Sacred Bond: Secrets of Stone Ridge

by Harms, C. A.

  In front of the mirror, I pull up my shirt and rub my hand over my lower stomach, knowing what lies beneath my palm puts me in an awed trance. I’m having a baby, Merick and I made a baby. My smile quickly dies when I remember what happened earlier today. All the voices, I can hear people’s thoughts...how in the hell is that possible? Our baby triggered this gift. At the moment, it feels more like a curse.

  My stomach growls, reminding me I didn’t have dinner earlier. Practically tiptoeing down the long hall I reach the top of the stairs and pause. One deep breath in before slowly exhaling and descending the beautiful staircase. Reaching the landing I find the living room is empty and I instantly feel disappointed. The kitchen, the dining room and still no Merick. That’s when I hear voices coming from down the hall. I stop at the mouth of the hallway and wait.

  “I should’ve let her be. My love for her, be damned. She’s going to resent me for doing this to her.”

  A male voice responds. “Man, don’t say that. She’s overwhelmed, that’s all.”

  There’s silence and then Merick’s words break my heart. “Maybe I should let her go.” His words are so quiet they’re almost a whisper. “If she leaves she’ll be taking my heart and soul with her, but maybe it's for the best.”

  I can feel the sadness in his words. On quick feet I move down the hall and into his office, no longer feeling the urge to give them privacy. Both men jerk their heads toward me, but my focus is only on Merick.

  “Taryn?” He moves to stand up, but I stop him by climbing onto his lap.

  “I would never leave you and I don’t want you to leave me either.” I whisper against his lips. “I’m freaking out, okay. It’s a little overwhelming to learn you’re pregnant and can now hear people’s thoughts all in one sitting. I am not going to abandon you. I need you, I think more than you need me.” I understood what he meant by desperation, and strong pull, because I had it. I feel it.

  I kiss him, forcing his mouth open with mine forgetting once again that we are not alone.

  “I...uh...I'll talk to you guys later.” Oh god, I forgot he wasn’t alone. The sound of Jonathon’s voice triggers a reminder and I feel my cheeks heat.

  Between him and his mother doing the head rubbing thing every few hours it seems to quiet the voices. Marissa says that she can teach me how to control it. It’ll take time to be able to block them out. I need to block them out, there are somethings a person should never be able to hear another person think. I need those to stop.

  In the distance I hear a door shutting and giggle against Merick’s lips. He pulls back and looks at me. “You’re not going to leave?”

  I shake my head. “God, no. I don’t scare that easily. Plus my mates here and I kind of love him. I’m also carrying his baby and he’s got to help me protect this little one.”

  My hands tremble as I place them on my lower stomach. He watches my hands, smiling softly. With quick hands he repositions me and I’m straddling him.

  The reason we have to protect our child hits me, making me sad. Merick brushes my hair out of my face, looking over my features with care. “I can see the worry on your face. I promise you that I’d die protecting you and our baby.”

  “I believe you.” I lay my head on his shoulder, pressing my forehead into his neck. “We’re having a baby. D-Do you know what we’re having?” Crazy questions maybe but the entire half shifter, half human child thing is way off my normal realm of reality.

  Merick shakes his head. “No, I don’t. That part is a mystery.” He touches my forehead. “How’s your head?”

  “Fine for right now. I wish it didn’t make me sleepy when they do whatever it is to stop me from hearing everyone’s thoughts.” I yawn so big my jaw cracks and Merick immediately stands up with me in his arms. He heads toward the stairs but I stop him. “I’m hungry.” My stomach growls, causing us both to laugh.

  Merick sets me down on one of the high-back chairs. “How about grilled cheese and tomato soup?”

  “That sounds delicious. Can I help with anything?”

  He shakes his head, “no, just keep me company.” Merick begins cooking with an efficiency that always impresses me.

  In no time he places two grilled cheeses in front of me and a piping hot bowl of tomato soup. My stomach growls loudly and suddenly I’m ravenous. Merick watches with laughter in his eyes as I inhale my sandwiches and then drink my soup straight from the bowl. “Why am I so hungry? It’s too early in my pregnancy to already have a big appetite, isn’t it?”

  Merick looks away and I start to get nervous. Oh God, what now? “Uh...shifter pregnancies are only six months instead of nine. You’re human, which means we’re not exactly sure how quickly your pregnancy is going to progress.”

  I nod because what more could I say right now?

  “This is a mystery to us all Taryn, but we’ll get through it together.”

  I knew we would but it's a bit overwhelming.

  “Can I ask you something?” Merick comes toward me pausing so we’re close but not touching. “Why didn’t you tell your family about me?”

  He’s hurt. I can feel it coming off of him in waves. “I-I’m not trying to hurt you. I-I don’t know how but I can feel it.” I reach for his hands and he lets me take them. “I didn’t tell them because I don’t know what to tell them. Are they in danger if they know too much?”

  Merick’s shoulders relax and I wrap my arms around his waist and place my ear against his chest. His heart beats loudly against my ear. “I’m sorry that I’m putting you through this.”

  I pull back to look up at him. “Stop, you didn’t force this on me. I wanted you, I wanted to be with you, and yes there’s a lot to process.” I stand up and grab his face in my hands. “I love you, Merick. I already love this baby. Please stop doubting me, please.”

  He slams his lips down on mine and then scoops me up until I wrap my legs around his waist. Merick carries me up the stairs and straight into our bedroom. In no time he divests me of my clothes and then undresses himself. I don’t think I’ll ever not get turned on by the perfection that is his body.

  Merick maneuvers between my legs and pushes them back by my thighs. I cry out at the first swipe of his tongue against my wet, heated flesh. He pushes two fingers inside of me and I moan. My fingers spear through his dark brown locks and I grind against his face.

  I let go of his hair and claw at the sheets as the desire to come hits me hard. “Oh god Merick don’t stop.”

  He sucks my clit into his mouth and tickles that spot deep inside of me. It all becomes too much and I begin to come. Over and over I cry out, babbling incoherently until stars burst beneath my eyelids.

  I’m barely aware of what’s happening before Merick is up over me and then he's thrusting inside of me. He growls deep in his chest and my body tries to pull him in deeper. We kiss like we’re making love—slow, deep, and with so much passion it scares me, but I embrace it.

  “Harder please. Let me feel it, Merick. Show me I’m your mate.”

  Merick growls and he bares his teeth. In seconds he pulls out of me, flips me over to all fours. His grip is firm on my hips before he rams his cock into me. My head flies back as he begins to fuck me. He pulls me up until my back is against his front.

  Pulling my head to the side Merick licks and then bites my mark. My orgasm surprises me and triggers him. He groans against my skin, coming deep inside of me. When he kisses the mark I moan. “I didn’t hurt you did I?”

  Merick’s softening cock slips from inside me as I shake my head. “No, definitely not.”

  Moving his body in behind my own, together we take a few moments to calm ourselves. One deep breath after another, the after effects of the bliss of our union coursing through us. With each exhale I can feel the way it tickles my skin and chills cover my body.

  I think I could stay like this forever and be completely happy.

  “You’ve given me so much in such a short time.” Closing my eyes, I do my best to fight against my
tears, When I don't respond, he moves around me and pushes me onto my back.

  When his stare connects with mine, I can see the intensity lying there. “I know this all seems so fast, but I've known what I’ve wanted for so long and that is you.” Merick lowers his head until he’s right about my lower abdomen. His large hand covers the span of my waist. “And you,” he adds, talking to our growing baby now. “Hey baby, it’s your daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.” I stroke a hand over his hair. “I love you so much and will do everything in my power to protect you and your mother. I would die for you.” Fuck, the idea of losing him felt crippling, like a weight of a thousand tons is pressing on my chest.

  “Don’t say that.” I pull on his face until he moves back up my body, and we’re lying chest to chest. I lean in kissing his lips. “We need you.” I grab his hand and hold it over my flat belly. We share a smile and then he kisses me. Merick’s warmth surrounds me and in no time my eyes feel heavy.

  I run through the field, clutching my baby to my chest, but I’m not fast enough. He’s gaining on me, but I won’t let him get my boy. I scream for Merick, but he’s not here...I can’t feel him. My feet ache, but I don’t dare stop.

  I get to the edge of the cliff and I have nowhere to go. I turn around and see the shape getting closer. I kiss the top of my son’s head. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” The thing, whatever it is, bursts out of the trees. Closing my eyes I wait for death.

  I fly up in bed, my throat raw as I scream. Merick flies up and tries to grab me, but I slap at him, crying. “Nooo!”

  He’s strong enough that he gets his arms around me. “Shhh….” My eyes go to his lips and I see his lips aren’t moving, “Let me soothe you. Marissa showed me how.” Merick hugs me tight, but he makes that soft soothing sound. I concentrate on the noise letting it slow my racing heart, making me feel slightly loopy. In no time at all my eyes begin to feel heavy, I welcome it.

  Merick

  Today is the day that Lily, Taryn’s best friend, arrives. It is a step in the right direction, I guess. It’s not her parents, but someone that is close to her, and that’s a start. This is us testing the waters, seeing how someone from her previous life accepts her new one.

  I think Taryn has a fear that somehow they will know by looking at me that I’m not a regular guy. If she would take a moment, sit and think of the first and even the second time she saw me—she looked at me as nothing more than a man. She didn’t instantly know I was a shifter, she didn't sense that I lived a life most believed was only that of fantasy. But I also understand that the desire to have them all love me was the one thing responsible for her unsettled feelings.

  Taryn and Rowan went into town, gathering a few things for dinner at our place. I call it ours because it is no longer my home. I’d built it years ago with Taryn in mind, with the life I wanted to build with her responsible for all the designs. It is our home.

  Lily would be here in a few hours and tonight we’d celebrate her arrival. I will be charming and welcome her. I will win her over and give Taryn one less thing to worry about. It would only be the three of us, and maybe tomorrow we’d show her the town, introduce her to the people. I want Lily to see this as a place she too could love. That alone would make it so much easier, because having her here makes Taryn happy.

  The sound of the front door opening followed by laughter echoes through the entryway.

  Wasting no time I exit my office and meet them, taking what bags I can and placing a kiss on Taryn’s cheek. Rowan makes a kissing sound followed by an awe, but I ignore her. I turn around, walking toward the kitchen and placing the bags on the countertop. Just then the two of them enter and Taryn rounds the island to join me.

  “How was your trip?”

  “Milicent, the grocery clerk, thinks I am after you for your money and Kate the lady from the bank thinks it must be the sex. She has classified you as a god-like creature that has more skills and tricks than any woman would know what to do with.” I arch a brow and look at Rowan only to find her smiling as she places the cold items into the fridge.

  “I wanted to tell her she was dead on with the sex, the tricks and the skills, but I thought that would be weird considering she never actually said the words out loud.” Taryn shrugs as if her hearing people's thoughts was no longer a big deal. I don’t even have to speak my own words out loud, she knows what I am thinking too. “I’ve accepted it. I’ve been given a gift and why not use it to my benefit? Granted my gift did inflict a certain range of fierceness within me. I mean I kind of wanted to punch Kate in the lip when she very clearly insisted that all she needed was two minutes with you and you’d leave me for her. Apparently, she has her own skills involving her tongue.”

  Taryn looks very irritated, but Rowan laughs and I can’t help but smile. “No amount of time with any woman would make me leave you.” Taryn’s eyes narrowed. “But just so we’re clear, the only woman I am spending time with is you.” I reach out and wrap my arms around her, pulling her body close to mine. Kissing along her jaw I pause near her ear. Whispering words that I only want her to hear. “And I’m overwhelmed by your skillful tongue,” I whisper, making her giggle when I bite her earlobe.

  “Word of advice? The two of you will need to tame this down a bit tonight.” Rowan closes the fridge. “You are both light speed ahead of her friend. She’s only heard about a guy you met, not one you’ve committed your life to and are already carrying his child.”

  “I’m not hiding my love for her.” I will never do that.

  “I’m not saying hide it,” Rowan steps up to our side and leans over, resting her elbows on the counter. “All I’m suggesting is that you break it to her slowly. You need to ease her and even Taryn’s parents into this relationship. I wouldn’t wait too much longer with the parental introduction. You won’t be able to hide the pregnancy forever. Before long you are going to start showing.”

  Pushing off the counter she walks toward the doorway and pauses. “Just imagine what the ladies in town will be thinking once they see your baby bump. It will give them an entirely new round of ideas as to why Merick is with you.”

  “No it actually confirms Kate’s thoughts.” Taryn’s smile spreads out over her lips, a mischievous look in her eyes.

  Almost simultaneously Rowan and Taryn respond with one word. “Sex,” which triggers laughter to bubble up from each of them.

  “Wow,” Lily's voice echoes down the hall. I remain in my office, giving Taryn the time she needs with her friend. I sit in silence listening to her walk Lily through each room and each time she awe’s over the details. “This place is gorgeous.”

  “He built it slowly over time, making it exactly what he wanted, every little detail.”

  Actually, it was more of every aspect I thought Taryn would ever dream of, but close enough.

  Hearing their footsteps grow close, I push back my chair and stand. As I reach the doorway of my office Taryn steps into view. The need to touch her hits me, but I refrain, remembering Rowan’s words, and taking it slow.

  “Lily,” Taryn steps closer and places her hand on my chest, positioning her body at my side. The moment her body touches my own I feel grounded. “This is Merick.”

  “Well I can definitely see what drew you to him,” Lily replies before she looks me over from head to toe. I wait a few seconds giving her the chance to observe me before I reach out and offer her my hand.

  "It’s great to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about you.” Cautiously she places her hand in mine still watching me close.

  Chancing a glance at Taryn, she gives me a nod and I know it's her silent way of telling me that her friend approves. After all, Taryn can hear what she is thinking.

  “I’ve told Taryn that the two of you are welcome to stay here, treat the house as your own and enjoy yourselves. I know you’ll want to catch up, talk and have as much time as you can for girl time, but—”

  “But at night you’d like her by your side?” Lily interrupts and I want to s
ay hell yes, but I wait. Her smile grows wide and Taryn shows no signs of discomfort which I find surprising considering she has been so nervous about her family and friends meeting me. “I may have figured out already that my sweet friend here has not been sleeping many nights at her own place. But I can’t say that I blame her. I mean if I had the choice to sleep in a two-bedroom cabin alone, or curled in close to you at night, I would most definitely go for option two.”

  It is my turn to laugh.

  “You should know that I am blunt, and on most occasions I forget my filter. No need to sugarcoat things, it wastes entirely too much time. If I feel it, think it or need it, I voice it.” Lily winks, and then releases the hold she still has on my hand. Spinning around she starts toward the kitchen. “Do you have any chilled wine in this castle?”

  “Oh shit,” Taryn whispers at my side and I look down seeing a panic in her eyes for the very first time. “I forgot about the wine, what is she going to think when I refuse to drink it with her?”

  Placing my arm over her shoulders, I pull her in a little closer. “Looks like your friend with no filter is about to be the first person you tell that you are carrying our child.” Kissing her forehead, I release her and follow her friend. My girl is having a battle of wills, I know it. So, I will leave her alone to sort it out. I am ready to tell everyone, but I’ll let her catch up with the idea.

  As I enter the kitchen, I find Lily sifting through the fridge. After finding what she is looking for she spins around to see me standing there. “So, Merick,” placing the wine bottle on the counter she begins to sift through the draws in search of a corkscrew. Finding it on the first try she begins to open the bottle, making eye contact with me once more. “Do you have any friends who look like you and own their own giant castle in the woods?”