Page 57 of Beneath the Watching

MABEL

Stefan informedme that everyone moved to Lucian’s castle up north, which took me by surprise. How did that happen so fast? He’d been gone, away in the Second Realm, far longer than either of had wanted or expected. The way time worked in this world had my head spinning.

He transitioned us to the other fortress in a blur, holding me close and nuzzling my neck. When I opened my eyes, we were in the mountains, outside a castle that looked like it would’ve been at home in The Lord of the Rings or some other such fantastical setting. Sheets of granite surrounded us on all sides and snow drifted lazily from the steel-gray skies.

Apparently, while he was gone Josiah had gifted him with the ability to transition within Realms rather than solely to and from, which was a burden of the demon race. Stefan told me he’d only utilize the unexpected gift in emergency circumstances, not wanting others to know he possessed the coveted skill.

Stefan led us through the halls of the castle without incident, the bustling crowds, and armed guards seemingly oblivious to us. I’d half expected Lucian to come storming in with a groupof black-clad mercenaries waiting to seize me, but nothing happened.

Thinking of the man who was supposed to be Kiara’s father sent the uncomfortable feeling roiling through me that I again dismissed. If he’d really had any plans for me or there was reason to be concerned, Stefan would’ve told me.

As I glanced around, I noticed workers were carting decorations and piles of cloth on gilded carts with a purpose in their steps, all headed in the same direction.

“What’s going on?”

Stefan peered around us before answering. “Lucian is having a Celebration ball for Kiara soon. No, you can’t talk to her. Yes, we will be there. I’ll spell you so you’re not recognized, don’t worry,” he said, confidently.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “She’s fine.”

“How do you know?” I wanted to ask him to describe “fine,” but I refrained. There was too much room for him to interpret it in a way that wouldn’t help me.

His chest rose and fell. “Lucian has me counseling her.” He shook his head. “She’s annoying but she’s alive.”

The realization that he’d been talking to my friend this whole time and hadn’t told me stung. “I’m glad she’s alive,” was what I said instead of how I really felt.

He nodded. “Come on,” he clasped my forearm and urged me forward, “we have things to discuss.”

Benjamin and Jack were in the sitting room when we entered, arguing over a crossword puzzle. Jack gave me a quick dirty look in answer to my smile, reminding me I likely got him in trouble, and I averted my eyes.

“Leave,” Stefan ordered the two men. “Wait out in the hall.”

The men exited and I followed Stefan to a bedroom. “Sit,” he instructed me.

Perching on the edge of the bed, I asked, “What was Colette talking about, you being counterfeit?”

He pressed his lips together and stared at me before speaking. “It's not something I discuss, and it's only come up recently. I’ve done everything possible to keep it undetected.” He paused. “An assumption of me was made a long time ago and when I realized the advantages, I never corrected it.”

I could see the mental and emotional battle playing out as his fingers twitched. “What is it?” I asked patiently.

Quietly, he answered, “I’m not a full-blooded demon. My mother was human.”

Stefan paced a bit and then muttered something about needing a shower. Watching him move back and forth unsettled me, I’d never seen him quite this flustered before and it sent a flicker of insecurity through me.

“You said something about punishing me before. You can spank me. If you want.” He lifted his head, a stunned expression marring his features. “I mean, if it will make you feel better.” I scooted back on the bed.

When his eyebrows returned to their usual scowl he stalked toward the bed. “No Mabel, that won’t make me feel better right now. What the hell is wrong with you?”

He stomped away and yanked his belt from his pants, slapping it down on top of a dresser, startling me. “I don’t know,” I replied quietly. “I thought you liked it. Maybe it would be relaxing?”

Embarrassment washed over me thinking of my ill-timed comment. I knew I was incredibly awkward and with everything that’d happened, I was weak. I wasn’t sure how to take control of myself, or the unusual circumstances I’d found myself in and knew I’d have to find better coping mechanisms. What had worked for me in the past just didn’t cut it anymore. My face flushed, wishing I could take back my stupid statement.

Stefan dragged his hand down his face, moaning, and returned to the side of the bed. “I did like it. But hurting youfor the sake of inflicting pain does not make me feel better. That’s not really what it’s about.”

He smoothed a hand down my arm. “There’s a lot going on. We’re going to go to this ball in a few days and you’ll stay by my side unless I tell you otherwise—but you will obey me immediately if I tell you to do something.”

I glanced at him. “Okay.” I’d agreed,

Shaking his head, he said, “I just have a feeling about it.”

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