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Nothing else could have pulled him from the pain he experienced except Charlotte’s distress. She was frightened and he was responsible.
She was clearly showing signs of becoming a realm person, maybe even fae.
He took hold of her hand. “You’re exactly right. We need Davido and his wife, Vojalie. She’s a powerful fae and will be able to tell us what’s going on. This is way beyond my experience and I’m sorry for not being more understanding.”
She nodded several time, swiping at her cheeks.
He released her hand, then left the room to search for his Realm-to-Realm iPhone. He found it in his leather jacket in the foyer. The whole situation, including the fact that he could feel the bond deep within his body, had his skin on fire. Before punching in the numbers, he threw the front door wide. The cool, ocean breeze soothed him, calming him enough to force a few deep breaths.
He m
ade the call.
Davido answered, “And good eventide, my fellow realm traveler. Your handsome troll speaking and how may I serve you this resplendent night?” The troll’s voice and his ancient, absurd way of speaking, eased Willem.
He released a deep breath; Davido could help. He returned the greeting. “Good eventide. And how are you, my friend?” He wondered if Davido would recognize his voice.
“Willem! Well, isn’t this a tremendous surprise. I’ve not heard your voice in several long years. How are you, my dear vampire?”
“In most respects, I’m good. But right now, I have a situation.”
“And I am not surprised. My most beloved wife told me that I’d be receiving a call, though she did not say from whom. She’s changing into some kind of loose beach wear and told me not five minutes ago we’d see the ocean soon. Are you perchance at your Maris Sol house in Grochaire, the one on the bluff?”
For a long moment, Willem didn’t speak. He couldn’t frame even one sentence for how dumbfounded he felt. If he’d had any doubt that he was caught in a powerful realm event, the fact that Vojalie had sensed that she’d be traveling soon to the ocean, removed the last trace of it. She was one of the most extraordinary, gifted fae in the Nine Realms.
“Yes, but I have a woman with me, a human, Charlotte Vail of Tennessee. She’s been in Grochaire for years now, studying at the university.”
“That would follow. My most beloved one said that she saw a lovely auburn beauty in her vision. Would your dear Charlotte happen to be a fetching redhead?”
“Very fetching.” Willem felt a profound sense of relief. The one thing Davido had taught him was that he wasn’t alone and this moment proved Davido’s conviction yet again. “When can I expect you both?”
“In fifteen minutes, if that will serve?”
“Fifteen will be fine. Perfect, actually.” Just enough time for both of them to shower and become presentable.
When he returned to the bedroom, sure enough his bed had an empty, desolate look and his shower droned in the bathroom beyond.
Yet, because of the bond, he could feel how distressed Charlotte was, but not less so than himself.
While she showered, he slipped on a robe, straightened the bed, laid her clothes out on the blue silk comforter, and generally tried to put a harness on his nerves. But what disturbed him the most, was that he liked the bond he had with the woman he barely knew. It felt comfortable and right, even though it was all wrong.
When she emerged wrapped up in one of his oversized, black towels and looking sexy as hell with her read curls dangling around her shoulders, he held her gaze for a moment. He wanted to drag her back into his arms and kiss her again, but settled on moving close and saying, “They’ll be here in about ten minutes.” He waved a hand behind him. “I set your clothes on the bed.”
She caught his arm. “It’ll be all right, Willem. You’ll see.”
He almost laughed at the absurdity of ‘the human’ making an effort to comfort him, when it should have been the other way around. Charlotte was generous.
He felt overcome with her concern, her sweetness and that she smelled like summer flowers. Once again, his desire for her ignited, which of course forced his feet in motion as he headed for his turn in the shower. He might even take a cold one to set his head straight.
* * * * * * * * *
Charlotte had never met the Nine Realm’s most famous couple before, but she felt as though she stood in the presence of royalty. She’d seen pictures of both Davido and Vojalie, of course, having spent a lot of time on the Realm Internet. Vojalie was one of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen.
She stood in Willem’s living room, near his couch, while Willem remained near Davido.
The room, however, belonged to Vojalie.
She was tall like Charlotte, but Davido couldn’t have been more than five-three. Vojalie’s hair was a rich dark brown and hung in beautiful waves to her waist. A headband with three small ceramic starfish held back her curls. Her brows were arched, and long lashes surrounded soft, compassionate brown eyes. Her nose was narrow and straight, her lips small, her chin tapered to a beautiful fae point, and her pronounced cheekbones appeared regal.
