Fantasy Descendants of the Curse

[Valjean24601]

The panic set in deeply now as he drew away and she acted quickly, grabbing his hand in hers and pulling her mate back her.
“I didn’t have anything planned. I promise. I would’ve never done that to you or Thea. It’s just the cards we were dealt, it’s just the way things are now. We did this and now we have to live with it, okay?”
She exhaled deeply, relaxing slowly as the intense vulnerability she had just felt shook her to the very core and she hoped that he had not been keen enough to see it. She repeated herself slowly, carefully.
“And now we have to live with it, can you do that?”
The shewolf asked both sincerely and desperately, gripping Donahue’s hand.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Though there were vents all over the house the largest vents were in the bathrooms and kitchens which acted as a line of communication for the household. The downside was anything said in the vents was echoed through them all, so they avoided holding conversations through them. Instead using them when trying to gather the child or servants, to announce if a guest arrived or if a snack was ready.

Her hands shaking Phiona made her way to the small vent “Don’t mind me everything’s fine.” She called down not able to recognize the muffled male voice as Gaston’s. Gnawing on her lip she looked worried to her handmaiden who gave her the bad news. “Why is he coming here? Can’t you have Papa send him away?” She paced around the room still in her undergarments her corset only half laced up. The servants helping her dress tried to get her to sit down so they could finish their job, but it was no good.

 

[Valjean24601]

Gaston frowned but instead of further searching for Phiona he turned on his heel and went back into the bathroom— dismissing the maid as she finished drawing his bath. He closed the door sliding off his dirtied jacket and blouse.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Donahue looked down at her hand holding his not saying anything. He found the way she was slowly speaking to him degrading. Like he was a child who didn’t understand right from wrong. “Yes, Sabella. I do understand.” He said using the same slower down tone she did, then pulled away his hand.

 

[Valjean24601]

Her hand trembled as he moved away, her heart beating a million miles per minute— threatening to explode from her chest.
She bit down hard on her lip as she felt the salty sting of tears pooling in her eyes.
He had said he was scared of being alone, that’s why he went with her. Perhaps it was the other way around though? She’d agreed because she was scared, petrified, horrified of being alone, of being without him.
“I’m sorry and I’m scared.”
It came out as a small whisper, clutching her hands tightly together as she shrunk back into herself. She had never been like this nor had she ever told anyone how very scared she was.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

The servants finally managed to get Phiona dressed in a light blue off the shoulder gown covered in delicate pattern but Phiona couldn’t care less about the dress. As soon they were done with her hair Phiona jumped up rushing out of her room and down the hall in search of her parents to plead with them to send him away, but before she had even reached the stairs she heard her name being called through the vents.

“Phiona come greet our guest~!” It was her mother’s voice and Phiona frooze dead in her tracks knowing just who that guest was. “Phiona~!” The voice echoed again and Phiona swallowed hard forcing herself to move down the stairs “Yes mother.” The young woman called back as she unwillingly made her way down the two flights of stairs to the main floor where she was met by the disgustingly eager eyes of Xander. To her horror her father had his hand on Xander’s shoulder and her mother was laughing with. Most disturbing of all however wasn’t anything to do with her parents but Xander’s face and the large starburst scar that covered half of it. She did that, she nearly killed him and there was the terrible reminder staring right back at her.

“Hello again, my dear Phiona.” Xander’s voice was sickeningly sweet as he politely stepped up to her.

“Hello Xander.” Phiona hesitated to offer him her hand but seeing the look her mother gave her she quickly curtsied and offered her hand. Xander took it and slowly kissed the top of her knuckles like how a lover would and it sent shivers down her spine causing her to yank her hand away from him. Her parents frowned but Xander merely chuckled.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

He was taken back for a second surprised to hear her admitting to being afraid, but of what? Him? He watched the tears forming in her eyes as she curled into herself and he sighed. “I’m sorry I upset you.” Was all he said for a moment debating whether or not to go to her side. “Why are you scared?” he asked sitting back on the bed but not reaching out for her.

 

[Valjean24601]

Gaston stood off to the side of the stairwell, his hands gripping the railing. His hair was still damp from his bath but he had dressed as quickly as he could in a crisp white blouse, black trousers and shoes and a plum waistcoat. He glanced down the stair well, eyes narrowed as he watched Xander grab Phiona’s hand.
He descended down the stairs as quickly as he could.
“Xander— out of the infirmary already I see? Remarkable recovery.”
Gaston said snidely as he came to a stop beside Phiona, his fingertips touching softly to the small of her back for a moment.

 

[Valjean24601]

“I don’t want to be alone either.”
She said quietly. Her arms drawing her knees up to her chest as slow tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I’ve always had the pack and my family but this— this is the closest thing I’ve ever come to being wanted— that is if you do want me.”
She inhaled deeply.
“I’m scared the only one who wants me will leave. But you came to find me again after the shewolves took me and you’re here now. So I’m scared and confused and I’m sorry I’ve ruined us already.”

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Phiona looked back at Gaston with faint smile glad he was here.

Xander hesitated for a second as he saw Gaston. What the hell! Why is he here?! Xander’s thoughts exploded but seeing where Gaston’s hand was, and the way Phiona looked at him answered his question. Feeling knots forming in his stomach he pushed down his emotions and forced a obviously false smile on his face. “Yes remarkable, all thanks to your talented wife.” A sly smirk spread across his face. “Sorry I meant ex-wife.” Xander purred.

Watching the two together made him sick. Phiona was his, not some middle aged creep’s. The rumors were true. He thought to himself, both disgusted with Gaston, yet glad to get some leverage to try and pry Phiona from the sad excuse of a teacher. Just would just have to make sure he used it at the right time.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Donahue sat there for a moment. He himself didn’t even know if he wanted her. His wolf did as they were now mated it understood and accepted it, yet the human side of him was still conflicted. He knew when they had mated he wanted her but looking back at it he was beginning to think he had only wanted her in the heat of the moment. Looking back on their short relationship it was mostly her in earnest and his playing with her, stringing her along. He shook his head disgusted with himself.

“Don’t apologize, I’m the one who ruined this.” He said moving to sit beside her carefully he took her hand in his to try comforting her.

 

[Valjean24601]

“Mary has always been a talented healer, it’s not surprising.”
Gaston replied nonchalantly with a simple smile. The little weasel really thought he could underhand him— Gaston almost found it laughable.
“It’s unfortunate she couldn’t do more for that scar though, might help your prospects with the ladies a little more.”
He said with false sincerity the statement oozing with venom.
“Phiona, may i?”
Gaston asked as he offered his arm to Phiona to escort her to dinner.

 

[Valjean24601]

She clasped her hands in his tightly and rested her cheek, still damp with tears against his shoulder.
“Can we try to make something good out of this? Something decent?”

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

“Xander is engaged, he needs no help with the ladies.” Bradford chuckled politely giving a look of warning to Gaston.

“Yes, of course.” Phiona looked up to Gaston relieved about to take his arm when suddenly Phiona was pulled back away from him by her mother.

“That’s a nice offer Mr. Forticoven, but I think it’s best Phiona gets exscorted by her fiancé.” Lily said pulling her daughter’s hand and Xander’s together. “Don’t you?” She asked tilting her head a polite smile plastered across her lips. Xander sneered at Gaston and with that Phiona’s parents lead the way arm in arm. With Xander’s hand around Phiona’s waist as he pulled her after Bradford and Lily leaving Gaston to walk to dinner by himself.

“I’m so sorry.” Phiona whispered to Gaston as she walked past him. Her dark eyes sad and goose bumps covered her skin clearly showing how uncomfortable she was with Xander touching her. Wanting to reach out to Gaston her hand got so close to his before Xander tugged her forward and Phiona gasped at the sudden movement squeezing out what little air was in her. “Come along love.” Xander cooed as he escorted Phiona.

As they reached the dining hall all thirteen of her brothers were already there and stood up as they entered politely waiting for the ladies to sit.

Bradford sat at the head of the long table with Lilly to his right and Phiona to his left leaving Xander and Gaston sitting straight across from each other, yet another way to keep Gaston away from Phiona without being declaring it outright.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Donahue nodded slowly feeling her tears dampening his bare skin. This isn't what he wanted, none of it was, but he realized now he could never let Sabella know that again. He considered her a friend and hated to see her hurt because of him, but now like she said, we did this and now we have to live with it.

 

[Valjean24601]

Gaston bit down on his tongue as he followed the family into the dining hall. He understood that they were Phiona’s family but they treated her as though she was a token, not a daughter or a sibling. He understood family ties and what not but if his family was wronging him the way hers continued to do her he wouldn’t associate with them what so ever.
He would just have to make it through dinner and then propose to Phiona later that night that they leave in the morning.
Something wasn’t right with this family and it wasn’t just their instistance that their daughter marry her attacker.

 

[Valjean24601]

“Shall we try this again then? Being together? Try harder?”
She exhaled slowly and closed her eyes.
“Where will we go in the morning?”

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

As everyone sat down the first course was served. A white fish porridge was in a small bowl in front of everyone. “Thank you.” Phiona said kindly to the butler, though no one else even looked at them. For a moment everyone ate in silence, the only thing you could hear was the quite slurping of the soupy porridge. Finally the youngest of her brothers spoke up.

“So Phiona, have mother and father told you about your surprise yet?” Edmond spoke up an eager smile on his face, suddenly there was a flurry of her brothers speaking over each other clearly they all knew what it was leaving Phiona in the dark.

The young woman smiled nervously looking from her brothers to her parents with anticipation. “No they haven’t though they keep teasing me with it.”

Her father grinned. “Well it’s technically not our surprise, but rather...Gabriella’s,” Bradford smiled watching Phiona’s face light up at the mention of her childhood friend who she hadn’t seen in years. “Though she’s no longer Gabriella Baker, she is now Gabriella Grewillow.” Phiona’s jaw hung open nearly dropping the spoon she was holding shocked that she hadn’t heard of this sooner. Her brother Sebastian grinned proudly showcasing the ring on his finger.

“She’ll be here tomorrow late in the evening to give you the surprise.” Lilly said her face so much more welcoming with a genuine smile on it, but that news made Phiona hesitate.

“Congratulations brother, but how late?” Phiona asked her smile slowly fading as she looked to Gaston knowing they had plans to leave before then.

“About sundown, why? Is there a problem with that?” Bradford asked looking from his daughter to Gaston.

“I don’t know... Gaston would you mind if we stayed longer?” Phiona asked looking to Gaston worriedly as she nervously bit her lower lip.

“Stop that love.” Xander suddenly spoke up reaching up and grasping her chin to pull her lip out of her mouth. “I hate it when you do that.” He said softly to her lowering his hand resting it on her wrist gently rubbing it. It was clear this wasn’t about her biting her lip but rather about her speaking to Gaston. There was an intenseness to the possessive way he was acting. The way he was stroking her hand was a clear statement to Gaston. This is mine.

Though Phiona was visibly shaken by Xander’s action her parents did nothing. A hush fell over her brothers and Phiona was frozen unmoving except for the shaking of her hand. The short spurt of happiness quickly extinguished by the suffocating jealousy of Xander.

 

[Valjean24601]

Purple sparks lit at his fingertips when Xander grabbed her. It was unessecary and obnoxious, not be mention completely uncalled for.
He was sick of Phiona’s family and sick of Xander and part of him was sick of how subservient Phiona was in all of this. She was doing nothing to defend herself in all of this.
“We’ll leave when you’d like to Phiona, just say the word.”
Gaston said, almost willing her to just allow the two of them to leave.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Slowly Donahue put his arm around Sabella. “Of course we can.” He said softly though he paused thinking about where they would go. “What are your thoughts on the ocean?” He asked her curiously knowing neither of them have actually seen it, but he always heard it was beautiful.

 

[Valjean24601]

“It’s an awfully long way away— but we’ve got nothing else to do.”
Sabella laughed quietly as she leaned into Donahue’s side.
“Have you ever seen it? You know before you came to my father’s pack.”

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Phiona nodded slowly not even making eye contact with Gaston. Before she would have pulled herself free of Xander. Defended herself like she had before, but now with all her family here and none of them doing anything she felt so vulnerable and trapped.

“So Xander how are your studies going?” Bradford asked as the second course was brought in plates being taken even if you weren’t finished. Phiona’s bowl was nearly full still as she had suddenly lost her appetite.

“They are going quite well though they could always be better. Perhaps I’ll have Phiona tutor me to help me improve them.” Xander said as the second course came he finally released Phiona from his grip as he began eating. Though Phiona only stared at the mutton not touching it.

“That sounds like an excellent idea, wouldn’t you agree darling?” Lilly asked Phiona, but again Phiona only nodded.

“Mr. Forticoven, is it?” The sixth oldest brother spoke up and he swallowed his food. “Where are you from?” Valentine asked as he adjusted his glasses which unlike his father’s were made out of decoratively engraved ivory.

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Donahue shook his head, “No but I’ve seen paintings of it. It’s always so beautiful and pristine. I’ve heard it’s full of such wonderful creatures, each one more delicious than the last.” He chuckled at the last part gently resting his chin on her head.

 

[Valjean24601]

Gaston too hadn’t touched his meal. He’d simply balled his hands into fisted the entirety of the meal in order to control both his magic and his temper.
He was surprised when one of the brothers spoke to him though. Perhaps this was his in into the family.
“Yes, Forticoven,” he finally found the nerve to take a sip of his wine, “my coven house is farther south from here.”

 

[EvelienLocalArtist]

Valentine nodded as he ate his food noticing Gaston wasn’t touching his food but he didn’t say anything “Really? I suppose the weather is much warmer down south.” He added thinking Gaston was from much farther south than he was. “Do you do a lot of traveling Mr. Forticoven?” Douglas asked as he sipped his water. The brothers though they had been hostile to Gaston earlier they were now being more polite. They all had a kind of new found respect for the man after watching Gaston react so instinctively when Xander had grabbed their sister. That in no way meant they trusted him, but they had enough respect to hold a conversation with him. Phiona’s parents on the other hand remained silent. Phiona too kept to herself only moving to grab her glass of wine finishing it in one go. The butler was taken aback by that but when no one else said anything he merely stepped forward and refilled her glass before going around and refilling everyone’s glasses.