Page 11 of Denied

“We never expect to be deceived or injured by those we love. We assume that our devotion is returned, and they would protect us against any pain, as we would shield them. Instead it tears wounds so deep that it seems impossible that they should heal.”

Kayla could feel that tearing sensation now, in her chest. “I just can’t believe it. She told me herself, everything. I kept thinking that she was lying. That it was some kind of awful story she’d made up to get out of trouble. When she looked at me, Ryan, her eyes were so empty, as if the sister I knew had been erased.”

“That sister,” he said gently, “was stolen from you.”

“I know.” That was another side of this horror—that her real sister had been taken from her. “What I don’t understand is that I’ve known Tara my entire life. I’ve loved her since she was a baby, but I never knew her. The girl who shoved me in that shadow abyss was a complete stranger. How could I have lived with her all those years, and never once suspected who she really was?”

He tipped up her chin to look into her eyes. “You are not entirely mortal, and Tara was bespelled to enslave Fae to her. You saw only what she wished you to see: a beloved sister, for whom you would do anything.”

“The worst thing is that you were absolutely right about her, and I wouldn’t believe it. I forced you to keep her at Forever Faire. God.” She pressed her hands over her face. “I’ve been such an idiot.”

“You are safe now, and I will never permit that changeling to harm you again,” Ryan said.

He slowly stood and carried her into the cottage. He murmured something in Fae language, and the crates and boxes disappeared as the interior transformed itself into a replica of his mountain cabin, complete with flames crackling in the old fireplace.

As he set her on her feet, Kayla saw frost scrolling over the windowpanes. “How did you do this? Are we back in Tennessee?”

“I brought winter here to us.” He cradled her face between his hands. “What more can I do, love?”

She placed a hand on his chest, her fingers trailing over the weave of his tunic.

“I don’t know if this is even possible, but could you help me find my real sister? If she’s still out there somewhere, I need to know.”

Ryan nodded. “I will speak to Wallace in the morning. He knows best how to track halflings.”

“Thank you.” Her shoulders sagged. “I owe you so much, Ryan.”

“Then perhaps you can do something for me,” he told her. “Will you stay and keep me warm tonight, love?”

CHAPTER 7

A S KAYLA LOOKED up into Ryan’s brilliant blue eyes, she realized for the first time she didn’t feel any guilt. Before tonight it had always seemed selfish to leave Tara alone to go to her lover, and steal a few hours together with him. Had that been part of the spell Tara had used to enslave her? How much of her life had been dictated by a changeling who had secretly hated her and her poor father?

Ryan pressed his mouth to her brow. “If you would rather be alone tonight, I understand.”

“No.” She gripped the front of his tunic as she stood on tiptoe to kiss him. The moment her lips touched his she felt her skin heat with the tingling warmth of his magick. “I’m staying right here.”

“You are generous.” A slow smile curved his lips. “I am glad I have a gift for you as well.” He produced a small ball of wood carved to resemble a walnut, except it was hinged and had a tiny golden clasp. “’Twas why I asked Wallace to come.”

Kayla felt charmed as she opened it, and saw the two thin circles of amber crystal inside. Though different sizes, they were carved with the same intricate patterns.

“How beautiful,” she said, but her eyebrows knit together. “You’re giving me two rings?”

“They are binding rings. One is for you.” Ryan took the smaller ring and slid it over her right index finger, which it fit perfectly. “The other I will wear.” He put the larger ring on his left index finger. “Now close your eyes, and think of me.”

As she did, Kayla saw a very clear image of Ryan standing with her in the cottage. She glanced up at him.

“Are the rings doing this?”

“Aye. I had Wallace enchant them so that they are connected through us.” He lifted her hand so that their two rings touched, and a tiny cascade of stars showered over their fingers. “As long as we wear them, we will always know where the other is.”

He’d done this because of Tara, Kayla suspected, and some of her pleasure deflated.

“I’ll try not to get pushed into any other shadow portals.” She traced a fingertip over the intricate whorls on her ring, and felt the tug of an old memory. “These patterns look so familiar.”

“They are our names, and the words of the binding spell,” he told her. “They are written in Fae language.”

“’Kayla of Starling Park,’” she murmured, turning the ring on her finger to see the other side. “’Beloved of Ryan of the Forever Faire.’” She realized she was reading the inscription and caught her breath. “I’ve seen this before, Ryan. The words were different, but the writing was the same.”