Weddings Bells Times Four (16 page)

“Avril, you make sure she doesn’t stay down here too long. She’ll need to feed in a couple of hours again,” Edward said to Avril, but kept his gaze on her. “Seven should be good. I’m going to bring Isaac, Simon and Diego since they are alone. Be good, Little Witch. I haven’t gotten to try out the new spanking bench I bought for you.”

“What?” She squirmed in his arms. “With everything going on you really want to explore this stuff?” Beth placed a kiss on his chest.

“Oh, we will be exploring it and more. Now be good.” Edward swatted her butt and turned to leave. She did love to watch the play of his muscles as he walked away from her. His ass was so cute.

“Thank you. I have a fondness for yours too,” Edward said turning his gaze on her before disappearing out of the room.

“Damn, I really need to learn to block certain thoughts,” she mumbled and turned back to the folder.

Carrying two strange looking boxes, Beth made her way into the kitchen. The head chef was there pouring over recipes as she walked in. “Hello, Lancelot, how are you doing today?” She still couldn’t believe he was the famous chef from the 16th century, but then again she was the youngest around here, except for the staff’s children.

“Bonjour, Beth. You come to help pick out the meal for tonight, yes?” He asked as she placed her bundle down on the table.

“Yes, Edward said to plan on dinner at seven and from last count I received from Dred, we’re looking at over 50. I was kind of hoping for a smaller dinner, but Dred and Rock’s family alone could be a couple of football teams.” She smiled and sat down next to him. “Oh and Dred said there must be lots of beef.” She rolled her eyes.

“Well our hunters did go out and bring back three bucks. What do you think about having fresh deer tonight? We could do a couple of roasts, steaks, along with all the other dishes.” He got up and went to the double door fridge. “You haven’t eaten lunch yet either, have you?”

He shook his head and pulled a plate of cheese and meats, placing it on the table. The French bread, dressings and fruit were also placed before her. “Eat, we can talk at the same time.”

She smiled and dug into the food, while discussing the menu for the next few days. Lancelot had always been one of her favorites to talk to in the castle. He didn’t judge her or think she was beneath him, like some of the staff still did.

“So how are you doing? Is the staff behaving since you came back?” he asked, zeroing right in where they’d left off.

“I haven’t been around that much for them to bother with me, now have I? Plus, they’re not allowed in our private wing anymore, so that helps a lot, but I guess I’m going to have to talk with Alton.” She moaned taking a bite out of the peach.

“Make sure you take your guard when dealing with him. I don’t like him. You should have told the King about his treatment of you last time. You’re our Queen and should be treated as such.”

She shrugged. “I’m hoping that since things are pretty much a done deal, the other staff members will have calm down.” Beth looked up to Lancelot, placing her hand on his. “Please don’t worry. I can handle Alton.”

A small growl had her snatching her hand back and rolling her eyes. “Please ignore the doggy behind us; he still isn’t house-trained. Dred behave,” she turned and tried not to laugh but couldn’t hold the laughter back as he gave her one of those “me man/you obey” looks.

“And do you really think that is going to work?” she asked and he just shook his head.

“Edward was right. We need the spanking bench for your sweet ass,” Dred mumbled and hugged her tight from behind before reaching over and shaking Lancelot’s hand. “What is this about Alton? Has he been bothering you?”

“No, I haven’t seen the man since I’ve been back here. You need to calm down, Dred, and allow me to take care of the staff. If a problem comes up, I’ll make sure you know about it. When I first came here, you know how a lot of the people felt.” She turned on the bar stool and looked up at him. “I’ll be fine. Now what brings you down here? I thought you and Rock were going to have lunch with your parents?”

“I did. And this isn’t over. I thought you would like to take a walk with me out in the west gardens. The pack is there…” Dred slid his hands down and lifted her up off the chair, kissing her lips softly. “I want to introduce you formally to the pack this afternoon.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Edward too?” Beth hated to be around large crowds. When Edward had introduced her to his staff and others upon coming here last year, the glares were enough to make anyone hide.

“He was already introduced last month while you were under that spell. Now is the time for our woman to be introduced.” Dred lifted her another few inches till she was eye level with him. “No one will dare hurt you.”

“I’m not worried about that,” she blew out her breath and nodded. “Let me take these to our room and talk with Alton. I’ll meet you out there in an hour.” She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “But I’m warning you. Know that if one person glares or snarls at me, I’m turning them into puppy food.” Beth kissed the side of his neck and wiggled till he put her down.

“Do you want me to come with you? If anyone snarls at you, you’ll have to get behind me, because I’ll rip them apart.” he asked, sensing her discomfort.

“No. I have to do this, Dred. This is part of what I’m supposed to do and if people don’t like it, too bad. Now go, let me do this, and I’ll meet you.” She grabbed onto the boxes and followed Dred out of the kitchen after thanking Lancelot for lunch.

“I was thinking of inviting Lancelot to have supper with us tonight. He has no family and he’s been so nice to me. Would you mind?” she asked Dred as they stood in the hallway getting ready to go their separate ways.

He cocked his head to the side. “He’s been good to you? He hasn’t made any passes has he?”

She laughed. “No, he’s been a friend. Someone I could talk to about the staff. Something like Avril.”

“Then go, I’ll ask him. I owe him an apology anyway.” He turned her around and swatted her ass. “One hour, don’t make me wait,” he ordered.

“What is it with men and my ass, jeez?” She rubbed her butt and made her way to their quarters. Two guards stood at the doorway, waiting for her. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Could you have someone locate Alton and have him meet me in the Great Hall?” The one man nodded and took off when another stepped around her and took his place guarding the doors.

“Edward,” she mumbled, going down the stairs and instantly relaxing, feeling safe. “Raynard if you were in front of me, I’d give you a big hug. I so need this.” Apples and cinnamon filled the air, the smell of fall. She sat down on one of the new couches and just stared up at the stars of the galaxy above until one of the boxes in her hand started to tremble.

Carefully, Beth placed the other box aside while picking up the shaking box. The lid lifted on its own and the small book floated in the air, opening and landing on her lap. “Okay, what do we have here?” she looked down at written words and realized this page was in English.

The one word above the English spell, and it was a spell, read “Protector.” “So someone thinks I need more protection. Well it couldn’t hurt.” Beth nibbled her lip.

Raynard is this going
to hurt us?
As if on cue, the room grew warmer and she knew it was okay, but she’d bet Edward would have a royal fit.

Taking a deep breath, Beth stood and stepped away from the couch. The book floated before her as she read the words and formed the symbols with her hands that the spell called for.

Bright red sparks filtered around her, the air grew hot and Beth could have sworn she heard what sounded like claws on the floor behind her, but she still needed to finish the spell before she could look.

“So mote be it,” Beth mumbled and the book closed. It floated to the special crate that held it as Beth turned to see a creature staring at her. “Well crap, now I know I’m in big trouble.” The animal’s head was huge. Two horns stood up on the top, its orange eyes watched her as she watched it.

“Can you understand what I’m saying?” She asked before Beth even attempted to move. The creature almost snorted at her. “Well, you don’t have to be rude. How am I supposed to know. What are you and why are you here?”

“
We call ourselves Neobinders. I’m called Deception. Our race must find and bind ourselves with a single being. You are mine. I’m here to protect and watch over you. While I do this I’m now allowed to find my mate and live.”
His massive head turned to the stairs and stared. “
Your man comes.”

“Little Witch what did you…” Edward stopped at the bottom of the stairs and stared at the creature. “Now I know you need to have your ass beaten. Step away from that thing very slowly,” Edward hissed and Deception did not like that.

The creature moved his body in front of hers. “
He will not hurt you.”

She shook her head and placed her hand on the top of Deception. “Edward, this is Deception and please refrain from threatening me right now till he understands you mean me no harm. He is a species called,
Neobinders
and from what he’s told me, they must bind with a being in order to live. Well guess who he has bonded with?” She flinched when Edward’s heated gaze flicked up to her.

“And exactly how did he find you?” Edward stepped down into the room.

“I did ask Raynard if it was safe to say the spell. It was supposed to be a protection spell. I guess it is in a way it is for me, at least.” She laughed. “I’m sorry Edward but this is funny. Deception, please make friends with Edward before he… Well crap.” Both Rock and Dred came running down the stairs.

The orange colored eyes turned and focused on her. “
Your men too? There is a way I can communicate with them if it is your wish?”

“Yes, those are my men too and I really appreciate it if they could communicate with you also.” She turned to grab up the boxes when Rock and Dred snarled. “What now?” she looked back to see Deception inches away from her men.

“He’s going to make it so that you can hear him. Stop growling already. Think of him as a…” She busted out laughing. “Well he’s too big to be a doggie,” she teased, but all three of her men just glared at her. “Fine, I’ll shut up.”

With that, she sat down and watched as the animal in front of her sat down in front of the three men and opened its mouth producing three small bug-like creatures. “
They must allow these things to enter their body.”

His tongue rolled down to the floor allowing the small things to slither off his tongue. “He says those things must enter your body so you can talk to Deception.”

“And you believe him? With a name like Deception?” Dred snapped.

“Enough. I do have some common sense and Raynard has never let me down. Either you want this or you don’t, but Deception is now part of me, so get used to it. If you will excuse me, I have an appointment. I’ll meet you outside in half hour, Dred, if you still want me to meet you pack.”

“
I must go with you,”
the creature said as the three insect things inserted themselves into her men.

“That is fine. Just don’t go and scare everyone please. Oh and there are children too.” She stepped around her men and dodged Dred’s arms. “Don’t! Like you, I have responsibilities.”

She was furious at all three. They acted like little boys and right now she didn’t need it. Storming up the stairs her guards jumped back as Deception came up the stairs and snorted at them. “
Not much protection.”

No matter what species, all men could be such jerks. “He’s with me. Ignore him and he’ll ignore you. Just don’t touch him or me.” She threw in, not knowing what the animal would do.

“Wait!” Edward shouted as she prepared to take off down the hall.

“What? I have a meeting with Alton.” And she didn’t want to keep him waiting, giving him another reason not to like her.

Slowly, Edward moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say…”

“Don’t, Edward. We both knew what you meant. I’m sorry this upset you, but I really did think it would ease the three of you. I know how much you worry about me so I thought it would just be an extra protection. I can’t and wouldn’t undo it either. He deserves a life and if he can have one being around me, I have no problem with that.” She reached up and kissed his chin. “I really have to go. I don’t want to keep Alton waiting.”

“Dred told me Alton has been giving you trouble?” Edward placed both of his hands on her face and held her gaze.

“It’s been a while since I’ve talked to him. Let me see how things stand now that we are all bonded together. If things are the same, I will inform the three of you.”

“
There is no need to worry. If this Alton hurts her I’ll eat him.”
Edward jerked his gaze the creature and she smiled.

“Now you can hear him?” Edward nodded and smiled.

“I would like to chat with you later?” Edward asked and he nodded.

“There is no reason to chat, but if we must. Just know nothing and no one will hurt her ever again. If she is hurt so am I and I do not plan to be hurt.”

Both Dred and Rock snarled, but stopped when Deception turned his gaze on them. “
I understand the posturing but enough. I’m not taking your woman. I’ll be looking for my own soon.”

With that, Beth slipped out of Edward's arms and raced down the corridor to the Great Hall.

“
I don’t see why the rush and why you are so nervous. This thing can’t hurt you.”
His claws tapped on the ground behind her.

“It’s not that. How am I supposed to be Queen if my own staff does not respect me. In a lot of ways I’m still proving myself here among Edwards’s people and now, I have to do the same for Dred’s and Rock's.” She raced around the corner and ran smack into Simon.

She would have landed on her ass, but Simon caught her before she could fall. “Excuse me, my Queen, I didn’t…” His words died upon seeing Deception behind her.