"W-what?" Maeve breathed in shock.

Bay's mother looked relieved, knowing that her son wasn't in any trouble. However, she still seemed apprehensive and her brows scrunched in worry.

"How is this possible? A nymph and a vampire? I-I've never heard of such a thing."

Bay went to speak again but a hand running through his hair made him pause.

"I do admit that our pairing is...uncommon. But we are mates regardless."

The air stilled when the King spoke. The baritone of his voice provoked unease in many but was instead comforting to Bay's ears.

"I found Bay wandering in my territory last night and I took him back to my chambers. Thankfully I got to him before something else did."

The vampire's eye flashed red at even the thought of losing his mate before getting to know him.

"But I promised to take him back here so that his family would know that he's safe."

A small smile grew on the older woman's lips, knowing that the beast was still willing to give her son some comfort.

"Thank you for...for your generosity your majesty. My son is very curious and I assume it got the best of him last night. He's always wanted to explore the forest more than anyone and I guess- I mean it makes sense I suppose."

Cepheus hummed at her words while playing with the boy's strands. It was most likely the bond drawing him in at a subconscious level.

"Well you are welcome to visit Bay anytime if you must. However, he will be staying with me from now on. I'm sure you can understand why that needs to happen."

The gentle look on her face was now forlorn. Obviously she wasn't going to protest to Cepheus' statement, knowing that she wouldn't be able to change his mind regardless. A piece of her knew though that her sweet boy would be safe, even if she wasn't there with him.

She nodded sadly with soft eyes, not oblivious to Bay's tense form. Clearly he wasn't completely informed about his future living conditions.

Cepheus returned his gaze to the small nymph in front of him. Cupping his cheeks in his large hands he spoke.

"I know you're confused and maybe a bit upset at me baby but this has to happen. I'll let you spend the rest of the day with your family. Come back here when the sun sets and we'll take our leave."

"You could've told me." The nymph whined with a crack in his voice.

His nose was scrunched up and his eyes teary as he felt a wave of conflicting emotions.

He was sad that he would be leaving the one home he's ever known but angry that the vampire had not told him beforehand.

Cepheus smiled empathetically at the teary eyed nymph.

"I didn't want to upset you. Although I can see that couldn't  have been avoided. I'm sorry my love."

The smaller boy whimpered at the vampire's words but he also felt his heart pull at the genuine love and care laced in his tone.

Despite his frustration, he couldn't help but seek comfort in his larger form. He gripped the hands cupping his cheeks in a desperate act of expressing his need for the vampire's touch.

His clinginess was evident and
Cepheus smiled, rubbing his nose against the smaller nymph.

"I'll be back. Enjoy this time with your family."

In a flash he was gone, his scent being the only proof that he was even there.

Immediately, Maeve engulfed Bay in a hug, her arms tightening around his smaller form as tears wet her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry Bay. We didn't know any of this was gonna happen."

Her emotions were contagious and soon he found himself letting out small sobs.

So distracted by his tears, he jumped when a hand came to rest on his shoulder.

Pulling his head from Maeve's neck he looked to see that Blaise was the one offering a comforting touch.

His blonde hair was wet from being in the water and his green eyes were laced with sympathy.

He wasn't one to offer much words of encouragement but the effort alone made Bay feel better.

With a sniffle he smiled gratefully, before turning his head in search for his mother. Thankfully, Sole was already there seeming to be talking with her to take her mind off of things.

"He's going to be fine Theresa. No matter what creature he is, no one would ever harm their mate. They would have to be completely mad and he seemed to be all there." Sole chuckled.

Theresa laughed too through watery eyes and nodded in agreement. Although her eyes brightened when she saw her son approaching and her arms widened in a welcoming manner.

"Come here my son."

Bay didn't hesitate to relax in her arms, inhaling her familiar scent and basking in her motherly touch.

Sole grinned and ruffled the nymph's hair before leaving the two to have their privacy.

"It'll be all right you know." She murmured.

"I know that you're probably a little scared of the unknown. That is perfectly normal. We all get a bit scared sometimes hmm?"

Bay nodded and released a shaky breath at her words.

"Your mate will take care of you. If you listen to him, he will provide for you and hopefully in the future he will bare you some offspring."

The nymph flushed and whined at her words although was thankful for the lighthearted sentiments during his distress.

Theresa laughed at his reaction and mirth swirled within her blue eyes. A stark contrast to the tears that gathered in the bright orbs.

"I expect many grandchildren Bay, and I expect them soon."

The two laughed and bickered about the topic for a bit before the smaller boy got up and made conversation with the rest of the nymphs of his river.

Laughter was high and memories were fond as he reminisced with his family. However, time flew by and all the fun was coming to an end.

"Bay come here sweetheart." His mother called over once the energy died down.

The sky was illuminated with countless shades of orange and red, signalling that dusk was upon them.

"I didn't get the chance to talk to you about our traditions. I thought that we would have more time before we had to discuss the mating process. You've only just turned of age."

She was smiling, although her eyes showed the loss that she was feeling.

"After you complete the mating process your body will go through a transformation. In order to carry your mate's offspring you will change to be compatible with him. That's why no creature alive can have kin with someone who is not their other half."

Bay's bluish skin took on a red hue at the topic. He had a fair idea of what it meant to consummate with someone, although talking about it with his mother was something he rather not do.

"As you know it is customary for us nymphs to adorn ourselves in body jewelry after we're fully mated. Piercing our body shows that we have been claimed. The more beautiful the articles the better. They show that we are well provided for, pampered and protected."

Bay was not oblivious to what his mother was talking about. She herself had intricately crafted pieces on her hands neck and ears. Although her mate has passed, she continues to show her mark and ownership.

Theresa tucked a brown strand of her sons hair behind his ear, smiling at his wide eyes.

"It's important for your mate to respect our customs. Remember that."

After Bay nodded, the older woman proceeded to remove a bracelet from her wrist.

"This was one of the first gifts your father gave me."

The smaller nymph's brows furrowed, confused about her intentions.

"I want you to have it."

Instantly he shook his head.

"Mother I-I can't take that from you I-."

"You can and you will." She interrupted.

Gently she grabbed his left hand and slid the delicate piece on his skin. The jewellery felt foreign on his once free arm but he felt emotional knowing the sentimental value in the gift.

"I don't know what to say mama. Thank you."

Theresa shook her head with a watery grin.

"You must go now."

She could faintly see the vampire standing in the same spot he said he would be in.

Bay turned to glance at the outline of his mate before looking up at the sky. Sure enough the sun had set, and the moon had taken over.

"You can visit me anytime mama. Cepheus won't mind I promise."

"Oh baby I know. This won't be the last we see of each other. Not by a long shot. "

With one last hug the two stood up, and walked hand in hand towards the looming King.

Silently he watched the two, trying his hardest to control his urge to grab his beloved and take off with the wind. This was the longest they'd been apart since meeting and his most dominant side wasn't faring well.

"Take care of him please. And please... be patient."

For the first time Theresa spoke to the vampire without a trace of unease in her tone.

Respectfully Cepheus nodded.

"I have waited many lifetimes for my beloved. I have nothing but love to give."

Satisfied, she released her hold on her only son and let him approach his mate.

"I missed you." The King murmured to the young boy.

His hands were instantly on him, caressing his arms, hair, really anything to feel the sparks that flared when they touched.

"I missed you too." Bay whispered in response. The vampire's previously spoken words had the nymph even more grateful to be back in his arms. He needed to feel him without the barrier of clothes; the garments were still foreign to him.

The nymph slid his hands up the vampire's shirt to feel the cool skin beneath his fingers. He too craved the sensation that one only got from embracing their other half.

It helped that Bay, a warm blooded creature, was fizzled out by Cepheus' cool temperature.

"Are you ready?" The vampire breathed, his mouth hovering over the nymph's ear.

"Yes...I think I am."