Her Fae Lovers

Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Lola glanced over at Merrow. Her cheeks heating up as she thought about what they had done earlier. How his tongue had darted out, lapping at his fingers afterwards.

How his eyes had slipped closed as he savored the taste of her. Making her shiver. She glanced over at him again as he watched the water come into view.

“The ocean.” Merrow breathed out before turning bright eyes towards her.

“I thought you might like to see it. After I pick up this package, maybe we could have lunch on the beach? Or go for a quick walk?”

“Thank you, ghra.” Merrow whispered as he grabbed Lola’s hand in his. Weaving their fingers together. He brought it up to his lips, pressing them softly on the back of her hand.

Lola looked back at the road as he stroked his thumb over hers, “You’re welcome.” she sighed, they were nearing their destination. She wasn’t ready to get out of the jeep, to end this little bubble of just the two of them.

Parking the jeep in the driveway, Lola pulled the keys from the ignition and looked over at Merrow.

“This shouldn’t take long,” she said as he turned to look back at her.

“Take the time you need, I’ve missed her so much.”

Lola knew that Merrow was eager to get out of the vehicle. She wished that she could share this moment with him instead of going inside. She hoped there would be many more firsts for her to get to experience with him, with all of them really.

Climbing out of her jeep and closing the door, she could hear Merrow doing the same. Only she knew his path would take him to the sandy shore instead of the beach house that she was headed to.

The blue and white house was picturesque, with its charming little seashell wind chimes and its sun-washed purple door. She stepped up onto the porch, looking back to see Merrow, his long lean body silhouetted by the sand and waves.

“Don’t just stand there, sit down.” A voice called out as she sat on a sturdy rocking chair, her blue eyes watching Lola with a strange, unwavering gaze.

“Hello, I’m Lola. Erik sent me.” Lola said as she stepped closer, dipping her head at the woman.

“I figured as much, I don’t get many visitors besides those that he fancies.” The woman said, tucking a strand of curling gray hair behind her ear. “You’re prettier than the last few.”

“Um, thank you?” Lola said as she moved to sit down in the matching rocker.

“Take it as you will. Tea?” She asked, tilting her head towards the teapot and cups that sat on the low table beside her.

Chewing on her lower lip, Lola tried to decide which would be the best option. It was clear to her that this woman didn’t get many visitors and would probably enjoy her company. She wanted to get this done quickly so she could spend time with Merrow.

Decision made, she nodded, “That would be lovely.”

“Lola, you said your name was?” The older woman asked as she poured a cup of tea.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Ack, don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel old. My name is Annwn.” She said as she leaned over, the bracelets on her wrist clanging together as she handed Lola a cup of steaming tea.

“Yes, ma- Annwn.” Lola said as she took a sip of the mint tea.

Glancing over, she noticed that Annwn had an eyebrow lifted at her. “Is the package ready?” Lola asked after she swallowed her tea.

“It is,” Annwn said, then she called out a little louder, “Hyster, bring the gift.”

The purple door to the house creaked open and a handsome young man came out. His high cheekbones would have made Lola jealous if he didn’t look so lost. He had an ornately carved box clutched to his chest. Lola figured it was Annwn’s grandson by the way she smiled at him. Pushing his sandy locks out of his green eyes, he looked from Annwn to Lola. His gaze finally settled back on Lola as he moved closer. She watched him shift from one foot to the other.

“Host,” he said, bowing his head towards Annwn before his gaze moved back to Lola. She realized that maybe he wasn’t the woman’s grandson. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she studied the way he fidgeted as he stood in front of her.

“Hyster, it’s impolite to stare.” Annwn said through clenched teeth.

“My apologies. I’ve just never seen-”

“That will be all.” Annwn said with a growl, making Hyster turn back towards the open door. The box still clutched tightly to his chest. “Leave the chest.”

“But Host-”

“I said to give it to her.” Annwn said pointedly as she lifted up her teacup and took a sip.

“As you wish.” Hyster turned towards Lola with a pained expression as he kneeled down. He extended the chest in his arms forward. His hands shaking, his eyes filled with unshed tears.

“Give Erik my regards.” Annwn said as Lola reached out, taking the box in her hands. “That will by all.”

Lola wasn’t sure if she was being dismissed or Hyster. She stood up and nodded her thanks as the blonde-haired man stood stiffly, making his way back into the house.

“Thank you for the tea and I’ll share with Erik.” Lola said.

“The pleasure was all mine, I hope we can visit again soon.”

Lola hurried to her jeep and placed the chest in her backseat. She looked back towards Annwn and the beach house. From a window, she could see Hyster. His eyes red rimmed as tears flowed freely, his shoulders shook and she realized that he wasn’t even trying to hold back his tears.

She couldn’t help but wonder why the delicate-looking man was crying so.

“Is your business done?” Merrow asked as he strolled closer, pulling her attention away. His hands shoved into the pockets of his shorts with a soft look in his eyes.

“It is,” Lola smiled at him. She’d never seen this side of him, the relaxed way he walked. His shoulders back, his hair was damp and as he stepped closer. The faint traces of salt water tickled her senses. “Good swim?”

“Would have been better if you had joined me.” Merrow said as he brought his hand up, running his fingertips over her heated cheek in a soft caress.

“Maybe we could do that later?” Lola asked, looking up at him through lowered lashes.