Midnight Cove

In my living room, sat the most beautiful creature that ever lived. That is exactly what he was too; a creature. A true faerie, or fatum as he liked to be called, sat across from me on my overstuffed, baby yellow couch. Cove told me how he belonged to an ancient and secret race of people known as the Fae.

The Fae had once ruled a majority of the old world, primarily Europe, but had long since gone into hiding. The Fae were extremely wise but never warlike. His peaceful people refused to develop weaponry. They had weapons of their own, they were magick. With the rise of Christianity, many faeries were persecuted. They were perceived as pagan demigods, or demons because of their angelic faces and magical abilities. In order to avoid annihilation, they went into hiding.

Cove told me about some of the different classifications of Fae, as well. The Nymphs are something like tree spirits and completely unsocial. They prefer nature and hardly speak, even to each other, unless they absolutely have to. Then, there are the Daemons, or Dark Faeries, which weren't actually demons but were where the term had originated from. The Selkies were selfish tricksters that could shape-shift into certain animals. Most Selkies were Dark Faeries anyhow and they enjoyed spying on the humans and meddling in our affairs whenever they were bored.

"They are the reason to worry. They can be quite a pain, as it is never pleasant to deal with a Dark Faerie." Cove waved off the topic as though was an annoyance just to mention them.

Then, there were the Fata, or the Fates. A faerie belonging to the Fata was known as a fatum. The word fatum was Latin, meaning fate, lot, or destiny. Cove was a fatum because he helped to bring about a person's destiny. His kind worked the closest with humans and could pass between realms the easiest. I had tried to get more information about the other realms but to no avail. He was very evasive whenever I asked a question and would often distract me by asking another question about me or my life, or some thing he saw lying around in my apartment.

It was such a mind trip, I studied him with all my newfound information. I literally watched Destiny enjoy a cup of Earl Grey while perusing through my record collection. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. I kept telling myself not to stare, but how could I not? There was a piece of living folklore walking around my apartment.

"You have quite a plethora of music styles here," Cove said, as he flipped through the vinyl in my carry box.

"Yeah, some belonged to Terry, others I picked up around town." I had to acknowledge the validity of his statement. My music collection varied, everywhere from country music by Elvis to underground rap, old timey blues and everything in between.

With Cove still scanning through the music, I went to the kitchen to grab the tea kettle and refill my cup. I began dripping another spoonful of my favorite local honey into the steaming brew and I heard the sound of a record being played. It was Otis Redding's Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, one of my absolute favorites. Instantly, Cove was behind me, his cool breath on my neck as his hands snaked around me, finding their way to my hips.

Gently swaying to the melody, he turned me around, his other hand securely placed high on my waist. All at once, we were dancing around my kitchen. I couldn't stop the laughter as he spun me from one turn to the next. I was suddenly grateful for the time I spent two summers ago learning to dance as we flitted around. "You're very light on your feet." His voice a soft whisper against my ear. I knew we were floating but I hadn't wanted to look down. I was too afraid I'd lose my step and we'd come crashing down, or heaven forbid Cove would shrink us again. I laughed lightly as he twirled again, my feet narrowly escaping the coffee pot on my counter.

As the song ended, Cove drew me back into a dip as we sank, letting our feet touch the floor. I was sure he was going to kiss me again as he had in the garden. I closed my eyes anticipating the pleasant sensation of his lips against mine, instead I heard Cove make a noise, like a soft moan in the back of his throat, before standing me back upright. My eyes fluttered open, and a feeling both mildly surprised and a little disappointed washed over me.

Cove looked at me, "I gave you my word, Bonnie." His face, more handsome than Greek Adonis, was entirely devoid of humor.

I had a sinking feeling in my chest. No matter how I felt, he would not go back on his word. Standing there deflated, I opened my mouth to protest but I had no idea what to say and quickly closed it again. I knew by looking at his stern expression I wasn't going to gain any ground, regardless of any arguments I might provide.

"That doesn't mean I don't desire you, my darling." Cove wrapped his arms around me and brought me close. "You are more precious than you could possibly imagine," he pulled away to peer into my face. "I am a man of my word, and I will have you see that." His words were tender and his tone was sweet but his voice dropped with infliction at the end. He meant what he said. The undercurrent of deep emotion was ever present in his voice and it always seemed to sweep me away, my own thoughts and feelings forgotten in the moment. Why would someone like Cove care so much what I thought anyhow? I'm just a nobody.

Ultimately, I saw that it was a good thing he wouldn't relent. He was true to his word, and I thought him a better man for it. He may have been passionate, but he was still honorable. I smiled up at him hoping I could still get something out of the situation.

I batted my lashes and pled softly, "Then, would you at least tell me how you respond so perfectly all the time?"

He gave a short laugh and smiled back, his mood lightening again. He drew me against him, "Alright, but first, let's turn off the record player."

I laughed back, entwining my fingers with his, and led him back to the living room. I turned off the record player, momentarily letting go of his hand so I could replace the album back in its cover. Cove walked to the couch and sat down, wrapping his arm around the back of the sofa. I watched him for a moment before making my way over to snuggle in next to him.

"As I said, I cannot read your mind, Bonnie."

I persisted, "Yeah, but you can do something, Cove." I squinted my eyes, scrutinizing him. I knew there was something there, there had to be.

"How can you tell?" He glanced over at me, an intrigued look present on his face.

"Huh-uh," I shook my head, "you answer first." I didn't want to get sidetracked. This was way too interesting to get bypassed due to my short attention span.

"Hmm..." Cove infinitesimally paused, contemplating something before answering, "I can read your heart." The way he stated it was very matter-of-fact, but something told me he was even more cautious. Each time he revealed something new, it felt like he became more and more guarded.

I was quiet for a second, trying to understand what he was telling me. "What do you mean exactly? How can you read my heart?" It didn't make sense to me. Reading a person's thoughts made sense, but your heart? You couldn't think with your heart. Was it something with my heartbeats?

Cove dropped his arm, letting its weight rest on me while his thumb stroked against my forearm. The motion was calming and I felt my anxiety drift away. It felt good for him to touch me, it felt right. I lost interest in the topic, and my mind raced to other thoughts, all of which contained the continuance of Cove's hands on my body. A soft moan escaped my lips.

The soothing motion stopped and I opened my eyes, turning my head to look up at him in question. He smiled knowingly, his soft gaze focused on me, "I can sense what you're feeling." I felt a hot flush immediately rise. I was shocked, mortified at the realization that he somehow knew what I was feeling. Every time I had a sinful thought about him... did he know?

Cove's velvety voice came out soothing, "It's okay, Bonnie. Remember, I'm not reading your thoughts. I read the heart's desires. The wishes, and secrets, and thoughts that people hide from the world. Basically, I can more of less feel what you're feeling."

I felt a tinge of relief at that. He hadn't known exactly what I was thinking. "So," I trailed off, looking for the right words, "it's like getting a vibe off of someone?"

"I suppose so, yes." He half-smiled at my attempt to make a correlation. "The heart is the center for emotions, for desires." Cove looked pensive. Lost in his thoughts, possibly deciphering what it meant for me to know any of this, "You're different," he said. It seemed a little out of the blue, but he was continuing on his train of unspoken thought.

"How so?" I knew I was different than most girls my age, but Cove had me wondering, how I was different? I often felt alone. I didn't even date much. It's a "go along to get along" kind of world and I usually preferred to take my own path, not really concerned if I was getting along with anyone.

"I can read you easier than most humans," he said scrutinizing me. "A lot easier."

I felt a little uneasy under such close inspection. "How come?" I sat up to give myself room. His gaze unnerved me.

"I'm not exactly certain. Hmm...."

I couldn't stand him looking at me like some sort of weird fungus to be examined. I shoved him as hard as I could off of the couch. He hit my floorboards with a loud thud. Success! I was thrilled, I couldn't believe I had taken him so completely off guard. His chin dropped in shock and he looked so cute and so unbelievably ridiculous, I couldn't stop the steady stream of giggles that poured out of me. I clutched my sides trying to ease the ache.

Cove seized me then, snatching my rocking frame from off the couch. Yanking me down on top of him and I squealed with delight. His lips turned up into the most devious looking grin and he looked every part the wicked imp. Too quick for me to stop him, he flipped our positions, pinning my arms above my head with one hand as he tickled me with the other. Tears poured from my eyes.

"Cove...stop, please," I begged. Thankfully, he released me.

I lay there, my hair a wild mess and my chest heaving with excitement from our playful endeavors. Cove stared at me, his radiant smile beaming.

"I have never seen you more beautiful than right now," I smiled broadly at the compliment. "I must go. The night is ending and I have to leave."

My smile fell. I looked at the windows and verified, the black night was starting to fade. Already, the sky was beginning to grey and I knew dawn wouldn't be far off.

"Do you have to?" I knew I was being selfish, but I asked anyway. I couldn't see any reason for him not to stay with me.

His smile grew patient and kind. He could sense my distress over his departure. He rose and offered to help me stand. For the first time, I begrudgingly took his hand. I was pouting.

"I must take my leave. It cannot be helped." Cove was resolute about leaving and again I felt curious about the realm of the faeries.

"Is that why you were late? Because you have to go back to the other realm?" I looked at him, my eyes wide with fear as I asked my next two questions. "When will you be back Cove? When will you come see me again?"

"Yes, I have other duties to see to. I'll not be gone long," he said and as an afterthought asked, "if you do not wish it of me?"

I stepped closer to him, wrapping my arms around his narrow waist. "No, 'I do not wish it of you.' I don't want you to leave at all. But if you must go, then come back to me as quick as you can."

I didn't like the idea of his leaving, but the thought of his return had already begun to lighten my mood. I walked him to the door before saying goodbye. Once outside, he stooped and kissed the back of my hand. A satisfied smile appeared and I knew that he had heard my pulse quicken.

"Are you not walking me over to the stairs?" Cove asked acting hurt by my standing in my doorway.

"No," I said with a look of indifference.

"No?" Genuine surprise written on his face.

"No," I repeated, pausing for effect, "I will." I was happy to throw the same wordplay back in his face. I grinned like a Cheshire cat and added, "Gladly," then bounded out the doorway.

As soon as my feet reached outside my apartment Cove scooped me up, his hungry lips against my own. My lips were on fire. Clutching me in his arms, he bent me back so far I was sure my head would hit the ground. I poured my need into him, my fingers grasping handfuls of his thick dark hair.

Reading my heart's desires Cove responded, his grip tightened around my back, as his tongue gently parted my lips finding its way in. His soft, cool tongue pressed against my own. My head was spinning and my heart raced inside of my chest. I had never before experienced such joy. I felt my soul explode with pure happiness. Then everything turned dark.