Goddess Kindled, page 14
Turing to look directly at him, pleading.
Kieran nodded still struggling himself
“I believe so, yes. Cormac had said she should train with you. Now I understand why.”
Running his fingers through his hair.
“I don’t see why though. You saw, what could we ever teach her?”
Nudging his chin in her direction.
With a half laugh.
“I feel the same. But she had no idea it was her. Did you hear her whisper to me?”
Suddenly displaying a pleading look in his face.
Shaking his head. Further surprised by this woman.
“No. I only felt her squeeze my hand before I was about to lunge at that guy. What did she say?”
Eyes wide, and impatient for an answer. His seat could hardly contain him. With all the energy pulsing within him he needed an outlet. Folding his fingers around the seat's edge. In an attempt to contain himself.
Aidan seemed to have the same issue. His leg however was bouncing ever faster. Answering in awe as he spoke.
“She told me we were surrounded by more of them. Their intent is not truthful.”
Pausing to think, he then blurted out
“I didn’t like those so called friends of his. They tasted funny.”
Turning his head sharply to face Kieran
“What does she mean by that? I’ve never heard of a gift like that.”
Shrugging his shoulders not having a clue himself.
“She saw the physical manifestation of Cormac's protective circle too. She was called to it. I’ve never seen anything like it either.”
An idea formed he asked his good friend.
“You think the prophecy is about her? He did say she is the KEY. I just thought he was talking about the mating connection.”
Standing abruptly, he started to pace.
Aidan sat stone still, and upright. So deep in thought. Before asking.
“You think so?”
Rubbing his chin, returning to his own pondering. Lowering his head he leaned back again, frowning as he did so.
Quickening his pacing.
“It must be.”
Before stopping in his tracks. Looking serious at Aidan.
“That means the elders got it all wrong.”
Returning to tuning his fingers through his hair, and blurting again.
“Or was that their intention, to lead us astray?”
Sitting up straight with hyper focus. Shaking his head.
“No, they wouldn’t. Couldn’t.”
Pausing in thought.
“Would they?”
Falling back again in defeat into his seat. His body displayed the physical signs of hurt. These were their elders. The ancient ones. Their connection to the ancestors, so full of knowledge, and power.
Clearly they were both on the same path of thought. Had they been intentionally misled? Or could there potentially be a reasoning behind it. Their entire lives they believed, it had been told Neera was linked to the prophecy. Or were both women linked? Could it be. They both seemed to come to the same question. Looking at each other in wonder, and hope.
If they were right then the possibilities were still open. They could all still have a fighting chance. With grins growing ear to ear. They began to work out a plan. How to help Harlow harness her gifts, and learn about their peoples. Well hers too it would seem. Hopefully all will go according to plan at the meeting. The execution of dealing with Neera’s followers would be swift, and final. That woman had caused enough damage. Even dead she was still wreaking havoc on all their lives.
That plan of attack was for after the festival, in a week. During which Harlow could learn about their history, and the ancient ones. Taking her to the clearing to learn, and practice her gifts they agreed seemed the best option. It was far enough away from the village she could work without being seen or heard. Also close enough to Cormac should an emergency arise. Their evenings would be theirs alone. He really liked that idea. Hoping she did too.
Thankfully the festival was on track. Even with the extra add ons. The villagers had been more than thrilled with the announcement of the ceremony being added. Each day there was a flurry of activity with preparations. Excitement hung everywhere in the air. with a smile on their face, and a skip in their step. It looked like each was trying to outdo the other, as well as work as a team. It seemed crazy, and confusing to him. They had taken over everything, basically tossing him aside. He just wanted Harlow, how it happened it didn’t matter.
Conceding that yes it needed to be proper. He did hold a seat of power, and with that came responsibilities. This just seemed a bit over the top to him. If however it meant the people were happy then so be it. On the plus side, having extra guards posted hadn’t seemed odd with all the activity. Everyone assumed he wanted the preparation protected. The only challenge would be how to tell Harlow or perhaps when to her. He planned on waiting, kinda. He needs only to tell her about the festival. Aidan said that was a bad idea, and should tell her the truth. To which he just shrugged, he’ll deal with issues as they arise.
Though after today’s events they couldn’t be sure someone wasn’t after Harlow. There was also the possibility they were after him. They would just have to prepare for both, if they had the man power. With everyone already performing multiple duties, it would be a stretch. Hopefully not too far.
He watched as they entered the dwelling, once inside he crossed to the other side of the village. It was easier to get away from there. He had been there this morning, and seen all that had transpired. Following the so called leader, and his right hand, the Shaman’s cottage. The three had been holding their leader prisoner there. Today was the day they planned to move her. Well their plan had been to free her. They just all needed to be in their right positions. Once the plan was in motion they sat back, and waited. Watching as the three men held their dear Neera captive. Covering her with their magicks in an effort to deceive. As her followers tried to save her.
Could these men not see she wanted free. Who would want to be trapped between them like that. Even when trying, and displaying her magic, they did not free her. They kept her hidden until they could demean her.
As their comrade lay dying turning to ashes, all the others fled in fear amid shouts of hatred. All he could do had been to look away, until once again they covered her with magic, and taking her away. Only he had been smart.
He had stayed in his spot within the trees. Waiting, watching, and learning. Carefully he had followed them back to the village. Watching, and waiting again. When enough time had passed. He used his skills taught to him, to disappear. Well he really couldn’t disappear like Neera had. But he could become that which no one noticed. For most of his life no one had seen him. That was until Neera, she saw him. She had had a need for him, and his skills. She said she liked the way he worked, and would be rewarded. He believed her.
Making his way through to the edge of the village, he carefully slipped away. Slinking along the path in hopes he could make it in time to tell him, he had found her. She would definitely need rescuing, for why else would she stay with those people. He hated them. Gifted powers they refused to share with others. Why should they have all the power? They clearly thought themselves better, living with their own, always celebrating. Never with those lesser than them either. They deserved what was coming for them.
It will be funny to see how they like being at the bottom of the pecking order when the Master, and then take what’s owed to them. First to go are the ancient ones. She had said so, promised even. Then the rest would go one by one. I mean it was their fault for killing Neera the first time. They would see to it she finally got her revenge. All other magical creatures would die until only they were left with the powers. The world would be theirs to remake as they saw fit.
Yes he really liked the plan. He was very sure he would be rewarded for finding their leader. She had a great many talents. It would seem in her first death she received more powers. That would be good because she would need the extra boost this time round. He couldn’t imagine the magics being too happy about dying. They would just have to deal with what they deserved.
Happy he was far enough away he straightened to walk. He would hold his head high. He was the one who found her, and would be the one to tell him just where she was being kept. He knew where, when, and how. Proving he was smart, and capable. The Master would definitely be getting his powers soon. He began to whittle as he walked. Very happy in his plan, and himself.
Harlow woke slowly feeling a little stiff. Blinking a few times to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim light. Sitting, she stretched her arms while rotating her neck. Tossing back the cover she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Looking around, this must be Kieran’s bedroom. The last thing she remembered was the three of them eating by the fire. With every bite she had taken her eyes grew heavier, until she could no longer keep them open. She must have been carried in here. Turning to look behind her, the other side of the bed was empty.
Surely Kieran wouldn’t sleep elsewhere because of her. Would he? She hoped not, they have been getting closer, and closer to each other everyday. They couldn’t keep from touching one another longer than a second. It was like they were magnets drawn together. Very much how she felt right now. Her heart beating faster at just the thought of him. The distance between them is too much to bare. Hopping down off the bed she looked for which way to go. There were two doorways, but which one to choose. Deciding the one which had a brighter light coming from it was the direction she went.
This home was stunning in a different way to Cormac’s. A large rectangular structure divided into sections inside. Rooms in the like with walls that were more dividers, stopping at the base of the roof line. Looking up in the dim light you could almost see the detail in the thatched roof. Turning her focus back to where she was going she ran her hand along the wall. The texture felt nice under her fingers. Woven panels of reed or willow maybe. If she was remembering correctly, not sure where she had read that. But she could picture the book pages in front of her. This was odd how she would have flash of memory.
Liking the detail of a design that had been made into each panel. Beautiful pieces of art each of them. Kieran must be of some importance to live in a place so beautifully crafted. Wondering what it would look like if the detail was picked out with color. Making her way to another door opening. This one reveals a large central area, with a roaring fire in the middle. Along the wall there were some cupboards, and tables. A kitchenette maybe. Around the fire there were chairs, and benches circled around draped with blankets, and fur. Opposite that was the entrance they came in. This space was far larger inside than the outside dimensions. Magick really could do some amazing things.
Turning back to the fire, sitting on the opposite side was Kieran. His body position said he was looking at the flames. As she moved closer it was clear to see he was looking off into his memory. With eyes glazed over unseeing of the flames or her getting nearer. Trying not to startle him, speaking softly.
“Kieran.”
Not getting a response she moved in closer, touching his arm saying his name again. Blinking a few times before he turned his head towards her. It took a few more moments for his lovely blue eyes zeroed in on her.
Concern flashed across his face as he opened his mouth to speak. She squeezed his arm.
“Shh, it’s ok. I only just woke up. You weren’t with me so I came looking for you.”
As she spoke he lifted her onto his lap. Bending his head to hers taking a deep inhale. Smiling to herself, she gave up asking why he did that or more even why he liked it. His only answer was a non verbal one, a shrug of one shoulder. Curious though, she turned to look at him, and asked.
“Do I smell good?”
Teasing, she was not prepared for the response she got.
He growled. Like really growling before nodding vigorously. Grabbing her head with both hands, tilting her head up bowing his to devour her mouth. Moaning at the spark it ignited within her, twisting so she could wrap her arms around his neck. When he pulled back “nooo” she whined. Moving his hands to her waist he lifted her so she was now straddling his lap. Liking his train of thought, she moved in, and began devouring his mouth wrapping her arms around his neck.
She felt him run his tongue along the seam of her lips demanding entrance. Opening for him, she wasn’t so sure what to do. Hesitantly she moved her tongue along his, causing him to growl again. Scared, she started to pull back. When his hands gently massaged up her neck into her mass of curls. Cupping the back of her head to tilt her to the perfect angle, he ran his tongue around her lips. Before he deepened the kiss. He tasted so good. So this is what it felt like, now she understood the appeal. Relaxing into him she moaned a no when he pulled back, again. She could feel his smile as he left little kisses along her jaw. At her ear feeling the tiniest pinch, and trying to turn, she gasped.
“Did you just bite me?”
His only response was a “MMMM” as he continued to make his way down her neck. At her shoulder line he moaned like he was eating a decadent treat. The feelings he inspired within were new, and exhilarating. Tingles running from her head to her toes. At the same time heat began in her belly, and started to grow, expanding throughout. Not sure what was happening to her, but she liked it. A lot.
Suddenly she felt a pinch followed by the soothing movement of his tongue along her skin. Try as she might, she couldn’t seem to find her voice. All she wanted was more, more of him, and his magick touch. In a barely there whisper she begged, “please Kieran.” Not sure what she was asking for. She felt his wandering lips moving again, back the way they came. She was so impatient, grabbing his head she pulled him to her. It was her turn to taste him.
She heard him chuckle at her enthusiasm which only spired her on to drive him as crazy as she felt. As her lips touched his again, she had to rise up to reach. In the process her core made contact with his rock hard abs. Moaning at the contact of both, and closing her eyes in bliss, liking her body's reaction to him. At the same time Kieran growled, his hands swiftly grabbing her ass. With a firm squeeze he began a gentle rhythm of motion. The friction of his abs started a wonderful tingling sensation in her core. Groaning into their kiss she grabbed fistfuls of his hair as she quickened his pace. She wasn’t sure what she was racing towards but she wanted it. Wanted it with Kieran.
Kieran moved his large hands as he pulled back for their kiss. All her attempts to pull him back only resulted in him slapping her ass. Eyes flying open she glared at his amused face, only for him to tighten his arm around her lower back. Adding to the pressure she felt in her core. Letting her head fall back on a deep growling moan, only for Kieran to lock his fingers in her curls at her nape. In a firm panty melting voice.
“Eyes Harlow. I want your eyes on mine when you come. You will come for me, and only me.”
Growling as she placed her hands on his should for support, and digging her nails in as her body began to tighten.
“That’s it, little one. Let go, and fly. I will always be there to catch you.”
She looked at him confused. In an attempt to shake her head his grip there tightened along with his demand.
“Come.”
As if an elastic snapped she came falling apart in his arms tipping her head back in a howling scream.
“Kieran.”
She wasn’t aware he had moved his supporting arm until she felt his fingers apply pressure over her core. Blinking to regain her focus of his eyes.
“Again little one.”
Opening her mouth she was about to ask how when he increased the pressure of his fingers only to quickly pinch hard sending her flying over again. All she could manage was a whispered.
“Wow”
The ability to keep her eyes open was becoming more difficult as the moments passed. Her body felt like jello, heavy, relaxed, and satisfied. Grateful for Kieran’s strength, he easily lifted her. Cradling her in his arms. With her head resting on his shoulder she smiled. Looking up to see he was staring at her with awe. Trying to blink away the fatigue she whispered.
“That was amazing, Kieran. I always wondered…” her eyes falling closed winning the battle as sleep embraced her.
Chapter Fourteen
Kieran came awake with a start, something was wrong. Opening his eyes he gradually scanned the room seeing nothing amiss. It was then he heard a groan followed quickly by moaning. Turning his head he saw Harlow was tangled in the bed coverings fighting an unforeseen foe. Murmuring words he couldn’t make out, she began to cry in a continual fight. Not liking the tears streaming down her cheeks, he reached for her, his intention was to hold her close, and calm her. However as soon as his fingers made contact her body reacted on instinct. Turning with a flip in the air her arm coming forward trusting the heel of her hand up, and into his nose from beneath.
Her movements were so quick, he was caught unawares. As she moved for her next assault he grabbed both her wrists. Using his momentum he pushed her onto her back, raising her arms above her head. Pinning them there, he held them with one hand as he used his other to gently stroke her cheek. While repeatedly saying her name. His voice gradually gained volume as he spoke. Till finally demanding.
“Harlow wake up”
Feeling her body tense beneath him he watched as her eyes fluttered open.
As she scanned his face she asked.
“Kieran, why is your nose bleeding, and why are you on top of me?”
Tilting her head at the last question.
He could tell she really liked their body positions. Her body gave her away, as a lovely blush started to rise from the collar of her shirt, and continue up to her cheeks. The slight unevenness of breath as her eyes fluttered closed. Was followed by her hips lifting in an attempt to make contact. She was enjoying being pinned beneath him, and he really liked her there. Oh the things they could do together, and will do together. He couldn’t wait to get started. Tucking this information away for later. He simply stated.
