Song For His Siren: A Fated Dates Novella, page 1
SONG FOR HIS SIREN
A FATED DATES NOVELLA
MARY JANE DARLING
Copyright © 2024 by Mary Jane Darling
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
To all the wandering souls, may you find what you’re looking for, even if you’re not sure what that is yet.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Spotify Playlist
Prologue
1. Calli
2. Calli
3. Khuldruk
4. Calli
5. Khuldruk
6. Calli
7. Khuldruk
8. Calli
9. Khuldruk
10. Calli
11. Khuldruk
12. Calli
13. Khuldruk
14. Calli
15. Khuldruk
16. Calli
17. Khuldruk
18. Calli
19. Khuldruk
20. Calli
21. Khuldruk
22. Calli
23. Calli
24. Khuldruk
25. Callie
26. Calli
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
FOREWORD
Hello Readers,
Thank you for taking a chance on my debut novel with this new Pen Name. This is an introduction to my Monster Realm. While in the beginning of the books we’ll see some characters from the Mary Warren universe, we’ll be crossing into the Monster Realm. When I started reading monster romance a few years ago I fell in love with them. I’m excited to start crafting my own world of monsters and their love stories.
Content Warning - Explicit Sexual Content, Mild Fantasy World Violence
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
A SONG FOR HIS SIREN
Storybook Love - The Hound + The Fox
Irish Eyes - Rose Betts
Stories - Lilli Forfaro
Soldier, Poet, King - The Oh Hellos
My Mother Told Me - NATI, Cullen Vance, Johnny Stewart
Heather On The Hill - Nathan Evans
Mari-Mac - Great Big Sea
Drink The Night Away - Gaelic Storm
The Maiden and the Selkie - Heather Dale
Drunken Sailor - The Irish Rovers
Savage Daughter - Sarah Hess Ross
Loreley - Blackmore’s Night
Nancy Mulligan - The Wellerman, MALINDA, Cullen Vance
Down by the Water - Abigail Lapell
Fairytale - Alexander Rybak
The Moon and the Stars - John Mark Nelson
Apples in the Winter - Dervish
Far Side of the World - Tide Lines
Welcome to Wonderland - Anson Seabra
When You Come Home Again - NATI
Second Child, Restless Child - The Oh Hellos
Rain Clouds - The Arcadian Wild
Irish Goodbye - Sammy Copley
Dúlamán - MALINDA
Riverboat Shanty - Emily Axford
The Parting Glass - Hozier
PROLOGUE
Khuldruk
Khuldruk sat in his war room, his gaze fixed on the purple crystal in the middle of the table. For years, that crystal had glowed bright. When he was an orcling, the light from the crystal filled the room, but now, it was faint. As its light faded, so did the magic of his people. He had been chief for over a decade since the death of his parents and had only watched this crystal's light fade into nothing since then.
The light of this crystal was the magic that made their warriors strong, filled their healers with the gift, and gave their seers sight. There hadn’t been a clear vision in years, and many of the healers were turning to medicines from other places or using herbal remedies only. Their magic was dying, and he needed to fix it.
"Brother," called Thavros.
He turned to him with a grunt. "What?"
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't yet know,” Khuldruk said, trying not to sound as desperate as he was to help his people.
Thavros closed the book he had been reading and gave a deep sigh.
"I have heard rumor of a witch in the eastern forest. She is said to have the ancient power of the mating match."
Khuldruk had heard of her as well, but there hadn't been a mating bond since his parents. The magic of his people lay in the mating bond of the orcs.
"How could she help me?" he asked his brother in a grunt.
"She may be able to help you find your mate. It could awaken your magic and maybe the magic of our clan."
"Doubtful," he grumbled.
"I agree, but we’re running out of ideas, and the western clan seems to know that."
Both brothers sat at a round stone table, examining the crystal.
"The eastern forest, you say?" Khuldruk said with a deep sigh.
"Yes. She is said to reside in the Cridhe forest in the northeast, a day’s journey from here."
"I’ll set out in the morning," he decided.
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"No, you stay here and continue your research. I’ll journey to this witch. It is decided."
Early the next morning, Khuldruk set out before the sun rose. He made it to a forest in a day and a half time. He wasn't sure how he would find the witch of the wood, but he would find her.
Once he set foot into the woods, he could feel more magic than he had felt since he was a child. There was still magic here in his clan land, and that gave him hope.
"Can I help you?"
He turned and saw a small human woman. While there were humans in the realm, they were not as large a segment of the population, especially here in the orc lands.
"Are you the witch of the woods?"
"I've been called that before," she said with a smirk. "Along with Freya, which is what my parents called me."
"Freya, it is an honor to meet you," he said, kneeling and taking her hand, pressing the back of it to his forehead.
"What brought you all the way here, Chief Khuldruk?” she said with a glint in her eye.
"I am searching for a way to find our old magic."
"Hmmm, yes. There has not been a true mating since your parents." She nodded.
"Yes, and the magic is suffering. I fear there is a threat from the west."
A truce between the two orc clans had held strong for decades, but tensions were high. The rumors the Lochcraig Clan was without magic were concerning.
"I may have an idea, but it is not without risk."
"I’ll risk my life for this clan. What can I do?"
"Follow me," she said then turned, making her way through the green forest.
After walking about a mile, they came to a cottage in the deep woods that lay next to a small stream.
"Is this your home?" he asked.
"It is. Would you like to come in? I have some stew on the fire, and I have something that might help you—if you are willing."
He followed her into the small cabin. He had to duck his head low to follow her in. There was a pot bubbling over the fire, and the delicious smell filled the air.
"Please, have a seat." She gestured to the table.
Khuldruk pulled out the chair and studied it, testing its strength to see if it would hold him. It seemed sturdy enough, but as he sat, it gave a groan of protest underneath him. He tried to pull it up to the table, but his knees bumped into it.
"You certainly are a big fellow, aren't you?" said the amused woman.
He gave a low rumbly laugh. "I am." Orcs were big, but Khuldruk was enormous.
The small woman put out a plate of bread onto the table before dishing them both a bowl of stew. She set the bowls on the table. Then, she turned to the storage cabinet and pulled out a jug of mead, pouring them both a mug.
"Have you ever thought about traveling to another realm?" she asked him matter-of-factly.
"No," he answered with the same tone. Why would he go to another realm to find a mate?
She smiled at him and gave a small chuckle. "Would you consider going to another realm?"
"I’d do anything to ensure the safety and prosperity of my clan."
"I may have just the thing," she said as she cleared away her dish. She went over to the cabinet and pulled out a simple wooden box. She came back to the table and set the box down in front of him.
"Open it," she said.
He opened the lid. In the box was a small, shiny black brick. "What is this?" He pulled it out, and upon further examination, he noted that it looked similar to the technology of the southlands.
"It is a communication device from a distant realm." She took it from his hand and turned it on. He watched with his brows pinched tight as she tapped the screen. The screen lit up with a small square that read Kis-meet.
"Here, take this.'' He took the small device from her again. It looked small in his massive hands. "Hold it to your face so it can learn you."
He looked at her, unsure if he should.
"Please trust me. It is safe," she encouraged, moving his hand closer to his face.
He did so, and soon, it opened to the screen it had been on for her.
"Now it knows your face. Tap on that square, and you should soon see your mate."
He looked at her in shock. Surely, it would not be that simple. She gave a small smile and nod.
He tapped on the small square. Then, the square opened to a woman—a human woman. She had long brown hair and wore a green dress with a brown corset. She also wore a crown of flowers; she must be royalty. She would be a suitable mate, but the more he looked at her, the more he was drawn into her eyes. They were blue with flecks of green, and they looked like the ocean. Khuldruk had never seen anything more beautiful in his entire life.
"Where do I find this queen?"
"In the human realm, in the woods of North Carolina."
"How do I travel there?"
1
CALLI
"Thank you! That was our last show of the day, but we’ll be up by the gate for the closing sing," Calli called from the stage. She wiped the sweat from her forehead as the crowd started to filter out. "Don't forget to leave a tip, and if you like what you heard, CDs are at the table, or you can find us on any streaming service."
"That felt good," she said. Her band around her nodded as they all began to pack up their instruments for the night. They would be here again tomorrow and for the next week, but as of right now, this was their last gig.
Calli had been after the band to start booking more fairs or shows, but they all wanted to spend some time at home, but she couldn't help feeling there was more. Michael's wife was pregnant, Matt's girlfriend was hoping to become a fiancée soon, and that just left her with Mason. And as good as she was, even she had to admit they needed more than a drummer and a singer. They still had a week left here, but she did see her time with the MacGregors and the Flying Kilts coming to an end. They hadn't pulled the plug just yet, and this was one of her favorite fairs. She was going to enjoy herself while she could.
"Hey guys, I think I'm going to take a walk and see who’s here this year," she called as she left their stage area.
They were set up on one of the three main stages this year. It was a great location—next to the tavern, good for tips. She made her way to the vendors; she was looking for a new satchel to attach to her belt. Her other one had broken at the last fair. As she made her way down the main strip, she spied one of her all-time favorite tents.
She popped her head in the small purple and gold tent, looking for its owner. Inside, she found a shelf full of herbs and crystals, a table with books and tarot cards, and on the other side a small two-person table with a purple cloth thrown over it.
"Bridget?" she asked.
From behind the counter popped up a small, round woman with wild red hair streaked with gray. "Why hello, Calli," she said in her thick Scottish brogue. "I heard ye playin' earlier. Ye sound magical, as always."
"Thank you! It’s been a good opening day so far. I'm glad you’re here. I'll have to stop by for a tarot reading. I could use one."
"Oh? Is something wrong?"
"Not really. I'm just wondering what's next. The boys have been dropping hints they’re ready to hang up their kilts," she said with a sigh.
"Oh..." Bridget said with a shake of her head. "That is a disappointment. The world needs more attractive men in kilts."
Calli flashed her a smile and a small laugh. "Now there, we can agree."
"What about yerself? Ye ever think about settlin’ down?" asked Bridget.
"Not yet. Maybe someday, but right now, I just want to experience things. I grew up in an isolated small town. When I left ten years ago, the world opened to me, and I'm not ready to be done with it quite yet,” she said as she looked through the assortment of shiny crystals in one of the small woven baskets.
"I see. Still so much of the world to experience,” Bridget said with a knowing nod.
"Yeah, I think that's why I love working the circuit. When somewhere starts to feel too old or I start to feel that calling, it's already time for the next fair. But I don't want to find a new band… So yeah, I’ll need some of your guidance."
"Well, come by anytime. I'll be here for the week."
"I'm glad you made it here. I haven’t seen you at any of your normal fairs."
"Oh, ye know me. I found a town to settle in for a bit, work my own brand of chaos. I’ve left for a few of my favorite fairs, but I'm sure I'll be out and about very soon. Like yerself, I generally refuse to be tamed," she said with a cheshire grin and a glint in her eyes.
"We're a lot like, you and me, Bridget."
"That we are. Come see me soon. I'll read yer cards and see what we can't figure out."
The rest of the day went well for an opening day at the fair. The Flying Kilts played their four shows. Playing right by the pubs was always good for them, and Calli always knew how to sing to get the tips. She didn't know how she did it. She just knew if she needed to up the tips, she put a little more intention into her singing, and they would come pouring in. Between that and the fact that she always had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand, she kept the Flying Kilts making money. Which was good, because she wagered the band would have broken up a long time ago if it wasn’t for that.
They traveled with a trailer, and the boys either stayed there together or would sometimes split hotel rooms, but Calli preferred her own lodging. And she was reminded of just how much she loved her accommodations as she made her way to her campsite.
A few years ago, Calli had bought a campervan from someone on the circuit. It had been nice not to share a camper with the boys. She had taken the time to make it her own. While it was small, it had everything she needed, from a soft comfy bed, a place for her guitar, and even a small kitchenette. For the most part, she enjoyed cooking out over the fire, but it was nice to have a place to grab a quick sandwich if she needed one or make a can of soup on a rainy day. It was nothing fancy, but it allowed her to carry her house with her, making her free spirit feel safe and unburdened. She was never more than the turn of a key from hitting the road.
She got her shower stuff and headed to the campsite shower to clean up. After that, she sat out by the fire with her guitar, thanking her muses for another successful day.
"Hey, Calli."
She looked up to see Michael coming over to her site.
"Hey, Michael," she said. "Good day, huh? I just counted tips."
"It was."
She couldn't help but notice he wouldn't meet her eye. She knew this moment was coming. She had thought they would drag it out for the week, not letting her know she was canned or the band was breaking up or whatever was happening, but it looked like he was going to be upfront. She should have known. There was a reason she had been singing with the MacGregors for years. They were good guys, every one of them. No wonder they wanted to settle down.
"What's going on?" she asked. He just sat in the seat next to her, still not meeting her eye. "Are you here telling me this is your last show?"
He just looked over at her. "Yeah, we’re here for the next week. Then, we’ll take the break for the holidays and January like always, but with a baby coming in March…"
"Of course," she said softly. "I did see this coming. Good things can't last forever."
"I wanted to see if you ever thought about settling in town with us. We still want to play together, but maybe more of a weekend thing, not a travel-the-fair-circuit thing."
"I don't know..." Part of her wanted to keep singing with the Flying Kilts, but that wasn't the life she craved.
"Just think about it. You could work at MacGregor's Pub and sing with us," he said with a soft smile.
Calli tried to think about what that would look like, bartending at a local pub and singing on the weekends. It could be a good life, but it did seem rather sedentary to her.
"I'll think about it."
"That's all I'm asking. You're family, Calli."
He stood from his seat and squeezed her hand before heading back to the camper. She knew it was coming. She would need to find Bridget soon for that tarot reading. If anyone could help her figure out the next step, it would be Bridget and her cards.
2
CALLI
The next morning, Calli woke to the sun on her face. It was going to be a good day, she told herself. Yes, the band she had spent the last four years with was breaking up, but she had never feared a new adventure. That was what this was. That was what she told herself, anyway. She opened the door and stepped down, only to feel something unfamiliar under her feet.
