Kat was a tad distracted by the sight of him, wearing those things….shorts, she remembered the name then. Seeing him mostly undressed and sexily disheveled from sleep made her warm and tingly and most definitely sidetracked as her thoughts went on a merry adventure of naughty. It resulted in her being unprepared for the pillow that landed square in her face. Laughing playfully, she wrapped her arms around it and beamed at him as she rolled to her stomach, taunting, “Want to kiss me some more, Vampire?”
His answer was a wolfish grin. He was unreasonably pleased over the desire he had seen in her eyes. Leaning down and running his fingers over her hair, he tucked a few strands behind her ear, murmuring, “No, I am not going to kiss you more, Vixen.” His expression was stern but his voice was not when he went on, “You must wear shoes outside the keep, Kaitriana. But, being the reasonable male that I am I have decided that you may keep your filthy little toes free, if that is your desire, within the confines of our home.”
Her eyes told him that she thought his claim as ‘reasonable’ was a stretch but she was smiling regardless. The words ‘our home’ were fabulous. Rolling onto her back, Kat tossed the pillow over her head. She ignored the insult to her toes and lifted them into the air, rambling excitedly, “Oh…I desperately want some of that nail polish stuff…painted toes...how magnificent!”
Amazed, Lorcan considered all that she may be aware of but had not experienced, and her exuberance almost had laughter bursting from him again. He would enjoy introducing her to so many things, experiencing them through her unspoiled perspective. He nodded his head in answer, her genuine enthusiasm over a thing so simple was endearing to him. “Kat, I will request that Jortha create what you will need for this eve and I will make certain that arrangements are made for anything else you may want. Make a list for me?” He had retrieved the means for just that from the desk and dropped them to the bed with his question.
Raising one slender arm in the air, she deliberately drew his gaze to the band that restricted her powers. Her voice was wistful after she gave an exaggerated sigh, “Yes Lorcan, if you truly wish Jortha to spend his time thinking about my body, in detail, so that he can create my dress…” Kat trailed off as her other hand pushed the shirt midway up her torso before caressing down very low across the center of her abdomen. Her fingertips plucked at the edge of the lace that covered her below, riveting his attention, “If you want him to be thinking about me intimately so that he can conjure these little garments…”
She trailed off again as she wickedly rubbed her fingertips lower over that lace. Kat then presented him with an innocent expression, “Then would you mind telling him that I would really like pink and satin tonight?” She rolled over onto her stomach once more, laughing mischievously; she had witnessed that his eyes were beginning to shift.
Kat stilled as Lorcan leaned over her and his hand glided up her arm. His warm touch triggered the clasp that held the band in place just as his other hand came down in a stinging swat on her behind. He interrupted her yelp of surprise by flipping her over. His face hovered directly above hers, “Point taken, Witch. Create what you need for your wardrobe, including modest sleepwear, and do not give me cause to bind you again.” Kat gave him a grave nod of agreement, her eyes bright with merriment before leaning up to give him a smacking kiss. He smiled indulgently and rumpled her hair, “Still make me a list of anything else that you may want.”
Another nod and Kat rolled back over. Snatching the pen and paper, she kicked her legs up behind her and tapped the pen to her lips, deep in thought.
Watching her, Lorcan wondered idly how big this list might become. Perhaps he should have told her to list things she needed rather than wanted. His thought was confirmed when she glanced over her shoulder in question, “Do you have one of those television things somewhere?”
He reached down to give her butt another quick slap for her impertinence before turning to make his way to the bath. Lorcan was chuckling as he removed himself through that doorway. Kat heard the spray of the shower begin before he gave her his answer, “Yes Witchling and we have satellite too.” Lorcan swore he heard the sound of her scribbling as the second was marked off her list.
CHAPTER 21
After Lorcan had edited her list of ‘wants’ to remove the items he already owned, he took the four sheets that remained down to the great hall while Kat took her turn in the bath. She had explained to him that it would take her ‘quite a long time’ to ready herself. When he had merely nodded and been on his way out the door she had added ‘because it takes forever to get the dirt off my toes.’
She was an impish little bit, but he readily admitted to himself that he was infatuated with her. He eagerly anticipated each exchange knowing that before any conversation was finished she would toss something outrageous out there. Lorcan was still distracted by thoughts of her as he sought Lilly; he assumed she would be best suited to help with the list. Being nearly the same age as Kat, she would understand the items Kat requested.
Lorcan spied her near the back of the hall. Lilly’s goblet was paused midway to her lips, her look incredulous. He promptly understood the reason. Gareth had returned and was standing at her side with another member of the Council staff. From the irate look on his face, Lorcan was certain that Gareth had already heard stories of Kat’s acceptance within the Coven. Lorcan resented the intrusion and his mood immediately soured. His youngest sibling had always been a thorn in his side. Lorcan’s fall from grace, as it were, would be a source of great delight for his brother.
The least Lorcan could do was rescue Lilly from the venom that Gareth was spewing. He shadowed to their location effectively causing Gareth cease his tirade with his sudden appearance. Lorcan offered Lilly an apologetic smile and passed the folded pages to her. His eyes sent the message that it was best not discussed at that moment. “I was wondering if you might assist me with this.”
Lilly opened the papers only long enough to get an idea of what was on the first page, her eyes widened slightly and then she smiled with no small amount of humor. Inclining her head, she gave him a knowing look, “It would be my pleasure Lorcan. I assume I know where this should be delivered?” Upon receiving his confirming nod, she shot a contemptuous look at the younger of the two brothers and shadowed away.
Lorcan nodded a stiff greeting to his brother and the other, “Gareth, Dunmore.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he studied them both with narrowed eyes, “What brings you to my home?” In his opinion Dunmore was a smarmy little weasel who lacked the brains to form an original thought.
At Gareth’s smug grin, Lorcan was nearly unable to control the urge to rattle his teeth. The younger shoved a parchment at him. Lorcan rolled his eyes as he took it. He was ancient but even he had switched to pen and paper. This was just another indication of the Council’s inability to adjust to the passage of time.
His eyes flared as he read the missive. Slowly crushing it in his palm, his voice was deadly cold, “Get the hell out.”
Dunmore took a step back. Having enough sense to fear the threat, he was unwilling to engage the Warrior of Light. Gareth, though possessing a stronger intellect than Dunmore, was arrogant. He sneered condescendingly, “You are to deliver the witch to the Council tonight Lorcan or the Council will consider your insubordination to be a declaration of an alliance with the Witch faction.”
Lorcan had ascertained as much from the crumpled order he held in his fist, however hearing it spoken aloud had him fuming. His look was derisive, eyes shooting daggers, when his hand shot out to wrench Gareth up by his collar. The younger strained against his hold as Lorcan gritted out, “You may deliver the message to the Council that the girl is under my protection and will remain so. Unless they want to lose the force of my warriors they will not press the issue further.” Delivering a hard shake he hissed, “And you may tell our father that I intend to take Kaitriana as my mate.”
Lorcan thrust him across the hall. He shadowed to Gareth before the younger could gain h
is feet, still growling, “I do not expect to see you within these walls again unless it is to issue an apology to Kaitriana for your actions the other night.” Reaching down, he lifted Gareth once more and tossed him bodily into the heavy iron doors at the entrance. Turning abruptly Lorcan took the stairs to the upper level two at a time, calling back, “It would be in your best interest to not be here when I return Gareth.”
Gareth angrily yelled, “Your Witch whore will be the end of you.” Lorcan did not acknowledge the taunt, but kept moving steadily towards his chamber lest he succumb to his wrath and kill his brother.
Lorcan nearly knocked Kat down as he barged into the room. She had been leaving to join him below when she had heard the commotion and Gareth’s voice. Realizing it best not to make an appearance, Kat had hung back inside the doorway.
His speed allowed him to grab her before she was knocked to the floor. His hands were already roaming over her as he was setting her back on her feet, “Are you hurt lass?”
She had tears in her eyes when he looked in them but there was an angry set to her features, “I am not a whore Lorcan, I have never even….” Her voice trailed off as her face flushed. Shaking herself, she frowned mightily at him, “I tried to explain this to you yesterday Lorcan. Others in the Realm, including vampires, have an idea of what you are…what you really are. By denying it and allowing the Council to control you, you sanction their hatred of me.”
Already in a fury, his response was biting, “Kat, that topic is off the table.” At her confused look, he ground out impatiently, “We are not discussing the matter again.”
Her answering glare was accompanied by the stomp of her foot, “Do not ever make the mistake of thinking that I will allow you tell me what to think and when to speak, Lorcan.” She thrust her arm towards his face, “Why not bind my powers again and make me in to what you pretend to be? If I am only Vampire would I be easier to control?” Kat mocked him with her eyes, tossing in sarcastically, “We both know that worked splendidly for your father.”
He glanced up at the rapping at the door and then returned a furious gaze to her, “If that is what it takes to make you transition to life in my Coven then that is what I will do.” He added the last with seething hostility, “I am not a Witch, Kaitriana. Come to terms with it!”
The insistent knocking grew louder. Colm’s voice carried through the door, the urgency in his tone strained his words, “Lorcan I must speak with you.”
Lorcan cursed as he stormed to the door and flung it open, “What is it Colm that you must disturb me now?” Colm, along with many in his Coven, had witnessed the exchange with Gareth and knew his current state of mind.
Colm took in the irate visage of his friend and with a fleeting survey determined that the witch was as livid. Based on the tension in the room Colm also quickly ascertained that their anger was directed at one another rather than the earlier visitor. In light of it, he regretted strongly having to deliver his news, “Lorcan, there is a large contingent of Witch at the gates.”
Lorcan’s brows drew upwards in disbelief and he turned to determine Kat’s reaction to the report, “Do you suppose your grandfather has finally come, thinking he will return you to your rightful place?” His expression and his words indicated that he had no intention of allowing it. Her eyes fired back daggers in response.
His attention was regained by Colm as the male added, “I have not seen Myrrdyn among them. Kendrick leads the group and by the number with him I would venture that he has brought the entire Warrior Caste. There are over three hundred strong gathered, demanding an audience with you Lorcan.”
Lorcan eyed her intently for a moment and then issued a single order, “You will stay inside the keep until I send for you.”
She would not fight him over his dictate. Kat immediately made that decision. No matter her anger with him, it was a disagreement between the two of them only. She would not undermine his position as the Warrior of Light or leader of the Coven. If the entire Warrior Caste of Witch were indeed waiting at his gates it was an aggressive affront on their part.
Kaitriana countered, “I will stay here Lorcan because I choose to be with you.” Her words appeared to mollify him somewhat, but the effect was immediately ruined when she thrust her arm in his direction. Looking pointedly at where the band had been, she offered, “But if you ever attempt to bind my powers again, I will walk out of your gates and I will not return until you learn not to be an overbearing ass.”
Colm barely held his chuckle; she was a spitfire. His leader’s regimented existence appeared to be under siege by the witch. In his opinion, it would do his good friend well to have a little disorder injected into his life.
Lorcan, on the other hand, found no amusement in her threat, “Your manner of winning my favor leaves something to be desired dear.” He grabbed her by her extended arm and yanked her forward with it. She collided with his hard form, “You are mine Kat but perhaps you need reminding.” His lips dropped to hers with a bruising force that demanded a response.
Kat did not leave him waiting for long. The press of his body against hers and the hand that tightened meaningfully over the mark at her throat had desire overtaking her anger. She parted her lips in invitation. When she did, Lorcan immediately eased the pressure and lightly brushed his tongue over her fangs. Lifting his mouth from hers, his eyes were heavy with passion. He whispered, “Mine, Kat.” The look he gave her was tender despite the temper lingering in his eyes. With one more easy press of his lips against hers, he caressed her scar and then released her.
Lorcan turned and joined Colm at the door, beginning a hushed discussion as the two took their exit. Kaitriana was left to her own anxious fears as she contemplated the unbending attitude of her warrior and the significance of the gathering of Witch outside.
CHAPTER 22
As he joined Colm and the Elite on the steps outside, Lorcan was fuming over the assembly at his gates. By the time he had ventured out it was not only the Warrior Caste in full presentation outside his walls, the Fire and Light Castes had congregated as well. The Witch faction had convened the three forces that were most effective against the Vampire breed. It was an intentional show of force and the implication of that was not lost on him.
Lorcan did take pleasure in the fact that the group was left to loiter outside the gates; the magic that protected his home was an effective measure against them. If the Witch desired to engage his warriors in conflict they should have brought their Spell Casters to combat the magical defenses created by Jortha. The male witch definitely deserved of a bonus.
Motioning to his five most trusted, as a group they shadowed outside of the gates. All hands were at the ready on their swords; Lorcan and his men had taken the time don their weaponry before exiting into the night. Appearing suddenly, they were a fierce looking group. The witches that were closest to the gate took quick steps back at the arrival of the vampires.
Lorcan swept a contemptuous look over those on the grounds before him. Colm remained ever vigilant at his side and the remaining four took positions of guard in front of the locked entrance. Solid in his stance, he settled his arms over his chest, refusing to step forward to meet the approaching Kendrick.
Kendrick was now the leader of the Warrior witches, currently holding the seat at the head of the Caste. The position had fallen to him through the lineage of his birth and he had solidified his right to it with his exceptional prowess in battle. He was a solid leader and the other Castes tended to seek him for guidance as well.
Lorcan nodded in acknowledgement when the witch halted before him, withholding any formal greeting he might have otherwise offered. He had fought in many battles against the Dark with the younger witch. Lorcan respected his skill, but Kendrick was also no doubt responsible for the gathering that pressed at his gates.
Kendrick offered the same reserved greeting. Already having anticipated that he would not be well received by the Warrior of Light, he wasted no time, “Lorcan, we know the witch i
s here; there are reports in the Realm that you have given the girl protection.” At the sardonic lift of Lorcan’s brow he rushed on, “We are left to wonder why she, the Chosen, has not been returned to her people. We realize that the prophecy of the Chosen is disconcerting to the Vampire faction, but understand me in this, if the girl has been harmed…” Kendrick did not follow with the remainder of his threat, having observed the danger in the dark shift of the vampire’s eyes.
Disdain threaded his tone when Lorcan responded evenly, “You are misinformed Kendrick. The girl is no longer yours to claim and whether or not she is the Chosen remains to be seen.”
His words had the desired effect. Immediately agitated, Kendrick stepped forward aggressively but he checked himself when he noted that all of the Elite had reflexively tightened their hold on their weapons. Lorcan had made no move towards his sword however, the insult obvious to the Vampire in attendance. The Warrior of Light considered Kendrick too paltry a threat to raise any defense.
Raising his palms in a conciliatory gesture, Kendrick took a pace back in retreat, “The Realm is filled with the tale of the destruction of the Dark at her hands. From what the Seers have divined, this girl is Kaitriana, Myrrdyn’s own and in the line of the Warrior Caste.” Assuming a nonthreatening posture by folding his arms over his chest his words were the opposite, “We expect that Kat be presented so that we can verify her condition and we demand that she be released to her Caste.”
Lorcan’s eyes narrowed, more over Kendrick’s familiar use of Kat’s name than his implied threat. He greeted the witch’s challenge with scorn, “Understand me in this, Witch. Your demands mean nothing to me. I will produce her because I choose to as it is the only expeditious way to get your distasteful kinfolk the hell off my land. You will see that her choice is to stay with us and that my Coven is her home.” Lorcan took pleasure in the burning anger his words raised in the other and imparted the final insult arrogantly, “I hate to dash your hopes Kendrick but I believe your Prophecy is dead.”
Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series Page 16
