand in his grasp as we headed in the direction of the manor. The closer we got, the slower my steps became. I didn't want to go back into the confining walls.

When my pace became as slow as a snail, Cethin glanced at me. "We could have stayed at my cottage." For some reason a blush surged to my cheeks. Cethin rubbed one with a smirk. "Shall we go somewhere else?"

"The apple orchard."

"Lead the way."

Harvest was coming soon, so the trees were laden with deep red apples. I snagged one of the plump fruits from a low-hanging branch and took a bite, juice flecking my chin. I grabbed another and handed it to Cethin. "Have one."

He held the fruit but did not take a bite. "Do you like apples?"

"Yes, they're my favorite," I said, taking another bite. "I love this time of year. The weather, the baked goods, watching the leaves change color." Cethin didn't say anything as I ate the apple and tossed the core away. He still held the apple I gave him. Maybe he didn't eat human food. Perhaps he didn't like apples?

Cethin grabbed an apple from a heavy branch. "Here is another."

"Do you like apples?" I asked, taking a bite.

"Yes."

I looked pointedly at the apple in his hand, but he didn't eat it. "Do you like autumn?"

"I prefer winter. The deep cold and snow. How bright the stars shine. The glow the moon has amongst the clouds. I don't dislike autumn like spring or summer, though."

I nodded, eating the apple as he watched. When I finished, he started reaching for yet another, and I laughed. "I don't want any more."

His head cocked. "That wasn't much food, and yet you're full? Is that a typical amount for a meal?"

"That wasn't a meal. It was a snack."

"Ah. You require snacks as well."

"I don't necessarily require them, but sometimes, it's nice."

He nodded, stepping closer. "I have much to learn but do not fear, I will."

Why did he care? The debt? He bent down and one of his hands rested on my hip, making my heart leap in my chest.

"What are you doing?" I asked as his lips neared mine.

"Kissing you."

"Why?"

"Because I'm attracted to you, and I thought you were to me." Cethin straightened, his fingers tightening on my waist. "Was I wrong?"

"N-no." I'd never kissed anyone. While I didn't know Cethin's age, I knew he had to be significantly older than me, and therefore more experienced. What if I did it wrong or in a way he didn't like?

Cethin stared at me, not moving. He was waiting—waiting for me to decide. Burying my worries, I pressed my lips against his. It was like a bolt of lightning hit me. Every hair on my arms raised, and my heart tried to break free of my rib cage. I grabbed the front of his shirt and held on, afraid he would back away before I was ready.

He did not seem inclined to leave.

His lips pressed against mine, the pressure soft and slow. Cethin pushed me back until I smacked into the tree, sending several apples to the ground with dull thuds. I tried to imitate his movements, but I couldn't seem to get it right. I tilted my head and tried to mesh my lips to his better. I groaned, frustrated, when it didn't work.

"Stop thinking," Cethin ordered, then bit my bottom lip before running his tongue over it.

The jolt of his tongue touching me went straight to my cock. He closed the distance, his body shoving me back into the rough bark. His mouth became so insistent on mine that I lost all track of my thoughts and focused entirely on the coolness of his skin and the feel of him crushing me.

Cethin kissed my mouth open, and his tongue brushed mine. I jumped. He started to pull back, but I yanked him closer. He chuckled against my lips, making me flush. This time when he invaded my mouth, I was prepared. His tongue ran along mine, and I moaned.

Eventually, Cethin shifted back. His breath was ragged, though it was a sight better than mine. He ran a thumb over my swollen bottom lip. I tightened my hold on his shirt, not wanting him to leave. He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips before stepping back.

I slid my hand down his chest, and Cethin's breath sharpened. I took his hand in mine. "I should go back."

Cethin tugged me, and I stumbled into him. "Come and see me, or I shall find you."

"Is that a threat?" I asked, but there was a smile on my face.

"Yes."