The Feathered Lover

By Tabitha Levin

The Feathered Lover is the first book in the Feathered Trilogy by Author Tabitha Levin

When Ruby Kelly see's the man with wings for the first time, he’s tied up, captured by thugs and hidden in a barn. She vows to set him free. No man, not even one with wings, deserves that treatment.

The rescue is a success, but her father is accused of setting him free and the thugs aren’t happy. Ruby needs to return the winged man to them, if she’s to help her father. Finding him was easy, but as the attraction between them heats, she no longer wants to give him up.

Together they must fight to survive in a world that prevents them from being together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TE Publishing
• Release date: Feb 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301827121

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE CARRIAGE PULLED up outside the dark old Inn. Ruby’s father rubbed his fingers together nervously. She’d never seen him on edge like this before and put her hand on his knee, giving him a quick smile.

He nodded curtly and got out of the carriage, carrying the large clay jug with him. Throwing the driver a few coins, he stepped back as the horse kicked up dust behind them. Ruby turned to look at the flickering light coming from the window at the front of the building.

Her mother would have been horrified he had brought her to a place like this. But the war made it harder for him to do business in their own town now.

As she stepped toward the door of the Inn, her father placed his hand on her shoulder pulling her back toward the shadows.

Hush, he said.

She squinted in the direction he was looking and three, no four, dark shapes came toward them.

Ruby held her breathe as she heard the men approach. Three of them struggled to push the fourth man wrapped in rough brown fabric and tied with rope. The man they had restrained seemed larger than normal, or perhaps it was the way they covered him, with only his feet and face exposed and free.

Before he was pushed out of sight, Ruby caught a glimpse of his dark eyes, filled with hatred of the men who had captured him. Instantly she knew he was one of them, one of the Volantes. She gasped. They’d captured one of the wild bird men.

As the men disappeared out of sight, Ruby looked back up at her father who had narrowed his eyes before looking away to the ground.

There’s nothing we can do about it. You’ll just have to forget you saw that, said John Kelly.

Did you see him? He was one of them wasn’t he? Did you see his eyes? Ruby’s own eyes were wide with excitement.

I did. But we are here for business. We can’t get involved in other’s doings. Especially out here. He tightened his grip on the large canister and walked toward the front door of the Inn.

Ruby followed quickly behind but kept glancing to the darkness at the side of the building where the group had disappeared. A real creature of legend, and she had been so close. Excitement buzzed through her stomach.

Are you ready? asked her father as he placed his hand on the wooden door.

Let’s make some money, said Ruby.

The Inn was half full of marines on leave and regular patrons who occupied the stools at the front of the bar. One lone barman wiped down the bench with a dirty grey rag.

Compared to the quiet outside, this room seemed alive with noise. The sweet crooning of Lena Horne’s Stormy Weather came from the radio set to the far side of the room.

Ruby’s father nodded toward an empty booth in the corner which she gracefully slid into smoothing her skirt down as she did. John placed the jug on the seat opposite her and headed over to the barman.

He whispered into the barman’s ear and handed over a few notes and coins. In return the man slid a key back toward him, handed him a small cup and gave a nod.

Damn. She had hoped it wouldn’t be an overnight stay. It was always better when business was done, over quick, and she could be back sleeping in her own room. She sighed. She should have known it was probably unlikely they’d catch another ride back to Kollaroy now.

They’ll be here any moment. Are you ready? asked John.

Of course, Father.

Ruby held her breathe as two men looked around the room for them. The same men that had captured the Volante.

You John Kelly? the one with the large outline of a pair of dice tattooed to his forearm asked as he approached the table. Ruby’s father nodded and the two men slid in beside them. One sat next to her father, and the other, who smelled like he’d already drunk the entire bar, sat next to her. This quality better be good. No meth spirits or I’ll come back and rip your lungs from your chest. The last batch we bought here caused me killer pains.

I don’t make poor whiskey, said John. I’m sure you already know that.

Yeah I’ve heard your stuff is clean. Is that all you got? He nodded toward the jug.

Two gallons. But I can get more if you need it.

Price?

Ruby coughed. Forty dollars, she said, folding her arms across her chest.

The man sitting next to her whistled through the gap in his teeth. She speaks. And here I was thinking she was pretty scenery.

So, Freckles, said the man with the tattoo, why should I buy your daddy’s brew when I can go and get me’self drunk here for a smidgeon of that?

Because you can take this with you. You can have a party every night if you want—wherever you choose to.

Thirty, he said.

Ruby kept her arms crossed over her chest and stared at him without flinching.

The man laughed. Quite a little negotiator, aren’t you? Show it to me.

John held the heavy jug up then placed it back on the seat out of view as the man rubbed his stubbled chin thoughtfully. Too expensive.

As they stood up to leave, Ruby glanced at her father. There was a twinkle in his eyes. She smiled and put her hands into her lap.

They’ll be back, right? she whispered, after they had disappeared out the door that led to the overnight rooms.

Of course. You’re doing great. Hungry?

Ruby nodded and John motioned to the barman who yelled something incoherent to the kitchen. Within a few minutes a large woman carried out two bowls of hot chicken soup and placed them down on the table. Make a mess and yer clean it up yerselfs. She then let two spoons fall from her apron and walked away.

Ruby wiped the spoon on the bottom of her skirt as one of the men appeared back at their table.

Thirty five, he said.

No. Forty, or you and your men go thirsty, said Ruby.

Look Miss, our men don’t have forty. That’s too much for some home brewed slosh.

John took out the stopper on the jug and carefully poured a small amount into the cup trying not to overbalance the heavy container. A taste, he said, as he placed it in front of the man.

The man hesitated before taking a sip. As the warmth slid down his throat he groaned in pleasure. That’s good.

That’s forty, said Ruby, casually bringing her soup spoon to her mouth.

Okay, okay. I need to get extra. Stay here.

We aren’t in any hurry, she said.

As he disappeared her father put his hand on hers. Your mother would be proud.

No she wouldn’t, she laughed. She already thinks you’re a bad influence on me.

Yeah well she doesn’t complain when I bring home rent for the month does she?

Oh she complains whatever you do.

The man returned before Ruby had finished her bowl. He threw forty dollars onto the table as John lifted the jug up and handed it over to him. It was then Ruby noticed the large scratch on his arm.

Did the Volante do that? asked Ruby. She watched a shiny sliver of blood seep from the wound.

What? Now what did you say? Anger flashed in the man’s eyes.

Nothing. I... I...

He leaned in close to the table. You don’t know nothin’ right? Whatever you think you know, you don’t right?

Of course, I’m sorry, I...

John stood up. It’s time you left now. Everyone needs to go back to their own business.

Yeah. And keep their mouths shut too. He glared at them over his shoulder as he stormed out of the room.

John fingered the cash before putting it inside an inner pocket hidden in his jacket. Full wallet and full belly, looks like a successful night all round then.

He sat back with his hands behind his neck and grinned. She’d seen that same satisfied, cat-got-the-cream grin light up his face after every business dealing she’d been allowed to attend—which was often now she’d turned twenty three. She leaned back herself with a dreamy look on her face watching him, wishing she would see it at home more often.

She curled a strand of chocolate brown hair behind her ear and thought about how much alike she and her father were. His hair was no longer the same color, since it was peppered with white and grey, but his eyes and his lips, that they shared.

What do you think they want with it? asked Ruby.

That’s none of our business love. I know it seems exciting, but we need to keep out of it.

I know, but why bring it here? They’re heading back out to sea in a few days. What are they doing with it now?

John shrugged. Why do men do anything?

Ruby’s nose crinkled as she thought about what they might want from it. It was against the law to go near one, but to hold it in captivity, well that could get a man hanged if he was caught.

That’s quite enough of the night for me. We should head up to our room, said John.

Chapter 2

THE ROOM ITSELF was sparsely decorated with two single beds flanking either side of a rickety table which held a simple electric lamp.

Ruby sat and bounced on the bed, and the mattress creaked loudly under her light weight, but it was comfortable enough. She looked around the room for something to read, hoping for a magazine or newspaper but nothing. Not even a copy of the bible common in these old Inns, had been left behind. A bowl of apples was the only adornment, she grabbed one and put it in her skirt pocket for later.

I’m not tired, she said more to herself than to her father.

Try and get some rest anyway, he said as he kicked his boots off under the bed and lay down on his side fully clothed. We should try and get back early so your mother won’t worry.

Ruby slipped her own shoes off and got into bed pulling the covers up. The sound of the patrons below echoed through the room, and she wondered what time downstairs closed. Even though she wasn’t tired now, she knew if the noise continued well into the night, she’d never get any sleep.

Her father was snoring within minutes of lying down. She sat back up in the bed wondering what else she could do to pass the time before she became tired.

She jumped. Raised voices outside the window jolted her out of her thoughts. She pulled the curtain aside just enough. They must have kept to the shadows, as she couldn’t see a soul, but clearly still heard men cursing. It also sounded like they were beating something. The Volante? Surely not.

She took one last look at her father before tiptoeing out of the room closing the door behind her.

As she hugged the shadows at the back of the building, the flickering light illuminated two men. One of them grimaced as he held his forearm.

You can’t leave it there tonight, what if someone finds it?

I’ll return tomorrow morning, but I’ve had enough for now. It can freeze for all I care.

A frozen bird won’t sell. We need it alive.

Then throw him a sack or something. He’ll keep.

They disappeared inside the Inn, and Ruby tiptoed further outside, closer to the stable window. The dim light from a high candle was enough to see they had chained the creature around the neck and tied its arms behind its back with thick rope. Its chest shimmered with glistening sweat, as if it had been in a recent struggle. With its head down, she wondered if it was conscious or merely sleeping.

Up this close, the Volante looked like any other man, except for a large set of wings that protruded from its shoulder blades. The feathers of mottled shades of brown and white reminded her of the old owl that used to visit her back garden when she was younger. It was the type of feather that seemed soft yet strong at the same time.

She’d seen men with their shirts off plenty of times working in the fields out of town. They didn’t have the same build as this Volante whose chest was smooth and hairless. Smooth enough to touch and she wondered if she... Ruby Kelly, how dare you go thinking such wicked thoughts at this moment. That poor creature is tied up and probably hurt and you are thinking about goodness knows what. At a time like this.

She shook her head defiantly, and the creature lifted its eyes and looked in her direction. Its dark eyes burned through her, and she gasped.

It began to growl a low rumbling sound.

No, whispered Ruby, as she moved closer to the window. Be quiet or they’ll come back. She waved her hand in its direction.

The Volante didn’t seem to care or understand, and the noises got louder. Ruby crept toward the door of the stable, closing it behind her. You’ve got to be quiet, she said putting her hands out to try and calm the creature.

It twisted and struggled pulling at the chains around its neck, causing them to rattle and groan, creating more noise.

Ruby’s heart beat fast. She pulled the apple out of her pocket. Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?

The Volante stopped and stared intently at her again. It seemed to be trying to contemplate her offer and assess whether she was a threat or not.

It’s okay, she said, as she moved closer with the apple in her outstretched hand. That’s it. No need to make any noise now.

She was close enough for the creature to take a bite of the fruit but instead it turned its head away from her. Her heart beat faster, and she slowly bent down rolling the apple on the ground toward its feet.

I wish I could help you.

She sighed, before backing away. Near the door was one of its feathers that must have fallen during its struggle. She picked it up, placing it in her pocket. Turning, she took one last glance at the magnificent Volante in front of her before heading back to her room.

Chapter 3

WHERE HAVE YOU been? John Kelly paced the room as Ruby entered. Even though he probably knew where she had gone, he seemed to want to hear her explanation.

I couldn’t sleep. I went for a walk. That’s all.

It’s dangerous on your own.

I can look after myself.

I know you can. I don’t want anything to happen to you. It’s not safe for you to be wandering around here.

I’m not a baby anymore. Really, I’m fine.

He sighed and sat back down on the bed, burying his face in his hands. What did you think of it?

Ruby’s