Page 4 of Pocket Full Of Posies (Snowberry #2)
The cool forest air brushes against my bare chest, a reminder that the equinox is not far off. A day that I wasn’t looking forward to to begin with but now am dreading. If my mother has chosen a mate for me, once that announcement is made, it’s as good as done. I have to do something to keep her from forcing some uptight prissy female on me.
There’s always the option to run. I have money; I could just disappear. If she can’t hold her money over my head to control me, she has no leverage. Thought that money can only last for so long. It still won’t stop her from hunting me down, badgering me endlessly, and trying to force a mate on me until I break. She’s probably as thick headed as I am. She won’t stop until she gets her way.
A nymph mate bond has to be entered into willingly. Verbal vows spoken aloud and truthfully. If she were to force me to bond and I didn’t want to, my words would relay that, and the bond would fail. She knows this, we all do. Which means she would be on my ass until I submitted and went willingly.
“Ugh,” I groan out loud, kicking a pile of newly fallen leaves. I’ve ventured north into the woods behind the house, and the lack of modern society is staggeringly obvious.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been surrounded by nothing but nature. The only sounds are the breeze rustling the leaves and the quiet crack and scurry of animals in the distance. My nymph abilities allow me to connect with animals. I can sense them from a distance and can instinctually understand them when they “speak” to me. It’s not so much exact words, but a knowing of meaning. Sometimes specific words make their way through, especially with the more intelligent animals. Creatures like sprites and pixies who don’t speak any known human languages, I can understand more clearly. Full sentences and definitive words.
Now, I can sense the sprites that live in the most uninhabited areas of the forest and change direction, heading for them. Sprites can be comforting and cute. Maybe they can lift my spirits and help me figure out an answer to my growing problem.
Shoving my hands in my pockets I continue internally cataloging my options, little as they are. Accept my mother’s choice and mate a female I may hate and be the family’s puppet for the rest of my life, not a great choice. Find a suitable female to mate before my mother can announce her choice, which would irritate her but also assuage her at the same time. Then there’s the option to just say no, reject my mother’s chosen one and deal with the blowback. Which I figure will turn out the same as if I just left; never ending demands to do as she says, threats of disownment. If that doesn’t work there’s always guilt. My mother is great at getting her way. Even when I was younger, I couldn’t do anything but submit to her will. The freedom I currently possess is because I yielded to her controlling ways and manipulated my way into a position of unimportance.
Apparently that status is no longer valid, since getting me mated has now become the most important thing in her mind, for some god-awful reason. I don’t know what bug climbed up her ass and set her on this path of deeming it time for me to find a mate, but it’s cramping my style.
What I need is a way to get her off my back indefinitely. Suddenly, Endo’s offhanded suggestion of finding a replacement mate before my mother can force one on me isn’t sounding so bad. Iit would have to be a bogus relationship. There’s no way in hell I’m actually bonding myself to another indefinitely. But if I could find someone to lie about being my mate to get her off my back, I could at least buy some time to figure out a more long-term solution. Because lord knows as soon as she finds out I’m not mated she’ll be on me like flies on shit.
“Fuck. I should just knock up a human woman. Maybe then she’d disown me, and I could be free from all this bullshit.”
I’d need to syphon off money into my private account before that though, to ensure I can support myself for years to come without folding and giving in to her demands.
Wouldn’t that be nice though? To be free from the demands of my altruistic family and our centuries old tradition of only mating with other nymphs. There’s not a drop of human, fairy, shifter or other blood in my lineage. I’ve heard of distant relatives and ancestors having chosen non-nymph mates or spouses, but those individuals were disowned from the family, removed from family history, and none of their descendants are allowed at events. Not that any of them want to attend anyway.
It's disgusting really, how prejudiced my family is. Like me, I know there are relatives who don’t fully believe in the whole ‘ pure-blooded protect the bloodline’ nonsense. Others either allow their elders to choose for them or pick someone who fits the ridiculous list of requirements out of some weird sense of duty or guilt manipulation.
Personally, I love all types of people. Human, non-human, mix breeds, half-breeds. Preferably those who don’t fit my family’s messed up list of attributes.
I wonder if there are any humans in town who know about non-humans that I could convince to pretend to be my secret lover, now pregnant with our half-breed love child? That would shock my mother into a fit for sure. I would love to see that.
Up ahead I sense a rather animated and chatty sprite. Nymph hearing is superior to most, being our most important sense. Even this far away, where I can’t see the sprite, I can hear it. It sounds like it’s boasting about its most recent acquisitions.
There are sprites that sneak into town and “find” items they bring back to their nests and hollows. Their curious nature insisting they explore, even against their better judgement.
This one sounds like it’s listing off things and sharing its new treasures with another.
“Look, look at this one. Isn’t it nice? So soft and pretty. And this one, it makes the sunshine change colors.”
The sprites strange language translates in my head clearer than most I’ve heard before. It must have more contact with people than most to speak so similarly to us. Usually, their thoughts and sentences are more blunt, simple and direct. Not conversative.
“Oh yes, that one is very pretty. I don’t think Larken is going to be very happy you broke into The Closet Carousel again, though. I’m going to have to go into town now and apologize, and pay for this fabric,” a soft feminine voice replies to the sprites chattering as if she knows exactly what it’s saying. Perhaps another nymph with animal magic?
Curious who this possible nymph holding a full conversation with a sprite could be, I extend my claws and silently climb the nearest tree, hoping to get a bird’s eye view of the female and sprite.
If there were any birds nearby, I could actually get a bird’s eye view by connecting with them and seeing through their eyes, but climbing a tree and making my way closer is more than enough.
I only need to leap across half a dozen trees before I come upon the female. There below me stands a petite female wearing frayed denim short overalls, standing on bare tip toes, reaching into a tree hollow and rummaging around. I can’t completely see the sprite, but I’d guess it’s inside the tree, where it must keep its hoard.
“Oh dear, and a cup from the Ugly Mug . That one I’m going to have to take back, Delphi. You can’t keep that.”
“What? Can’t have? But it’s mine I found it.”
“I know you want to keep it, but you can’t. Arthur collected these for years from all over the world. He’s very proud of his collection and they’ll notice if one is missing.”
The sprite makes a whimpering whining sound, like a pouting toddler. It’s kind of adorable, the back and forth these two are having. I’m still not sure if the female can understand the sprite or just knows it well enough to deduce what it’s saying.
Inspecting the girl further, I see sunflowers and slivers of green in her chestnut brown hair. Hair that’s thick and lush, looking silky soft to the touch, falling in soft waves down her shoulders. Shoulders that are barely covered with tiny cap sleeves, leaving her neck and arms exposed. Green markings swirl on her skin that a human would assume were tattoos but I know better. She’s an earth nymph, they always have green markings or skin, the flowers in her hair only confirm this further. Although her skin tone is different from most earth nymphs, who tend to be shades of green or even dark earthy brown, her skin is like soft toffee or a creamy latte.
That’s when I notice the curling twitch of a tail peeking out through the bottom of her shorts. It’s small and petite like her, barely reaching her knees with more of her green markings at its end. It’s cute and my tail responds, wrapping around my leg and twitching when hers does.
Smiling, I crouch on the branch and latch my claws into its bark, holding me still to watch the fascinating female below me. She soothes the sulking sprite and pulls it from the hole in the tree. Its plump, furry body wrapping around her like a child holding onto her neck, playing with the flowers in her hair.
These two have obviously formed a bond, solidified over time, to become so familiar. They’ve spent time together, learned each other, and created a natural bond. A bond that I realize I don’t possess with anyone.
I wonder what it’s like to feel such a thing.
The pair step away from the tree and the female turns, and I’m finally able to see her face. Soft features, with full pink lips and unnaturally emerald, green eyes almost too large for her face, make her look sweet and innocent, nearly taking my breath away. The complete opposite of the women I’m used to spending time with. Sweet and innocent don’t mingle in the circles I do.
The girl smiles and giggles quietly, the sound like fairy bells dancing in the wind, entrancing me. Forcing my body to remain completely still, I watch her.
The sprite fusses with her hair as she reaches up to the egg-shaped hanging nest, checking its structure, a pink dinosaur mug gripped in one hand, but my focus is on her and not what her hands are doing. It’s on the hair the sprite is moving and the flowers that seem to be changing and growing. New blooms blossoming next to the sunflowers. Something small and purple that looks like a star. I’m not versed in flora, so I have no idea what they are.
The fussing sprite reveals her ears and they’re still pointed but shorter with a more rounded point. That’s when I realize why she seems so different from other earth nymphs, she’s a half-breed.
Perhaps my prayers have been answered, because I don’t recognize this girl. I’ve never seen her around town, but from her conversation with the sprite, it’s obvious she’s a resident. So, who is she? And how have I never seen her before . I would have remembered those eyes and lips. The cute little tail.
If I’ve never met her, it’s highly unlikely anyone in my family has. Especially if she’s a half-breed.
She seems young. Definitely attractive. Maybe I could convince her to be my nonexistent baby momma. At the very least, perhaps a serious girlfriend that I plan to bond with. The fact that she’s half human could possibly get me disowned, and the thought makes me smile. This could be more enjoyable than I anticipated.
Waiting until she’s done with her inspection of the nest, I position myself on the branch and leap from it, landing on the ground with a soft thud. It’s still loud enough for her to hear, and she whirls around, her hair fanning out wildly before settling around her shoulders again. A cute high-pitched yelp squeaking out of her pretty pink lips.
The sprite, who was inside its nest, scurries out and leaps onto the female’s head, squealing in disapproval.
“Who are you? Go away! I will bite you.”
The female pulls the sprite off her head and holds her close to her chest, cooing into its ear and petting its blue and white striped fur until it calms.
“Hello,” I say calmly with a smile I like to call the panty dropper . The female only scowls at me, her mouth falling open slightly in confusion. That’s not the usual response I get when meeting a female for the first time, shirtless, and not even wearing a glamour.
“Who are you and why are you creeping around? What do you want?”
Okay, so not the best first impression.
“I’m Kai. And I wasn’t creeping, just out for a walk. Heard you talking with the sprite and thought I’d say hello. Maybe offer my assistance.” I give her another toothy grin, this time trying to make it more casual and friendlier.
Her furrowed brow smooths out, but not completely. Those emerald gems search the immediate area from side to side before resettling on me.
“So, you’re here alone?” she asks, her voice conveying her distress and uncertainty.
Can’t she hear the truth in my tone? Can’t she tell that I’m not going to hurt her? Maybe her human half diminishes her nymph hearing? I try again, infusing my tone with my sincerity.
“Yes, I’m alone. My family owns some land nearby and I needed some air. Went for a walk and stumbled upon you.” I keep my hands loose at my side in as unthreatening a pose as possible.
This time her posture relaxes, and she appears to hear the truth in my words.
“Oh. Are you part of the Kingsley family?”
It doesn’t sound like she’s judging me for my family, just simply curious.
“Yes. My parents own the land and house. I’m just in town for the equinox celebration. And yourself? Are you a local?”
She pinches her lips together before answering, almost as if she doesn’t want to tell me. The blossoms in her hair shift again. The tiny purple star blooms and sunflowers change to what look like irises and white peonies.
Why are the flowers in her hair changing?
“I’m Daisy. I live just on the other side of your family’s land. My brother and I run the local flower nursery and gardens there.”
“Daisy.” I roll her name across my tongue, and it suits her. Suits the little blossom of a female in front of me. “It’s nice to meet you, Daisy. And who might your friend be?”
I turn my attention to the sprite in her arms, who doesn’t seem to want to rip out my eyes and bite me anymore. It’s watching me with curious ebony eyes that shine with the magic inside.
“This is Delphinium. Delphi for short. She’s my friend.”
“It’s nice to meet you Delphi.”
The sprite, Delphi, cocks her head at me and chirps.
“Are you friend?”
“Yes. I am a friend.”
Delphi extricates her little body from Daisy’s hold and, using her abilities, hops through the air, bouncing off invisible bubbles until she lands on my shoulder. Scurrying up to my head she settles between my curved horns. I can feel her tiny little hands gently hold them like handles.
“I like your horns, and your hair. You smell nice. I like you. You can be Delphi’s friend. And Daisy’s.”
A deep chuckle bursts from my lips and I watch Daisy, who is watching Delphi with open curiosity. I can only imagine how I look with the sprite on my head using my horns as handlebars.
“Well thank you Delphi. I like you too.”
“You can understand her?” Daisy steps closer to us, and the scent of wildflowers and fresh cut grass washes over me. It’s intriguing.
I suck in a lungful of the scent, categorizing it in my mind as hers and find that I like it. It makes the fire in my chest burn hotter.
“Yes,” I answer in a voice I don’t think I’ve ever heard from my lips. “As an animal nymph, it’s one of my natural abilities. Sprites are easier to talk to than some lesser intelligent animals, like squirrels. They are annoyingly illiterate.”
Daisy smiles and bites her bottom lip, probably to stop herself from laughing. The flowers in her hair change once again, the peonies remain but the irises are replaced with multicolored carnations. The way they change so frequently throughout our conversation is fascinating.
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never talked to a squirrel before.”
“Don’t waste your time. They’re dim witted and only care about finding and storing nuts. The conversation gets quite boring very quickly.”
Then, she does laugh. Her face lighting up with mirth.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“So, what’s a pretty little blossom like you doing way out here? And shoeless?” Pointedly I look down at her bare feet. The falling leaves and light underbrush covering the forest floor don’t seem to bother her in the least.
Her toes curl into the ground as she fidgets, still holding the pink dinosaur mug in her hands, and before she even speaks, I can hear her shyness.
“I was checking on Delphi’s nest before winter sets in. I wanted to make sure it was sturdy and ready for the snow.”
“And the cool temperature doesn’t bother you? Aren’t you cold?”
“Not really. I’m used to it. I’ll probably have to start wearing pants soon though. I wait as long as possible because it’s uncomfortable for my—” Her words abruptly cut off and her face falls, as her gaze drops to my tail lazily swaying behind me.
It curls forward, brushing against my jeans, appreciating her attention on it. Sometimes it has a mind of its own, reacting on instinct. Hers in response curls up inside her shorts, hiding out of view, her cheeks darkening with…embarrassment? Is she embarrassed by her tail?
“Um, I just don’t like wearing pants is all. Winter is my least favorite season.”
“Mine too.”
Her downcast eyes jump back up to mine, a hopeful expression on her pretty face.
“Really?”
“Yeah. I also have fire abilities, from my father’s side, and I’m partial to the warmth. Snow and I don’t get along.”
“I would imagine not.”
“It tends to be very wet. Ruins a lot of shoes.”
“You should try not wearing shoes then. I highly recommend it.”
I look down at her feet again and smile at her wiggling toes.
Daisy is not what I expected to find out in the middle of the woods. I don’t think I would have ever noticed her if we weren’t alone with no distractions. She’s short, quiet, and a little meek. She would have blended in and disappeared in a crowd. Which is a shame, because eyes like hers shouldn’t be overlooked. And her smile is more genuine than the gold of my necklace and the many earrings decorating my pointed ears. Ears that compared to her dainty ones feel larger than they ever have before.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Delphi finally tires of playing with my horns and makes her way back to her nest, shuffling around inside, rearranging her treasure trove.
“May I escort you back? I know I wouldn’t mind the company.”
Daisy blushes again at my request but nods once. Stepping closer to her I put all my flirting seduction skills to use, brushing her hair out of her face, which is ridiculously soft, and tuck it behind one daintily pointed unadorned ear.
Nymphs historically have the longest and most elegantly pointed ears of all the non-humans, and we like to decorate and adorn them. I myself have no less than a dozen jewels, cuffs, and precious metals on mine. But hers are completely bare. Not a single piercing or cuff.
I make a mental note that buying her jewelry could be a good way to soften her up. If her family can’t afford it, she will melt for me if I give her a diamond studded earring. The kind that curls around the lobe and up her delicate helix. The mental image has my cock twitching in interest.
Ears also happen to be a very erogenous zone for nymphs, and I have a particular attraction to them, and her short, but gently pointed ears with shifting green swirls, are particularly enticing.
My mouth waters, wanting to lick and suck on them. My fingers linger as they curve around the tip sliding around the shell before I force myself to pull away.
“You are very attractive, Daisy. I wouldn’t want anyone to take advantage of you.”
“Oh, well, thank you?” She phrases it like a question. Like she’s never been told about her obvious beauty before.
I give her a small, closed lip smile, not wanting to overwhelm her with all of my charm at once. “You’re welcome. Shall we?”
I gesture back in the direction I came from, and she rolls her lips between her teeth, nodding in agreement. No doubt not wanting to speak because I’d be able to hear whatever she’s feeling in her tone.
Slowly I lift her empty hand and rest it in the crook of my elbow, lining our bodies up, side by side. My wandering tail brushes against the bare skin of her calf, and I can see her visibly shudder at the touch. Her pouty lips part on a soft exhale. She wasn’t expecting me to be so forward, and I can tell she’s surprised but also interested. Possibly aroused?
Maybe I won’t have to convince her to fake date me at all. Maybe I can just woo her enough for her to want to date me on her own. I’ve had short meaningless relationships before. This wouldn’t be any different. And I wouldn’t have to explain all the details of my mother’s meddling to her and worry she might slip up in the act.
If she’s this malleable and already leaning towards interested, perhaps we can both get something out of this. She gets to be with me and enjoy all that I offer, including sexually, because damn if I don’t want to lick her toffee skin and play with her pretty little tail. And I get a built-in barrier to my mother and her mate bonding schemes.
If she thinks I’m desperately devoted to my half-human girlfriend, she’ll either be so pissed she stops talking to me and even disowns me, or at least backs off and drops this cockamamy idea of me mating whomever she’s chosen.
Either way win, win, win. This may be my most ingenuous idea yet.