by Mary Morgan
Contentment filled Aidan for the first time in his life. His love for Rose had taken over the void and emptiness inside his heart as he stared at her sleeping form.
Regardless, a part of his heart grew heavy with the knowledge that his peace would shatter a kingdom.
Chapter Eighteen
“There are many healing herbs for wounds, though none for the pain within a heart.”
~Society of the Thistle
Fragments of a delicious and sensual dream flitted within Rose’s mind. Her hand sought the warmth, yet, coldness greeted her. Blinking in an effort to vanish the last remnants of sleep, she glanced across the bed covers to find the space empty and bleak as the gray light filtering in through the stained-glass window.
She bolted upright and immediately regretted the action. Wincing from the twinge of pain between her legs, Rose rested back against the soft pillows. The past twenty-four hours had changed them both. What did the future hold? Aidan spoke of rules forbidding the Fae to be with humans, but he didn’t specify the ramifications.
Shoving the covers off, Rose rolled to the side of the bed and dangled her feet over the edge. “A cruel people, if you ask me. What’s so wrong with us? What will my sister think?” She cupped a hand over her mouth, trying to squelch the hysterical laughter which threatened to spill out.
Shaking her head, she glanced around the room. Rose had no intention of lying in bed without Aidan one second longer. But there was the problem of her clothing. They had been discarded in the forest, and her bag was somewhere in another room. She shivered, recalling their lovemaking. Certain places still tingled with pleasure.
“Where are you, Aidan?”
Glancing over her shoulder at his giant armoire, Rose stared in disbelief at the pale green nightgown draped over one of the chairs. Crossing the room, she fingered the silken material. However, doubt crept in, casting its shadow over her feelings. Did this gown belong to another woman? She bunched the material in her hand. Yes, he was skilled in seduction and lovemaking. Rose was not his first, but to have female clothing in his room was a bit much.
The green-eyed monster wove a thread inside Rose, and she swiftly cast it aside. It did no good to make assumptions. A lesson her mother had taught both her daughters. Loosening her hold on the gown, Rose sighed.
Lifting the gown from the chair, she held it outward. “You need to find your bags.” Slipping the garment over her head, she went to the giant mirror. The reflection of a woman who had been loved stared back at her. Touching her red, swollen lips, she gazed at herself. “Is this what being loved does to one’s skin? I’m positively glowing.”
Rose shivered. Casting her sight once more around the room, she noted a plaid wrap on a chair by the giant hearth. Quickly retrieving the covering, she draped it over her shoulders and wandered out of the room.
Silence surrounded her as she descended the stone circular stairs. When she reached the last step, smells of food drifted by, enticing her to go into the kitchen. As Rose pushed open the door, she smiled at the scene within the warm place. She stepped quietly inside, admiring the view of Aidan humming a tune by the hearth. He wore nothing but black sweatpants that barely covered his firm ass.
“Good morn, leannan,” he crooned, keeping his back to her.
She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess—special Fae hearing?”
“Assuredly.”
“What smells so good?” asked Rose, stepping fully into the kitchen.
“Spices for a meal. Here in the pot over the flame is—” He turned around, holding a wooden spoon.
“Yes?” She moved slowly toward him.
Visibly swallowing, he replied in a low voice, “You are ravishing. I may take you here on the table.”
Rose leaned to the side, trying to hide her mirth. “What’s in the kettle?”
“Vegetable soup.” Tossing the spoon onto the table, he closed the distance between them. His hands skimmed down her arms and to her waist, gripping her firmly. “You steal the breath from my lungs, beloved.”
Trailing a finger over his chest, she asked demurely, “And who was the previous owner of this lovely gown?”
“No one.”
She looked at him in surprise. “But where?”
He gave her a wink. “Magic.”
Feeling utterly foolish at her previous thoughts, she bit her lower lip. Would she ever not be surprised by Aidan’s actions or powers?
“Do you truly think me that shallow?” he asked softly.
“No,” she blurted out, further embarrassed. “But you must understand my thoughts tend to travel in a linear human direction. I don’t have a clue as to how far your powers extend.”
His laughter rumbled through her as Aidan wrapped his arms around her. “Were you jealous?”
His question only infuriated Rose, and she glared up at him. “Let’s turn the tables for a moment, shall we? What if you woke and found me missing. Furthermore, the only item I left for you was a pair of men’s pants?”
“I’d find out who the bastard was and slice off his balls.”
Horrified, Rose pinched him. “Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about any previous men taking me to their beds.”
Aidan growled. “And there shall be none in the future, either.”
Wanting to direct the conversation elsewhere, she glanced at the items near the Aga. “Is there something I can do to help?”
“No.”
Rose squeaked as he lifted her into his arms, silencing her with a passionate kiss. After breaking free, he strolled to a nearby chair and settled her on its cushioned seat.
“I’m preparing you a meal to break your fast,” he announced. “The soup is for later.”
“Medieval man,” she spouted in good humor.
“Nae. Ancient,” he corrected, giving her a wink.
“What culinary delight are you preparing?”
Aidan reached for the bowl and a ladle. “Pancakes.”
“My favorite food!” Rose almost jumped out of the chair in glee. “How did you know?”
“I asked your sister when I called her earlier.”
“Damn!” She rubbed a hand over her forehead. “I totally forgot to check in with her last evening.”
“Before you make any assumptions, I merely told her you were staying on here at Croí Dragon, instead of the hotel. You were gathering some research nearby.”
Rose laughed nervously. “You don’t know my sister. She’ll be praying to all the Gods and Goddesses that you have taken me to your bed.”
Aidan stirred the batter while he arched a brow. “Truth?”
“Oh, yes. She was positively giddy to know you were coming with me to Ireland.”
“I am happy to hear she approves of me,” drawled Aidan.
Rose removed the plaid from her shoulders and dropped it over the back of a chair. “She was infatuated the first time she saw you.”
“After our meal, you can use the phone in my library to give her a call.” He paused to ladle out scoops of batter onto the griddle. When he finished, he wiped his hands and went to her. “Have I overstepped?”
Rose placed her hands on his warm chest. “The great Aidan Kerrigan overstep?” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the chin. “No.” She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “What is that wonderful smell?”
“Vanilla bean from the Fae realm, and rum for the pancake batter.”
“Goodness, Aidan.” She opened her eyes in surprise.
He shrugged. “And for the whipped cream.”
“I’m swooning.”
“Here I thought it was my body that caused you to become dizzy.” He pressed intimately against her.
“That’s an entirely different feeling.”
“Good,” he murmured against her cheek and then returned to the stove.
Rose leaned against the table for support. The man moved with power even in the kitchen. A yearning to know more about this Fae took root in her.
She wandered
by his side, studying him. “Tell me about your life in your world. You spoke of a sister, Nuala, correct?”
Aidan’s hand stilled. “The Queen of the Fae.”
“For real?” Her question barely a whisper.
He nodded and flipped the pancakes. “She is married to King Ansgar.”
“Any other siblings?”
“Yes.”
When he remained quiet for several seconds, Rose feared there was more. A muscle twitched in his jaw, and his movements slowed. “If you don’t want to talk about this, I’ll understand.” She placed a gentle hand on his arm.
His face tight with strain, he dropped the utensil and grabbed Rose around the waist, lifting her into the air. Setting her on the counter next to the giant Aga, he braced his hands on either side of the marble. Keeping his head bent, he said, “One other brother, Eógan. He was the second son born to the Royal House of Óg . He died in the last battle between our people and the Milesians.” When he lifted his head, Aidan’s eyes had turned to shards of silver. “I have never spoken of his death with anyone. It cleaved mine and Nuala’s heart in two. After today, I shall speak no more of the great warrior. He has returned home to the cosmos to be with our parents.”
His confession and pain sliced into Rose’s heart. She cupped his face and kissed him tenderly. “And he watches over you.”
Aidan snorted and wiped a hand over his face. “Not likely. Once a Fae dies, his soul returns to the land of forever, Tir na nÓg .” He waved his hand outward. “The night guardians—dragons—guide us. They are the only ones permitted to watch over us.”
Rose watched him silently flip the pancakes. She regretted asking him about his family. In addition, all the mythological references were burning a hole in her brain. Her knowledge was extensive, and she knew the Milesians were part of the invasions of Ireland. After they won the great battle between the Tuatha Dé Danann, they remained above ground, banishing the Fae race to live beneath the land in Ireland.
Brushing her hands down the front of her gown, she looked away. An alcove was tucked off the entrance to the kitchen. Leaning forward, she could make out drying herbs on pegs. It would be an area to explore later. Recalling what Aidan said earlier, she longed to ask him more.
Don’t cause him any further pain. Perhaps another time.
“I smell flowers, yet, there are none in here.”
“The lemon tree in the other room is blossoming. At this time of year and in autumn, the heavy floral scent fills the kitchen.”
She dangled her feet, itching to go and explore the other room.
“What is your question?” inquired Aidan quietly.
Rose pointed a finger at herself. “Me? Why do you think I have a question?”
Giving her a glorious smile, he added more batter to the griddle. “Because you’re fidgeting.”
You know me too well, Aidan Kerrigan. She nodded in the direction of the alcove. “Is that a drying room for herbs?”
Scooping out a dollop of whipped cream from a bowl, Aidan plopped it on a stack of pancakes. “Yes. There are two rooms—one to dry and the other to cultivate herbs, along with the lemon tree. Now tell me your real question?”
“That was a real question,” she stated emphatically. “Did you build the room around the tree?”
Aidan took a fork and sliced into the pancakes. “No. Now ask me anything.”
Blowing out a frustrated breath, she replied, “You mentioned the Royal House of Óg. Any correlation between the name and the Standing Stones of Óg?”
“Open your mouth,” he ordered, stepping near her.
When the first bite entered her mouth, Rose let out a pleasurable moan. The savory combination of vanilla and rum was heady. “Great Goddess, this is good.”
Aidan bent and kissed the corner of her mouth. “Missed a bite.”
Pinpricks of desire trickled down her body, settling in the most wonderful area.
He leaned back and took a bite for himself and then presented her with another forkful. “Yes, there is a connection to the Standing Stones and my royal house. We are under the lineage of Angus Óg as well.”
Rose choked on the revelation, causing her food to lodge in her throat. Goodness. Her thought after first meeting him had been correct. He did resemble this particular Celtic God.
Aidan dropped the plate on the counter and filled a glass with water. Returning to her side, he handed it to her. “Drink,” he encouraged.
Even the small sip of water made her sputter. When she finally recovered, Aidan wiped a napkin over her lips and face. “Too much information?” he teased, mirth dancing within his gorgeous eyes.
“Definitely,” she muttered, drawing her hair over her shoulders with her hand. Settling back on the counter, she regarded him. “God of Love?”
Aidan chuckled and took another bite of food. “Also a musician—a lover of the harp. I can show you mine later.”
“Well his skills have not diminished with his descendants.”
“Shh…be careful. He might hear you,” he scoffed playfully.
Rose glanced in all directions. “Seriously? Would he actually show up here?”
Presenting another morsel of pancakes in front of her mouth, Aidan responded, “No. The Gods and Goddesses made a vow to never return to Earth after the last battle. They live with the dragons among the stars.”
Rose opened her mouth, silently accepting the bite of food. She had no words. Her mind reeled with this latest declaration.
Aidan continued to feed Rose in this leisurely fashion until she held up her hand. “Why are you feeding me?”
He nudged her legs apart, giving her a dazzling smile. “Part of my seduction. After I am through, I’m going to lick some of this decadent cream off certain parts of your skin.
Rose edged closer to him and swiped at a dollop of whipped cream from the plate. “Only if I can return the pleasure.”
He smiled sensuously as he lowered the plate to the counter. Reaching for her hand, Aidan slowly bent and sucked the cream from her finger in slow movements. After he was finished, he slid the straps of her gown over her shoulders, allowing her breasts to spill forth.
Leaning closer, Aidan brushed his face against her cheek. His soft whiskers sent tremors of desire throughout her body. “What part of my body would you like to lick the cream from?”
Her pulse skittered, knowing exactly where she yearned to taste the man. Reaching between them, Rose slipped her hand inside his pants. Aidan’s hot erection seared a path up her arm and she squeezed the solid length. “Here.”
Closing his eyes on a pleasurable sigh, he whispered, “Take me, Rose. I’m all yours.”
Chapter Nineteen
“When doubt slithers in to challenge a warrior, he must seek the counsel of only one. Himself.”
~Edicts of the Fenian Warriors
In an effort to contain his laughter, Aidan lowered his head on his knees. He refused to watch the bantering of his beloved with one of the feral cats trapped in a tree. Rose coaxed, pleaded, and attempted to climb the limbs of the birch tree, but to no avail. The feline ignored, hissed, and even took a swipe at her with its claws extended. In truth, the animal wanted to be left alone. Content to forage for food on her own, the cat had no desire to become a pet.
Aidan tried to tell Rose this admission, but she cut him off with a steely glare. An hour later, with her cheeks red, and her hair blowing in the gentle breeze, her pleas turned pathetic.
“Please, sweet kitty, I can promise you some cream,” she begged.
He snapped his head up. Images of Rose taking him fully with her succulent mouth in the kitchen several mornings ago made him hard. Desire roiled within him, and he stood.
“Enough!” he demanded, snapping his fingers at the cat. “Get down, or I shall do the honors.”
The feline hissed at Aidan, but promptly did as she was ordered. Scampering down the trunk of the tree, the animal darted off along the river’s edge.
Rose gaped at him
for several seconds. Waving a hand in the direction of the cat, she asked, “That’s it? How in the heck did you manage to get her out of the tree? Or was it sheer terror that made the cat flee?”
Plucking a daisy from the ground, he held it outward. “Did I not say the animal wished to be left alone?”
“Yes, but…” Wariness reflected within her eyes.
He tucked the daisy in the valley between her luscious breasts, which were barely contained in the flowing gown she wore. “I can communicate with all animals,” he confessed.
“Sweet Brigid and all the Goddesses.” Removing the flower, she turned and walked away from him, muttering more complaints about her lack of knowing all of his powers.
Content to watch her backside as Rose sauntered away from him, Aidan smiled. He had to consider how this must all seem to her—a human female. In time, she would accept everything about him. If not, then he had seriously misjudged his beloved.
A tremor of power slipped over him, and Aidan turned abruptly.
“What devious games are you playing here?” demanded Flynn.
Unprepared to answer his friend, he glanced away. Tempering his fury, Aidan moved to the water’s edge. “This is not your concern. Return to the Brotherhood.”
“Yes, it is,” argued Flynn, coming to stand in front of him. “The kingdom has sensed a rift and you are at the center.”
So the reckoning has begun. Aidan tilted his head to the side. “Are you here as a warrior or friend?”
“If I was here as a warrior, you’d be in cuffs.”
He arched a brow at the Fae. “Leave, Flynn.”
“Have you not considered what will happen, once the Fae council realizes what has occurred here?”
All Aidan wanted was to be left alone. Regardless, the time of facing his actions was drawing near. “I require a few more days. Until then, return and keep silent.”
Flynn grabbed his arm. “This is madness. What is it you seek here?”
“You cannot fully comprehend.”
Releasing his hold of Aidan, he stepped back. “Then tell me. I am your oldest friend. At least share with me the truth, for I have no wish to hear it elsewhere.”
