The Thing About Kieran

Slipping into the warm water, Kayley waded towards the center of the pool. The water leaving her flesh tingling as she draws power from it. The heat from the water evident in the cool air around her. Relaxing, she slowly continues to wade in the warm water for a moment or two before floating on her back. The night sky full of hundreds of twinkling stars mesmerizing her as her mind wanders to thoughts of him... to Kieran.

She remembered the time they had spent together, nearly three years prior. Things hadn't always been so bad. They had spent hours playing in the large ocean located near his estate. The waves crashing over them, as they laugh. His arms wrapping tightly around her waist as their lips met in a warm embrace. Her stomach filled with butterflies at the memories of those early days. Sighing softly, her thoughts drifted to the first time they were intimate. His fingers brushing aside her wet hair as he wraps her naked body around his. Their bodies moving as one, under the moonlit sky, as the waves lap gently against them. They had made love several times that night, the night she knew in her heart, she was truly in love with him.

Rising from the warm water, her bare skin instantly covered in goosebumps as she poofs a thick, warm towel to wrap around her. Their conversation the night before echoing through her mind as she slips into the warmth of her house. She hadn't meant to hurt him. Her thoughts and emotions were as tangled as they had ever been. The pain of the past was a constant reminder of how many worlds apart he and her truly were.

Yes, she had loved him once. She'd be lying if she tried to say she didn't still feel anything for him. Even now, as she stood alone in her room, her body ached for his touch... just to feel his warmth. She'd always felt drawn to him. Yet as much as that was true, she couldn't... wouldn't just give herself to him. Not after everything... he had done... that she had gone threw.

Sighing, she poofed the towel to its rightful spot in the bathroom. Slipping into a sheer nightgown, she curls up in front of the fire with a blanket. Her eyes watching as the flames dance happily, reminding her of another life. A life she had struggled internally to forget... A life of hope... happiness... possibility. Gone in what now seemed like the blink of an eye...

When she had awaken at Niall's, his grim expression had spoken volumes to her. In that moment, as her heart shattered, she felt something else rise from its ashes. Hate. Hate for the one who had who had abandoned her... leaving her weakened and defenseless without a word. And hate for the one she blamed for stealing her from her life.... Kieran.

Closing her eyes, the warmth of the fire causes her cheeks to flush as she fights back the tears. She knew as short of a time in what could possibly be a long life for her, she would never forget those months of happiness. She also knew, she could never forgive either of them.

She never understood what had motivated Niall to tell her the truth about Kieran's bizarre and extreme behavior. Perhaps it was out of guilt, but as he explained the spell he had placed on Kieran, she noticed the pain on his face. It didn't excuse everything Kieran had done. He had always been arrogant, privileged, and at times cruel. But the spell had removed something from him, a filter that had once prevented him from acting out some of his darkest desires.

Her knowledge of Niall's interference only helped to further confuse the feelings stirring within Kayley. It was at her request that Niall had broken his spell over Kieran. She couldn't bear with the thought of him always coming after her. She had hoped that it would remove his desire to possess her, control her and to some point, it had.

It was nearly six months after her trial before she saw him again. The twins were escorting her during a visit to Faery. Lyric was always good for whispering jokes as a way to distract Kayley from the hateful remarks and watchful eyes of the other Fae. She had seen him only briefly, through the wide window at the local tavern. His arm draped around a pretty red head, laughing heartily as he drinks from his mug. She hadn't meant to stop, but she did. The twins, moved a step or two in front of her as she paused, before they turned to look back at her. It was in that moment, when his eyes locked with hers, that she felt that connection they had once had, stir once again. Blinking, she turned her head and moved towards Lyric and Zion. Ignoring the questioning looks on their face, she continued past them.

He appeared to her a few days later. She had stepped from her office in the shop to find him looking around curiously. Boxes filling the space, in preparation for the expansion she had planned. She froze where she stood. A feeling of unease creeping over her as his name escaped her lips, "Kieran?" He turned to face her and she saw for the first time, a trace of uncertainty on his face. They stood there frozen for several moments before he poofed away.

His sudden appearances had started to become a common occurrence. Each time leaving her more confused than the last. Now she sat in her room, in front of a fire, contemplating what it all meant. He had said they were fated to be together and yet had admitted to interfering in her life, time and time again. She had been surprised when he said he loved her. She hadn't said the words in return and she knew it didn't go unnoticed. She cared for him, she knew that much for sure. What was going on between them was merely physical. Without trust in him, she couldn't give herself fully to him. After all he had done... how could she possibly forgive him... trust him... love him?

Rubbing at her temples, she rises from her spot in front of the fire and crawled into her large, comfortable bed. Her head swimming with an infinite number of conflicting emotions. Closing her eyes, she focused her thoughts onto that first night on the beach. A small smile curling her lips as she drifts off to sleep.

The Turning of the Tides

As Niall began to speak of the state in which he found her, she felt a chill hit her heart. Holding up her hand, her voice growing calm with a hint of ice, "Enough. I don't want to hear anything else."

Startled by her words, Niall stopped mid-sentence. Seeing the seriousness on her face, he nodded. Sympathy scrawled across his face as he saw first hand her very being shatter. He moved to sit onto the edge of the bed, wrapping his arms around her frail body and pulling her close. As the tears streamed down her cheeks, his hand stroked her hair soothingly, unsure of any thing else to say or do.

Shaking her head, she pushed away the memory. Her attention focusing on the shop. The holidays were over and school was back in session, so the shop was pretty quiet. She was happy with the expansion she had added six months earlier. It had helped keep her mind off things.

She had stayed with Gwen for a few months after Niall had destroyed the house she had once thought of as home. After what seemed like forever, she finally settled on a new place that lay on the outskirts of Shreveport, overlooking the Red River. She opted to decorate it the human way as a way to keep busy in her spare time. Anything that kept her busy, helped control the deep seated anger she had built up inside.

Once she was healed, she had begged Niall to help train her. At first he was reluctant, but after a few weeks he realized she wasn't going to back down. She met the twins, Lyric and Zion soon after. Lyric would assist in helping Kayley further in her training and harnessing of her magic, while Zion would help her learn to physically defend herself. She was surprised when they recognized her and it wasn't until she was informed of their part in her rescue, that she was able to piece together why they looked familiar.

When she explained her reasoning to train, they too, expressed the same concern Niall had. This only further enraged Kayley. Had she been full Fae, she'd have started her training years ago. Gritting her teeth, she hated to admit to herself, that it wasn't her blood that had them concerned. It was the driving force... the very events that led to her decision and resolve. She didn't... couldn't understand why they would hesistate. Her punishment had worked. She had learned her lesson, once and for all. They had been right and she had been naive. She now understood her place in the two worlds, she understood the need to keep the lines drawn.

They had all been correct and now she would carry the scars on her back forever as a reminder. Niall had offered to have a healer remove them, but as her eyes looked down at her trembling hands all she could manage was a simple, "No." It had been six months since that day and sometimes she still caught the look of sadness that crossed his face when he saw them. She knew he felt guilty for her pain, regardless of his personal opinion on the situation that led up to their making.

Her strength surprised him and in a way, left several in awe of her. When she traveled to Faery, she didn't lower her head in shame, or cover her scars. She ensured they were visible for all to see, her own form of a scarlett letter proudly displayed. Even amongst the whispers and snide remarks, her chin remained raised and face polite. Her name was becoming widely known in the Fae world. Not only for her ability to maintain a public face, but for the rumors that were circulating of her training and how she was using her new found knowledge.

Looking up at the clock, she nodded to Gwen to indicate she was leaving. Poofing back to her home, she dressed specifically, carefully. Looking in the mirror, she saw just how much the year had changed her. She had grown up and was persuing the destiny she was born into, fighting in the trenches. The War: Fairies versuses Vampires. Fingering the silver chain around her neck, she felt no remorse as it hung between her breasts. Each tiny link representing a kill, a success of removing her natural enemy from being a threat to anyone else in the Human Realm... A sly grin curling her lips as she entered the bar, her eyes falling onto her next victim...

Pondering

She watched as the sky exploded in magnificent shades of pinks and purples. Her heart aching more as yet another day was meeting its end and she was still confined within the same four walls. She wasn't even sure what day of the week it was.

Kayley curled up against the big bay window, watching as the sky darkened. She wanted to be able to go outside. Being in the room was just suffocating and in a sense she was becoming stir crazy. The only thing she had to look forward to were the times when Niall would visit.

He had kept his promise and returned every couple of days. Always under Kieran's watchful eye, their talks were always short, cold and extremely formal. If it weren't for the hint of something more in his eyes, she would have truly believed she disgusted Niall. She tried to hold on to the memories she had when he let go and showed his more affectionate side, as rare as they were.

Kieran had become more and more convinced in her inability to refuse him. With each passing day, she had come to despise him more. His arrogance, his absurd ideal that she would love him, could love him and bare his children, left a sickening feeling in her stomach. He truly believed it would come to pass and she knew in her heart, that she would never willingly give into him. He hadn't been rough with her again, though his words had become crueler with each visit. His frustration with her showing through each hateful word. She feared it was only a matter of time before he would snap and in that moment, she was certain he would hurt her physically, if not kill her.

She wasn't afraid of death. In death, came the Summerlands, the chance to be reunited to her family that she had lost. The family that had been taken from her and Nia...

Nia...

The name echoed in her head. She hated the thought of leaving Nia, but was comforted by the fact that Nia wouldn't be alone if something should happen to her. Nia had Jonathan and for that, Kayley was thankful. She was happy her sister was in love and happy. She hoped Nia wasn't too worried about her. Nia was too carefree and fun loving, Kayley wanted her sister to be able to keep that innocence about her. It was part of who she was.

Sighing, her eyes watched as the last sliver of light disappeared behind the horizon. The night sky glittering with millions of twinkling stars. What was once a spectacular sight had become a painful reminder of what she missed most... Roman and Abel. She longed to see them once again and wondered how they were. Abel should be starting to roll over now. The thought pained her. She didn't want to miss out on anything with him. She wanted to hold him close, inhaling the sweet smell that only could accompany a baby and curl up onto the bed with him.

As for Roman... her face paled at the thought of him. She had been trying to avoid all thoughts of him. Kieran's use of magic to remove his blood from her, left an empty feeling inside of her. She longed to see him again, hear his voice, make love to him... anything. But every thought of him made her soul ache. Truthfully, she imagined all the different scenarios of any possible reunion between them. Everything from him welcoming her back with open arms to him slamming the door in her face, and even once, him killing her... she was worried he wouldn't understand.... wouldn't care. About why she left so willingly, why she couldn't come back... Placing her head in her hands, she began to weep at the loss of a life she loved, of the people she loved. Silently pleading for Kieran to hurry up and end it for her. All of it.

Trapped by Delusion

 

Kayley awoke to find the light streaming in through the window. She knew she had been trapped for days. She was losing track of the days. She was feeling a little bit stronger. Though confused by Niall's presence the day before, she trusted him and as long as he provided her food, she would eat. She didn't have a death wish. Her refusal to eat was from fear. Kieran liked to play games, to toy with people... and she feared he would get a twist sense of joy from slipping lemons to her and watching her die.

His face had filled with disgust every time he brought up Roman and his eyes flashed with such anger it chilled her to the core. She was wondering how she could have ever missed the signs that he wasn't completely sane. How had Kieran managed to hide his true nature from her for so long? Looking back she was still shocked the sweet, charming man she had first met was the one who had been capable of doing such atrocities.

Sitting up carefully, she places her head in her hands. It was taking everything she had not to feel completely hopeless. Niall's appearance, though confusing, had been reassuring.

What had he been doing here and why did he leave me?

He had mention her being tried. Her body went still at the thought. Being tried for anything in this realm was almost always a death sentence. Tears swelled in her eyes at the thought. As much as she hated the thought, she would rather die than remain here with Kieran. He claimed he wanted to marry her, for her to mother his children. The entire idea disturbed her and sent chills through her body. The thought of him touching her, being intimate left her feeling ill.

Slipping from the bed and moving to the window, her thoughts drifted away. Halting on the first time she met Roman. She hadn't meant to drench him and his bike. She didn't think anyone would be around that late at night. She couldn't sleep and after spending all day watching the Red River flowing by from her shop window, she couldn't resist a late night swim. She began making the water rise and fall like fountains and even manipulated a raft of water to lay on. 

Enjoying her water play, she started a whirl pool, giggling as it swept her around and around. Soon she manipulated it to rise into a water tornado. She enjoyed be sucked into the swirling mass of water, only to dive back into the river and get sucked back in again. Eventually she tired of the tornado and clapped her hands to dissipate it. As her hands clapped against one another, the Tornado collapsed into a huge wave, sending Kayley to the river bank and showering Roman with water as he rode by.

She didn't recognize him at first, but she had seen him the night before at Fangtasia. Once she realized what he was she poofed to the middle of the river. She chuckled softly at the irony... she was so afraid of him and yet she had been drawn to him from the beginning. 

Leaning her forehead against the window pane, she closed her eyes and imagined the coolness she felt was from his lips and not the glass. She enjoyed her life in the Human Realm and she could only hope that somehow... some way she would be allowed to go home...

The Return of a Nightmare

Whistling along in tune with the music over the radio, Kayley couldn't help but smile to herself. Their talk the evening before had helped. He had been hurt when she said she would understand if he wanted to leave. She didn't want him to leave. In fact, she was positive if he had it would break her heart. But she loved Roman and to her, his happiness was more important than holding on to him, if he didn't want her. She wanted him to know that... to  realize she would support him, so if there were doubts... if he was considering it, he could do so without pressure from her.

Once she had finished decorating the store, she smiled sweetly as she called goodbye to Gwen. She wanted to stop by the store before heading home. She really didn't know much about the Christmas holiday, but she knew it was supposed to be an exciting time of year for children. Looking down at Abel's smiling face as they walked through the aisles of Christmas decorations, she wanted to do whatever she could to make it a wonderful holiday for him.

She knew she was probably going overboard, but she couldn't help it, she was excited. It had been all she had heard children talk about in the shop. Santa, presents, toys, Christmas trees, lights... their little faces lighting up as they went on and on about it. She wasn't surprised as she filled up the cart with decorations. She planned on poofing in a tree, so she avoided that hassle. She drove back to the house, happily humming along to the radio. Roman had agreed to help her set up, but he wouldn't be home for a while and she wanted to surprise him by putting up some outside lights.

As she pulled into the garage, the realization of just how much physical work that would be hit her as she gazed upon the sleeping baby. She didn't want to leave him unattended for too long in the house and the night air was too chilly for him to stay outside with her. She was aware that her magic was beginning to drain.. in fact, she hated to admit it, but she couldn't poof to work anymore, not without letting done the wards. Eyes darting from the baby and to the house as she decidedly chose to refocus her magic. She poofed Abel into his nursery, covering him softly with a blanket and kissing his forehead, before poofing back into the garage.

She gazed into the packed trunk, an uneasy feeling washing over her as she closed her eyes and concentrated on removing some of the magical wards. Silently promising to convince Roman to take a late night swim so she could recharge, as a way to calm her fears. Feeling a little better, she poofed the contents of the trunk to their respectable places. The outdoor lights landing on the back porch and the inside decorations appearing in the living room. Once on the porch, she set to work poofing the lights along the edges of the house as well as decorating a few of the trees. Smiling after just a few moments, she admired the way the lights twinkled off the calm water of the pond before heading inside.

She had only been inside the spacious living room for a few moments when she felt the air around her change.

Hello Kayley.

A familiar voice filled the space behind her and she jumped at its appearance... at his appearance. Her feet staggered backwards a few steps, her breath catching in her throat and her leg bumping into the coffee table.

What are you doing here?

Her voice panicked and her face fully displaying her fear. A slow, soothing smile curling his lips before his laugh rang out through the room.

I've come...to accept your apology and to rescue you from this...existence... You had your fun...you really "showed" me a thing or two...not come to your senses and come with me.

His hands grasping her tightly as the sound of Abel's cries pierce through her fear and she contemplates poofing to the child. Her mind wondering if she could grab him in time to get away.

Don't think about it my love...not worth it...is it?

He materialized a pen and paper, shoving them forcibly into her hands. His words taunting as he ordered her to write a letter to Roman. She couldn't even recall what she had written later on. The memory completely escaped her. She only could recall her thoughts, to write the meanest most outlandish things in hope Roman would realize that it didn't sound right. Her eyes gazing longingly in the direction of Abel's cries as she laid the note on the coffee table.

Forget the Human, Kayley.

His words were cold, the disgust echoing in each syllable. Tears streaming down her face, she barely realized when he poofed them out of the house. The comfortable setting of her house... her home disappearing before her very eyes as she found herself in a wooded area. Abel's cries still ringing in her head, though she could no longer hear him. Her heart was breaking as Kieran forced her through the gateway into Fairy.

The first thing that she noticed was the smell. Fairy smelled of sweetness, it's air pure and clean, unlike the polluted air of the Human Realm. A warm breeze swept through her hair, blowing several strands across her face as her eyes devoured the scene in front of her. The house loomed eerily just a few hundred yards away. Her heart began to race at the familiar sight.

Kieran's home...

The thought echoed in her head as he grabbed her arm and dragged her through the field. What she had once admired for its beauty, now looked ominous and horrifying. Her feet complied with Kieran's forceful pull, even without her realizing. Her mind and heart still absorbing the situation at hand. She was never going back... he would never let her go this time. She knew what Kieran was capable of. He was cruel and spiteful. She chided herself for thinking he would just let her go. She knew he was proud and her rejection that finally night had not gone over well.

He glared at her when she tripped on the stairs. Her knee hitting the edge of one of the steps, she whimpered as pain shot through her. His hand tightening around her arm, he forced her to her feet and led her into his bedroom. Her body went entirely still as he pulled her into the room. She had dreamed of this room over and over again. The nightmares that haunted her always were portrayed in these settings. The over-sized bed with plush pillows, the expensive dark mahogany posts matched the furniture in the space. Everything was lavish, tasteful and defined his status perfectly.

It's our room, lover. His lips falling into a frown as he gazes back at her. Or don't you remember?

The air in the room practically crackled with tension. She could hear her heart pounding faster in her chest as she realize he intended to have her, like he once had. When she stated she wouldn't be with him, he pulled her close him. His breath hot on her ear as he whispered:

Of course you are, Kayley. As soon as we get that leeches blood out of you...

She was surprisingly relieved to hear that. She knew the process could take months, but her relief was short-lived. Her face paling as he materialized a vial, blood seemingly rising from her skin and fill the small vial. Her heart broke as the last of her connection to Roman left her body. She hadn't been able to feel him once in the Fairy Realm, but to see the last part of him that she had being taken away was too much. The meaning by its removal only furthering her realization of how dire her circumstances had become.

She made a break for the door as he used magic to seal the blood in its glass container. Jumping as the door slams shut forcibly. His hand shoving her into one of the wooden pillars. Her head making a loud thunk against the sturdy wood frame and his words the last thing she is aware of as she succumbs to the darkness.

Silly girl. Did you forget who I am?

A dark smirk lingering on his curled lips as he picked her motionless body from the ground and laid her on the bed. The sight of the bruising on her forehead deterring from her beauty. Brushing her hair to cover the mark he whispered into her ear.

You will once again be mine and you will be so, willingly.

A taunting laugh filling the room as he moved to leave the room, sealing the room magically behind.

A Thanksgiving to Forget...

Slipping back into bed, she pulls the covers up around her. A smile curling her lips as Roman lifts his head and nuzzles it against her bare chest before falling back asleep. Looking down at her sleeping Vampire, her fingers begin working their way through his hair. She was happy to see him sleeping.

He was getting better at making a good show for her... but she wasn't fooled. He was still showing all the signs of not getting enough rest. She knew he still was feeling the effects of whatever magic was placed on him. He had even placed an iron nail in one of the legs of Abel's crib and made sure to show her and place it against the wall. Sighing, she couldn't help but being skeptical. She didn't trust humans with magic.

She looked at him lovingly as he rested, her fingers caressing his cheek slightly as she brushes the hair from his face. The night before had been awkward to say the least. She had been excited to go to Sookie's. She didn't know her very well, but she had hoped they could be friends. When Sookie never responded to her text she just assumed she was busy caring for Eric.

After thoroughly enjoying their long hot shower, a few times over, Kayley slipped into her outfit for the evening. Lifting her hair, she asked Roman to zip her up, a smirk curling her lips as his fangs extended and his cool fingers ran along her bare back before reluctantly complying. Seeing him fangy and with just a towel wrapped around his waist, it took all she had to keep from pulling off the towel and enjoying him once again. It was only the knowledge that they would never make it to the dinner if she did, that motivated her to get Abel ready.

They were the first to arrive and when Sookie opened the front door, they were hit with a plethora of wonderful, mouthwatering smells. Kayley was in awe of all the hard work Sookie had put into the gathering. She was curious about how humans managed without the ability to poof. Things seemed seemed to be looking good for the evening, until the knock on the door sounded throughout the house. Roman stiffened and uttered a name "Lacey".

Kayley assumed she had heard him wrong and tried to peer over his shoulder. Barely glimpsing the new arrivals, she was confused by his reaction. "What the Fuck. Lacey is here..." his brow furrowing as he continued in a hissed low tone "Musta faked it." His happy, slightly fae-drunk demeanor turning icy cold as he turned back to Kayley. She was relieved when Jo approached him and they started talking. It left Kayley alone with her thoughts... with the emotions she was getting from him in the bond.

She just stood there next him as he and Jo discussed... she wasn't even sure what they discussed. Her mind had been racing and pit was forming in her gut. With his ex alive, would he want her back? Wasn't the baby in her arms, the son he said he lost? She looked at Abel with a sense of sadness sweeping over her. The dinner was clearly becoming to uncomfortable for Roman and herself. Especially when his ex took it upon herself to hiss at him across the table. Only proven the stories Kayley had heard from others true. It took everything she had to keep from snapping in reply to defend Roman as they left and the girl continued her snide remarks.

His behavior during the entire event had left her uneasy and further left her feeling uncomfortable. Normally what she would have taken as affectionate seemed to come off as almost showing off. She didn't like the way it made her feel. She didn't want to be in the middle of a mind game between Roman and his ex... and yet, that's exactly how it seemed. And though he assured her, once they were home, that he loved her... wanted to be with her... it didn't change how his behavior and actions made her feel.

So laying there, his head on her chest, all she felt was pain. She did trust him when he said he loved her... but she wasn't sure that some part of him didn't question their relationship. Even more now that Lacey and his son were alive. A tear fell down her cheek as she realized that he may very well change his mind. She didn't think Abel was in any danger of being hurt, Roman loved him. But Kayley... was easily replaceable, especially since the family he had thought he lost, wasn't as lost as he had thought.

Officially Us

Her eyes fluttered open, a soft smile spreading across her lips as she sees he's still in the bed next to her. It was the first time in a while that he actually was resting during the day. Her finger gently pushing a strand of hair out of his face.

She was relieved to see him resting, days of worrying about him had begun to take its toll on her. She relaxed, still wrapped in his arms as she gently stroked his cheek. Their relationship had been such a surprise to her. She'd been frightened of all Vampires when they first met... a fact that hadn't changed much with the exception of Roman.

His invitation to Mississippi had been a surprise to her, but it was her agreement to go that was the bigger surprise. Something in her was curious... she couldn't help herself. Watching his face as he looked down on a sleeping Lily touched her. After a lifetime of hearing the horrors of Vampires, she was shocked to see one to show such love and admiration over something as innocent and sweet as a sleeping child.

She knew there was something about him when she saw him playing with Lily the following evening. She couldn't help but smile at the memory and the dozens of memories of watching him with Abel. He was a good father, regardless of his own insecurities about being one. She found herself entranced by that look of happiness that crossed his face when he was playing with Abel. Each time she saw it... she fell for him more and more.

Closing her eyes briefly, the memory of their conversation the day before replaying through her head. He loved her... the smile on her face softening as his voice echoed once more through her head. "I love you, Kayley" Her voice soft as she admitted what she had been trying to deny to herself. "I love you, too, Roman." The words still foreign to her, but yet something about them feeling right. She did love him, regardless of the dark and evil things she knew he was capable of.

He had said they were official. Chuckling softly, she still wasn't sure of what all that entailed. But it was cute watching him, with his far away hazy look... the one he always got when she unmasked around him. She'd be lying if she didn't admit that she enjoyed the fact she was intoxicating to him. Kissing his cool lips softly as she snuggles close. Her eyes closing once more and she breathes in deeply as she begins to drift off to sleep. The coolness of his skin sending a tingle down her spine as she succumbs to the darkness.