Naomi knew no fear as she stood outside the main gate to Tavik’s castle because this time she had her own guard to protect her, for who would be foolish enough to attack a blessing of unicorns? The guards were slack jawed as she waltzed past them.
Mrs. Boon met her at the foot of the stairs leading to the private chambers. She didn’t scrape her knee to Naomi, nor did she look at all pleased to see her. She gave the housekeeper a cool stare. “I would get my things in order if I were you.”
“I am to be let go?”
“What do you think? You held me prisoner, lied to me, and worst of all, you enjoyed it. If you don’t leave, I’ll do the same to you.”
Mrs. Boon’s back stiffened, but she nodded. She continued up the stairs and didn’t pause again until she was outside Tavik’s door. She stared at the wood beams. He was on the other side. She put her hands flat against the door and leaned her forehead onto it. It was almost over. Everything was almost over.
“Could you let me be alone with him first?” she asked her two friends who had followed her up.
“Of course, dear,” Yula said.
Agatha rubbed her back. “Go to him, Naomi. He’s waiting.”
She lifted her head and nodded. She opened the door and slipped inside. It was almost over. Errilol was dead. The unicorns were safe. All that needed to be done now was awaken Tavik. She felt a gut clenching fear at the task. It had been several months since he’d seen her. The time when he was delusional didn’t count. What would he think when he opened his eyes? Would he be happy or would he turn away? She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. His reaction didn’t matter she told herself. All she truly wanted was to restore him back to health. If he turned away from her, she would go. She’d find something else to do, see if Agatha needed an apprentice maybe. His well-being was all that mattered. She wished she really were that self-sacrificing, but she knew the truth. If he turned away from her, somebody was getting hurt in the physical sense. She’d lay odds on him. She’d just killed a god for him NAKED, what more could a guy ask for?
She marched over to the side of the bed. He hadn’t been disturbed from when she’d left him. He was still unmasked, but there was one key difference. The demon tattoo was gone. He looked ten times handsomer to her now. She laid her palm across his forehead where the tattoo had been. He was like a block of ice. She wondered what the priests and servants had made of his state.
She leaned in and laid her lips across his, which were cold and lifeless. She squeezed her eyes shut to block out thoughts of funerals and final farewell kisses. He would come back. He would be okay. His lips remained lifeless under hers. Why wasn’t he waking up? Tears began to leak out. She raised her head to wipe her tears off of him.
“Come on, Tavik. Wake up,” she begged. She lowered her head again to kiss him. The unicorns had assured her that this would work. She began to despair at the lack of response. If he didn’t wake up, it would be her fault. She’d been the one to put him in this cold state. She’d done it to protect him, but it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t recover. He still didn't stir. She rose and stumbled back. She’d call Agatha. The witch would know what to do. She turned toward the door.
“No, Naomi come back. Don’t leave me.”
She whirled back to face him. His eyes were still closed, but he’d spoken. She rushed back to the bed. “I’m here, Tavik. I won’t leave you. I’m here to stay,” she babbled. “Tavik, open your eyes. Look at me.”
He didn’t open his eyes, and the blue pallor had not lessened. She had the mad fear that he hadn't spoken, that she’d imagined it. “Missed you,” he breathed. She gasped with relief. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him.
“Wake up. I need to know you’re going to be all right.” It made her sick the way his head lolled on his neck. She jumped on the bed and straddled his torso. She held his head between her hands. She would bring him back, but the only way she knew how was the way she’d been told. Kiss him, the unicorns had told her. She began to rain kisses down on him. She kissed his eyes, cheeks, forehead, mouth, ears, chin, jaw, eyebrows, and nose. She covered his face with kisses. Her lips swiftly grew numb on his cold skin. She was kissing his mouth once again when it responded and opened to her. Her cry of joy was muffled. She kissed him a few seconds longer before raising her head.
His eyes were open now. He looked up at her with wonder. “You’re back,” he murmured.
She dumbly nodded her head as she wiped her tears of relief away. His brow furrowed. “I can’t move my body.”
She had an inkling why. She picked up his hand and brought it to her lips. She gently kissed it all over. His hand flexed and cupped her cheek. She laughed. Tavik looked bemused. She had just begun to kiss down his arm when the bedroom door swung open, and Yula and Agatha tumbled in. They picked themselves up and blinked at the picture of Naomi straddling Tavik on his bed.
“I don’t think they’ve finished their hellos,” Yula said grabbing Agatha to drag her back out of the room.
Agatha brushed her off. “I think the sun will rise before they’re done.” Naomi blushed and crawled off Tavik. Agatha came up to the side of the bed and looked him over. “Well, how do you feel?”
He chuckled. “I’ll tell you once Naomi’s done with me.” Agatha raised an eyebrow and looked at her. Naomi could feel her cheeks burning brighter.
“He’ll be all right,” she muttered. Tavik chuckled some more. She sent him a warning look.
“But you kissed him obviously so he’s fine,” Mr. Squibbles said sticking his head out of Agatha’s pocket.
She stared at her shoes.
Yula grew concerned. She came up to the bed and laid her hand on his brow. “But you must be all right. Naomi went through such peril to help you. She killed Errilol and saved the unicorns. The unicorns told her a kiss would save you.”
She’d been holding onto Tavik’s reawakened hand. It spasmed and squeezed hers as he slanted his eyes to her. “Errilol’s dead?”
“Can’t you tell?” Agatha said. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. They watched him tensely. She’d been sure Errilol was no more, but if Tavik could still sense him…
His eyes opened. “He’s gone. I don’t feel him at all,” he said in wonder.
Agatha smiled and looked over at her. “Naomi did that. She saved you.”
“Yes, she did.” His eyes slanted to her. She stared back. Agatha slipped her arm around Yula’s shoulders and began to lead her out.
“Let’s let these two get back to their kissing,” Agatha said with a twinkle in her eye.
Once they were gone, Naomi groaned and flopped down beside Tavik. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Your mother knows.”
“Mothers know everything.”
Naomi propped her head up and looked down at him. She pulled the sheet away. “So what would you like to get the feeling back in first?” she asked.
“You choose.”
She ginned wickedly. “You’re going to regret that.”
“I highly doubt it.”
THE END.
15 comments:
Hello everyone, thank you so much for reading Unicorn Bait! I hope you enjoyed it.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
One question I have been asked often is if there will be a sequel.
All I can say is maybe. I have no definite plans for a sequel, but do think it would be fun to write. I am currently working on other stories, but if a really good idea for a sequel comes to me, I'll start it.
S.A. Hunter,
I have to say that this was a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. (I also am still avoiding my algebra). I sat and read it all in one sitting. The best part is that I am sitting here wishing that there was more. Your characters were very 3 dimensional. Keep it up! I loved this one!
Thank you so much, Rebecca. Now go work on your Algebra! I imagine exams are in full swing or very, very close!
A wonderful book! Thank you for sharing it with us.
While a sequel might be fun, the story has come to a definite ending and with a proper "happily ever after" feel to it. No sequel is necessary.
If Hollywood has taught me anything, it is that making a sequel for the sake of making a sequel is generally a bad idea.
Perhaps a prequel would be more interesting. How the heck did that unicorn horn get to Earth in the first place?
But, write your good stories in whichever universe they fit in.
I really enjoyed this book. It was GREAT! I was leery when I began it, but it turned out to be a fabulous story weaved with details that helped the reader pick apart the characters secrets!
Once again, I loved it!
Thank you so much, Fate Blitz. I'm glad it didn't disappoint.
I absolutely loved this book. I didnt want it to end :/
Well, I am working on the sequel, so just wait. Another adventure with Naomi and the gang is on the way.
I just read the book and loved it! You are a very gifted writer. I dont suppose youve made any progress with the sequal, i cant wait :)
Hi Amberly,
Much like Unicorn Bait, Dragon Prey keeps zigging when I expect it to zag. The story is quite different from what I initially imagined, but I think it's turning out pretty damn well if I say so myself. :-) I am making progess!
I loved the book.I was a mixter of my favorit things.unicorns info about unicorns magic and the midevl times.
I read the book two times in a row.each time in one day befor dinner.
Aw, that's wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Dragon Prey will be out some time this year! Hope you like it just as much as Unicorn Bait.
ok i read the book so many times i lots count after five.but this book inspired me to write a book.when i get older i wont to write i have started to write two books.
Cassidy,
You may know Unicorn Bait better than me now!That's fantastic about the books! Writing is a great thing to do. Have fun!
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