Goddess Kindled, page 16
Jumping down off the bed she grabbed her footwear from beneath, and pulled them on. Feeling more secure in her own clothing, physically, and mentally. The confidence it gave her was what she wanted to show at this meeting. Standing she rotated her shoulders with a mental pep talk. ‘You can do this. It’s only a few people. Plus Kieran will be there.’ Looking up, and taking a few deep breaths to center herself tilting her head side to side. ‘Let’s do this.’
Making her way from the room, and down the hall. Stopping when she heard whispers coming from the main living space. Odd why would the men be whispering, when they were getting her for the meeting. Knowing she promised to be ready to go when they got here. Slowly she moved closer, stopping again when she heard a nasally whisper.
“She has to be here, the Master said so.”
A female whisper demanded.
“How would he know? He wasn’t here when she apparently came here.”
They continued to shuffle around in the main area. At some point they decided it was no longer necessary to stay super quiet, and began turning things over. Their whispers became murmurs. Deciding these two were nuts. Harlow was grateful she wore her own clothes, reaching into one of her leg pockets she grabbed her device. Praying there was enough charge left within it. Slipping it on her wrist, tapping the familiar sequence. She became the unseen woman just in time.
Nasally, and cranky were coming around the corner. Harlow sucked in a breath plastering herself against the wall. Hoping they would walk right by her. How did these two get in here anyways. There was to be a protection spell around the dwelling. Only Kieran, Aidan, and her were allowed admittance through it. All others apparently were to be physically stopped from entering.
“You know, thissss place issss kinda nice.”
Nasally hissed as he looked all around while walking past.
A scrawny greasy female smacked the male upside the head.
“Don’t be stupid. We’re here to confirm that red head is here or not. Either we take her now or tell the Master. So focus.”
Grabbing his upper arm in a crushing grip she tugged.
“Come on let’s check the bedroom, and get otta here. This place gives me the creeps.”
She pulled him along as he hissed in pain, making their way down the hall.
Gingerly Harlow crept around the corner. She froze taking in the destruction the two intruders made. Everything was up ended, furniture broken, and the once beautiful fabric shredded. Shaking her head to keep the tears at bay she carefully made her way around the room. Trying not to step on anything or make a noise, took great concentration.
Her plan was to hide where they had already looked for her. She couldn’t be sure there wasn’t someone outside keeping watch. Even though she was the unseen, a moving door on its own would be a dead give away. So hiding inside it was. She had just managed to get herself tucked into one of the table selves in the little kitchenette when they came rounding the corner in a rush.
The female was dragging the nasally man by the front of his shirt. Chattering on as they hurried along. Her strength was surprising considering the image she presented. The man was running on his toes trying in vain to keep up. What an odd duo she thought. Without a care they stomped their way through the debris, and out the door. Only for a mass of shouting to occur. Harlow curled herself as tight as she could. It was finally sinking in, someone wanted to know where she was, and wanted to take her.
Trembling, the fear was taking over. This dream world that wasn’t a dream had wonderful people, and scary people. She wanted to go home. She missed her son, and her twin. Finally letting the tears silently fall, she wished for her memory back. Then maybe she could figure out how to get back home. Plus why she left in the first place. It just felt odd for her to do something like that. The shouting grew louder, like a booming of thunder. She could feel the rage, and the fear, so thick in the air she could taste it.
All of a sudden the front door swung open with a bang. A tall dark shadow stood in the doorway surveying the mess, and destruction. Sending her fear into overdrive Harlow covered her head retreating into herself. Hoping to remain hidden.
Kieran was grateful for his friends, they had made this preparing for the meeting quick, and easy. They were taking all the extra steps for this one. With Harlow in attendance every precaution would be taken for her protection. They had added a complexity to the protection spell that required the three of them to perform. As the founders, and leaders of Ravens Night only they could cast the spell. His only qualm had been leaving Harlow alone at his dwelling. Yes there was also a protection spell enveloping it, though it wouldn’t hold to darker magicks. It was not being as sophisticated as this one, could that be why his guts were screaming again.
They had guards placed all around. Inside, and outside the village. No one was even allowed in the circle area his dwelling sat within. Only those whose dwellings were also within, who just happened to be some Ravens Night members along with trusted tribe persons. Still something was wrong he could feel it.
Scanning the clearing he looked for Aiden. He was on the other side, and closest to the village. In a thunderous shout.
“Aiden”
His friend spun concern stretched across his face.
“Harlow”
Was all he was able to say before his good friend bolted. He quickly finished his, and Aiden’s portion of the spell before making his way in the direction of the village. He could hear the shout of.
“Keep calm for your Mate, for fear does funny things.”
Did she mean his fear or Harlow’s or both? Just to be safe he would go with both.
Arriving at the village it was in utter chaos. People were everywhere. Shouting, and scurrying about in anger, and fear. What the hell had happened. Having to weave his way through the maze of people, his fear was very quickly turning to anger. He was their chieftain after all they should be moving aside to allow him to pass. Instead it was like he was invisible to them, even pushing through they never acknowledged his touch. If they were this upset shouldn’t they shout at him too? At least his friend seemed to be faster than him.
It took far too long to make it to his dwelling. When he did he found two of his guards unconscious a few feet from his door. Another two were busy wrangling with a greasy scrawny woman, who seemed to believe she was above all else. Making demands left, right, and center. While her companion tried to slink away unnoticed. As the pair of guards were focused on dealing with the obnoxious female. He didn’t recognize these two. They weren’t a part of their village, they must be from the next one over. Though how they got this close to his dwelling was a mystery worth looking into. But first his mate was the priority.
Turning, and trusting the guards with those two he made his way to his door. Or what was left of his door, what the hell had happened here? Fearing for his Mate he made quick work of getting into his home. It looked like a tornado had ripped through. Everything was destroyed, nothing had been left untouched. Whoever had done this was either mad or sending him a message. He was betting on both. He could hear Aidan shouting for Harlow. Hadn’t he found her yet? Panic was starting to creep its way in.
Following the sound of Aiden’s shouts, He found him in their bedroom. He was attempting to move pieces of the remaining bed. Rushing to help he took the other side, and they tossed it aside.
“You think she’s here?” Indicating beneath pile bed debris.
Focused on his task Aiden never looked his way, only growled.
“I don’t think so, no. Have to check just to be sure.”
The sweat dripping off his friend's brow was an indication of how bothered he was about this, and how hard he has looked thus far.
With the last of the debris pile gone only to reveal nothing Kieran asked
“Where all have you looked? Do you think she left?”
Standing straight with a stretch, and a twist of the neck.
“This was my last room.”
Scrunching his brow in thought. Tilting his head to the side he asked.
“You don’t think she used her… what did she call it? …. oh yes, her device. Do you?”
Why hadn’t he thought of that.
“It’s possible. Could be why we can’t find her. If she’s here, why not answer?”
Could she be injured again or did she use the device to escape. Before his panic could grow he felt Aiden’s hand on his shoulder. Turning to his friend.
“I know you’re worried. I am too. But calm yourself. If she really is your Mate you’re each a half of a whole. Try, and feel her. I know you can. It was her fear you felt when you sent me.”
Realizing he might be right. It wasn’t his screaming gut, just an instant knowing. He was overcome with fear, her fear. Eyes growing large at the amount of Aiden’s insight. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes, and thought of Harlow. How he wanted, and needed to find her. Searching, it felt as if he were floating. Reaching out along a cord pulling himself forward. He felt overwhelming trembling fear. Snapping his eyes open he moved. Allowing the pull he felt tugging at him, to move in her direction.
She was here in the hut. Trembling in fear, he could feel the vibrations as if they were his own. Whispering softly with confidence.
“She's here Aidan.”
They made it into the main living area, stopping in the middle of the great room. He took a moment to focus. He wasn’t sure where in this room, just knew she was here. Taking another deep breath as he scanned for places she could hide. He zeroed in on the kitchenette area. Looking over his shoulder he didn’t have to speak his concern, it was already understood. Gently making his way around the debris called to her softly.
“Harlow. It’s me, Kieran, little one. I’m here now.”
Not sure where exactly she was hiding in this area he crouched low speaking softly again.
“I can’t see you sweetheart. Will you turn your device off, and come to me.”
Waiting quietly his heart hurt with her pain, and fear.
“Please, little one. I need to hold you.”
With his last words he felt something inside him click. Suddenly he could hear her heavy breathing. In the blink of an eye she appeared on the bottom shelf of the kitchen prep table. Moving quickly to her, he pulled her out before she could even attempt to. Holding her close as she wrapped her limbs around him tight. Cradling her head with one hand he inhaled her scent before kissing the top of her head. There were no words, only the feeling of her in his arms. Turning he followed a concerned Aidan out.
No longer caring who saw her. It clearly was well known where she was now, and with whom. Going forward she would be with him always. Never again would she be in a position of fear. Especially in their home. As his anger started to brew, so did her trembling. Rubbing a hand up her back he reassured her.
“Never again little one. I’ll keep you safe. I hear by promise you.”
Kissing the top of the head again, he felt her relax, and gave a small nod. He allowed Aidan to lead their way. Grateful his friend was heading towards the clearing. The safest place for them at the moment. They would sadly still need the meeting. Harlow’s introduction to everyone would have to wait till another time. Clearly her safety, and dealing with Neera’s followers were the top priority. Plans would have to be revised, and adapted. They were now dealing with persons dabbling in the darker magicks.
People such as those were unpredictable, and usually unstable. Planning had to be for multiple scenarios at any given time. That took more strength, powers, and persons. Until they learned how this act was accomplished, in depth planning would sadly have to wait. What had been put in place would have to do for the time being. Inadequate as it appeared to be. He had to hope keeping her with him could suffice. It all depended on how quickly information could be gained from today’s events.
Finally reaching the clearing, he breathed a sigh of relief crossing over the threshold of the protection spell. Seeing as they were the only three here thus far he headed directly for the stone circle. Sitting on one of the lower stones. Closing his eyes, and wrapping his arms tighter around his woman. He just enjoyed having her in his arms. Warm, soft, and all his. Instinct told him she would not be loosening her hold anytime soon. Which was fine with him, he liked having her so close. The fact she trusted him filled him with pride.
Hearing the murmurings of others arriving. With Aidan standing just a few feet away, allowed them their moment together, such as it was. His frightened mate clinging to him. Preferably he’d like her clinging to him in the throws of passion, another time perhaps.
Instead of moving again, and disturbing his precious bundle, he looked to Aidan indicating to quietly send people this way. They might as well have the meeting over here. That way he could hold her, keeping her close. If she could, she could then hear all the discussions, and plans. He had a feeling though she was still blocking things out. Since now tweaks had to be made. Hopefully they would receive news of this attack against her, and the village before the meetings close. Since two members were missing from the gathering he assumed that was their goal. Just as everyone sat however he felt Harlow relax completely. It seemed being surrounded by the members she was able to succumb to sleep. Smiling at her increasing trust, filled him with pride.
Chapter Sixteen
Harlow became aware of many voices speaking gently. She was also not in a bed. Well it would be weird to hear so many voices in a bedroom now wouldn’t it. Becoming more alert she realized she was clinging to someone. Breathing deep she recognized the scent, Kieran. She was in his arms, she smiled, her safe place. Opening her eyes, she had to blink several times to adjust to the light difference. Looking up into the most gorgeous crystal blue eyes. Light always seemed as if it was dancing around within them. It was truly magical. Smiling at him she reached up, and cupped his cheek. With barely a whisper.
“Thank you Kieran.”
Using her other arm to pull herself up, and him down she sealed her mouth over his. Moving at the zing that rippled through her at the contact. She really liked kissing this man. She was becoming seriously addicted, not ever getting enough. What would be like if they shared more. I mean he had already made cum multiple times. She never knew it could be so intense, and powerful. It’s no wonder everyone repeated it again, and again. She was actually considered more for the first time since, well before.
Her one, and only time had never been anything remotely like this. Everything she had shared with Kieran was thrilling, exciting, and real. Most of all, it felt amazing. Before it had hurt, and stung. A saving grace was it was over very quickly. What followed however was betrayal, denial, and accusations. It had been seen as her fault for tempting a star recruit not the least bit interested in her. The resulting pregnancy was either trickery or someone else’s. It was deemed he was justified in his actions that required a hospital visit for her.
Her son was a blessing, however one that she would go through all that again to have him. An amazing young man too. Caring, and smart with the ability to learn at a rapid pace. It was no wonder he had been recruited to a higher responsibility. She was proud of the man he was becoming. She only wished she could see more of him.
Pulling back from their kiss, she scrunched her brows, rubbing her temple. One moment she was full of desire, the next she began comparing. Why would that memory surface now? Realizing the murmuring of voices had stopped she turned to look behind her. First seeing Aidan who smiled from ear to ear commenting.
“Nice kiss” winking at her.
Blushing she ducked her head back towards Kieran. Hearing him chuckle as she did so. It was then she heard a woman’s voice. It was so familiar to her, she just couldn’t place where she had heard it before. The more she spoke the faster Harlow’s heart began to beat. With a tremble she untangled her limbs, removing herself from Kierans lap. Standing she slowly turned to face the woman. Taking a cleansing breath she looked up to see who had been talking. Everyone was now looking at her in curiosity.
This woman was only a little taller than her. With long flowing hair, and a pair of bright blue eyes staring in question. There was a familiarity about her but differences as well. Taking a step towards her while reaching out, the woman asked.
“Is everything alright Harlow?”
As she spoke her hand made contact with her arm.
Instantly Harlow sucked in a sharp breath, while placing her other hand on her chest. It couldn’t be, could it? Recognition had hit. Quickly followed by a barrage of all her other memories. Shock spread across her face as she exclaimed “Cora? Cora is that you?” Gasping for breath she doubled over at the waist. Placing her hands on her knees while breathing far too quickly. Ears ringing it was hard to hear any of the commotion that erupted around her.
Before she knew what had happened she was again sitting on Kieran’s lap. Only this time they were with his front to her back. She was now staring at a concerned Aidan, and Cora. But how could that be? The time she came from the planet was so close to death that they were too. But here she was in a lush thriving world filled magickal beings of every kind. Tilting her head in question, she told Cora, and said.
“But you died. We went to your funeral, and celebration of life.”
Taking another deep breath, she said in a shaky voice.
“You left me.”
Watching as if in slow motion Cora placed her hand on her knee squeezing gently. Speaking softly.
“My name is Corrina. I am the third founder of the Ravens Night. I’m not sure how it is you know me?”
The instant contact was made Harlow knew this woman was one, and the same, as the one she knew from home. The how of it would be a later problem. Steading her breath she answered.
“I know you as Cora in my time. The sister I never had but a sister of the heart. You were there for me when no one else would be. My friend, protector, and defender.”
