See Me (See Me #1)(67)

And we didn’t.

When the sun dawned on the wide Irish sky, a crackle of magic split the air and a horn sounded. We jumped from the bed, stumbling for our clothes and laughing. Yes, laughing. The blasting horn should have scared us, but we were giddy in our newfound selves—our bound selves—not yet willing to let go of that exquisite feeling. With a parting kiss I ran for the door, only to be gently tugged back. He took my chin so I couldn’t look anywhere but in his eyes.

“I love ye, Robyn of the Leprechaun.”

It was his first time saying it. Moisture sprung to my eyes.

“I love you, too, Kale of the Chaun.”

He grinned and let me go.

I got as far away from his bungalow as fast as I could. The cool morning air felt as fresh and crisp as ever during the mad dash back to my room.

It was prospectively the most terrifying day of my life, and yet, I’d never been happier.

THE HORN TURNED OUT to be a false alarm. It was only the Fae gatekeeper giving a message that the Summer King would, indeed, be honored to attend the binding ceremony this afternoon with several of his court officials. At that news, the mood in the clan became festive once again. The ovens blasted heat, cooking piles of mouthwatering pastries and savory delicacies. Wild flowers were strung together and strewn along tables. Tall, hanging lanterns with candles dotted the perimeter of the clearing, transforming it into a beautiful reception area.

I was smoothing out a large, round sheet of cotton in the middle of the clearing with Leilah, Cassidy, and Rachelle when I heard McKale whisper my name from the wooded area. I sat up on my knees and peered toward the sound, spotting him in the trees. I looked around, but only my sister and two friends seemed to have noticed. The girls snickered as I stood up and jogged to him, unable to keep the smile from my face.

He grabbed my hand and led me into the confines of leafy shade before pulling my face to his for a kiss.

“I’ve missed ye, Bláth mo chroí.”

Flower of his heart. It had only been five hours since we were snuggled warm together, but I’d missed him, too.

I let him walk me backward until I was against a tree. I savored the feel of him, and the taste of licorice on his tongue. I wanted to stay there all day and forget about what awaited us.

We broke away with reluctance at the sound of Cassidy calling from the entrance of the woods.

“Dad’s looking for McKale!” she whispered. “It’s time to get wired up.”

“Okay, thanks,” I answered with a sinking nervousness.

“Happy birthday, Robyn.” He bent to kiss me one last time, nipping my lower lip between his teeth before pulling away and leaving me there to melt back against the tree, weak-kneed. Cassidy came walking into the forest, raising her eyebrows at the sight of me.

“Something tells me our little McKale’s not so shy anymore.”

“Not so much,” I said with a sigh. Cassidy laughed.

“Well, come on, if you can manage to walk.” She held out her hand and I took it.

We passed Leilah and Rachelle who were busy spreading flower petals all around the circle of cloth where McKale and I would bind again. They waved as we went by.

Mom, Dad, and McKale stood at the “technology station.” Dad pinned something on McKale’s shirt as we approached. A wire connected on the inside, snaking around his torso to the back where a thin device was clipped inside his pants.

“This is a video recorder. It should be the right height. Just make sure you remain facing the Faerie. What are you going to do when she gets here?”

“I’m going to pull her aside, Mr. Mason, sir, and get her to divulge her plan once again.”

“Perfect. Really play it up. Get her to show how she feels. Make sure she states every sordid detail. Don’t feel bad going for the kill. Flirt with her. Whatever you have to do to make her look bad.”

“Except kissing her, right?” Cass asked, making a face. “Gah, please don’t kiss her.”

“A little touching might make it believable,” Mom said. I glared at her and she quickly backpedaled. “Of course, avoid it if you can, but like Leon said, do what you must. Robyn will understand.”

McKale cleared his throat, opening his hands straight at his sides and then balling them into fists—open, closed, over and over. I took one of his hands, interlocking our fingers. We both held tight.

Dad had given everyone a brief test performance of the technology earlier in the day, video-taping people, and then showing snippets on the large screen. Very amusing for the clan, indeed.

“Let’s all stay positive,” Dad said, adjusting the wires at the back of McKale’s pants so they wouldn’t show.

“We are,” I whispered.

McKale nodded at me. I knew his pulse was working overtime, just as hard as mine. The time was approaching.

The plan was for McKale to get footage with FFG as soon as possible after the Fae arrived. Then, once everyone settled, the fake binding would commence, followed by the “special entertainment.” Cue video footage of FFG revealing her master plan to Leprechaun and Fae alike. And then it was up to the Summer King to decide what to do.

My stomach hurt. I had to let go of McKale’s hand to bend over with my hands on my knees.

A hushed whisper began throughout the clearing, growing louder.

“Oh, great,” I heard Dad mumble.