Deceit

Chapter 6

DAPHNE

I think the dress looked amazing on me. The way it hugged my torso but fell loose in all the right places…. Like the almost un respectable amount of cleavage I was showing. I don’t know who I am trying to impress. This group of people my parents invited were none of my friends or even people I went to school with. Apparently they were their friends. I was just doing as I was told. Get ready and come out of the house at 7PM.

I looked at the clock, it was 6:55. It was time. I gathered my thoughts and took a few deep breaths. I headed down the stairs and out the front doors. There were probably 50 people here. They were all dressed to the nines. No wonder my mother got this dress. None of my other clothes would have been appropriate for this occasion. I was frozen in place by all of the effort that had been put into this. There were ice sculptures and food everywhere. There was a stage where a live band was playing. Trellises and lights hung everywhere that gave the yard a magical dim lighting. I took in another breath and began my descent down the massive stairway. Everyone was looking at me but it had gotten so quiet I could clearly hear my heels click clacking on the stone. It was incredibly awkward. Everyone was smiling like they had just won the jackpot, even my parents. The mix of smoldering cedar wood and the wild wisteria that grew on the fence line was intoxicating tonight. I had never noticed how strong it was. However, before I could reach the bottom of the stairs I heard a voice.

“Hello, kitten.”

CHAO

The party had been going on for about an hour and a half. I was just staying out of the way, however I noticed something interesting. Most of these individuals were not human. In fact they were Fae. Dark Fae to be exact, all male. They didn’t look like they were up to any good so I was on my guard. What business would they have at an 18 year old human birthday party? Anyway, I was laying low and enjoying some drinks. Or maybe not enjoying them because I was seriously distracted by my thoughts. This smell in the air was driving me crazy. Whatever it was, I wanted it. I couldn’t right now. I was already in a tight spot because of the other Fae. They would be able to tell what and probably who I am. It could ruin my cover.

I was watching the bands latest set when all of a sudden everything got quiet. I turned and looked with the rest right about the time I smelled her. It was Daphne. She looked divine. I could feel everything. I was entrapped by her beauty when all of a sudden I said it, “Mate”.

I couldn’t believe it, she was it. The one that Gaia chose for me. She was human or at least I thought she was. She was coming down the ledge, I could see it now, a concealment spell. It was in the process of breaking. It must have had a condition of being broken on her 18th birthday. That would explain why I didn’t see it or smell her before. I could smell her now. She smelled like Fae. I was loosing my mind at this point. It was taking everything I had to maintain control. I wanted to run to her and tell her how long I had been waiting for her. But there were a million dangerous eyes on her right now. I took my eyes off of her for a moment to survey the crowd. Every Fae male was looking at her like a steak. Some were even salivating visibly. I needed to be by her side. She could not be alone. I ran over to her. These guests were definitely here for her. There was something going on. I needed to get her out of here. My shadow was fighting me to erupt. Being this close to her it just wanted to strip her bare naked and complete the mating ritual now but that would be so traumatizing for her. Especially if she does not know what she is. If she wanted me too I wanted it to more special than this anyway.

“Hello, kitten.” I spoke softly.

Her eyes got ten times there normal size. She was clearly surprised and happy to see me. I couldn’t say as much for the rest of these guests. They all went from having predatory grins to having deadly scowls. They surely know what I am now but she does not. I held out my hand to her.

“Chao?” She states.

“Yes.” I said softly.

“Why are you here? You are the only one from school.”

“My job. But I’ll never leave you alone again.” I slipped. She blushed. Her piercing green eyes boring holes full of lust into mine.

“Ok. Well it’s nice to….”

Suddenly, she doubles over and starts screaming and crouching lower to the ground. Her beautiful gown spreading out around her like a sea of stars. What was wrong with her? I didn’t know for certain. All I could think was I definitely need to get her somewhere alone. Before I knew it I was releasing my shadow to fly her home in my arms. The crowd remained mostly calm until I scooped her up and turned away. Then there was yelling and threats. I did not pay attention to them. I was too focused on Daphne and why she was in pain.

I decided to go to my apartment. No one knew who I was yet so they wouldn’t know where I have been staying. I ran there as fast as I could. I arrived at the backside of the building and folded my shadow away. I could still carry her. She wasn’t very large. Actually she was very small even compared to human women. I could put her under one of my arms and she would be helpless. I took her inside and got her some cold rags and a heating pad. Now that she was in my apartment her scent was overwhelming. All I could think about was how she looked naked. I was such an ass. Here she is in pain for goddess knows what reason and all I can think about is the b***r that’s pressing against the inside of my jean.

I pushed those thoughts aside to focus on her and keep myself in check. Keeping him at bay was almost too much for me. I took the towels and the heating pad to her. As she lay on my couch I also remembered the dress she was wearing. It was beautiful but it didn’t look very comfortable to be in. Far have very similar heat to humans. She shouldn't be bleeding but I wanted her to be comfortable. I went and grabbed one of my t-shirts for her. It would be like a dress on her she is so tiny. I don’t have women over like that so I don’t have any clothes her size. I would have to take her to get a few things when she is feeling better. I headed back to the living room where she was laying on my couch. To my shock though, she had changed slightly. Her Fae scent was stronger and upon inspection, her ears had turned pointed and long. ‘She is beautiful’ is all I could think. Her hair was pitch black against pale freckled skin. With her large green eyes so perfectly placed in her skull I couldn’t keep from staring at her for a moment. She started to awaken so I closed the gap and offered the rags and heating pad. She opened her eyes and looked right at me and smiled.

“Hello, Chao.” Her voice was soft and sweet.

“Hello, Daphne.” I answered.

She just looked at me and smiled a soft smile that made her eyes upturn just slightly.

“Do you remember what happened?” I asked tentatively.