Faerie Kissed

By Jaliza A. Burwell

Who am I? Josie Evans or Joslyn Naevana? Even I don't know anymore.

 

My sister made a mistake years ago, and I was the one to pay the price. The day I was dragged to Faerie was the day I lost everything: my friends, my family, and my lovers. For a hundred years, I suffered for it as Faerie twisted me into the queen that she wanted: Joslyn Naevana.

 

Now I have to return back to the human realm to hunt down a rogue fae. If I don't find him, worlds will clash, and no one will survive that kind of realm-shattering destruction. It was supposed to be easy. Slip in, slip out. But then they appear before me. Foster, Jason, and Waylon. In their world, only ten years have passed, long enough to create a life without me.

 

How can I fix the passage of time with a chasm of secrets sitting heavily between us? They were trying to move on from losing me, and I'm scared to even look at them because I'm not who they used to know. I'm not that carefree innocent girl anymore.

 

I'm a murderer. A survivor.

 

I'm not even human anymore.

 

A/N
This story contains violence, sexual situations, and strong language, and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Ann Publishing
• Release date: Oct 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393211655

Book preview

Chapter One

Faerie’s magic pressed at me from all sides, unwilling to let me go. She had me in her clutches, morphed me into the being she needed, and now she wasn’t going to release me. Blackness wrapped around my cold body, so close that I couldn’t see my own hands.

I’ll be back, I whispered. My promise was whipped out into the darkness, and a new kind of magic settled against my skin, burning into my pores. Faerie took a simple promise and twisted it into a contract.

I no longer had a choice. I had to come back or the magic would kill me as retribution. I expected nothing less from Faerie. She was a true spoiled bitch, never willing to share her favorite toys.

Happy with the contract, Faerie lifted her magic from the field so that it was no longer the inky blackness that clutched to everything. Night still clung to the air, the Fire Moon casting a red glow on my surroundings. But it was all natural, and something I could see through with my night vision. The magic circle that we had created the night before sat to the right, too far away from me.

I shook my head. Her petty tricks would get me killed, not that she’d care. In her eyes, that would have been a win. For me, it probably would have been a blessing. I was bone tired. A hundred years in Faerie. A hundred years of torture, of loneliness, of fighting to survive. My pale hands practically glowed in the dim lighting, the Faerie blood in my veins a slap in my face.

Human wasn’t something I’d been for a long time.

Milady, are you sure you want to do this? Jahandi’s voice broke through my thoughts. He stood behind me, patient as always. But we had a time limit. The Fire Moon in the sky was going to reach its apex in minutes. If we missed this opportunity, it’d be another five years.

Not at all. My smile was shaky as I gripped my necklace. But it must be done. He cannot be allowed to live in the human realm.

You haven’t been there for a long time.

I know.

You realize time moves differently, right?

My glare was hard enough to make my advisor shut up. His long, pointed ears twitched, the only sign of his displeasure.

"I know."

I’m not so sure that you do. You cannot go back to the life that you know.

Pain tore through me and I snapped. Whirling around, my magic surged out of me, demanding retribution for the hurtful words. I slammed into Jahandi, shoving him into the closest tree. That meant I drove him across the field and back to the border of the forest. Gold magic skittered off my skin and covered him. He winced, biting back the pain I knew he felt. My anger demanded that I make him hurt. The ground practically shook from my power, groaning under the pressure of it.

This is not a game, Jahandi. I know that. I’ve known that since the day I was shoved into this realm. I’ve known that long before I was forced into your war and your politics. I will not fail this. I—out of everyone—know exactly what is at risk. Do not take me for a fool.

Jahandi’s downcast eyes showed his repentance.

I never meant offense, milady. I only fear for your safety. For your heart. He reached up and rested his hand against my chest, his touch burning against my skin. Joslyn, I am scared for you.

My fingers flexed involuntarily at his admission. The pain of what I lost so long ago stabbed through me. My loves. The men I had been on my way to spending the rest of my life with. I had only been weeks away from walking down the aisle to them.

They were my biggest loss when I had been cast into this realm.

All the magic around us scattered as I stepped back, releasing him.

Your concern is noted, I said, my voice thick. The idea of saying thank you to a fae had been beaten out of me long ago. That was asking to put me in debt with someone else. I was never going to let that happen again. I wasn’t a fool. Not anymore. Will you keep everything handled here?

Jahandi bowed and then straightened. You have three months to find him. That is how long the spell will keep our realms aligned. And milady—he glanced at my necklace—you must be back by that time.

I grinned. Or I will turn into an old lady, correct?

You were once human. You will age those lived years and you will not survive it.

Without needing to spare a moment’s thought, my hand looked like it was on fire. It flashed bright red before snuffing out. It could be different. We both know I have not been very human for a while now. Either way, that doesn’t matter anymore. Faerie will not let me stay there. She would rather I be dead.

I agree with her.

I winced at his admission. It hurt that he’d rather have me dead too.

You are our queen. You must return to us. Jahandi leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine. We will miss you.

I snorted and put distance between us, reminding myself that though he had been my closest companion for a long time, he was still raised as one of them, to look at people like me as possessions rather than something living and breathing. Lately, I had been finding that I needed to put myself in check too as my thoughts began to shift and change until they aligned with the fae.

The search for Laikynn wasn’t the only reason I wanted to return to the human realm.

I released the tension in my body and relaxed myself. This was still Jahandi. He would never stab me in the back. He’d spent the last ninety years proving so, even when he knew me only as a lowly human slave.

Jahandi had always been my strongest supporter. If times were different, maybe if I were native to Faerie, we would have married. I had never taken him to bed, even against his tenacity and the other’s cunning tricks. My heart had been taken a long time ago, and I was never given the chance to get it back.

Would this be my chance now? To move beyond the past that weighed so heavily on me.

I turned and took a deep breath, forcing my mind to focus. Those thoughts were too dangerous to let settle into my mind for long. This spell had taken a long time to create. We had one shot now, and I had to find Laikynn before it was too late.

I had to bite back the boiling rage inside of me. We had all been fooled by Laikynn, and I was going to drag him back to be punished for his horrendous crimes. He’d been free for too long. Twenty years Faerie time. It had taken a long time to find a way to get him back. Anyone we sent never returned, killed by his hands. By my calculation, he’d have been in the human realm for two years compared to the twenty that we allowed to pass on this side. Plenty of time to cook something up.

There was no way I was going to allow him to stay there any longer. And if the rumors were true, I had no choice but to get him myself before he destroyed the barrier separating Faerie and the human realm.

I stood in the middle of the magic circle we had created and materialized a chain, holding it out. The ether links helped to settle me enough to say the little spell we had carefully crafted with Faerie’s reluctant help.

Light of my light, be my path, my bridge, to my goal. Connect me to my enemy, to my rage, to my destiny. Light of my light, be my guide. Magic surged out of me and into the chain. It dissolved in my hand, the flakes whirling away from me and turning the magic circle into a gold wall. Wind whipped around me. My blood hummed in anticipation.

Jahandi’s muffled voice came through the barrier. Bring Berriar with you.

Fine. I looked over at my familiar. He sat in the shadows of the trees, his black fur blending with his surroundings. All I could see were bright blue eyes, soulfully looking at me. Having him at my side would be a comfort. Berry, you’re with me.

That was all the permission he needed before he bounded toward me in long strides. He physically resembled a wolf but with differences. Like easily being twice the size of a normal wolf, and he had some magic to him. His claws retracted like a feline’s and he really enjoyed purring and sunbathing on his good days. A cat in a wolf’s body.

As he crossed through the circle, I shuddered, feeling the disruption in my mind. Then the circle closed and my familiar was at my side, rubbing his head against my stomach. Hide yourself, my dear friend. In the human world, they won’t hesitate to shoot you.

Of course.

I rested my hand on his head, my fingers disappearing in the thickness of his soft fur. He purred, finding love and comfort in my touch. I had found him when he was a newborn, mewling for his dead mother at his side. We’d been inseparable since.

The portal called for me, and without hesitation, I completed the spell, pouring more of my magic into the barrier.

The magic ripped at my skin. I bit back a scream as I was broken down into nothingness, left with only the question of whether I’d be able to be form back into myself once I got there or if I’d remain as particles, lost to both worlds.

No. That was not an option. I needed to find Laikynn. That goal kept me sane as I finally landed on something hard.

The bright haze that had consumed my eyesight receded, revealing a dark world. Right away, I was able to pick out the differences between the two realms. Where Faerie had been beautiful, full of so much, Earth was the opposite. The air was thinner and dirtier. Life had been sucked away from the earth as humanity fought to reach the sky with their planes and skyscrapers.

Everything felt wrong to me. I could feel the disruption of Nature’s life, having been dug into and torn apart. Tears welled in my eyes at the overwhelming feeling of loss and betrayal. I gripped my necklace.

It was all so wrong. This wasn’t how it should be.

This is it, I whispered, barely able to get the words out over the emotions forcing itself on me. I cleared my throat, hoping to dislodge the rock that had formed.

Berry pressed into my side, reminding me he was there. I do not like it here.

Then we better find him quickly. Needing comfort, I touched my necklace. It’ll be okay. By my calculation, it has only been ten years since I was last here.

This was your home?

Yes.

I am glad you came to Faerie then. It is better there.

Maybe, I mumbled. But there were a lot of things I loved about the human realm.

Really? The dryness in his voice told me how much he thought I was a liar. Too bad I could no longer do that.

Humans care more than a fae ever did. Not all humans. But enough of them. They have families and they stand by them. They support each other, which is far more than I can say about most of the fae.

Only the high fae. You know that.

I only know what I have witnessed while there. It’s not all perfect.

Maybe.

I sighed. This argument was not one that could ever be settled, not when we both grew up in completely different worlds, literally. Come. We will need to get settled. I threw my bag onto the ground and dug around. The bottle rattled when I found it at the very bottom. I pulled it out and grabbed two pills. I held one out for Berry, while I took the other. Here, take this. We will need to take it once a week.

What is it?

Earth is the realm of iron.

Blasphemy. Why would Laikynn dare to come to such a dangerous place? Berry caved and licked the pill, his rough tongue scraping against my palm.

Not many would dare to follow him here. I glanced around. We were in a large open field, lights off in the distance twinkling brightly against the night sky. Central Park. New York City. One of the worst places to be as a fae. Perfect only for those who wished to remain hidden from other fae. Most fae in the human realm kept themselves secluded or settled in small towns and villages. They stayed near Nature. Not many could survive long in a city.

How do you plan to find him?

I pointed to my charm bracelet. A real charm bracelet, each trinket with a spell in them. Tracking. I know his magic better than anyone. We will find him. The portal would have brought us close. He has to be in this city somewhere. I dug out a change of clothes, nose curling as I looked over my options. Winter was on its way out, but it was still cold. The jeans were perfect, but the shirt wasn’t really a shirt at all, more of a crop top. I didn’t feel the cold like a human would, so I would be fine, but it made blending in harder. The outfit I wore from Faerie was too bright and shimmery. I practically glowed in the dark with the pure fabric that I wore, weaved by Faerie herself to fit me.

Working quickly, I stripped down, and then threw on the scratchy material. I winced, not remembering human clothes to feel like this. And what I wore was well-crafted. But it wasn’t Faerie clothes.

More proof I was no longer the woman I used to be.

We walked toward the twinkling lights. As we made our way out of the massive park, city life grew louder. Cars, trucks, people, music, food. All of it attacked my senses. My glamour slowly built itself up the closer we got. The shine to my pale skin disappeared, along with the golden swirls on my skin. My hair shortened so it no longer fell to my knees, my ears rounded, my eyes grew smaller. I looked as I should have always looked as a human. I ached for this form, missed it dearly.

Welcome to my home world, Berry, I whispered.

My thoughts betrayed me, digging up memories of the three men who still owned my heart. I only hoped we didn’t meet. I no longer deserved them.

Chapter Two

Ten years didn’t make much of a difference in the human world. The technology had advanced, but not to the point that I didn’t understand any of it. Cell phones were thinner and apparently smarter, but it wasn’t anything I wouldn’t be able to handle. Wi-Fi was everywhere. And I meant everywhere. People were walking down the streets and able to use Wi-Fi, no longer needing to be in specific places to have access.

Clothes were flashier, cars sleeker, buildings taller. We were in the middle of New York City. Still hustling and bustling. Millions of people lived there ten years ago, and it looked like it had only grown busier since.

Stay at my side, I whispered to Berry. Dogs off leashes are already dangerous. If you move from my side, it will be worse.

A leash? Berry made a sneezing huff noise to show his distaste. I do not like this place.

You may return if you wish.

No. I stay with you.

His quick response had me grinning. He’d never voluntarily leave my side.

Our first stop was a little spot on the other side of Central Park. There were a few fae who lived in this realm, acting as our contacts. They were Independents by choice, but we kept good relationships with them. That was becoming useful now as I grabbed the hidden bundle in one of the trees. I unsealed it with a drop of my blood, and it unwound. Only fae blood would have worked.

Again, more validation that I wasn’t human. I hated it. Hated that I had lost something so precious about myself. It had been easy ignoring it when I was in Faerie, but back in this realm, I felt like I stuck out. I felt wrong. And there wasn’t anything I could do to fix that.

Come, I said, looking at the sky through the trees. I don’t like how full the moon is. It felt ominous. Something bad was happening out there. The humans were oblivious to fae, but it didn’t mean the fae weren’t there, and not all of them were good. Most fae weren’t good if I were being honest. I was trying to change it, but it was something that would take lifetimes to change. And until then, the fae loved nothing more than preying on humans.

A gorgeous hotel stood proudly before us. I took a deep breath. My first interaction with humans after so long. Hopefully, I didn’t mess it up.

People gave me odd looks, nervousness thrumming through them as they glanced at Berry. He was using a glamour so he looked like a big dog, going up to my hips.

I’m sorry, ma’am, no pets are allowed, the man at the counter said.

Smiling, I pulled on my magic to add in a little compulsion as I said, He’s my service dog.

His dark eyes glazed over for a moment before clearing back up. Oh, of course. I apologize. How may I help you?

My name is Joslyn Naevana. I’d like to check in indefinitely. One of your penthouse suites.

The receptionist eyed me warily. I will need a credit card.

I smiled playfully as I pulled out my wallet. It was full of all the things a human would need to live in this world. Well, it’s a good thing I have a card for you. I grabbed the black credit card. The glossy covering reflected the hotel’s soft warm lights. The guy’s eyes widened completely.

I apologize, madam. I will get you checked in as soon as possible. He tucked his phone to his ear and dialed a number. Hello, we have a special guest. I request Mr. Monterey. He’ll want to meet with her. He listened for a moment as he typed away on the keyboard. When he hung up, he gave me a big smile.

Welcome to The Plaza. We have space in our penthouse. Would you like a one-bedroom or two-bedroom?

Oh, you didn’t need to contact anyone. I do not wish to have any special services. I only want a warm bed right now. And privacy.

Mr. Monterey prefers to welcome our most special guests personally.

Oh. Well, okay. A two-bedroom, please. I patted my dog. We’ll need the extra space.

The receptionist looked down at the dog and smiled. It was amazing how money changed everything. Of course, Ms. Naevana.

He quickly got me settled, and by the time he was done, a man in a sharp navy-blue suit had come out. Thank you, Thomas. I’ll handle it from here.

The man smoothly took the room card from the receptionist and then turned to me with a wide grin. There were dollar signs in his eyes. My name is Oliver Monterey. I’m the owner of the hotel. Monterey nodded to a man dressed like a butler. Zack here will help with your bags.

This is all I have, I said.

Monterey’s polite smile dimmed a little. Then he will carry that for you.

I smirked. I don’t mind carrying it myself.

"He insists. It’s his job." The last part of that was aimed at the butler.

Knowing it was a losing battle and since I wasn’t up to having a silly argument in public, I gave in, handing the bag over. Zack carried it like it was the most precious cargo in the world.

If you will follow me, Ms. Naevana.

Please, call me Joslyn.

Joslyn. It’s a pleasure having you stay in our hotel. May I ask, is this pleasure or for business?

A mix of both. Unfortunately, I don’t know how long I will be here. It can be as little as a week to as long as three months. It all depends.

Of course. That isn’t an issue with us. We are more than happy to have you stay in our grand penthouse terrace suite. It has a gorgeous view of Central Park and the city skyline. I promise, you will not be disappointed. Zack will be your butler for the duration of your stay. If you ever need anything at all, he will be the one to help you.

Thank you, I replied.

Monterey led me to the private elevator, signs warning those not in the penthouses away. He used the card to lead me directly to my floor. The entire time, he kept a steady stream of a one-sided conversation going, telling me about everything I was going to love about the room, about the security, and the other services they had available for me twenty-four seven.

By the time we arrived, I was ready to slam the door in his face and go to sleep. It was late at night, and I used a lot of magic to get there. My limbs felt too heavy as I moved around.

The penthouse was two floors, the place warm with its soft cream colors, soft blue furniture spread throughout to accentuate it. It was nice. Didn’t match with what I used in Faerie, but in the human realm, this was what wealthiness probably looked like.

It took a bit to get rid of Monterey and the butler, but once they were gone, I didn’t bother looking around, instead going upstairs and flopping onto my bed, falling asleep almost instantly. The last thing I felt before dozing off was Berry curling against my back, his heat giving me a sense of peace and comfort in a world full of heartache and iron.

Chapter Three

~Jason’s POV~

The numbers blurred together on the screen. Last night, I’d felt unsettled and it ended up turning into a very long night of tossing and turning. Sleep never came. I still didn’t understand why. Nothing was different about my life.

I worked a lot. Kept Foster in check. Made Waylon meet with me at least weekly for a meal. Other than that, nothing. But my brain refused to calm down enough for me to sleep.

So work became impossible as my brain refused to focus on my tasks. All morning nothing was getting done. I was surprised I even made it through the two meetings I had. My staff knew I was in a foul mood and kept interactions to a minimum. They knew to remain scarce when my mood wasn’t good. My anger issues had left them wary. I made it up to them as often as I could with free meals, parties, and bonuses each year for dealing with my assholeness. It seemed to work.

Just as I was about to give up and go for a walk, my office door crashed open.

What the hell? I asked as Foster practically ran into the room, breathless, dark brown eyes wild as he glanced around the room.

Jason.

Yeah.

We have a hit.

I frowned at my best friend. His eyes were wide, face pale, in complete disbelief. He kept glancing around as if he thought he was dreaming. I sat up straighter, recognizing the signs of his manic behavior. Not much unsettled Foster like this anymore, yet the wild look that he had gotten so often after she disappeared was back.

Foster, what is it?

He licked his lips and paced. His black hair was in disarray, and when he tugged at the strands, I understood why. She’s back. She’s alive.

My heart froze for so long that it felt like someone was holding on to my lungs and squeezing tightly. Foster was too far gone in his tirade to notice the effect it had on me.

I don’t believe this. I mean, I never gave up. I needed answers. But I never expected this. It’s been ten years, Jason. How is this possible? He walked back and forth, movements jerky. He didn’t know what to do.

Stop, Foster. Stop right fucking now.

He did.

Tell me everything, I said in a slow voice, more so to give myself time to process than to get him to calm down. What are you talking about? You aren’t bullshitting me, are you?

She’s alive. Josie is alive. She just checked into The Plaza. He tugged at his hair hard enough for me to wince. I have an alert up for her name. A Joslyn Naevana checked in. I always get a visual in case of name changes. And she matches. There’s an eighty-six percent match. It has to be her.

Wait, here in the city? Eighty-six percent?

Yes! Fucking here. She’s only blocks away from us, living it up in that fucking hotel. Foster’s wild dark eyes were all the hint I was given before he grabbed the photograph on my desk of the three of us—Waylon, Foster, and me—mountain climbing, and whirled it against the wall. The glass shattered as the frame fell to the floor. He wasn’t done though. My recycling bin was next.

Foster! I snapped, jumping to my feet. I ran around the desk and hooked my arms around his, pulling tightly so his back was to my chest as he thrashed around. A broken sound I was all too familiar with came from him. It was a low keening that hurt my ears and twisted my heart.

Ten fucking years and she turned up at a hotel nearby. Right down the street from us. If Jason didn’t need me right then, I’d be there demanding answers from her. Frankly, I was surprised he wasn’t already there. Maybe the shock drove him to me rather than to her. I’d consider that a blessing. There was no telling what kind of damage he would have done if he’d gone directly to the hotel.

I’d probably have to bail him out of jail. Again.

She’s alive. She looks so healthy too. How? Why? Why now? he asked, sounding so dangerously young and vulnerable. I lowered him to the small sofa. He slumped forward, gripping his hair hard enough for my scalp to feel the pain. I grimaced and grabbed his arm, forcing him to let go.

I got it. I understood. I was asking myself that too. We were finally getting over her. Waylon was even in a serious relationship. Just last week, he was telling