5

Zoe was terrified of the creatures that were circling the large stones that surrounded the house. They were hideous, tall and thin, and their skin seemed too tight to fully cover their faces. Their hair was oily looking, stringy and thinning as it clung to their skulls. They seemed to sway and bob in a hypnotic fashion, their eyes glowing red and their mouths filled with sharp jagged brown teeth. "Invite us in, princess…" they hissed.

Zoe knew better than to taunt them, lest any dare she issued be twisted into a form of invitation. Grandfather had warned her of such tricks, drilling it in her mind to never answer back. She stood in the garden and watched as they tested the strength of the shield. So far, none had made the mistake of trying to walk through, they were waiting. Then she saw them, the dark ones. These creatures she knew, the evil fairy, the Mísióg. They had warred with the Sióg for centuries, even before the days fairies were seen on the earth. Usually the dark fairies were trapped in the in between, in a place the Sióg had trapped them in. There were treaties in place to control them, but somehow the dark ones still managed to cause trouble without actually breaking treaty. Several bat-winged fairies swooped around screeching as the grey skinned black fey burned a circle on the ground and started chanting. She watched, horrified as the evil ones, long time enemies of her mother's people, began spell casting. They were trying to break her grandfather's wards. She knew they were after her, but if they got in, they would kill her father and Tariq. If she called them out of the house, they would fight, and get hurt or die. She did not have the power to stop this…

Russ paced along the end of Zoe's bed with deep worry creases in his forehead. It was late afternoon and she was still out cold, and obviously dreaming. Her sleep was not peaceful, and with a Sióg Seer that was not a good sign. It would likely be another hour or two before Tariq rejoined them. It was likely he had aided her in sleeping so soundly. Russ sighed, knowing he would be unable to wake her from such a state. He decided pacing would do no good, so he went to the kitchen. She'd be hungry when she finally woke.

Tariq came awake suddenly, a great uneasiness settling in his chest. Immediately he reached for Zoe and found her in distress. She was dreaming, her heart racing with fear. He tried to enter the dream to protect her there, but could not. Tariq knew the sun had not yet set, but it wouldn't matter, he had to go to her now. He opened the earth above him, cleaning and clothing himself even as he rose to the surface. He refilled the hole with a wave of his hand, shifted to mist and streamed up into the house and to her room with preternatural speed. He materialized beside her bed, and sat next to her thrashing body.

"Zoe, my heart, wake for me," he said gently but firmly. "Wake and take comfort from your lifemate." He brushed her hair from her face and watched as she opened her eyes. She was disoriented for a moment, her eyes unseeing though they stared right at him. "Zoe, breathe with me. You are safe," his hand cupped her cheek and he looked into her eyes, waiting for the fog of sleep to lift.

"They know, Tariq, they know. I have to tell daid now. It's not máthair's family that knows. It's the Mísióg, the Dark Fairy that will be coming. I want Seanathair! He will know what to do," Zoe was near panic, and Tariq just pulled her into his arms and held her as she spoke her fears. "We have to call athair…"

"Zoe, slow down and tell us what you saw," Russ said as he arrived, sitting at her other side. "Was it in the Here?"

"They were like in the books, the dark ones; they were attacking the circle, using dark spells to weaken it. There were hideous creatures with them, not like the Sióg or the Mísióg, but evil…"

Tariq tried to reach for her memory of the vision but it was hidden from him as if protected. Nothing should hide, not with their blood bond. "Zoe, I cannot see your vision, can you let down the protections? I only wish to know what it is you fear."

"I'm not hiding it from you, I can't hide it from you," Zoe protested. "Not before, and certainly not now, after we…"

"After you what?" Russ interrupted with a hard edge to his voice. He looked accusingly at Tariq and waited.

"Zoe and I exchanged blood; it was her conscious choice, so that she may see into my mind as I can see into hers. It also aids me in keeping her safe, for now there is no place on this earth I cannot find her," Tariq answered without a hint of guilt or thought of wrongdoing. It was the way of his people, not in the least improper between lifemates. Most Carpathian males claimed their lifemates immediately. He was making great concessions for her age already, and at no small cost to his physical or newfound emotional comfort.

"It was my choice," Zoe defended him.

"At his prompting, no doubt," Russ said with annoyance. "I can see the benefit to her safety, but I think once is enough before her birthday. I am aware of what happens with enough exchanges, and it is too soon."

"You are well informed about our people," Tariq observed, his voice and expression unreadable.

"I know only what I can read from you. I am not without my own gifts, small though they are," Russ said. "Your thoughts are guarded, but it is there. You are walking a fine line, trying to honor my daughter, and my guardianship of her, but you are struggling with your own instincts. Your Carpathian blood is making demands of you that you cannot satisfy until she comes of age. It takes a toll, yet you choose to endure. There is honor in you, Tariq, but I know how close you are."

"What does he mean, 'you are close'? What are you close to? How can we help you?" Zoe asked, "Is there something I can do to make it easier on you?" She was worried, because her father was worried. "What is it you cannot satisfy?"

Tariq frowned, "It is not my wish for you to worry for me, sívamet. There is still much about our people you do not yet know. Your father worries for your safety from every possible threat, as he should. But his worry the threat might come from me is misplaced. It cannot happen."

"What threat?" Zoe exclaimed. "Someone explain now."

"Carpathians who live too ling without their… um, wife… well they can choose to kill when they feed to feel the power, and they become vampires. It's where vampires come from, Zoe," Russ said bluntly.

Zoe turned to Tariq, it all made sense now, "That's why Carpathians hunt Vampires, isn't it? It's because your people are ultimately responsible for their existence in the first place. If you found me, why is he still worried?"

"We have not bonded, so our souls have not joined. My soul needs yours to balance the darkness Carpathian males are born with. I am not going to throw away the gift of finding you if I must wait two more weeks. You are safe," Tariq assured. "Your courage to share your blood with me has helped alleviate a little of my discomfort. It is a small bond between us."

Russ sighed, brushing that aside and returning to the threat at hand, "Do we dare risk a call to Merlin on this? Can you see when?"

"Oh, I don't know, I just know something bad is going to happen soon, and it will come at night," Zoe said. "Can't you see it, Tariq? I want you to look, I'm inviting you," she said desperately. Would that open the vision to him?

"Visions are protected, Zoe. Only Seers can have visions, and I don't think he can see it. Why don't you draw what you saw? You can share it that way." Russ turned to Tariq, "She's really quite the artist."

"But I don't do portraits," she said firmly. "I never do portraits."

Tariq was intrigued and gave Russ a questioning look. Russ just shook his head and said, "Let's leave Zoe to dress, and she can bring her sketch book downstairs to the kitchen. I'll make her something to eat." Tariq reluctantly followed Russ, though he hated leaving her. Once they were in the kitchen Russ sighed. "She sees things when studying a subject. She sees into their soul, into their past pains; it's almost a compulsion to depict it in her painting. Sometimes she sees what a person needs to heal their soul, but mostly she sees the pain, or depravity. She did a portrait of a family friend once, and it shook her up. She painted the car crash that took his wife, in vivid, full color, horrifying detail. She swore off portraits after that."

Tariq frowned, "She is such a gentle soul that such things would affect her deeply. I will not just guard her safety, but her heart and soul as well. It is the duty of every Carpathian male to protect his lifemate in all things."

Russ nodded, "I know, Tariq. I do trust you with her." He paused, "I want you to know, that if anything should happen to me, she will be your soul responsibility; there is no one else. It's possible this could happen very soon, before her birthday. If it does, you can't wait for her to turn eighteen. Just know that you will have my blessing."

"You speak with the voice of foreknowledge," Tariq said with concern on his usually reserved face. "It would greatly displease me to fail in protecting my lifemate's family. How can we avoid my displeasure?"

Russ couldn't help but laugh, "If my fate is written, you cannot prevent it. If it happens as I was told, I will die with honor and return to the arms of my wife. I can ask for no more, knowing Zoe will be cherished and protected." He paused, and looked serious for a moment, "She doesn't know of this, and should not be told."

"I will not speak of it, but she can read my mind, when she is ready to do so. At present, she is a bit shy," Tariq admitted with a small smile. He could hear the water running for her shower and nearly cringed.

Russ turned his attention to making breakfast, but said lightly, "I remember when I first met her mother; I thought I would die if I couldn't be with her every little moment. Somehow I managed, and you will too."

"Tell me of her," Tariq prompted.

"Zania… she's a power to be reckoned with. She is a Gardener. She built the Oak Ring to protect our family. It took a bag of acorns and an afternoon to create trees the size of those hundreds of years old. She spelled them to hide us, and unless you have been welcomed, within the ring appears to be dense forest from any angle, including the air. The house and the stone circle are of the Idir, the in between. Our grandfather created those for us when he blessed our union," Russ knew Tariq needed to understand all of this, but few had dealt with the Sióg. Some things were hard to explain.

"Merlin," Tariq supplied his name. "Am I to understand that he is the Merlin of legend?"

Russ smirked, "Don't ever tell him he is a legend, Tariq. His arrogance needs no help. He is the one written of, though none of it is truly accurate. The people of the in between are careful not to leave their mark on the world. Merlin was accorded a little leniency as he was the son of an important Sióg noble, and his mother was a favored dalliance. Though he is of mixed parentage, he is powerful. It is rumored that children of such unions far surpass their parents for power. That is the true reason it is forbidden. When discovered, all such children are taken to the in between forever."

A sudden rage filled Tariq at the thought of someone daring to take Zoe from him. It was like pure fire in his chest, closely followed by the icy fear of losing her to something unknown. All at once he felt the soft warmth of comfort invade his chaotic thoughts. Tariq? Are you alright? Her concern whispered through his body like a healing balm. It was the first time she had reacted to his emotions and responded to him, without his reaching for her. Yes, Zoe, I am well. Your sweet voice has calmed me. Now in a little more control, he asked Russ, "How can I protect her?"

"I believe once you are bonded, and she is… like you, she will not be detected any longer as Sióg. Her dream concerns me. If the dark ones seek her, I am unsure what to do. They are powerful, and they do not follow rules." Russ said as he spread jelly on toast. He glanced at the doorway just in time to see Zoe hugging her sketch book with fear in her eyes.

"What does he mean, like you?" she asked Tariq pointedly. No one said anything about her changing from who she was, what she was, whatever that was.

Russ quickly deflected, "Zoe, come eat. I made your favorite omelet and toast. You can sketch your dream after breakfast. We need to know what we are dealing with."

Zoe frowned, but set her book down and sat at the table. "What about him? He can't eat an omelet."

"I will go and scout around in a little while. I'll hunt for what I need at that time," Tariq said flatly. He was not happy with Russ stirring Zoe's curiosity so soon. Some subjects were delicate, and needed time and trust before broaching them with her.

Zoe picked at her food, though she loved her garden omelets, especially the way her daid made them, she wasn't hungry. Don't think I'm letting you off the hook on that question, Tariq. I will expect an explanation later. She frowned at her plate. He had put two kinds of mushroom and tomatoes and onions and several enticing herbs in it. Why was it so unappealing? Why did her stomach feel nauseous at the very thought?

Zoe, you must eat, please, for me. Tariq had not expected one blood exchange to affect her appetite so strongly. He caught her looking at him and immediately locked gazes with her; he used a strong mental push. He built the feeling of hunger, enhanced the aromatic scents of the herbs and onions. He enveloped her in comfort and directed her attention back to her food. You will eat it all, and it will stay down and nourish you.

Russ watched in fascination as Zoe ate her food, almost in a trance. Tariq was focused on her, and he just knew that the changes in his daughter were already starting. He also knew it was the only way to save her. If either the fairy or their dark nemesis got their hands on Zoe, they would lock her up and exploit her gifts. He doubted Zania could help her, princess or no, as a lawbreaker she would undoubtedly be punished. Sióg punishments were inventive and cruel.

Finally Zoe seemed to return to her own sassy self as she looked at her empty plate and then turned a furious gaze on Tariq, "Really? You seriously just hypnotized me into eating?"

"Your body needs nourishment," Tariq said lightly. "Now please, will you share this artistic talent with me so we may prepare for our enemies?"

Our enemies, he had said. He had no idea what might be coming, but he stood with her without flinching. She hoped he wouldn't regret it. She opened her book to a blank page and started sketching. Deep in her mind she pulled the dream back to her, searching her memory for important details, anything that could help. Her memory of this dream was all they had to prepare them.

Tariq didn't want to hover, so he tried to distract himself. "Zoe said something about books."

"Yes, the Lore Books. Some have illustrations. Come to the library," Russ headed down the hall to the library with Tariq close behind. He opened a locked cabinet and pulled out a large leather bound volume that looked hundreds of years old. He carefully placed it on the table and stepped back. "Show me the Mísióg." The book flew open and pages started flying until it found the right page.

Tariq stared at the collection of nightmarish creatures. Some looked like twisted goblin-like men with bat wings, some like angry looking dwarfs, and some looked almost human, save their grey skin color. All had fangs and red eyes. "Tell me what they want," Tariq said.

"They want to kill all the Sióg, abolish all their laws and rule the Anseo, the Here. It is not spoken of much, even in the books, but they like to eat human flesh," Russ admitted distastefully. "They are all exiled to a part of the in between that is dark and evil. It is like a prison, but they find ways of getting out and causing trouble now and then."

"All right, I have a sketch for you," Zoe said as she entered the library. She laid the book on the table and Russ gasped. They were all dark fairies, with a few exceptions.

"Vampires," Tariq spat the word angrily. "How is it I have lived two thousand years with no knowledge of Fairies, and there are vampires working with them?"

Zoe gasped, "How old are you?"

Tariq turned to her and grinned, "Old enough to know how to keep my lifemate safe and happy."

The color drained from her face at the thought of how very silly she must seem to him. Arguing over two weeks of freedom seemed so petty now. How much more growing up can she even do in two weeks anyway? She'd need a lifetime to even offer a little maturity to a man of his power and knowledge. How could she even possibly hope to please this man?

That it even concerns you proves far more maturity than you give yourself credit for, sívamet. You worry for me, not yourself. Tariq whispered into her mind even as she felt his hand stroke her cheek and his lips brush a kiss on her brow. That amazed her as he was seated across the table from her.

Sometimes I like to sort my worries on my own, she scolded him.

No need to worry at all with me to share your worries with. Look into my mind, I am waiting for you to see all of me, Tariq said in that sexy velvet tone.

Russ cleared his throat, "Suggestions?"

Tariq sighed. He hated to admit it, but it might be time to call reinforcements. "I think we may want help. If they intend to come with an army, perhaps we need one of our own."

"Your friend from the party?" Zoe asked.

"Among others. I think I need to go scout and hunt. I'll put out a call and see who can help," Tariq said.

"I'll find out what I can about the Dark Fairies. Maybe I can get us some expert help too," Russ said. Maybe it was time to call granddad.

"What can I do?" Zoe asked.

"Kiss me goodbye, and then kiss me hello when I return to you," Tariq said with a mischievous smile.

Russ rolled his eyes, "I think I'll go make a call." He didn't need to watch his daughter smooch.

When Russ left, Tariq came around the table and pulled Zoe into his arms, "I don't want you to leave the safety of this house while I am gone. In your picture, I could plainly see these evil ones were trying to enter the circle."

"They were trying to make me invite them in," she admitted softly. "I felt so helpless. They were after me. I don't know spells or fighting. How can I protect you and daid?"

Tariq's heart swelled, not only from her worry for his safety, but that she spoke of him first, even before her father. It felt so good to be cared for by this woman. It was not love yet, he knew that, but she did care. "It is not for you to protect us; it is for me to protect you. That right and privilege is mine, and I take that seriously. Nothing will harm you as long as I live. Your understanding of my people is so limited, but make no mistake, we are powerful. I command the weather, take any shape I wish, move with blinding speed and strike with great strength. I will not fail you, Zoe."

"I don't want anything to happen to you, especially not on my account," Zoe admitted.

Tariq smiled and his eyes sparkled as they looked into hers. She had quickly taken up residence in his heart, and he was utterly lost to her. His eyelids drooped and he slowly lowered his head to capture her lips. Zoe, kiss me now and put your fears and worries aside.

His arms held her, wrapping her in his warmth as his lips took hers. It was a kiss of comfort, a kiss of promise, soft and sweet. This time, it was she that tempted him by stroking his lips with her tongue. When she gently nipped his lower lip, he pulled her body tighter against his, growled softly and slid his tongue into her mouth. Her fingers slid into his hair, holding his head to her, knowing he was leaving her and wanting to make this kiss last forever. Don't go.

Oh, Zoe, my heart, I must. I will not leave you for long. He slowly drew back, knowing he was tempting himself with these passionate kisses, but unable to stop kissing her at every opportunity. "I will speak to any of my people who are near. W will prepare to meet this threat, and I will return to you soon. You can talk to me anytime you wish, even when we are apart. I will always answer you."

Maybe I will just have a little look around in your head and learn how you tick, she threatened mischievously. She was not quite brave enough to look yet, but he didn't know that.

Please do, Zoe, I want your light in every secret part of me, chasing away all my shadows. I need you, he said to her, even as he turned into a mist and streamed under the back door out into the night. I'll be back soon for my welcome kiss.

You better! She couldn't fight him anymore. The infuriating Carpathian had found his way into her heart. "Be careful." She added softly out loud. There was no way she wasn't going to worry about him while he was gone.

Irish Gaelic Translations

anseo - here

ar aghaidh - next

athair - father

athair céile - father-in-law

banphrionsa - princess

daid - father

dorcha - dark

dubh - dark

dúghorm - dark blue

idir - between

le do thoil - please

leasathair - Step father

máthair – mother

mí- (prefix) - evil

Mísióg – evil fairy

ná - do not

scoir - quit

seanathair - grandfather

sióg - fairy

Carpathian Translation

csitri - little one (female).

o köd belsö - darkness take it.

päläfertiil- mate or wife.

päläfertiilam – my lifemate.

sívamet - my heart.

3