Page 75 of Temptation Unleashed (Talaenian Fae #3)

T wo months later

“Rori, are you okay? You’ve been in there all morning.”

Rori braced her arms on the sink counter, catching her breath. Her body shook with weakness. Her throat burned. Only when she knew she wouldn’t vomit again did she lower herself to her forearms, turn on the cold water, and rinse her face and mouth.

Cassy knocked again, this time with more force. “Rori, you’re scaring me. I’m about to have Cael break down the door if you don’t open?—”

Rori unlocked the door and pulled it open, halting Cassy mid-threat. Cassy’s eyes widened, her hands cupping Rori’s face.

“Dear God, honey. What’s wrong? Flu? Stomach bug? You know, it’s hit a bunch of the people at work.”

Cassy slid her arm around Rori’s shoulders and guided her to the guest room, where she’d been staying in Cael’s condo.

It had been two months since Thaddeus’s death, and each day proved time didn’t heal for shit.

She moved through each day, numb to everything.

She went to work, came home, slept. Went to class—Shaye worked some magic at her school to keep her on track for graduation—tried to put forth an effort, had her instructors pull her aside to ask about her well-being.

She could barely stomach food, forced herself to drink water.

Brandon tried to spend time with her, but she would send him away.

Every time she saw Cael, it flayed open her wounds, those she knew would never heal.

The sight of Thaddeus’s brother was a constant reminder of what she once had, the promises and happiness and love dangled in front of her only for it to be snatched way.

They held too many similarities for her to ignore. Gazing upon Cael hurt.

And yet, here she was, curling beneath the blankets in a bed that belonged to him.

They commiserated together at times. Thaddeus’s death left a gaping wound of its own in Cael.

She’d never forget one of their first “talks” and seeing the hope in Cael’s face when he insisted the old Thaddeus was still alive.

And yes, he was, but it was too late to save him.

Cassy smoothed back her hair, her face scrunched with worry. “You have no color to your face.”

“I’m sick.”

“We need to get you better, Rori. Seriously. You’ve been really worrying me. Moira and Rihanna warned me what to look for, since you refused to stay at the castle so they could oversee your care.” Cassy sighed and shook her head. “I’m about to tell Cael to bring you back?—”

“No. I don’t want to go back.” Rori pulled the blanket up to her chin, tucking her face into the soft material. “I don’t want to be anywhere near that castle.”

“Rori, they did nothing wrong. ”

“I know they did nothing wrong, Cassy. I don’t blame them for anything, but that place holds too many memories, both good and bad.

I don’t want to be in a place where I spent my last moments with Thaddeus.

I don’t want to be reminded constantly that he planned this self-sacrifice and carried through with it.

I don’t want to be reminded that this fucking life is so fucking cruel that…

I would be given the best possible man…only to have him taken… ”

Rori sucked in a sharp breath, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth and biting hard.

Her eyes burned with tears. Endless tears.

She’d thought two months later, the well would have dried up, or at least the time between her crying jags would have lengthened.

She rubbed her eyes with the blanket and released a shuddering sigh.

“I don’t want to walk around a fairytale world when my story ended like a Shakespearian play. Here. This is reality. This is my reality. I’ll have my pinning ceremony in a week, I’ll take my NCLEX, find a job in a hospital, and somehow, someway, make do.”

Cassy sat on the edge of the bed in silence. Her dark eyes expressed her turmoil, the concern and sympathy, and a little guilt.

“I’m sorry, Cassy.”

“Stop apologizing. I’m here for you, however you need me.

We’ll get through this, however long it takes.

But you’ve not been well. You’ve lost weight, and honestly, you can’t afford to lose weight.

You sleep every chance you get. I can’t even get you down to the beach for fresh air and some sun.

I know you’re depressed. I know it’s bad, and you know it, too. ”

Rori tucked deeper into the blanket. Her stomach tilted.

“Oh, God.”

Casting the blanket off, she bolted into the bathroom and made it to the toilet just in time to unload another bout of bile into the bowl.

“She is wasting away and we’re helpless to stop it.”

The curtain of sleep fell away as she listened to the whispers beyond the bedroom door. Cassy and Brandon. Somehow, Cassy and Cael had filled Brandon in on what had happened, convincing him to believe in the impossible.

“If something doesn’t change, I’m scared her body will give up. I’ve been keeping track of everything she eats, and it’s barely enough to consider a meal a day. Then she’s vomiting half the day away. I can’t get fluid in her fast enough.”

“We’ve got to do what’s best for her, and if that means we force her into the hospital, that’s what we do,” Brandon said quietly. “It’s the last thing I want to do, especially three days from the pinning ceremony. She’s worked too hard to miss it, but she won’t make it if she’s dead.”

“God, don’t say that.”

“I’m being honest. Listen, I love our girl as much as you do. This is killing both of us.”

Rori pushed the blanket off and sat up, remaining on the edge of the bed as the room spun and grayness filled her vision.

She took a few deep breaths before she pushed to her feet, slowly straightening up, and shuffled to the door.

Her heart beat rapidly, a rush of weakness batting at her muscles.

She grabbed the wall and waited for it to pass, then reached the door and pulled it open.

Cassy and Brandon both spun toward where she leaned against the doorframe.

“I can hear everything,” Rori said, her voice thick and raspy from her raw throat and dry tongue. “Why don’t you discuss these things with me instead of amongst yourselves? Since they clearly involve me.”

Cassy whimpered, crossing the short distance to her. She grabbed Rori’s hands, threw Brandon a glance, then turned the full power of her worry on Rori.

“You haven’t been willing to listen to anything I’ve said for the last two months.

You won’t even talk to Brandon outside of class or work.

And work, Rori. You’ve called out the last three days.

Carl’s given you leniency because we both told him you’ve been really sick, but he’s not going to let you come and go as you please.

Brandon and I think that maybe we should bring you to the hospital. Yes? Maybe some fluids will help.”

“I drink.”

“And you throw it back up.”

“And I drink again.”

Cassy huffed. “Not enough. You fill your mug once a day. That thing isn’t a thirty-two ouncer, either.”

“I’ll fill it more often. I promise.” Rori squeezed Cassy’s hands. “I’m fine, okay? I’ll be fine. You’ve nothing to worry about. I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be out shortly and we can talk, okay?”

Cassy managed a small grin. “Okay.”

Rori straightened off the doorframe and reached for the door.

Her heart raced and the room spun. She stumbled, her legs folding under her.

The floor came up beneath her fast, but the room had gone black by the time she hit.

Somewhere in the distance, Cassy and Brandon yelled, but their voices grew fainter with each second.

The last thing she remembered was a hand pressing to her forehead before she fell into unconsciousness.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

The methodical noise greeted her when she roused. A strange ache had taken up a place along her shoulder. She groaned, turning onto her side, stretched her arm as she opened her eyes.

She froze.

“Cael was worried, and rightfully so, I’m afraid.” Shaye lifted a steaming mug to his nose, inhaled, and held it out to her. His mercurial gaze held hers steadily as she slowly sat herself upright. “Drink this. It’ll help with the nausea and start to replenish your body.”

She hesitated but finally took the mug from Shaye’s outstretched hand and brought it to her lips. It had an herbal aroma with a hint of sweetness that carried over to the hot sip.

“I went through this pain with my sister. When Bryce was killed in his previous life. ’Tis a difficult journey, losing your anam cara .

One of the worst types of agony to endure.

’Tis the only reason Thaddeus refused to bond with you.

He would have without question had the circumstances been different.

The loss is no less painful, but it allows you free will to try and move on.

You will never feel complete with another, but you can still find happiness. ”

“I doubt that,” she murmured into the mug, taking another sip of the hot tea. “He ruined me for anyone else.”

Shaye chuckled, leaning back in the chair. “That I don’t doubt.”

“You left Moira back at the castle?”

“Nay. She insisted upon coming along. Your friends have her and our boys down on the beach. Chase has never seen the ocean before.” The genuine pleasure he found in his children’s joy touched a bittersweet place in her chest. It would be something she’d never experience with Thaddeus.

“Moira and Rihanna worry about you constantly. They detest that you insisted on coming back here. Cael gives updates often, and his last one was worrisome.” He flicked a finger toward her. “Drink, Rori.”

“What a snitch.” She took a drink, the warmth soothing her throat and settling her belly. “I’ll be fine. I’m just working through this.”

“When you faint because you’re so weak, you’re no longer fine.” He leaned forward, perching his elbows on his knees. “Failing to take care of yourself would do Thaddeus’s sacrifice a disservice. It would destroy him if he saw you in such a state.”

“Remarking on a woman’s state is right up there with commenting on a woman’s weight.” She lowered the mug to her lap and pressed her lips together. “Hasn’t Moira told you that?”

“I’m sure she has in one fashion or another.

” He grew serious as he stood up. “Mourn for his loss. Grieve as you may. But don’t lose hold of those precious memories you two made together by wallowing in darkness.

Find comfort in the time you had together and remember that you were given a special gift, regardless how short a time.

I’ve instructed Cael to ensure you finish your tea, and for you to drink several cups throughout the day.

He has plenty for the time being. I expect you will accompany us to dinner in a few hours? ”

“I—”

“Moira will be devastated if you don’t come.”

“Hmph, and Fae don’t lie, my ass.”

Shaye laughed and shook his head. “Nay, we can’t lie. Therefore, she will be devastated and then I’ll have to intervene. ”

“Fine, fine.” Rori waved him away, watching the handsome Faery slip out of the room.

The door never had a chance to close before Cael burst in, crossing to the bed in a few long strides, and plopping on the edge of the mattress. The tea sloshed, but curled back into the mug without spilling.

He supported her hand and lifted the mug to her mouth, his eyes glittering like an excited boy. “Make sure you drink that entire mug. I’ll sit here and help you, if I must.”

“Cael, I’m capable of doing it myself, thank you.” She took a drink to placate him, then shimmied to the edge of the bed. “Let me go to the bathroom real quick.”

She started to put the mug on the nightstand as she stood, but Cael caught it, leading it up to her face. She narrowed her eyes as he beamed a bright smile at her.

He nodded. “Drink.” Another nod, his smile widening. “Go ahead, drink.”

“Cael, what’s gotten into you?” She lowered the mug and stared into the dark liquid, now questioning what type of tea she was being coaxed to drink. “You know what? I think I’m going to reconsider this tea.”

Cael wedged himself between her and the nightstand, waving his hands in surrender. “No, no. You need your strength. You need a lot of strength. And all the replenishment you can muster.”

A crease deepened across her forehead as she witnessed the old Cael breaking through the surface of a grieving Cael. Nowhere in his eyes did she see sadness. Nowhere in his face were there lines of sorrow. The damn man glowed like he’d just won the universe’s greatest jackpot.

“Uhh, care to tell me what’s going on? And why the tea obsession?”

Cael blinked at her. “You’re the one who just finished nursing school. You tell me. Clinically, you’re definitely depressed, but let’s tick some things off, shall we?” He tapped one finger. “Lack of appetite.” He tapped a second finger. “Puking constantly.”

The crease smoothed.

Cael ticked a third finger. “Cassy said you missed your cycle?—”

“Oh, God.”

As if the world hadn’t spun enough on her in the last few weeks, she was thrown on another tilt-a-whirl.

Cael caught her by the elbows, steadying her on her feet.

She stared up at Cael, jaw slack, a wild sweep of butterfly wings flying around her chest. Cael laughed, leaning close, his excitement palpable.

“Rori, you’re pregnant!”