It’s good to be back. The portal opened, and the familiar majesty of the Catskills, surrounding lush pines, and side view of the mansion filled Kailen with a profound sense of belonging and peace. The property wasn’t technically his, yet he loved and cared for it just as much. He’d lived here for long years; the occupants had become the family he’d lost to the Tír na nÓg.
Talaith didn’t share his feelings. She literally ran out of the fading circle as if demons nipped at her heels. Kailen didn’t try to stop her. The sorceress had been casually distant since their intimate moment in the forest had ended on such an awkward note. Her comments had been minimal and she’d spoken only when spoken to, moved when requested, and did nothing spontaneous or extra. The present stiff body language called for space and distance. So be it. If she wanted privacy, he was more than happy to oblige. Her ongoing coolness served his intentions well.
She traversed Soren’s garden—now an explosion of summer blooms—neared the solarium’s glass door as James, fully recovered from his wounds, opened it before she touched the handle.
Surprised, Kailen paused midstep. The usually taciturn werefox rarely smiled or sought conversation with others. Breaking his pattern, he beamed, the epitome of happiness as he spoke to her.
What the hell is going on? Talaith’s demeanor had flipped to a sunny disposition; gone was the icy maiden of a moment ago. She regaled James with pleasant-sounding responses. Kailen couldn’t hear the conversation between the two, but the effusive exchange couldn’t be denied.
James’s enthusiasm seemed genuine. Talaith’s, on the other hand, he questioned.
To boot, when James moved aside and she entered the solarium, the pair allowed the door to swing closed. Nearly in his face!
Fury singed the inside of his ears. Talaith could play all the games she wanted, but James answered to Kailen, and if the werefox wanted to keep his job, he’d better straighten out his priorities.
Growling under his breath, he yanked the door open and stomped on Soren’s treasured acacia hardwood floors, glass panels vibrating in response to his footfalls.
The startled duo fell silent. James went pale. Scratching the back of his neck, he faced Kailen.
“Sir…ah. Kailen… I d-didn’t see you. Were you in the portal with Miss Talaith?”
“Hrrmm.” Still growling, Kailen whisked past the two. “Please, show Miss Talaith to her old chambers, then come see me. Is Soren home?”
“Yes. Yes. He’s in the strategy room.”
“Good. Meet me there.”
James remained abashed, but as Kailen turned into the main hallway, he could swear a tiny smirk flashed across her face.
Kudos to Talaith, she’d read him correctly. She’d been sweet to James, and he’d reacted like a jealous troglodyte. Did she believe it had been easy to push her away in the woods? That had been one of the least selfish acts in his life. In that moment, his only concern had been her well-being.
Didn’t matter. If she truly wanted James, he wouldn’t interfere. The shifter was a loyal and gentle soul. James’s spirit retained the sense of wonder Kailen had lost ages ago. He’d never break Talaith’s heart with cynicism as Kailen would.
One boundary had to be clearly defined before this continued: the werefox was off-limits, unless the girl’s attraction for James was real. On this, Kailen would insist.
Huffing a loud breath, he marched up the stairs and strode into the strategy room, the Westerberg’s command center for North America.
The Titanian stopped clacking on his keyboard and raised his eyes over the triple-monitors computer setup. “Hey, friend. Welcome back.”
Standing behind Soren, Maya smiled.
“My apologies for not meeting you in the garden. I was finishing up some stuff.” Interlacing his hands, Soren cracked his fingers. “I told James to wait in the conservatory for your arrival.”
“So, that’s why…” he mumbled. “The kid isn’t a total loss, yet.”
“What? I didn’t catch that.”
“Nonsensical mutterings.” Kailen waved his palm. “Call it teleporting lag.”
“Lag, you? Please.” Soren pushed back from his desk. “But if you’d rather keep whatever it is to yourself, I understand.”
Kailen shrugged as he advanced.
“Hey, Maya. Lovely as always.”
Maya sent him an air kiss. “Charmer. Khnurn texted that you were bringing Talaith. Is she here?”
“James is showing her to her rooms. I suppose she’ll join us soon.”
He walked around Soren’s large desk and picked up two official-looking documents from a tall pile of papers, barely registering what was written on them. He then glanced at the computer screens. Each monitor displayed a regional map of the country with red dots in several locations. Some were clustered, some were scattered. He had no idea what any of this meant. Whatever data Soren had been compiling, Kailen was out of the loop.
“I’m glad to see you out of the wheelchair, my friend. Any residual weakness or discomfort?”
“None. I’m back to my usual speed. Right, sötnos?” Soren smiled at Maya.
Maya’s enchanting laughter filled the room. “And chomping at the bit with impatience.”
“Tell me, what’s all this?” Kailen pointed at the monitors and documents.
Soren stood. “Believe it or not, the red dots on the screens indicate an unexplained rash of cemetery violations, or desecrations, depending on your point of view. And these…” He tapped a finger on a separate pile of documents. “Are copies of notarized reports and complaints filed by family members to their local authorities.”
“Are the dots related to the creation of female drones?”
“If our theory of human body parts snatched and used at random is correct, then yes,” Soren said.
Kailen shuddered. “Chilling and macabre, reminiscent of the old voodoo practice. The Haitian priests spread fear among the slaves with fake ceremonies, lots of drumbeats, and empty threats. They had no magic. Daemons do.” He eyed the screens again. The maps painted a peculiar picture. Three towns in North Carolina: Asheville, and Weaverville tucked in the western Blue Ridge Mountains, and the somewhat distant village of Hillsborough showed the most activity. The remaining red dots were spread throughout rural areas in the US.
“I’ve been gone three days. This is human data from all over the nation. How did you collect so much information?”
“Woody is a brilliant geek. His latest program taps into each and every human network in cyberspace, including intelligence agencies and the dark web. And, when you least expect it, help comes from the unlikeliest of sources. One clue was all I needed to follow a trail.”
Grinning, Soren held Maya’s hand, then moved to an arrangement of leather club chairs and a coffee table by the western windows. He pulled one chair out for Maya and one for himself.
“Take a load off, Kailen. We have much to discuss.”
“Obviously.” He sat. “Can’t wait to hear this.”
“First on the agenda is the celebration in Alsvåg. My mother and Beatrix refuse to cooperate with me. Target date is about two months from now. Gives them enough time to prepare.”
“Soren wanted to hold the gala in the New York mansion,” Maya said.
“And?” Kailen settled back in his chair, ready for a convoluted explanation. If the serene ladies were involved, anything was possible.
“In a few words, the scrolls can’t be moved. Furthermore, Beatrix is of the opinion, and Mother concurs, that Alsvåg is best suited for such an event.”
“That’s checkmate.” Kailen gave a short laugh.
“Will you come? Roald and Ginny’s union will be honored as well. Rings will be presented, new seals made, the works.” Soren’s expression was earnest.
“I’d be honored, my friend.”
“Excellent. There’ll be music and dancing, so bring a date. Talaith may be available.”
“Soren, that’s—”
“Did someone call my name?” Talaith’s voice came from the door.
Maya made a sound of delight and rushed to hug her friend. Kailen whipped around. His breath hitched as his jaw sagged.
Talaith had replaced her almost threadbare, everyday robe with a bright violet gown, accentuating her alabaster skin and lavender eyes. Instead of braids, her loose hair was a platinum cascade. The sparkling mass fell past her delicate shoulders and swirled down to rest on her small, pert breasts. His fingertips tingled with the remembered sensation of her firm nipple between them. A storm of happiness, arousal, and need throttled him. His throat constricted, and his soul protested at the distance between them.
He heard nothing, saw nothing except her. His thoughts flew: Look at me, Talaith. I demand you look at me.
Whether the message got through or not, he couldn’t tell, because she didn’t acknowledge him as her gaze lowered from Maya toward the floor.
“Nice to see you, Talaith,” Soren said.
Kailen was grateful for the Titanian’s deep voice. Shifting his weight, he turned his back to the door and Talaith, the movement hiding his sudden erection.
One more breath and his self-possession would take over.
When both women reached the sitting area, his facade was up.
“Do you have instructions for me, Kailen?”
Damn. So much for having his wits back. James had been waiting at the door, but the splendor of the new Talaith had consumed all of Kailen’s attention.
He shook his head. “Don’t give it a thought, James. Whatever it was, I forgot. It couldn’t have been that important.”
Liar. He’d selfishly intended to task the werefox with some errand for triggering his jealousy. Right now, his efforts were better spent adjusting to this unexpected seductress.
Color returned to the werefox’s face. “Since you don’t need me, I’ll go join Woody and Zola downstairs. We’ll have dinner ready at eight, as usual.”
James sent a last adoring glance to the sorceress, then took off.
Kailen pulled out a chair for Talaith. As she sat, the scent of lavender wafted to his nostrils, wreaking new havoc in his system.
Where had the old, quiet, and plain Talaith gone? This woman tore his every honorable intention to pieces. She had only to open her fingers and the bits would fly with the breeze blowing through the windows.
“Kailen? Were you listening?” Soren asked.
“I beg your pardon. What?”
“We were discussing a trip to the city.”
“Where? When?”
Soren eyed him, bemused. Talaith played with a cuticle. Maya, however… She had a knowing expression.
Retreating within himself, he shrugged. “Okay. Tell me again.”
“You asked earlier about collecting human data.” Soren dropped his head against the backrest. “Remember Patty, the wounded werepuma from the downtown bar?”
“Of course. I thought we’d lose her.”
“Yes. As it turns out, she was very close to Oscar, the human bar owner.”
“I can guess where this is going.”
Soren nodded. “This Oscar was a decent fellow. He took Patty in when her mother abandoned her. He loved her unconditionally, raised her like his own daughter. When the first shift manifested, he assisted her through it and, rather than run for the hills terrified by the magic, kept her secret.”
“In that case, Oscar knows all about the supernatural world,” Kailen said.
“Most likely,” Maya intervened. “Oscar went on vacation and the female drone showed up at the bar, claiming to be his cousin. Ostensibly, he’d asked her to manage the business while away.”
“Has Oscar surfaced?”
“Sadly, no,” Maya said. “We fear he may have been a victim of a failed drone experiment.”
“So, how…”
“Oscar’s nephew, Officer Buddy Johnson, works with the Weaverville police department.” Maya pointed at a red cluster on a screen map. “He reached out to Patty after Oscar’s mutilated remains were discovered. The findings were so bizarre, they used DNA tests to confirm the victim’s identity. He asked if his uncle had enemies in New York, if he’d joined a satanic cult or a gang of some kind, things like that. Officer Johnson was our unexpected tip.”
“Hold on. Johnson asks about his dead uncle. Okay. How does the cemetery information come in? The crimes are unrelated.”
“Kismet?” Maya chewed her lower lip. “During the conversation, Buddy explained how Oscar’s remains were discovered. A grieving family came to the Weaverville cemetery to visit the grave of a recently deceased relative. The poor people freaked out. The ground had been dug up, and human body parts had been tossed here and there. Management at the main office couldn’t locate the attendant. It was all so gruesome. The robbers left a mess behind. The family was, is, extremely distraught. Soren and Woody jumped on the information and searched through the reports. What we read confirms our suspicions. This isn’t the first time the Weaverville cemetery has been vandalized. The production of female drones is ongoing.”
“Sounds like amateur sloppiness, or someone who doesn’t care about the repercussions is sending us a message. This nephew must know. About us, our world, I mean.”
Soren and Maya glanced at each other. “He hasn’t asked. And Patty’s been careful.”
Kailen pinched the bridge of his nose. A sudden headache pounded against his temples. “And this trip to the city is to…do what?”
“Search the site. Maybe we missed something.” Maya cocked her head toward Talaith. “Our memory seeker is back.”
What had seemed like an attractive idea in Germany had now lost its luster. The description of Oscar’s remains and the location, and Talaith performing a memory search within evil territory, death magic, and who knows what else scared him to death.
“Are you okay with this?” he asked her.
Talaith’s eyelids flickered. “It’s what I do, Kailen. What I’ve prepared for.”
Her serenity and acceptance unnerved him. “You do remember Dubtach’s on earth, right?”
“So, he did escape,” Soren interrupted. “What else did you find?”
Right about now, a full bottle of ibuprofen might not be enough. He could barely make out Soren’s features through the haze of an unbearable migraine.
“There’s more,” he whispered. “Mage Oras walks among us.”
“The mage?” Soren stiffened. “The one who… How is this happening? They were all banished. The allies ensured the way out was locked forever. I was there. The magic was solid.”
Kailen sighed. “I meant to tell you, but I got sidetracked with Oscar’s situation. We have an added complication. Brysys is back on earth.”
“Stop right there.” Soren raised a finger. “Brysys is dead.”
“Wrong. She’s very much alive.”
“Believe him,” Talaith added. “I saw her in a scrying vision. She’s found refuge in the Scottish Highlands. The village is close to Eachann’s home.”
Soren raked his hair. “We’re in Armageddon. Gustaf and Fritiof must be informed immediately, Adalheidis too. Oh, gods, Eachann. What’re we going to do with Eachann?”
“Will someone explain?” Maya complained.
“Since I had a glimpse in the scrying waters, I can retrace my steps.” Talaith’s sweet voice deepened to the contralto she used during her visions. She grasped Maya’s hand.
“We have done this before. Join me in the journey, Simurgh lady. Come. See the past.”
Maya closed her eyes. “Yes.”
Goose bumps flared all over Kailen’s skin as Talaith continued speaking deep in the memory. He’d give anything to travel with Talaith, to see that mystical road where images and emotions of a life long gone still lived. He was male, and as such, that power wasn’t his.
“Observe,” Talaith intoned. “Sibling envy and lies struck the loving heart. Despair gripped the soul. Betrayal blinded the vampire. Ancient covenants were shattered. Pain, raging anger fueled the monster’s rise. Roaring flames covered the land. Humans and supernaturals suffered. Then, the light of kindness and empathy. Adalheidis, soothed and calmed the beast. Her touch will be needed again.”
The memory ended abruptly. Talaith released Maya’s hand.
“So much hurt,” Maya whimpered, reaching for Soren’s comfort.
Talaith glanced at Kailen, a soft expression on her face. He understood the message. Her training was truly complete. She was ready to engage and handle evil. She’d returned knowing what to expect, and that made her stronger. If he respected her full-fledged sorceress status, he’d have to step out of her way and let her flight begin.
Despite all his years in the New York area, he’d never joined Soren and Brant on their missions to the notorious downtown bar. The interior of the nameless watering hole was as shoddy and dirty as Maya had described. A lack of illumination combined with a layer of dust and the smell of rotten beer enhanced the overall dinginess.
Kailen explored the ancient creaking loft as if he were walking on thin ice. He certainly didn’t want the wood to give under his weight and to end up on the main floor butt first. Brant, who sought every opportunity to tease him, would remind him until the end of days.
He surveyed the room again. There was nothing of importance up here, only a few distressed tables and chairs in need of retirement. Ironically, much had occurred in this sorry-looking space. Soren, Brant, and others had spent long hours ensuring supernatural clients kept their true nature and magic covered in glamour and played nice with the humans. In fact, on this humble spot, the Sterling-Alain conspiracy had been discovered.
There were no drinking patrons in the bar tonight. No sounds of coins, clinking glasses, hushed conversations, or cash registers opening and closing. Soren had ordered the bar permanently closed, and if tonight he found the security markers moved, he’d burn the place down with a controlled fire powerful enough to destroy all evidence of magical creatures, but not so strong as to burn adjoining buildings. Kailen didn’t agree with or understand Soren’s reasoning. But trying to convince the Titanian to change his mind was a wasted effort.
He was finished here. Tucking his compact light sword into the side pocket of his field pants, he descended to the floor below.
Downstairs, Brant searched through liquor bottles lined against the bar mirror. A jittery Patty watched his every movement. Her eyes darted from the shuttered door to the bar, then back around again. Thinking she should have stayed home, yet keeping the thought private, Kailen moved to the flood of light coming from the office door. If any clues or information were to be found, this was the room.
The scant office furnishings were as tired and as old as everything outside. Oscar hadn’t invested a dime in modernizing or updating his business. Soren skimmed his palm along the bottom of the desk, searching for secret compartments. Maya examined every item she pulled out of the drawers. Eyes closed, Talaith stood in the middle of the room without moving. Anyone would think she was doing nothing. He knew better. The tips of her hair floated a little as if affected by static electricity, an impossibility in the bar’s warm, humid environment. Yet the slight lift showed her level of concentration. Every sense in her was an open receptor ready to absorb the smallest ethereal stimuli.
Kailen walked softly around her.
“Anything?” he whispered next to Soren.
Soren shook his head, then tapped Maya’s leg.
She mouthed, Nothing.
Quietly, he stood, scanning the side of the room neither Soren nor Maya had yet searched. A soft glint on the top of a corner table caught his attention. In another time, the table had been intended as a decorative piece. Now it was one more surface to hold papers, books, and…
A round silver frame had been placed facedown. He picked it up. The color photograph showed a pretty blonde smiling.
Instantly, Talaith whirled, pointing at the frame. “Kathy. Hillsborough. Alain’s sin.”
Maya looked up from the drawer and gasped. “That’s her face, the drone we fought. But…”
“Looks like the drone, but it’s not quite the same woman,” Soren finished for Maya.
Holding up the frame, Kailen strode to Talaith. “Concentrate. What else do you see?”
Talaith pressed both palms to her temples. “The direction is a ruse, a false trail.”
“Talk to me, a stór,” Kailen insisted in a softer tone. “Does the lady speak to you?”
“Nooo.” A hair-raising wail escaped her lips. “Forgive me, love. I wish… Nooo.” She stumbled. Kailen grasped her waist, steadying her on her feet. Tears bathed her face. But whose tears? Talaith didn’t cry.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Come back,” he murmured, wiping her cheeks. “I got you.”
She opened her eyes. Her lavender irises had turned translucent. Her expression was calm, but half a second later, panic disfigured her face.
“Kathy’s last memory. Gods, I saw it. It’s so confusing and blurry. Yes. They know his plan. A trap is set. Nooo!” she wailed.
“Let me join with you.” Maya held her hand. “I can help.”
Talaith shook her head. “Not this time. You can’t. They’re not coming to New York. Alain awaits in Asheville. It’s the meeting place.”
He looked into her eyes, hoping to infuse her with comfort. “Tell me, a stór, who’s not coming?”
“Dubtach and Oras.”
A wave of electricity crackled. Several lightbulbs shattered, and the rest shut off, unable to handle the energy onslaught. The entire bar was plunged into darkness. A gust of icy wind barreled from room to room, loose papers flew, bottles fell, and hanging pictures crashed onto the floor. Out in the main room, Brant cursed, and Patty yelped. Walls and roof shuddered and creaked, threatening to implode on them.
Talaith stiffened her fingers. “Cease now. Away. Away!” Her contralto thundered as her hair floated higher and a luminous nimbus formed about her. Once, she had said her ancestry was a mystery. Here was proof of origin: the blood of the old gods ran in her veins. She was beautiful and terrible, and in full command of her powers. When she raised her arms, the wind stopped, the few surviving lights turned on, and her demeanor returned to normal.
“All right, that was the proverbial last straw,” Soren grumbled. “This place can’t go on existing. It’s too well known to remain neutral ground. The constant traffic of supernaturals has left remnants of magic behind, a combination that has become unpredictable and unmanageable.” He looked at Maya. “If there’s anything of importance you’d like to investigate further, take it now. We’re leaving. Everyone, gather in the main room.”
Kailen grasped Talaith’s hand and exited the office. Standing together, Brant and Patty waited for instructions.
“Now what?” Kailen asked.
Soren waved an arm. A portal began to form. “Once you’re all ready to teleport, I’ll set slow flaming points all around, then text the authorities. By the time they get here, it’ll be too late to extinguish the fire. When the place burns, any trace of magic will dissipate.”
“I can help. Make this go faster.” Kailen pulled out his laser sword, his meaning clear.
“Thanks. Light up the far corners in the office and don’t linger. Come out right away.”
Kailen sent a quick glance at Talaith. She nodded once.
He dashed to the office and fired out two low-intensity beams, one to each corner. Ravenous flames flared to the ceiling. The ancient wooden structure was a tinderbox that would be consumed in minutes. When he exited, only Talaith, Maya, and Soren stood inside the portal. Flames engulfed the loft and bar below.
“Where are Patty and Brant?”
“They left already,” Maya said.
“Let’s go, then.” He jumped in the circle, Soren raised a hand, and the downtown bar disappeared.
By the time their small group returned from Manhattan, a faint rosy line clung to the horizon. Soren and Maya entered the home without delay. Talaith hesitated. Kailen waited, hoping to, if not read, at least guess her mood or maybe her thoughts. Chin lifted, she glanced toward the quickly darkening skies, showing no emotion or expression. She wasn’t going to make this easy for him.
His own behavior confused him. He was caught between a rigid decision and melting resolve. And even though his intentions had been good, for the sake of her welfare, he now wished he hadn’t been so hasty in Germany. Her nearness was irresistibly seductive, soft, and stirring at once. Images of Talaith trembling in his arms, offering herself to his caresses, and responding to his desires filled his mind. His soul admonished him quietly: Your choice. You did this.
“The night is with us.” Her childlike voice, deceptively sweet in this moment, intruded in his thoughts.
He stiffened. “Yes. Are you ready to go inside?”
“Not yet, Kailen. I’d like to stay out a little longer. After the city and bar smells, the fresh clean air makes my lungs happy. Soon the stars will be out.”
“Are you cold?”
Shaking her head, she began to pace along the garden. “No, it’s perfect. I understand if you’d like to go inside. Don’t feel like you have to keep me company.” She smiled. “This feels good.”
He didn’t argue. Made sense she wanted to stay out and recover. The memory she extracted from the photograph and the magical reaction in the bar had shocked everyone and forced her to act quickly. The sudden exertion of energy to repel the attack must have diminished some of her magic.
“Who is Kathy? Can you talk about it?”
“Oh.” She lowered her gaze to the ground. “Poor lady. Kathy was an innocent human, kidnapped after a quarrel with her lover. Her regret was painful, but her fear was worse. She knew what was coming…” Her voice broke.
“Are you all right?”
“I am. But not poor Kathy. Alain was there. He gave the order.”
“That bastard is going to pay,” he grated. “You said Hillsborough. Is that where it happened?”
“Yes. But he’s gone. I don’t know where. And there’s something else… A trap. She said they know his plans. I lost it because it’s too blurry, but maybe I could scry…”
“Easy, take a deep breath. You must be very tired.”
“Yes.” She sighed.
“How does it work…to summon all that power? I spent years in Oberon’s court, witnessed the fairies work their spells, and never cared. But my interest was piqued when I saw you in action.”
“That’s a hard question to answer.”
“Can you try? I would like to know.”
She frowned. “When the need is dire, the magic rises on its own. I don’t have to call it or think it. Imagine a match striking a flint or hard surface. It’s like that, except for me, there’s no heat, only a bright spark that saturates every part of me.”
“And?”
“Mentally, I choose a corresponding shape to counter, like I did when Khnurn’s shades attacked, then… I launch.” Talaith turned to him, “It was different tonight. You know, he’s very powerful.”
“Do you mean Dubtach?” Kailen grasped her forearm.
“Not him. Oras, the second mage, is worse. He’s deeply malevolent. The bar served as an open conduit for him. I spoke his name, and he heard me. The response came from afar, and still I felt the power. Soren’s decision to burn the site was correct.”
He tightened his grip on her arm. “You’ve agreed to undertake a dangerous mission. But you’re not going anywhere without me.”
Talaith glanced from his fingers to his eyes. “I appreciate the concern, but Khnurn trained me for this. Besides, we may have to split up anyway.”
“Khnurn didn’t prepare you for Oras. I’ve seen what he can do. And we’re not splitting up. You’re not going anywhere without telling me first. That’s that.”
“Goodness, you haven’t mellowed at all. Still the same domineering male.”
“I don’t mince words, and you know it. There’s an abyss between theory and practice. I don’t doubt your talent. It’s one thing to fight against magical shades and another to go face-to-face against Astarot’s high mages.”
“But—”
“You’re not listening.” He shook her arm. “I speak from experience. Before you even think about going near the mages, you tell me first. From this moment on, I’m your backup. No one is going to hurt you, not even Oras. Do you understand?”
“I do.” She smiled.
“Promise me.”
“Okay, I promise. I won’t seek out the wizards,” she said. “I agree, both males present a serious problem to the safety of supernaturals and humans. They came to conquer and enslave. I’m concerned about Khnurn tackling them by himself. We’re going to need all the firepower we can get.”
“Should we recruit Brysys?”
“Why not? After she recovers from the exile realm, we can ask.” She shrugged. “If, as you say, Eachann despises her, it’s going to be tricky. Hell may return to Earth when he learns she’s back. Then again, after so many years, he could ignore her. That’s a risk we’ll have to take. Our options are limited. Do you think we can count on Zuberi to fight?”
Her arm trembled under his palm; her skin rose with tiny bumps.
“Enough. We’re going inside. It’s been a busy day for you, and I can tell you’re cold.”
“So bossy,” she muttered, but she didn’t resist him.
He guided her through the conservatory in silence. They entered the main hallway and he paused, releasing her arm. “Are you ready to retire, or would you like something to eat first?”
“No, no food. I’d rather sleep. I’m pretty exhausted.”
“Of course, you are. I’ll walk you. You’ll feel better after a decent rest.”
Moments later, they stopped before her room. She looked at him without moving or trying to hold the handle. Cocking his head, he opened the door. Still, she didn’t move. Her gaze locked with his, and he was caught in the lavender spell. A rush of emotions battered him from every direction. He exhaled, attempting to maintain a control that was long gone. The battle was lost when her plump lower lip trembled.
Kailen cupped her soft cheek as he slipped his thumb to test the fullness of her lip, lowered it a little, enough to reveal her pearly teeth and the tip of her tongue underneath. The sight dizzied him. Arousal overtook him, and he descended on her mouth, capturing, opening and tasting, learning her secrets and warmth to the fullest.
Talaith answered, tangling her arms around his neck. She returned every caress he gave, and desire swept his sanity away. He moved forward as she pulled him backward, advancing until a wall stopped them. He moved down to her neck, kissed, pulled at her skin in an insane desire to inhale her if only he could. As he lost himself in her, she tugged his Henley out of his slacks, slid her anxious hands below the shirt, exploring, feeling his stomach, his chest, then down to the clasp of his zipper.
She fought with the fastening, and a measure of reason returned to him. Holding her hands in his, he stepped back from her, shaking his head.
“You can’t,” she exclaimed. “Don’t do this.”
“I’m sorry, a stór. It’s best for you.” To himself, he sounded pitiful and unconvincing, so why should she believe him?
“Who says?”
“I do. You don’t want someone like me in your life.”
“When did you become the boss of me? How dare you, Kailen. You can’t feel my heart, my emotions.”
“Try to understand.”
“But I do. You don’t want me. It’s as obvious as daylight.”
He extended his hand.
Talaith recoiled, stepping farther inside her room. “Don’t. I can’t handle your pity.”
“Are you crazy? There’s no pity in me.” He followed her. “I want you. You’ve no idea how much.”
“Then show me.”
Grasping the neckline of her dress, she tugged down hard, tearing the material. The mangled gown rustled to the floor. She thrust her chest out in defiance, clasped his hand, and pressed it over a breast. Her creamy skin glowed with an eerie light.
“Damn you, show me,” she repeated.
He tried to swallow and couldn’t. He controlled his intimacy, always, and never allowed any deviation. But this magical creature, wild, demanding, and powerful, beautiful in her anger and desire, had taken over. And for this moment, this one evening, he’d give in to her lust because he couldn’t hold his own, and may the gods forgive him.
Sighing, he scooped her up in his arms and placed her on the bed. She lay one arm over her head, an alabaster goddess waiting for her tribute. Luscious hips, cradling her soft belly, jutted upward, and the platinum triangle covering her mons captured his attention. He undressed, unable to look away. His mouth watered in anticipation of the first taste.
Kailen stepped out of his pants, allowing her hungry gaze to study him. She paused on his erection, and her eyelids flickered.
He smiled. “As you wish, a stór. It will be my pleasure to give you everything you want.”