“I’m not sure that’s really the front I should present to everyone as we move forward.” A soft smile came to her lovely lips. “I mean what sort of arch-wizard with an ancient, powerful dragon lineage cries all the time?” Her brows rose. “That’s not very intimidating now is it?”
He met her small smile. “’Twould disarm yer opponent if nothing else, aye?”
She chuckled softly before she grew more serious. “I’m so sorry the warlock took those last moments from us.” Sadness warred with anger in her eyes. “He had no right.”
“He’s evil,” Bryce reminded as he began bathing her. “And he didnae take anything from us.” He cupped her cheek again and met her eyes. “That was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, lass and ‘twas ours alone, do ye ken?”
He had never meant anything so much. Every part of her was exceptionally beautiful both inside and out. While he had found her body alluring on the ship and knew it would be no hardship seducing her, he had no idea how much pleasure and even joy he would find in it. Every inch of her flesh enthralled him. Every sound she made thrilled him. Her every movement and facial expression drove him to distraction.
No lass had ever enjoyed his attentions so avidly and he sure as hell had never enjoyed a lass half as much as her. If true love could be found in the mere act of lying with a lass, then he had found it with her. Their connection had been powerful.
It had been, without question, life changing.
Where that might daunt some, he very much liked it as did his dragon. His inner beast felt like it had possessed its mate and the man just fell head over heels into something he suspected was indeed very much love.
“It was ours alone,” she agreed softly in response to his words. Her eyes were on his as she broke into his thoughts. Musings he knew she followed and evidently liked based on her dewy smile. “Thank you, Bryce. Thank you for being so...” She shook her head and blinked away fresh moisture as she searched for the right words. “For making my first time so memorable.”
“You made it verra easy, lass,” he murmured as he ran his fingers through her silky hair beneath the water. “’Twas truly a privilege and a pleasure.”
A becoming blush stained her cheeks as her eyes dropped to his chest then began to slowly roam over him. She had little time to look at his body let alone touch him but seemed inclined to do that now as she ran her fingers along the path of her eyes.
“You’re amazing,” she murmured, fire flaring in her eyes in appreciation. “I didn’t think with our notable size differences that we would fit together so well...” Her eyes rose to his as her fingers drifted down his abdomen. “But you were so gentle...”
“Not toward the end,” he reminded, unable to stop himself. Eager to see what she’d make of the truth. “I was rougher than intended, lass. My dragon got the better of me, and for that I’m sorry.” He shook his head. Because of her delicate frame, he tried his best to take it easy but knew he had failed miserably. “’Tis the way of my kind to grow somewhat rambunctious when overly aroused.”
“You were rough?” Her brows shot up in surprise. “Rambunctious?” Amusement suddenly lit her eyes. “Really?” She cocked her head, truly curious. “When?”
He couldn’t help a chuckle. Was she serious? “Toward the end, lass. ‘Twas actually rougher than I’ve ever been with a...” He realized talking about another woman probably wasn’t appropriate at the moment. “Let’s just say there was a lot of my inner beast taking part.”
“Well, then I guess I like your inner beast.” She grinned. “Because I didn’t think it was rough at all.” She shrugged, another blush warming her cheeks. “Actually, I wouldn’t have changed a thing and...” Her hand drifted even lower. “I look forward to experiencing your inner beast again.”
“Och,” he whispered as she found what she was looking for.
“Oh,” she whispered in return as she wrapped her small hand around him. Well, as much around him as she could manage. It might have been mere minutes since they came together, but he was more than ready for her again.
Though he immensely enjoyed how brazen she was becoming, he also knew she was going to need time to heal and told her as much.
“I don’t think so,” she murmured as she continued fondling him. She might have been a virgin, but she had the benefit of reading his mind and knowing precisely how he liked to be touched. “I don’t feel any pain at all or even tenderness.”
“Nay?” He looked at her curiously, his voice thickening with arousal. “’Tis odd that.” He kept considering her, struggling to keep his thoughts in order as she stroked him. “’Twas also somewhat odd you didnae feel a wee bit more side effects from your whisky last night...or that you wernae more exhausted after the battle on the ship, then yer near death experience.”
“Honestly, I think it all might have to do with my gift,” she replied, her touch growing more fervent, her pleasure in his pleasure obvious. “I’ve always healed faster than usual and never caught any illnesses after being around sick people.” She shrugged. “I’ve never been sick at all for that matter.”
“Interesting,” he said hoarsely, so aroused now he envisioned turning her, bending her over the side and taking her in a way unbefitting a lass so new to sex. “So you’re truly not feeling any pain?”
“Not the kind you’re talking about,” she said softly, her voice not quite right either as she turned, stepped up on a small stair-like incline beneath the water, bent forward and glanced at him over her shoulder. “And I don’t think what you want to do to me is unbefitting at all.”
“Bloody hell,” he managed, well aware her dragon magic was at work here. Or at least it certainly felt that way. It was as if she did, in fact, have a dragon lingering inside of her.
A lusty little dragon at that.
“Well?” she murmured, fire flaring in her eyes. “Do I have to tell you twice that I’m not in any pain?”
He probably should have questioned her more or flat out denied her just in case, but he was thoroughly incapable. Not just of denying her but of even taking it slow. His inner dragon was wide awake and eager, as were other parts of him.
His vision hazed red as he spread her legs, gripped her shoulder and hip then thrust deep. At first, when she cried out, he thought he had hurt her but soon realized it was a cry of pleasure. Bless the gods because he wasn’t sure he could stop. She felt far too good, her tight heat welcoming as he began to move.
She dug her nails into the moss, arched her back and began making all sorts of sounds that revved him up even more. Sometimes she moaned and grunted where other times she mewled and even whimpered. Yet it was all in unabashed enjoyment as new feelings swept over her.
It was impossible to hold back as he thrust, his dragon eager to dominate in direct response to her ‘dragon’ wanting to be dominated. It was an intoxicating ride far beyond anything he had ever experienced. She was receptive and eager and so damn enticing he knew he was going to find his pleasure far too soon again.
Moving closer, he braced his arms on either side of her, covering her body with his, and all but wrapped around her when he knew there was no more time. Self-control was clearly a lost cause when it came to her. She just felt too bloody good. Thankfully, like before, they synchronized because no sooner did he press deep, roar and let go, than she did the same.
Her roar turned into a long, low groan as her inner muscles clenched tight, and she quivered then melted onto the ground. Meanwhile, he hung his head, his heart racing and his breathing ragged. She brought out an incredible amount of energy in him. Potent enthusiasm he had never felt before.
“You still didn’t strike me as rough,” she murmured into his mind, the smile in her voice obvious.
He smiled in return, scooped her up and brought her back into the water to finish bathing. She was far drowsier now and not all that coherent by the time he lay her down on the plaid, pulled her into his arms and covered them. He whispered a chant to ensure the fire remained l
it, checked in with his cousin to make sure all was well then found himself yet again watching her sleep.
Her ring still didn’t glow, but he couldn’t care less. While yes, it would certainly be helpful, it was by no means necessary to help define how he already felt about her. His dragon fiercely wanted to keep her, and he was in complete agreement. While he had been somewhat disbelieving as he had watched his cousins fall far too quickly in love with their lasses, now he understood.
It really did happen that fast, didn’t it?
The next morning, when Jessie’s eyes drifted open, and she smiled at him, he suspected she felt it too. How close they were becoming. How it truly seemed that love was igniting between them.
He had slept some but not much. Though she had assured him the warlock was nowhere nearby, he felt better remaining alert.
“Good morning,” she murmured as she stretched and kept smiling. “I hope you slept.”
“Aye, enough so.” He brushed his lips across hers then dropped a few more kisses before he forced himself to stop. “We should join the others soon and get back to Angus.”
“How soon?” she whispered, the devil in her eyes.
He chuckled and stood before she got the better of him. “While I more than appreciate your insatiable nature and fully intend to satisfy it as time goes on, I’ll feel better once I have you safely back with the others.”
The truth of it was he would much prefer to stay here for an indeterminate amount of time and continue enjoying her body. He knew he would never tire of her. Not for a moment.
Though tempted to dress her himself he had no doubt that would only lead them back to bed, so he handed her fresh clothing and got dressed. As he did, he felt her thoughts shift back to things she had set aside last night. Not just her newfound sister but the warlock.
“I’m just surprised I never sensed her,” she said softly, clearly referring to her sister. “I sensed Iosbail but not my own blood.” She sighed, muttering, “Then there’s the warlock. I wish I knew what he was up to.” She shook her head. “I wish I could better prepare us.”
He gripped her shoulders lightly and made sure her eyes were with his when he spoke. “All the preparation we’ll need is the strength we find together. I know that doesnae sound overly reassuring at the moment, but ‘tis true.” Confident he was right, his eyes stayed with hers. “I have never been more sure of anything.”
How else could it be considering what they had found together? How quickly their feelings toward one another were growing?
“As to your sister,” he continued. “Dinnae focus on the connection you never felt, or the years you lost with her but on what you know about her now, and that there is a future for you both.”
“How can you be so sure?” she murmured.
“Because she has seen you through this journey and we will succeed,” he replied. “Then you will see her through her journey, and she will succeed.” He shook his head, never more serious. “I dinnae have any doubt that once all is said and done that you two will come together. That you will have a future.”
“Yet it sounds like hers might be in ancient Scandinavia with Vikings.” Her eyes remained with his, and her next words warmed his heart. “Where mine will very much be here with you.”
He offered a lopsided grin. “Have you not heard of time-travel then?”
A small smile wobbled on her lips. “Good point.”
“Aye.” He kissed her again then packed up their satchel. “’Twould be nice to travel through time just for friendly family visits rather than to deal with all the strife happening now.”
She nodded, but he could see the flicker of worry still in her eyes as they began making their way through the woods back to the others. “Something else occurred to me too,” she said. “Something I probably should have figured out sooner.”
When he looked at her in question, she continued. “While the warlocks definitely haven’t been behind all the time-traveling with everyone, I’m beginning to think this last one has when it comes to you.”
“Aye?” he said.
“Yes.” She appeared troubled. “Twice now you’ve ended up in dangerous positions when you traveled through time. The first when you traveled to Bannockburn with Christina and Graham and this time by the waterfall.” She shook her head. “It’s too coincidental in my opinion.” Her eyes met his as she took his hand. “So please, if...when we travel through time again, be extra vigilant okay? I’m starting to suspect the last warlock is very jealous of you.”
He nodded, seeing the logic in that. “You have my word, lass. I’ll be verra careful.”
She nodded as well and was about to say more when she stopped short and whispered, “Samhradh,” as if it had just popped into her head.
“Summer,” he repeated, narrowing his eyes.
She had just said the fourth seasonal word that had been a part of everyone’s adventures.
“A spirit comes,” she whispered a few moments later.
Her eyes began to glow not with dragon magic, but her own unique magic as a slender, beautiful but very transparent woman appeared through the forest. She wore trousers and appeared ready to fight.
“Aye, then, ye’ve nearly made it,” the spirit said in greeting, pleased as her eyes lingered on him with appreciation. “But how could ye not with the likes of ye along?” She eyed him up and down. “The MacLomains do make some fine lookin’ lads.”
Jessie’s eyes widened as she whispered, “You must be her...”
A ghost that knew he had MacLomain blood and looked, acted and spoke like this one? He could only think of one woman that fit that description. A woman at the heart of many stories told around the campfires of his youth.
“Has my brother not figured it out yet then?” The spirit rolled her eyes. “’Tis no wonder I suppose, being reborn such as he was.” Her brows flew up. “And without me along no less!” She winked at Bryce. “Though as ye all verra well know I’ve been along aplenty and enjoyed the ride.”
“Iosbail MacLomain,” Bryce said softly.
He dropped to a knee and lowered his head in respect. A very long time ago this lass had once been immortal and birthed the Broun clan. Like her brother Adlin, she had done a tremendous amount for Brouns and MacLomains alike.
“Aye, Iosbail MacLomain,” came a deep voice as none other than Adlin and Milly appeared through the forest. His eyes were moist as they met Iosbail’s. “I cannae tell ye how good it is to see ye again, Sister. I’ve missed ye something fierce.”
“Aye, Brother.” Her voice softened as Adlin stopped in front of her. “’Tis hard being separated but I’ve kept a close eye on ye over the years.” She grinned. “Especially lately.”
“And I’m verra thankful...and impressed.”
It was clear he had many things he wanted to ask her but held back. Perhaps because he didn’t want to overwhelm her or because he was waiting for her to continue which she readily did.
Her knowing eyes lit with amusement. “I see you’re curious about many things, Brother.”
“Aye, we’ve accomplished much.” His pride was obvious as he considered her. “As have ye.” His eyes lit with curiosity. “How is it ye were able to influence this whole journey because ye did, aye?” He shook his head. “And without Grant and I sensing your presence.” He continued looking at her thoughtfully. “And why the seasonal words in Gaelic? Though they lined up with the battles we’ve been to, how could ye have such accurate foresight?”
“Och, ye forget how powerful I can be, aye?” Though it might have sounded like she took insult, the sparkle in her eyes said otherwise as she went on. “My presence and magic are now of the spirit realm. ‘Tis why Jessie could more easily sense me. And because Jessie has such a connection to the fifth element, that of spirits, I’ve been able to follow her intentions since the curse began unraveling.” Her eyes went from Jessie to Adlin. “Therefore I could give her a little nudge here and there if her plans took any of ye off the course I knew wou
ld be best.”
Adlin eyed her for a moment before he figured something out and a knowing smile formed. “And that little nudge ye gave, without question came from ye using your Irish roots in conjunction with the magic of the rings themselves.” He cocked his head. “Which leads me to believe the curse has no connection to the Celts. Hence your ability to navigate around the warlocks.”
“Aye, Brother, ‘twas the magic of me birth home Eire that helped me.” She looked at everyone “That helped all of you.” Her eyes flickered from Jessie’s ring to Adlin. “But then how could Ireland not fight on behalf of her Claddagh?”
“How could it not indeed,” Adlin said softly as his eyes stayed on hers. “I know I speak on behalf of us all when I say thank ye, Sister. Ye have well and truly protected your kin and country.”
“Aye.” Iosbail chuckled as she teased him. “’Twas verra clear ye and Grant needed my help from the get go.” She shook her head. “I dinnae think I’ve ever seen anything elude ye two like this curse.” She shrugged. “But then ‘tis not every wizard that tries to create the Claddagh rings. ‘Tis supposed to be an impossible feat for mere mortals, whether magic is involved or not.”
Her eyes were fond as she continued. “So thank ye both on behalf of my kin and country that ye were able to do it as well as ye did. ‘Tis no blame of yers that ye couldnae control every aspect of it this time.” She gave him a pointed look. “Because if I know anything about ye and Grant ‘tis that it must have been bloody hard to have so much taken out of yer hands through all this.”
“’Twas not easy,” he conceded. “But we didnae lose control when it came to steering the couples closer.” His grateful eyes flickered to Jessie before returning to Iosbail. “And we have more faith than ever that each and every couple that’s come together will see this curse through and save Scotland.” He had a look of both pride and resignation on his face. “The time was bound to come that I couldnae be as all-knowing as I once was.”
“Aye, times are changing indeed,” Iosbail agreed. “But we’ve created good Scottish bloodlines, strong witches and wizards all, that will keep Scotland on track. And though we might not always be there to guide them, I’d say we taught their predecessors verra well. So well that both MacLomains and Brouns will always be as courageous and persevering as we ever were.” She chuckled and winked again. “And naturally, like us, verra clever and not hard on the eyes.”
Avenged by a Highland Laird Page 17
