Page 53 of Veiled

I blew out a breath, “I feel like every-time you answer a question I have several more, but first, is there a secret Faerie reason why my marks go past my pelvic bone and wrap around my entire back and legs? Is it like a Queen thing?” Kalen blinked and looked at me standing very still.

“That has not been seen in our history,” his eye quickly flicked to Remis’, which was another fucking question I had, I put it in my long list of to be asked. “That would be an indication of a strength and connection to your powers beyond my current knowledge and understanding. Can you show me?” I shrugged and tugged off my shirt and pulled down my yoga pants.

I turned aroundand showed him the marks on my lower back, butt, back of my legs as well as the front. Brushing my long hair over my shoulder I showed them my arms, chest and collar bone. Honestly, every inch of me was covered. Even my toes. The only part left alone was my tattoo, and even then, it weaved within it. I tugged my clothes back on. Kalen’s face looked shocked, I avoided looking at the guys because I had a feeling their looks were a little different.

Kalen cleared his throat, “yeah, I have never seen that. You fully coming into your power is going to bring its own complications, but you can certainly not go back to school like this Hudson. It will raise too many suspicions and paint a target on your back, even more so. Apparently, there is already a professor on campus obsessed with the origin of magic. As it is, I don’t think any of you should be going back to campus actively.”

“Well, fuck me.” I whispered. I just couldn’t stop my entire life for some fucking myths or prophesy. I opened my mouth to protest but he must have seen me gearing up because cut me off with a firm angry voice, “Your work can be sent to you and you can complete assignments here if you wish, but that time of your life is now over Hudson. Your education will take another route. As for staying here, the same thing goes for your mates- their marks cannot be seen, but they are extensive. I’m sorry. No matter how strong you are, you also cannot be left alone during the day, not because you can’t defend yourself- I pity whoever tries to attack you- but simply because all it takes is one wolf in sheep’s clothing.” His voice darkened. “And I have a feeling that we have quite a few amongst us. I will not have you in danger. I hope Alvor will have measures in place, and your mates will protect you, and you have me and Xena, and I have some more protections in place as well.”

He started to pace, and I was lost in my thoughts, so I guess the guys took this as their opportunity to ask their questions.

“Can’t we use concealment spells to cover the marks?” Asked Ryder.

“Yes, except those won’t stop a Fae from seeing the marks, only magic users. So there are enemies out there for whom you’ll all be an easy target for.” Ryder nodded in understanding.

“You mentioned lineage. But both of Hudson’s parents are magic users, so how does that tie into her being of a strong Fae lineage?” Asked Grayson.

“Ah, well that’s a great question,” he looked a little nervous. “The chancellor is not her biological father, that honor would go to a Fae prince who met her mom during a missionary trip to gather allies that live beyond our Veil.”Wait, what?

“How long has he known?” Growled Zane. I was still stuck.

Kalen scratched his neck, his muscles bulging, and his dark look a complete contrast to the nervous look on his face, “the Chancellor was made aware when Hudson was around ten, it’s when whispers of her existence being real made their way to the Dark Fae and we had to be more proactive about her protection. I had no choice at that point but to approach him.” My jaw dropped.

“Okay stop,all this influx of information. I need a break.” I stood to my feet and went to the kitchen to rummage for a snack. Chocolate solves everything. Ugh, Father. Was that why he went from the man I loved to the man I barely knew? I couldn’t know my real father, but did I have to lose the only one I knew too? My chest hurt. Looking around the kitchen, I snagged my phone from the counter, where I must have left it when I walked into the house, took my chocolate and stepped outside. I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the pool, leaving my feet in the water.

I remember how good it felt the first day I was here, how incredible the pool was, how everything was so picturesque. It didn’t seem as pretty and calming out here as it did a few days ago though; it felt oppressive and ominous. I wasn’t sure if it was because of what happened earlier, or what was to come, or if it was the information I was just punched in the face with, or even the likelihood of another attack soon. I think what was truly bothering me was that it all fit somehow- it made sense. I felt someone come up behind me and didn’t have to look to know Zane had come outside to check on me. Sitting down, he tugged me on to his lap, and wrapped his arms around me.

I sighed and sunk into him, “You know, the craziest thing about this entire thing is? It somehow fits, doesn’t it?”

“The connection between us all? Or the circumstances? I don’t think finding out you’re a little overgrown tinker-bell is fitting.” I felt his warm voice caress my neck as his deep voice cocooned me with its sensuality, I suppressed a shiver and turned to look up at him.

“Haha,” I deadpanned, taking in the laughter in his eyes, and rolled my eyes. “I guess so,” I continued. “I felt it more after our first time together, like a pull in your direction, but after I came here, and I was near you all? It unraveled and happened fast, but it felt right. Beyond that, I have always been faster, stronger, and smarter than anyone in my age group.” I paused, absentmindedly running my fingers up and down his arm. “I always felt like I was…more? I can’t explain it, but nothing like this is surprising to me. Shock value, sure. Like, ‘hey, you’re an abandoned Faerie warrior Queen that needs to save the day’, is going to hit anyone over the head pretty hard.” He chuckled.

“You’re rambling,” he hugged me tighter and sighed, “I don’t know what to say, other than I always knew you and I were more than we were. It just felt like a missing piece being put into place, and I know the guys feel the same way. So, hearing that it’s because of a mystical bond or some shit doesn’t change that, and if anything it makes us feel more permanent. I like the idea that you’re stuck with me, with us, forever. You can’t even run, he said we can find you.” He looked at me seriously, despite his eyes twinkling. I laughed.

“Please, like I couldn’t get away if I wanted to,” I teased.

He scoffed, “Like you would want to anyway. What else is on your mind?”

I sighed and kicked the water, “I’m angry at the circumstances when I think about how I was left here by a father who didn’t want me, even if it was for my protection or whatever, and then Father finds out and shuts me out, and then you randomly come into the picture right around the time he finds out, which I guess to him was a good distraction to the fact that I wasn’t really his. I came out here to call him,” I whisper, holding the phone in my hand, “but I don’t even know what I would say, or if I should let him know that I know now.” I bite my lip right before he picks me up and turns me around on his lap and hits me with his full gaze. I take in his sharp jaw, soft lips and the new marks on his body. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I give him a soft kiss before leaning into the crook of his neck, while he rubs circles on my back.

“It’s okay to be angry, it’s a lot to take in at once, but he loves you. He just didn’t know how to show it properly. It’s a lot more than what most people have- remember that before you call him and get angry. Give yourself a few days to process before you do that. You also have Kalen, who you said yourself was like a father figure. Again, not something to take for granted. It’s okay to be angry; I didn’t expect you to feel any differently.” I stay quiet, mulling over his words. Sigh, I know he is right, but it didn’t sit right with me. I guess I should take a few days to think it over.

“I guess, I should put on my sexy, big girl thong and go handle this shit, right?” His lips twitched.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, come on let’s go grill the great Kalen some more,” he stood up and pulled me into a hug. “No matter what, we got this, all of us. Okay?” I nodded, breathing in his scent, taking comfort in knowing that I may be a badass, but I have a team of badasses behind me too.

We settled back on the couch, this time with me on Zane’s lap and the guys sitting next to us. Remi sat across the room with a pensive look on her face and it sparked another question. Looks like I was full of those.

“I’m curious- what did you mean before about Remi’s age?” I asked, I looked between Kaland Remi. Kalen leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, looking over at Remi.

“Do you want to do the honors, Remi?” Kalen growled. I looked at him curiously and realized I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy what I was going to hear.

Remi

Fuck,this wasn’t supposed to happen so fast. Yes, I was drawn to her, and I figured we were maybe destined to be mated in the back of my head; our connection happening too quickly, our passion too intense. Seeing the marks appear filled me with such love and joy, I felt like my soul was complete. At the same time, I was filled with trepidation for this reason alone.

“Hudson,” I squared my shoulders and looked her right in her eyes, “Alvor and I were sent here to retrieve you by our crown prince when you turned 21. Your powers were supposed to manifest by then and it would have been too unsafe for you to remain in the mortal world.” I sighed and stood up from my spot. Her eyes sharpened and she stood up straighter. She was beautiful, even if she was going to hate me. I sighed and rubbed my face.

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