Changeling Read online

  “It’s good manners, to us. Just like me not sitting down until invited. I know it must seem formal and stuffy to you. You keep eyeing me as if I’m an oddity.”

  “If you come here all the time, why do you talk that way?”

  “Does someone from Maine talk the same way someone from California does? Or someone from London?”

  “No, but you do sound out of place.”

  “I don’t come here that often. I have many concerns at home.”

  “Am I bothering you? I didn’t make an appointment or anything.”

  “If I was busy, I wouldn’t have come, but I do plan on making you a priority.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, you’re very powerful. Wallace is now claiming that’s why he simply couldn’t resist and had to be with you. He says he told you all about who and what you are but you dismissed him. You don’t remember anything before I came to you?”

  “No.” I paused. “So, I’m a priority because I’m powerful? You need to keep an eye on me?”

  “Not keep an eye on you. Help you. And that’s only one reason.”

  I picked up my wine and looked down into the glass a moment before sipping it. “What’s the other?”

  He took a long sip of his own wine and studied me. Licking his lips, he leaned closer and said, “When I saw you kneeling in front of Wallace, I was furious. It angered me to see anyone, especially one of my own people, being abused. But there was also a twisted kind of jealousy. I wished I’d found you first so that I could introduce you to our world and seduce you properly. Slowly.”

  My cock responded, and I shifted on the couch a little. “You would’ve wined me and dined me before putting the whammy on me?”

  Lachlann frowned. “I wouldn’t have used my powers. If you’d rejected me, I would’ve walked away.” He set his wine down. “You’re aroused now. Have you been thinking of me? I’ve been thinking of you.”

  “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things.” I cradled my wine closer to my body. “Am I really safe? Will I be able to defend myself if someone like Wallace gets ideas again?”

  “I’m watching over you. Not literally, but I will know right away if you’re in danger.”

  I chewed my lip and raised my wine to my mouth again. I took a long sip to fortify myself. “It’s a lot to accept. To take in.”

  “I know. You must have so many questions you don’t know where to begin.”

  “I love my parents. My dad passed away, but my mom is still around. I can’t imagine not really being theirs. I don’t want to leave her.”

  “No one would make you. Being part of my world wouldn’t mean having to live there. No one will make you do anything you don’t want to do. I’ve made it clear you’re under my protection.”

  “Your parents are the king and queen. What’s that like?”

  “Demanding. Tiring. Our relationship is a bit distant. They’re very busy, and so am I. Telling them about you was our only conversation the past few months.”

  “What did they say?”

  “They told me to do as I saw fit.”

  “No warnings to keep away from me?”

  “No. Why would they do that?”

  I laughed. “Okay, it seems obvious being gay isn’t a problem for your people, but doesn’t the prince need to produce heirs? You can’t do that with me.”

  Lachlann smiled and took my wine from me, moving closer and running his hand up my leg. He let it rest inches from my cock. “You think we’d last so long? I like your optimism. Proves I’m not mistaken about this connection I feel.” He caressed my thigh but still didn’t quite touch my cock. “I’ve thought of you every night. I think a strong, intelligent man like you would make a fine life mate for me.” He leaned in to kiss me.

  I pulled away, even though I didn’t want to. “Life mate? We just met.”

  Lachlann didn’t seem offended. “And four nights ago, you were imagining me showing up in your room and sucking your cock. If you want nothing but sex, I’ll accept that, but I could see us being much more than brief lovers.”

  Taking a deep breath, I said, “Would you touch my cock already? You’re driving me crazy.”

  He chuckled. “Do you want me to stay? I might need to leave before you wake up in the morning.”

  “I want you to touch me.”

  Lachlann’s hand moved over my cock, massaging it through my pants, and I was hard as a rock before long. I sighed and leaned in to give him the kiss I’d denied him earlier. Despite how frenzied I felt, the kiss was sweet and slow. I actually whimpered as he explored my mouth, and that made him sigh. The sound was so sensual I shuddered and pulled back.

  “Is it like this because I’m the same as you? An Enchanter?” I asked.

  “Nothing to do with our powers. I’m not using mine, and you don’t know how to use yours. They can be used during sex and can heighten pleasure, but this is all us. And proves I wasn’t mistaken.” He practically growled. “I’m going to castrate Wallace for touching you.”

  Aroused as I was, I said, “No! Please, that sounds horrible!”

  Lachlann blinked at me and looked abashed. “I didn’t mean literally. I’m just so angry at him. Much more so than I was before.” His hand left my cock and came to my cheek. “You’re becoming dear to me. I … I have been watching you a little. You’re hardworking and kind. Smart and witty. I was anxious for you to call me back.”

  “I don’t know what to say to that.”

  He sighed as he let his hand drop to his own lap. “Because I’ve completely overwhelmed you. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “But I ruined the mood with what I said. It was too violent. Too possessive. I’m not being mindful of how new this all is to you.”

  I had lost my erection, for the most part, but I knew one touch would bring it back. I didn’t know what I wanted, for him to be a gentleman or for him to pull me close and make me forget all of my questions for a few hours. “I’m glad to hear you don’t really do that to people. How will Wallace be punished?”

  “You weren’t his only victim. He raped many humans. They don’t remember it that way—some don’t remember at all—but he’ll likely be imprisoned the rest of his life.”

  “Do you feel betrayed? You said he was on your council. A friend.”

  “I’m mostly angry I didn’t see him for what he was. But yes, I do feel hurt. I lost a friend. Perhaps never even had one. I think he befriended me and sought my favor to put himself above suspicion. He was angry I turned him in. Said I’d betrayed him.”

  “He thought you wouldn’t turn him in?”

  “Yes. He acted as if I was the one in the wrong.”

  “I’m sorry. That must hurt.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Something good came of it.”

  “Don’t you dare say meeting me. That’s so corny.”

  Lachlann smiled. “Fine, I won’t say it. I do know what corny means, for your information. If I wait a few moments, can I say how glad I am we met?”

  I couldn’t help laughing. “Maybe.” I settled back into the couch but didn’t move away from him. “How much have you been watching me?”

  “A little here and there. A few hours a day. You at work. Reading at night. Having lunch alone.” He paused. “I’d like to join you someday, if you’ll let me. Or perhaps dinner tomorrow night.”

  “I’d like that.”

  He leaned over and kissed me again. “Then I’ll come for you at seven, and we’ll go wherever you like.” He stood up and smoothed his shirt.

  “You won’t stay tonight?”

  “I’m tempted, but I think I should at least buy you dinner, considering what I plan on doing to you.”

  “You keep talking like that and I’ll make you stay.”

  “You’re not that strong yet. Good night, Adam.”

  “Good night,” I said as he disappeared. I sat there smiling as I thought about him saying my name. I didn’t even remember telling him my name, but o
f course he knew a lot of things I hadn’t told him.

  ****

  Lachlann showed up at seven wearing a contemporary gray suit that fit him perfectly. I bowed when I opened the door, and he laughed and bowed back. “Am I overdressed?” he asked as he eyed me.

  I wore jeans and a blue button up shirt, and I didn’t have my shoes on. “No. You’re perfect. And right on time.”

  Lachlann stepped inside, and I could see the moment the smell of dinner hit him. “Ah, I’m glad I didn’t spy on you earlier. Would’ve spoiled the surprise.”

  “You don’t mind staying in?”

  “No. Why would I?”

  “You don’t know if I can cook yet.”

  “I doubt you’d want to eat in on our first date if you couldn’t cook. But more to the point, I’m happy just to be here with you. You’ve invited me into your home and your life, and you don’t really know anything about me yet. I’ve done very little to prove myself to you.”

  I hesitated once we reached the dining room. “You’re right. Perhaps you could give me some proof after dinner.”

  “What kind of proof?” he asked.

  “You appear and disappear out of thin air. Take me somewhere.”

  “Where would you like to go?”

  I thought for a moment and asked, “Could I go to your home?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  I rested my hands on the chair in front of me and asked, “Could I see the man I was exchanged for?”

  “If you wish to. Those who discover they’re changelings often hesitate about that.”

  “I want to see if he looks like the people who raised me.” I had been thinking about this most of the day. I had to come to terms with it somehow if Lachlann and I had any chance. “Does he have powers? Even though he’s human?”

  “Humans who are raised in Lanastel develop some powers.”

  “Would I be allowed to see my birth parents?”

  “Of course.”

  “But … they didn’t want me.”

  Lachlann’s eyes went wide. “No. That’s not true. Not at all.”

  “Then why the hell did they steal a human baby and leave me in its place?” I crossed my arms. “As I struggled with all of this, I began thinking about that part more and more. I need answers before we can go much further with this. With us.”

  “That’s not how it works. Babies aren’t stolen. Forgive me for not explaining it. I forget there are so many legends about my kind. Exchanging one of our children for a human one is a great sacrifice on our part. We do it because the human child is in danger of dying because it has been touched by something evil in this world. We do it to avoid a tragedy. We are only able to do this with babies, though. You see, it’s easier for the parents to adjust to a different child when it’s still very young. We don’t have to use powerful magic to make the parents accept it. We find a child among our own who could pass for the human, and the parents are approached. They can say no, but think about it this way. What mother could say no to saving the life of a child so much like her own? Some do say no, but not often.”

  I’m not sure how long I stood there staring at him, but when I came back to myself, I was sitting down with Lachlann sitting beside me holding my hand. I licked my lips and asked, “What was wrong with him? What happened?”

  “It’s going to sound silly, but a goblin put a spell on him. He wanted to make the child weak so it could steal its heart.”

  That made a chill run up my spine. “Seriously? Why did you think that would sound silly?”

  “Poor choice of words. I meant it sounds like a fairy tale. Enchanters are immune to such spells. We naturally defend ourselves. We had to get the child to Lanastel within seven days. That was the duration of the spell. At the end of seven days, the child would’ve been too weak to live, even if we could keep the goblin away from it. Your natural parents thought about it for two days, and then your mother went to visit the baby at night. It woke up and grabbed her finger, and she made her decision. Both of your parents are still alive, and they’d love to meet you.”

  “The humans in Lanastel know the truth?”

  “Yes.”

  “So he probably wants to know things about his birth parents, too, right?”

  “Yes. He can watch them from afar, but contact is forbidden. It can go wrong and be traumatizing. Most don’t check in very often. It isn’t healthy to dwell on that kind of thing.” Lachlann paused. “But he did attend the funeral of your human father, with a chaperone to make sure he kept his distance.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” I started to smile a bit, sighing and turning my hand beneath his so our palms touched. “I planned to get you into bed tonight. Not have such a serious discussion.”

  “We have plenty of time. You’ve been very calm about all of this. It shows your strength. The parents who raised you loved you. They were your parents in every way that matters. And Colin not only lived but got to have a life full of love. He’s married and has a daughter.” Lachlann moved his hand over mine and grasped my fingers, lifting them to his lips. “We aren’t thieves or fiends, I swear it. I’ll do all I can to prove it to you.”

  “Do many changelings go back to Lanastel?”

  “About half of them somehow make contact with one of us. Or find a sacred place. At times, they’re drawn to it. Feel out of place here. They’re always allowed to return to our world, if they wish. But many only visit, having naturally become attached to the life they have here.”

  I drew my hand back and stood up. “Let me bring dinner in. We can talk more.”

  “I’ll help.” Lachlann stood and followed me into the kitchen.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be a prince?” I checked the lasagna and picked up the trivets and oven mitts.

  “Yes, but do you actually think I let servants do everything for me?” He smiled. “I even make my own bed.”

  I handed him the trivets. “Then go set these on the table, then come back for napkins and silverware.” I nodded to the counter where I’d already set out the “good” napkins my mom had bought me for Christmas and some utensils.

  “Yes, sir.” He winked at me as I slid the oven mitts on and lifted the casserole dish.

  “Are you that obedient in the bedroom?” I asked as I followed behind him and set the lasagna down on the trivets.

  He turned back to me and said, “Absolutely not.” He ran his hand over my ass as he went back to the kitchen.

  “Hmmm, we’ll see about that,” I murmured.

  “I heard that,” he called.

  “Then consider it a challenge.”

  Lachlann laughed, and this time I swatted him on the ass when we passed each other in the doorway.

  “You do know I could have you in chains for assaulting a royal, right?”

  I returned with bread and two small salad plates balanced in one hand. I set it all down and said, “Chains, huh? Never tried that one.”

  I sat down and spread the napkin over my lap before looking up and seeing the heat in his eyes. “Aren’t you hungry?”

  “Ravenous,” he said quietly before sitting down beside me.

  ****

  I didn’t know what to expect after dinner. I’d asked him for proof of all he’d told me, but part of me simply wanted to drag him into the bedroom. The few touches we’d shared so far—including that sensual kiss—told me things would be good once we got down to it. My first impression of Lachlann as stiff and distant had faded away. At first, he had seemed formal and unfriendly, but he had still been trying to keep from rattling my world. He’d admitted over dinner that he was happy with how things had turned out, and his warmth had come through more tonight than in any other encounter. He smiled and laughed as we talked, and I loved the way his entire countenance lit up when he was happy.

  Now, I wanted to make him happy in a very different way. I wanted to hear him moan, to see him come. I didn’t even care which one of us topped, though I hadn’t bottomed in years. it simply didn’t m
atter, as long as we became one.

  All these thoughts rushed through my head as I did a bit of quick cleaning. I was loading the dishwasher when he returned from the bathroom.

  “I like your soap. Sage is a very important herb in Lanastel. It grows everywhere,” Lachlann said. Coming up beside me, he looked around and asked, “Anything I can do before we go?”

  “Go?” I asked.

  “Yes, I want to show you my world. My favorite spot, in fact.” He lowered his voice as he added, “If you still want that.”

  “Yes. I’d like that.” I dried my hands and turned to him. “Whenever you’re ready.”

  Lachlann drew me close. “Hold tight to me. And close your eyes. You might get a bit woozy if you keep them open at first.”

  I slid my arms around his neck. “I don’t think I’ll have any problems traveling this way.”

  He smiled at me, but then I obeyed and shut my eyes. I expected him to kiss me, but instead I felt a rush of air around us. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t help gasping.

  We definitely were underground, but it was so bright you could easily forget that. We stood in an enormous cavern, but everything was covered in some kind of luminescent vegetation. There were rock formations as large as trees covered in colorful moss, blue and purple the dominant colors. I did see what seemed to be trees, and these all had large flowers blossoming on them, like magnolia trees. But the flowers were a rainbow of colors, and curly moss that looked like threads of silver silk hung from many of these trees. Below our feet, bare stone mixed with red and orange and yellow moss, and every bare surface sparkled as if covered in glitter. I heard rushing water, but I didn’t see a river or anything near us.

  “What do you think?” Lachlann asked.

  “It’s beautiful and strange. And colorful.”

  “You like it?”

  “Yes.” I took a deep breath. “I can smell the sage.” But when I looked around, I didn’t see anything that looked remotely like sage. “These plants are all so different, yet they remind me of things in my world.”

  “It is technically the same planet, though of course we don’t benefit from the sun in the way you do. Those fluffy-looking plants over there, the ones that look like little puffballs—that’s what sage looks like here. But it smells exactly the same.”