Goddess Kindled, page 13
Focusing back on her sleeping form he wondered. Could the when be right. Her clothing was different, then there was her reaction to the cottage, and its surroundings. Also what she had said at the clearing. He had forgotten to ask Cormac about that. It likely had to either do with the mate tether or the archway. His gut was now screaming at him; it was a bit of both. If that were so. Then his world, and hers, were about to change.
Chapter Twelve
Kieran had enlisted help from Aidan to carry out many plans, and duties as chieftain. Therefore they were both able to be freely available to Ravens Night, and Kieran was able to spend more time with Harlow. Time he really enjoyed, she got any, and every free moment he could give her. He wasn’t looking forward to sharing her with anyone. The connection they shared was growing stronger everyday. So was the tension between them. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off her. She also always seemed to be in contact with him. Either sitting on his lap or snuggled up beside him. The last few nights his dreams had been filled with hot, and sweaty action. Never before had he wanted to devour a woman in kisses. With Harlow however that’s exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to taste every inch of her ivory skin, play connect the dots with her freckles. Rousing her desire till he was devouring her mouth as he sank deep inside her. Their first time together couldn’t come soon enough.
Her safety however came first. His desires to take things further would have to wait. It was best he took all the queues from her. Just knowing those he trusted with his life, and their fellow tribes people would be looking out for her. Put his mind at ease. He had a feeling things were about to get rocky for them, before it got worse. Hoping though they were prepared for whatever was coming their way, was what was getting him through each day. Well that, and his time spent with his Mate.
After talking with Aidan last night about his conversation with Cormac he now understood what he meant about rearranging the ceremony. The more he thought about it the more he liked the idea. The issue was how to go about it if time wasn’t on their side. So far his only decision had been that Harlow would now reside with him in his dwelling. Plus if what he suspected about her history on the subject was true. Treading carefully was on the top of his list. She deserved to be treated like the wonderful woman she is. Even though he wanted to do things to really make them sweat.
She would not be meeting all of the village members however, only those who were members of Ravens night. He, and Aidan would be walking her back to his dwelling this morning. Tomorrow night was the planned meeting. Members had agreed it might be a little easier for her to first see how they operate, and what their plans were. Since she was a part of the topic of discussion it would help for her to be included, and get her opinion. Then introductions could flow from there. Liking the idea, he agreed quickly. Between him, and his other two co founders the meeting should be a success in both ways.
Placing his hand over his midsection, he tried to silence his intuitive gut. Feeling he should have listened to his instincts this morning. Something had felt off, the sensation growing stronger as time progressed. As planned he, and Aidan walked to the Shaman cottage. Maybe they should have brought along more members for protection. They didn’t want to alert anyone watching to secrecy. In hindsight they should have thought of that while he had been coming here daily to see his Mate. Well what was done was done he guessed, he had to hold onto his trust of the others.
While they strolled along, Kieran had been answering all of Aidan’s questions regarding the Mate connection. How it felt physically, and mentally. It being, and energy of sorts engulfing within, and around you. A knowledge that you don’t know how you ever survived without it. Words were hard to describe the truth of it. Experiencing it outweighed any kinds of words, period. Though for his friends sake he had tried.
However there was still more to discover about their connection. He hadn’t even broached the initial subject with Harlow yet. Not even sure how to, or when. Then there was the other discussion he needed to have with her. How to bring up that one baffled him. Clearly she was one of them, and not aware of it or couldn’t remember yet. Whatever the case may be, it definitely had to be broached soon though. It was starting to drive him crazy being so close to her, and not doing something about it. He suspected she felt the same. At every opportunity they were in constant contact in some way. Him touching her, her touching him, most times he would just pick her up, and place her on his lap as they talked. Any distance between them seemed to hurt.
Also the joy of feeding her from his hand was a very intimate connection they shared. Even the chaste kisses they had shared were hot. Always sharing a little kiss with her to say good morning or goodbye. They grew in length each day. He wanted that always, and so much more. The limits of his restraint were surely being tested to their limits.
When they arrived at the cottage they found Harlow sitting on the steps talking adamantly with Cormac. Hands in the air as she explained whatever they were talking about. The large smile that spread across her lips, and reached her eyes as she saw them coming. Was like a bolt of lightning right to his heart. Sending a lovely warmth that filled him. Smiling in return he asked.
“Ready to go little one?”
Nodding her head, before declaring.
“Yes I’m ready.”
Turning she gave Cormac a hug, whispering something in his ear. Standing she said her thanks as she made her way to him. Launching herself into his arms. Thank goodness for his fast reflexes or he wouldn’t have caught her in time. Holding her close as she wrapped her legs around him. With one hand he fed his fingers into her mass of curls at her nape, positioning her head just so. Lowering his head he touched her lips with his in a hungry kiss. Before he could take it further, and devour her mouth. Aidan coughed into his hand interrupting them by saying how cute they were. Pulling back he smiled as Harlow moaned at the sudden loss. Turning then to give his friend a stern look for being called cute. He was about to tell him to get lost, when they heard someone running down the path behind them.
Instantly on alert he turned, letting Harlow to the ground. Turning to stand shoulder to shoulder with Aidan in front of her, with Cormac coming to stand behind her. With her guarded they waited. Only for one of the usual messengers from the village to appear rounding the bend. Seeming to be coming with a message. Though only a select few had been allowed to come to the cottage lately because of their worry for Harlow’s safety. This man had not been one of those select few. This was sending up some serious red flags for him. They waited as the scrawny came as close as he dared towards them.
In his whiny voice, this little man demanded
“My Lord, you must come quick to the village.”
With his arms indicating as such to follow him. He continued to repeat his display.
Who was in charge here? Surely this messenger didn’t think it was him. Staring down the man, Kieran straightened his shoulders the same time as Aidan. Clearly this messenger was hitting a nerve for both of them. Everyone knew he, and Aidan would be seeing to an important matter today. They were not to be disturbed. If there truly was an issue they were to go to the elders. Not him. So why this, and why now. Curious he asked, interrupting his whiny tirade.
“What is so important for you to have bothered us, and not the elders, as instructed. Hmm?”
With both he, and Aidan staring him down it seemed he would soon pee his pants. Surely the matter wasn’t of that great importance then. They waited what seemed like a while to receive any response.
When the men had created a protective, physical circle around her, Cormac had whispered into her ear.
“Whatever you’re going to do, do it quickly.”
She knew instantly what he had meant. Bending slightly to her side, she reached into one of her leg pockets of her pants. Grabbing the device inside, quickly sliding it over her wrist, pulling her hood over her head for added measure. Tilting her wrist she started tapping a sequence into the device to activate it. In the blink of an eye she became the unseen woman. Hearing the praise.
“Very good.”
Coming from the shaman filled her with happiness. Smiling to herself, it felt good to have approval. Suddenly however she was overcome with a sensation of malice.
With Kieran still speaking to the creepy man on the path, she lifted up to her toes to whisper in Aidan’s ear.
“We are surrounded by more of them. Their intent is not truthful.”
At the same time she slipped her hand into Kieran's, giving it a squeeze. Which he held onto tight. He seemed to need her touch more than she had needed his. As she lowered from her toes, all three men growled. Sensing what she had moments before.
Watching as the man shifted from whining at Kieran to display a face of pure hatred, and snarling.
“You’ll pay for what you have done.”
Before lunging in their direction. Harlow was scared for Kieran. Her fear quickly evaporated, then turning to anger at the wee little man. Staring at him intently she was stunned when he burst into flames, screaming, and howling in pain. At that moment the others revealed themselves, coming from all around them. Cursing, and spitting at them.
“Look what you have done.”
She was about to speak when Kieran squeezed her hand. Quickly snapping her jaw shut. These people were creepy, and strange. Desire to defend her man, and his friends only natural. If Kieran thought it best to keep quiet then so be it. Then she remembered she had cloaked herself. If she spoke she would endure revealing herself. Grateful to him for knowing her so well, in such a short amount of time too. She was beginning to think she couldn’t be without him. They were connected on a level she didn’t understand, but really liked it. She felt more grounded.
Focusing on the now, had her wondering how had the man caught fire. Why weren’t his supposed friends doing anything about it to help him? They all seemed to focus on the group of them. Saying more hateful words promising to return before taking off the way the scrawny man came. This place was turning out to be so strange. Who was she to say though. She had devices for all manner of things. Like the one she had just used to hide herself. Or one that allowed the user to breathe fresh clean air, for hours at a time, when none existed. There were many more hidden within her many pockets, and compartments of clothing. She knew without doubt she was no longer in her time. That much was very obvious. It was how it came to be, was her lingering question.
This was the place she had been dreaming about. Having confided in Cormac this morning when her worries had become overwhelming. She trusted him, he felt like an old family member to her. That was how she saw him anyway. He listened to her uncertainty regarding her situation. Confirming her suspicions but assuring her all her answers to her questions will reveal themselves in time. She had to be ready, and open to them. Only then could they be heard. The man always seemed to speak in riddles. When you spoke with him it was only after you realized you now had more questions than answers. That thought sounded so familiar to her. From where though she couldn’t say.
When she became aware of her surroundings again. Cormac was circling around them chanting. His movements fluid, and steady, falling in a perfect rhythm as he moved round. She could see physically the energy flowing around him as he did. “Beautiful” she whispered. The colors flowing from his hands in motion looked like expanding ribbons. Combining to create a dome like circle surrounding them. She had seen something similar before. Just couldn’t remember where. Whipping her head in Kieran’s direction as he asked her.
“What’s beautiful little one?”
“Cormac, and his movements. I can see the energy he is creating with his dance.”
Once again being pulled into watching his movements. It was so tranquil, just like a lullaby. She began to sway with the music she heard in her head.
Kieran, and Aidan shared a look between them. It took a few times of him calling her name before she heard him. Turing to fully face them she asked.
“What is it Kieran?”
With a quiet laugh he asked.
“Will you reveal yourself now? We would like to see you.”
How could she have forgotten so quickly? Tapping the appropriate command into the wrist device, she appeared to them in a blink.
“There is that better now?”
Tilting her head for effect. Before smirking a smile at Kieran. She really did like looking at him. He had the most stunning eyes. Eyes filled with lust, desire, and compassion. Then there were his kisses. Gliding her fingers along her lips, she remembered their kisses. She really liked his kisses. They always sent a zing through her body. Shivering at the memory she smiled to herself.
Shaking his head, Kieran rolled his eyes, and snapped his fingers in front of her a few times.
“Harlow, we need you to focus. Ok.”
Once her eyes refocused on him, and she nodded, he continued.
“We have some questions for you ok?”
Shrugging her shoulders, and a nonchalant
“Sure. Whatever you’d like to know.”
She was finding it hard not to be drawn towards Cormac. She really wanted to join in. Shaking her head to attempt to clear it, and focus on her man. She really liked thinking of him that way. Smiling internally.
“Harlow, I need you to focus ok.”
Again waiting for her to nod, and they shared eye contact.
“We’d like to know how you were able to become unseen, but that will have to wait till later. First though, you can actually see the physical magic?”
As he hugged his head in Cormac’s direction. Again she nodded.
“Second, you saw the messenger catch fire?”
Nodding for the third time.
“Ok. We’re still going to head to my dwelling. However, this time you will do your own becoming unseen, and walk in between myself, and Aidan. Should we encounter another issue, whoever grabs for your hand you take it. You stick to them.”
Looking at her sternly.
“Yes”
All but shouting as she nodded enthusiastically this time. Not wanting another encounter like what they just had.
With a hooked finger placed gently under her shin, he tilted her head up just a little. Speaking softly in concern he asked.
“Lastly, are you ok little one?”
She blurted out.
“I didn’t like those so called friends of his. They tasted funny.”
As she spoke her entire body shimmered in distaste.
“I didn’t like it, Kieran. They were going to hurt you.”
Moving closer to him, and into his open arms. Sighing in comfort he wrapped his arms around her. What she did not see was the look shared by all three men. Shock from the younger, and the firm I told you so from the elder.
With a final tight squeeze he said.
“Alright little one let’s go. Cormac will be staying here.”
Answering her unasked question. Taking a step back she lifted her wrist tapping away, looking up before they lost sight of her. Aidan whispered “fascinating.” Made her chuckle.
“You’ll need to remember not to talk while unseen. It will seem strange to others that a woman's voice is amongst us. Should we run into others that is. Which we shouldn’t.”
He rushed to assure her.
“That’s what you said before. Look what happened. I’m not even sure what that was.”
Placing her hands on her hips, not that they could see. Frustrated, she stomped her foot.
With both of them laughing at her, they said together.
“Come on.”
Forcing her to leave the safety she felt at the cottage. Stepping out into this new world. One she thought only existed in her dreams. How wrong she had been. Yes, it was colorful, filled with magick, and mystery. She couldn’t wait to discover, and explore. Did everyone have gifts? According to her dream they didn’t. Could this possibly mean some of the other books she had read that claimed to be fairy stories were actually true too? If so, which ones? There were simply too many questions.
Then there was Kieran, and oh those possibilities, they made her toes curl. It would do no good to disappear into her head full of questions. Being focused, and alert was the most important thing at the moment. Abandoning her wonderings, and fear she focused instead on keeping up pace with the men. She was practically running as they just displayed a simple stride. Staying in the present was more important now. If the last hour had taught her anything. It was to be prepared for any scenario. It was with this agility they made their way to Kieran’s hut without any more interruptions.
Chapter Thirteen
Having made it to his dwelling, all three breathed a sigh of relief once inside. Their journey had been blessedly free of any more interruptions. Sadly though it seemed they had exhausted Harlow. After preparing a quick snack. They all sat in silence to eat. They weren’t even finished when his Mate was having trouble keeping her eyes open. Before she could keel over he picked her up, and settled her into his bed. Wishing her a pleasant sleep, he kissed her forehead before returning to Aidan in the main room. Sitting beside his long time friend. He for once didn’t know where or how to start.
“Did you? Can you believe it?”
Shaking his head at his indecision, he opened his mouth only to have Aidan answer.
“That wasn’t me you know. It had to be her….. How did she do it?”
Shaking his head in question, and leaning back in his seat. He seemed to be struggling with what they all had witnessed. Rubbing his chin
“She started it didn’t she?”
