by Mary Morgan
Aidan leaned across the table and held out his hands.
“Oh for the love of…” Rose complied and heat seared across her palms, up her arms, and throughout her body. She all but melted from his touch. “Wonderful,” she mumbled, suddenly recalling how his fingers were in other parts of her body recently.
“Warm?”
“Huh? Yes. Definitely. Thank you, Aidan.”
The smile he gave her speared a path to her heart. He slowly released his powerful hold and sat back against the cushioned booth. Rose wished she was a mind-reader, so she could determine what his thoughts were at the moment.
“Have you recovered from your episode out at the dig?” he asked, spreading his large hands on the wooden table.
“Yes. Only a mild headache.”
“A good meal and pint will help to banish the remainder of your pain.”
Rose tried to keep her focus on the conversation, instead of the man’s mouth, eyes, hands, and body. She cleared her throat. “Agreed.”
Bill returned with their drinks. “Food will be up momentarily.”
She nodded her thanks and reached for her glass. Rose guzzled deeply, enjoying the drink.
“They call this the food of the Gods,” remarked Aidan, taking a sip of his pint.
“Not here, but in Ireland.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “And I’ve often wondered who started that falsehood about this particular Irish stout.”
Aidan laughed. “Perhaps it was someone who had intimate knowledge of one of the Gods.” He took another sip and then placed his glass down.
“Or one who had far too many pints,” she snickered, recalling past memories.
Leaning back, Aidan folded his arms over his chest. “Are we in agreement with me accompanying you to Ireland? Or shall we discuss terms?”
“Goodness, Aidan. You are so formal.” Rose stared at the man. “I won’t ravish you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Maybe one more kiss?
He arched a brow seductively. “And here I believed you thought I would take advantage of you.”
Thankfully, Bill arrived carrying a large tray with their meal. After setting down the soup bowls and basket of bread, he pointed to the empty glasses. “Care for another round?”
“Yes,” responded Aidan.
Rose waved off the gesture. “No. I’m leaving early on the ferry.”
The man gave a curt nod and departed.
Rose tried to steady her nerves and placed her hands in her lap. “If I do decide to allow you to come with me, will you show me your other castle?”
“How much time do you have?” he asked, keeping his gaze centered on hers.
“Plenty. Where is this other home of yours?” she asked, fearing he’d spout the northern end of Ireland or one of the remote islands.
“Cuilcagh Mountains, near the mouth of the Shannon River.” He picked up his spoon and proceeded to eat his meal.
Stunned, Rose gaped at the man. Recovering her wits, she leaned across the table. “Where the faeries built one of the entrances to their realm?”
Aidan’s hand hovered above his bowl. “Would this be a problem, lass?”
Embarrassed in front of the scholar over her silly question, Rose plucked the spoon from the table and bent her head. “No,” she mumbled. You probably don’t believe in the Good Folk, and now I’ve admitted another secret of mine. She quickly took a mouthful of soup, and the liquid scalded her tongue. She chose to remain silent during her painful episode and continued to cautiously eat her meal.
After several minutes ticked by in agonizing silence, Aidan confessed, “The Fae have given their blessing over the land and my home.”
Rose dropped the spoon into her soup, the liquid splattering everywhere. “Not everyone believes the area to be sacred.” She hastily reached for her napkin, attempting to clean the mess she’d made on herself.
“True. Only those who have lived a long time on the land can fully understand its history.”
Rose’s heart beat rapidly. Had she encountered a kindred spirit? Could this be the reason for her fascination with Aidan? Their connection seemed more than physical, and she yearned to know the truth. “You believe?”
The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “Absolutely.”
Chapter Fifteen
“A Fae law can bend, twist, curve along the loom of Fate of an individual. If broken, chaos shall engulf the warrior.”
~Edicts of the Fenian Warriors
Aidan refused to acknowledge the warrior. Liam’s grim expression when he entered his home told him everything. Mounting the stairs two at a time, he went into his chambers and pulled out a leather bag. Every rational thought had vanished from his mind as he prepared to leave for Ireland.
“You’ve been ordered to appear before the Fae council,” stated Liam quietly, entering the room.
Pulling forth several T-shirts, jeans, and a sweater, Aidan stuffed them into the bag. “When I have completed the mission.”
His conversation with Aelish must have reached the members’ hearing. Part of him hoped she’d hold off from interfering, but obviously, she’d fled to the Fae realm to give her report. “Who sent the message?”
“I had a visit from Ronan this evening.”
Aidan half-expected one of the council guards. “How is my friend?” He was grateful it was one of his finest warriors who came to deliver the order and not the puppets who did the bidding of the council.
“Unhappy he came with the news. Troubled with the council’s interfering practices.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “I’m departing for Ireland in the morning. After I’ve concluded my business, I will make my report.”
Liam eyed him warily. “And Rose?”
Aidan dropped the packed bag by the entrance. “Coming with me to attend to Society business in Dublin.”
“Damn,” hissed Liam and moved away from him. “You court trouble with a capital T!”
Shrugging, he rubbed a hand over his chin. “Must see the mission to completion.” But did Aidan truly understand the repercussions? No. He traveled along a path between justice and the unknown abyss. And grew weary from the constant battle.
“Can you stay and finish the work at the dig in Corridon?”
Liam sighed heavily. “Yes. Anything else?”
Aidan approached the warrior and clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Send a missive to Ronan, alerting the council members I have unfinished business in Ireland. When completed, I shall return home. For now, I have to check on flights to Dublin. The ferry will take too long, and Rose is set on traveling across the sea. I will have to convince her.”
“Is there anything else you’d like to share?” Liam studied him like a hawk.
Turning from the intensity of the warrior’s gaze, Aidan went to his wooden cabinet and pulled out a black leather jacket. Indecision rattled him on what to say.
“You never mentioned why you took this mission. Usually, another warrior is chosen.”
After dumping the jacket on his bag, Aidan went to the window. A light rain shower blanketed the land. Beyond the river, sunlight danced in glittering jewels between the gray clouds. When did he notice the colors? His sister spoke of him only seeing black and white, but now, his world consisted of colors. Before he encountered Rose, unrest had hounded him.
Rose was a colorful beacon of warmth and light, and somehow I stepped into her radiance.
Aidan turned around. He’d chosen Liam to accompany him for his keen insight on archaeological digs and history. Had he initially intended on informing the warrior of the particulars of the mission? No. Not in the beginning. Leaning against the stone wall, he replied, “I was ordered by the king and High Seer.”
Lines of concentration deepened along Liam’s brow. “I had thought the king sent you, since this entire excavation and findings were based on the Fae visiting the Picts. Obviously, this entire mission is a delicate one, pertaining to you. Otherwise, the High Seer would not have requested you.�
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Aidan nodded reluctantly.
“You could have shared this knowledge in the beginning,” protested Liam.
Pushing away from the wall, Aidan slashed the air with his hand. “Share what? A mission was given to me, and as yet, I am unable to discern the messages. I seek closure, Liam. In truth, I did argue against coming to the human world. I asked Loran to send another warrior. Regardless, this is my destiny. Each decision I make will be mine alone. You need not worry. The Fates have set in motion their plan.” Aidan smiled ruefully. “Yet, the threads on the loom can be rewoven in another direction, and I will decide.”
Liam sighed. “This sounds like a personal quest.”
“Not my initial intent. But I have ignored recent signs in my life and now must follow this through. No matter the conclusion.”
“You are the leader of the Fenian Warriors, a Fae—”
“I do not need a reminder or lecture,” interrupted Aidan, not wanting to discuss his personal reasons for this quest or Rose any further. The battle of restraint belonged to Aidan and not the warrior.
Liam fisted his hand over his heart in reverence. “Then go with Mother Danu and finish this quest. I shall await your further orders.”
Aidan gave him a curt nod and watched as Liam vanished in a sliver of light.
****
Surveying the lush rolling hills bordering the potential site of the Society outside of Dublin, Aidan breathed in the crisp late morning air. Not only had he successfully argued his case to Rose about flying, instead of taking the Irish ferry, but he had insisted on paying for everything. He had no intention of being trapped on a boat for hours, considering the Fae council was demanding his return.
“What do you think now that you’ve inspected the place?” asked Rose, giving him a nudge and smiling. “Suitable structure for another Society of the Thistle?”
He spread his arms wide. “Stunning vista, rich land, and a stream that flows west. I deem you have found an excellent location.”
Crestfallen, her smile faded. “So you don’t believe a little paint and minor repairs can fix the sagging structure?”
Aidan angled his head to the side. “Two columns are slanting and they’re the main posts holding up the front veranda. Plumbing needs an overhaul, along with the electricity.” He pointed upward. “There is damage on the second floor due to flooding from the hole in the roof, so you might want to consider replacing walls, especially if there is rot inside. Hardwood floors on the first floor need to have animal dung removed and cleaned, since that area of the house appears to have been used by wild animals.”
Rose cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Stop. You’ve made your point.”
“Several valuable points, I might add.”
“Yes, yes.” She bit her lower lip and then tugged on his jacket. “Can you not see beyond the possibilities? I was hoping the repairs were minor. The surrounding area is beautiful, peaceful, and a perfect site.”
He glanced down at her tiny hand. “After the monetary ones? Of course, I can envision a lovely home for the Society.”
Folding her arms over her luscious breasts, Rose huffed out a frustrated breath. “The Society does not have tons of money stashed away. There is some money from grants we receive, but it gets invested back into the work we do. We thought with the income we bring in from lectures and selling our wares at the local markets—from soaps, candles, and herbal salves, we might be able to get a loan for another house.”
Aidan hesitated briefly and then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You did not need to confess your financial status.”
Rose lifted her head and gazed into his eyes. “Yet, I wanted to. You have been extremely generous of your time and knowledge. I appreciate your honesty.”
“You’re welcome.”
She laughed, and Aidan felt the tension leave her body.
“I was not aware of giving you thanks,” she stated, all previous humor vanishing as she cast her sight once again on the aging structure.
Aidan took charge, desiring to uplift her sagging spirits. “Is there not another building on your list to inspect?”
Giving him a dubious look, Rose moved away from his embrace. “Only this property. We’d heard glowing reports from a friend of one of the girls at the Society. At the pub one evening, he painted a picture of a grand home. Even offered to sell it to us at a cheap price.” She laughed nervously. “If it wasn’t for Lily interceding, I believe the deal would have consisted of a handshake between Colleen and the man.”
“Colleen is another member?”
“Yes. She fancies Ireland, and the man’s brogue was thick with the Irish, along with his charm.”
Aidan burst out laughing. “A slick charmer.”
Rose flashed him a steely look that would harden any of his warriors. “Wait until I tell her what a bunch of rot he tried to pass off on her—us!”
He admired her fierce determination. “I’d like to witness the tongue-lashing from the lass when she finds out.”
Wagging a finger in front of him, she countered, “Colleen is the most sweet-natured out of all of us. She never raises her voice, or refuses to see the worst in others. This is why I am here and not her. She’d look beyond the mess to find the gem underneath and then cut the man loose.”
“A passive individual.”
“An optimist,” Rose corrected. “What a waste of time to come out here.” Turning away from the crumbling house, she made her way back to the jeep.
Flexing his fingers, Aidan yearned to bring some light into the dreary situation. Rose’s rigid stance against the vehicle spoke volumes. While her back was turned, he magically brought forth a red rose. Striding across the muddy terrain, he presented the flower over her shoulder.
Her indrawn breath at his gift resonated within him. “How lovely, Aidan. I don’t recall seeing any roses on the property.” She grasped the flower, but winced. “Ouch.”
Stepping around in front of her, Aidan removed the rose from her delicate fingers and placed it on the roof of the vehicle. Droplets of blood oozed from the damage done by the thorn. Without thinking of the consequences, Aidan brought her injured finger to his lips. Instantly, the taste of her blood ignited a war in his veins. Passion so intense slammed into his body. As he released her hand, his gaze roamed over her features.
Rose was his land—his home. A part of him fractured with the realization. When did his world tilt off its axis? There was no firm compass anymore. No sure direction, save one. Rose.
The roar of desire hummed into his being, and Aidan crushed her to his chest. His hand took her face and held it gently. He covered her mouth hungrily, seeking entry into her velvet softness with his tongue. When her moan slid inside of him, Aidan groaned. Her scent consumed him.
Emotions within him whirled and skidded. Unable to control the flood of so many, he swayed and broke free from the kiss. These feelings were foreign to him, but he no longer feared them.
Aidan breathed heavily, keeping her at arm’s length. The sensuous flame of desire reflected back within her sparkling emerald eyes. “Forgive me?”
“Not for the kiss, Aidan,” her tone low and sultry.
Slowly, he took hold of her hand and kissed her finger, which was now healed from his touch. “I meant the thorn.”
Her tongue darted out along her bottom lip, enticing him further. “Not for the thorn, either,” she admitted, plucking the rose off the top of the vehicle. “Isn’t it time you showed me your other castle, Aidan?”
“Croí Dragon. That is the name of my keep.”
Rose placed her hand on his chest. “Dragon Heart.”
“Yes,” he confirmed. Aidan reached behind her and opened the door.
She turned and slid inside the vehicle.
When the rumble of thunder vibrated across the land, Aidan ignored the first warning sign. His last rational thread of defense tried to make one final stand. Yet, he banished it with a single thought. In all of his lifetime, he’
d never strayed from the loyalty due his people.
Not until he fell in love. It seemed as if, even if he’d not known it, he’d been waiting for this moment for all eternity.
And in a sudden flash of clarity, Aidan broke the chains around his warrior heart and allowed emotion to flow within.
His hands shook with the knowledge of a new road. Exhilarating and frightening at the same time.
Lightning splintered the sky all around him. A second warning.
The air vibrated with energy from the Guardians of the night sky—the dragons that had silently ascended to the cosmos. Did it matter if they opposed or approved? Was this not his choice?
He slowly lifted his head, half-expecting the ancient giants to descend and end his life with a breath of fire. Waiting for several heart-beats, he walked around to the driver’s side.
As Aidan entered the vehicle, he glanced sideways at Rose. Her gaze never wavered from his. Strong, focused, and filled with passion.
When she smiled and placed a firm hand on his arm, the sun broke out in a glorious arc of light, filling Aidan with the reassurance this was their destiny.
The power of this new-found emotion grew and deepened within him.
Chapter Sixteen
“Once a seed is planted, growth will eventually break free. What the new life requires is sunlight, water, love, and honesty.”
~Society of the Thistle
Rose beamed, glancing upward at the stone fortress. Though it was smaller than Balleycove, this castle had a moat surrounding the entire stone structure. Geese flew overhead, and she shielded her eyes from the sun to take in their flight. The land here reflected a serenity—one vastly different from Aidan’s home in Scotland. Power and strength resided at Balleycove, much like the man in front of her. Here, she sensed an ancient hum of old souls and mystical charm.
In addition, the presence of the Fae surrounded this home, and Rose smiled.
Making a grand gesture with his hand, Aidan proclaimed, “Welcome to Croí Dragon, fair maiden.”
Dipping a curtsy, Rose crossed the pebbled lane into the keep. Once inside, she took in the tapestries. Her attention was drawn to the giant wooden statue of a dragon set in the middle of the entryway. Standing at least twelve feet tall, the dragon cast its sight outward, as if in welcome. The luster of the polished wood gleamed in the sunlight streaming in through the front doors.
